How appropriate. I was reading Walter Frick’s October 19 BostonInno article while taking a break during a long drive. I stopped in Brattleboro after a day spent engaged with SMG team partner and Vermont insurance provider Kinney Pike. I don’t mean to gloat, but what many are just discovering for themselves some of us have known for a very long time. Vermont is about more then just Teddy Bears and Ice Cream.
Not that there is anything wrong with a regional economy based on the unique and splendid. Nor is it against the grain to develop a regional economy rich in diversity. What of ‘quality of life’ factors? Not everyone desires to live and work in a major metro area devoid of any real sense of community, or mountain views, or fresh water, or the ability to slip in two skype sessions then hit the lake in your kayak.
Vermont ranks #8 in a state ranking of startup activity per capita by The Kauffman Foundation. In addition to a vibrant VC and Angel Investor presence Vermont is home to a multiplicity of key early stage and startup resources including the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies with an impressive portfolio. Life Sciences have a significant presence particularly in the medical device sector. Here’s a look at some recent Inc. statistics.
Top Companies in Vermont on the 2012 Inc. 5000
| RANK | COMPANY NAME | 3-YEAR % GROWTH | REVENUE (millions) | STATE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 148 | AllEarth Renewables | 2,217% | $20 million | VT |
| 882 | Dealer.com | 375% | $127.5 million | VT |
| 1007 | Against the Grain Gourmet | 315% | $3.3 million | VT |
| 2053 | CPA Site Solutions | 129% | $3.9 million | VT |
| 2305 | MBA HealthGroup | 109% | $7.1 million | VT |
| 3113 | Instrumart | 68% | $27.5 million | VT |
| 3268 | Casey Research | 61% | $13.4 million | VT |
| 4142 | Vertek | 32% | $15.4 million | VT |
| 4788 | Logic Supply | 13% | $12 million | VT |
| 4829 | Chroma Technology | 11% | $23.3 million | VT |
| 4903 | Fuse | 8% | $5.9 million | VT |
Scott Graves is passionate about helping business owners. Tune in to his show ‘The No Boundaries Radio Hour’ with co-Host Dennis Mannone on the No Boundaries Radio Network. Meet him at the crossroads between strategy and innovation at scott@smgravesassociates.com or twitter @smgcreative.