Consultants’ Choice Inc., based in Houston, Texas, has been named one of America’s entrepreneurial growth leaders by Inc magazine,
which today released its 2002 Inc 500 ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. Consultants’ Choice was number 23
on the list. The ranking will appear in the magazine’s special Inc 500 issue, which hits newsstands October 15.
Consultants’ Choice Inc. achieved 4536 percent growth in the past five years, with sales growth from $412,000 in 1997 to $19,000,000
in 2001. Consultants’ Choice is an Information Technology Service company that specializes in Enterprise Applications. They were
recognized as the Fastest Growing High Tech Company in Houston in 2000 and in 2001, given an “Upside Award” as a Future 500 Company
by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Houston, Bauer College of Business.
“It is gratifying to be included in Inc magazine’s prestigious ranking,” said David R. Cassell, CEO. “The credit belongs to our
clients who allow us to serve them, and to our employees that are in the trenches proving their value to their customers on a daily
basis. Our customers appreciate our attitude of, ‘ What can we do to help you achieve your objectives?’"
Started in 1982, the Inc 500 ranks the nation’s leading entrepreneurial firms according to sales growth over the previous five years.
Former Inc 500 companies that have gone on to become household names include Microsoft, Timberland, Domino’s Pizza and Patagonia.
The 2002 Inc 500 reveals a surprising resiliency within the entrepreneurial sector, where leading companies are continuing to show
dramatic rates of growth despite the recession.
The average five-year growth rate of this year’s Inc 500 companies is 1,521%. While that is less than the 1,933% average for
companies on last year’s list, it is nonetheless dramatic in the current environment. Average 2001 sales for the Inc 500 dropped
only slightly, from $24,976,000 to $24,706,000. More than two-thirds (73%) of 2002 Inc 500 companies are profitable. Despite the
technology bust, “Computer Software & Services” remains the leading industry category, representing nearly 40% of firms on the list.
“This is the first Inc 500 ranking to reflect the full impact of the recession,” said Inc editor John Koten. “Yet these entrepreneurs
are managing to confound the naysayers and move ahead despite the obstacles. They’re showing that smart strategies can succeed even
in the toughest of times.”
To be eligible for this year’s Inc 500, companies had to be independent and privately held through their fiscal year 2001, have at
least $200,000 in sales in the base year of 1997, and their 2001 sales had to have exceeded 2000 sales. Holding companies regulated
banks and utilities are not eligible. Inc verifies all information using tax forms and financial statements from certified public
accounts and by conducting interviews with company officials.
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