Still Growing After All These Years

 

When we acquired Ingram’s Magazine almost 10 years ago, we inherited the responsibilities of managing several annual projects. Among the most significant of these projects was the Corporate Report 100—an objective ranking of fast-growth companies headquartered in the Kansas City area.

What impressed us the most about Corporate Report 100 was the criteria by which firms were ranked. Although we’ve fine-tuned the criteria over the years, the formula is generally the same. We compare the basis year of a firm’s gross revenue to their gross revenues over a four-year term and rank firms by their percentage of growth. Young companies have an initial advantage, but over time Corporate Report 100 provides an equitable way to compare the growth of companies of all sizes.

Larger and more-established companies remain on the Corporate Report 100 list in two basic ways—they acquire businesses and/or grow organically. In either case, companies that repeatedly rank in Ingram’s Corporate Report 100 are well-oiled organizations with solid business models and plenty of determination to grow and succeed.

One of the features we implemented in 1997 was the creation of a specific theme for each year’s Corporate Report 100 competition. That year it was“On the Fast Track” with a track and field theme. In 1998 our “Climbing to the Top” theme netted querulous calls from OSHA about the cover photo, which showed a businessman climbing a ladder on top of one of KC’s tallest buildings. Yes, we know what it’s like to run a business...and to manage issues.

In 1999, our theme was “Soaring High” which featured the American bald eagle. Among the more memorable CR100 themes was “Riding the Wave” in 2000. The cover photo, shot in stages at Oceans of Fun, showed three chiefs execs from the three fastest growing businesses, all in the tech industry.

Like all waves, this one broke when it ran into reality. Although the number two fast-grower, Euronet Worldwide, continues to thrive, the numbers one and three were out of business within months. So goes the warning to avoid residing long on this fast-paced and volatile list.

Another of our favorite covers was shot at Victory Lane at Kansas Speedway in 2001. That was the last year of real business stability until this one. In 2003, we hosted the Top 10 winning companies at the T-Bones game and engaged each firm in the frivolous contests held there, a fun bonding experience for all.

There are always challenges. A few weeks back we arranged this year’s photo shoot—no easy thing in itself to convene high-strung types from our Top 10—at the J.C. Nichols Fountain only to have it rain four inches that day. The water in the fountain seemed more than a bit superfluous. The group shot was final taken at near the bar at Frondizi’s on the Plaza—thankfully the cocktails southed the tension and pleased our honorees.

What we enjoy the most about conducting the Corporate Report 100 competition is getting to know the exceptional business leaders and sharing their success with all of Kansas City. We sense that this competition means almost as much to the competing companies as it does to us.

Whether on racetracks or in wave pools or even in downpours, our management team has had a thrilling nine year ride of the rich 20 year history of the Corporate Report 100. You have no greater fans than we here at Ingram’s. We can only succeed if you do.

Speaking on behalf of the current and former editors, publishers, staff and associates at Ingram’s, and our predecessor Corporate Report/Kansas City, we’re grateful to have had the opportunity to shepherd this proud tradition. We look forward to serving you and the emerging businesses of the region for many years to come. Congratulations to all who have shared in this milestone, and here’s to a healthy and fast-paced future.

 

Regards,

Editor-In-Chief & Publisher
jsweeney@ingramsonline.com