Congratulations Future 50 winners!
The Future 50 of Greater Detroit competition, now in its 11th year, is sponsored by BDO Seidman LLP, the Detroit Regional Chamber, LaSalle Bank and WWJ Newsradio 950. The 50 companies listed below were chosen based on their impact on the economy of Southeast Michigan through growth in employment, investments, community enhancement, revenues and acquisitions. Awards were presented in September at aluncheon featuring Denise Ilitch, president of Ilitch Enterprises, as keynote speaker and Murray Feldman, business reporter and 5:30 p.m. anchor for WJBK Fox 2 and host of the Feldman Report on WWJ Newsradio 950, as master of ceremonies. Other speakers included Richard E. Blouse Jr., CCE, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, and Mark A. Hoppe, CEO of LaSalle Bank.
Note: Annual average revenue growth is computed over a three-year period unless otherwise noted. All financial and other information was provided by the Future 50 winners. Detroit Regional Chamber members at the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Business Builder levels are listed with the Chamber's symbol. See the end of this list for additional statistical information about the winners, including longer profiles on six Future 50 companies.
34705 W. 12 Mile Road, Ste. 200
Farmington Hills 48331
Arthur Fiordaliso, President
Established: 1973
Type of business: Co-op advertising program management, Web-based marketing tools, turnkey media fulfillment, print production, media placement
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Key to success: We deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that facilitate the management of marketing programs and distribution of advertising content.
30100 Telegraph Road, Ste. 100
Bingham Farms 48025
Stephen J. Taglione, President
Established: 1998
Type of business: Residential homes
2004 annual revenue: $34.7 million
Average annual growth rate: 6 percent
Key to success: Combining the resources and experience of Peter Burton and Robert Katzman and Heritage Residential Group in December 1998.
17187 N. Laurel Park Drive, Ste. 165
Livonia 48152
Ron Shahani, President & CEO
Established: 1982
Type of business: Human capital solutions and technology consulting services
2004 annual revenue: $98 million
Average annual growth rate: 4 percent
Key to success: See "Future 50: Spotlight onsix companies" at the end of this listing.
2100 15 Mile Road, Ste. K
Sterling Heights 48310
Prasad R. Ponnam, CEO
Established: 2000
Type of business: Software consulting services
2004 annual revenue: $3.2 million
Average annual growth rate: 52 percent
Key to success: We do not believe in customer satisfaction; we settle for nothing less than customer delight.
AET Solutions Inc. is a Silver-level member of the Detroit Regional Chamber
35735 Mound Road
Sterling Heights 48310
Eugene LoVasco, President & CEO
Established: 1958
Type of business: Insurance
2004 annual revenue: $16.3 million
Average annual growth rate: 11 percent
Key to success: See "Future 50: Spotlight onsix companies" at the end of this listing.
21680 Haggerty
Northville 48167
William McIntyre, CEO & Chairman
Established: 1976
Type of business: Print and graphic communications
2004 annual revenue: $265 million
Average annual growth rate: 18 percent
Key to success: Being a leader in franchise training, technology implementation and system profitability.
24555 Hallwood Court
Farmington Hills 48335
Rich Morgan, President
Established: 2002
Type of business: Hair removal and skin rejuvenation
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Key to success: Designing a new company structure and strategy to take the laser hair-removal business to the next level.
Arrow Strategies LLC
2055 Crooks Road
Rochester Hills 48309
Jeffrey A. Styers, President
Established: 2002
Type of business: Staffing services in the area of information technology, engineering, finance and accounting administration and professionals
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Key to success: Providing our clients a value-added service at a competitive price.
500 Avis Drive, Ste. 100
Ann Arbor 48108
Robert Macomber, PE, PS, CEO & President
Established: 1905
Type of business: Civil engineering, surveying, land planning, environmental services and water/wastewater consulting
2004 annual revenue: $44.6 million
Average annual growth rate: 25 percent
Key to success: See "Future 50: Spotlight onsix companies" at the end of this listing.
Atwell Hicks is a GOLD-level member of the Detroit Regional Chamber
3001 W. Big Beaver Road, Ste. 400
Troy 48084
Mary Petrovich, CEO
Established: December 2002 (former division of ArvinMeritor)
Type of business: Design and manufacture of planetary axles and drivetrains for off-highway and specialty vehicles
2004 annual revenue: $204.5 million
Average annual growth rate: 24 percent
Key to success: Transforming a once-dying U.S.-based engineering and manufacturing business into a global, thriving success.
Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd.
1150 Elijah McCoy Drive
Detroit 48202
Jitendra N. Doshi, CEO
Established: 1984
Type of business: Generic pharmaceuticals
2004 annual revenue: $60.3 million
Average annual growth rate: 170 percent
Key to success: Ensuring that our operations complied with the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices.
901 Wilshire Drive
Troy 48084
James Giordano, President & CEO
Established: 1998
Type of business: Health care information technology and health information management outsourcing services
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Key to success: Providing expert services delivered by a highly trained and skilled workforce.
135 N. Old Woodward
Birmingham 48009
Todd P. Smith, CEO
Established: 2000
Type of business: Communications
2004 annual revenue: $19.9 million
Average annual growth rate: 93 percent
Key to success: Fostering a discipline and accountability among our account teams, producers and creatives that many boutique agencies chose not to embrace.
25330 Telegraph Road, Ste. 200
Southfield 48034
Daniel Glisky Jr., President
Established: 1995
Type of business: Helping companies lower the cost and improve the effectiveness of their IT infrastructure
2004 annual revenue: $38.1 million
Average annual growth rate: 34 percent
Key to success: Being a recognized leader in the protection and management of strategic corporate data and IBM's largest business partner in the Michigan Region.
Compsat Techology Inc. is a GOLD-level member of the Detroit Regional Chamber
1025 N. Campbell Road
Royal Oak 48237
David J. Galbenski, President
Established: 1993
Type of business: Professional legal staffing and recruiting
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Key to success: Our dedicated, entrepreneurially minded employees.
2011 Oak
Wyandotte 48192
C. Michael Emery, RN, Vice President
Established: 1997
Type of business: Health care staffing
2004 annual revenue: $4.7 million
Average annual growth rate: 11 percent (two years)
Key to success: Being owned and operated by registered nurses gives us the unique ability to understand consumer needs from a consumer's standpoint.
39625 Lewis Drive, Ste. 200
Novi 48377
David C. Doyle, President
Established: 1981
Type of business: Medical billing outsourcing
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Key to success: The new understanding that outsourcing is a workable solution for medical billing.
1360 Porter St.
Dearborn 48124
Michael J. Ross, President & CEO
Established: 1992
Type of business: Community banking
2004 annual revenue: $20.4 million
Average annual growth rate: 42 percent
Key to success: Growing through branch expansion, emphasizing community banking and expanding lending in our primary market.
6100 Dixie Highway, Ste. B
Clarkston 48436
Brad McKouen, Owner
Established: 2002
Type of business: Recruiting and staffing for technical positions
2004 annual revenue: $1.1 million
Average annual growth rate: 300 percent (one year)
Key to success: Utilizing the Precision Hiring System that was created by owner Brad McKouen.
Detroit Electrical Services LLC
1924 Rosa Parks Blvd.
Detroit 48216
Brian V. Rhodes, President
Established: 1999
Type of business: Electrical construction
2004 annual revenue: $11.8 million
Average annual growth rate: 39 percent
Key to success: The expertise of the individuals employed by the company.
Employees Only Inc.
5700 Crooks
Troy 48098
Mario Apruzzese, President
Established: 1994
Type of business: Human resource management
2004 annual revenue: $56 million
Average annual growth rate: 22 percent
Key to success: Dedication to disciplined business practices and the highest level of customer satisfaction.
Facil LLC
1972 Brown Road
Auburn Hills 48326
Charles Lee, General Manager
Established: 2000
Type of business: Automotive fasteners
2004 annual revenue: $41.3 million
Average annual growth rate: 22 percent
17101 Michigan Ave.
Dearborn 48126
Kouhaila Hammer, CPA, President & CEO
Established: 1982
Type of business: Architecture and engineering services, manufacturing process engineering services, contract technical staffing
2004 annual revenue: $73 million
Average annual growth rate: 17 percent
Key to success: A reputation for responsible client service and technological innovation, plus virtually unprecedented diversity of service offerings.
Ghafari Cos.is a Bronze-level member of the Detroit Regional Chamber
Gorno Transportation Services Inc.
18673 Dix-Toledo Road
Brownstown 48138
Greg Gorno, President
Established: 1993
Type of business: Transportation
2004 annual revenue: $24.5 million
Average annual growth rate: 51 percent
Key to success: The ability to diversity our services by type and location
G-TECH Professional Staffing Inc.
17101 Michigan Ave.
Dearborn 48126
Theresa G. Ghafari, President & COO
Established: 1986
Type of business: Staffing services, specializing in placement of technical personnel
2004 annual revenue: $43.7 million
Average annual growth rate: 25 percent
Key to success: Practicing a high standard of service, continuous quality improvement, high ethical standards, innovation, consistency and flexibility.
Hyundai KIA America Technical Center Inc.
5075 Venture Drive
Ann Arbor 48108
Dr. Won Suk Cho, President
Established: 1986
Type of business: Automotive research and development
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Key to success: Working with our imagination and conviction to create organizational values and business results through our policies and best practices.
17197 N. Laurel Park Drive, Ste. 221
Livonia 48152
Venkat Mallya, Chairman & CEO
Established: 2001
Type of business: Information technology services and products
2004 annual revenue: $3.4 million
Average annual growth rate: 55 percent (one year)
Key to success: See "Future 50: Spotlight on six companies" at the end of this listing.
650 Avis Drive, Ste. 300
Ann Arbor 48108
Michael T. Klein, CEO
Established: 2000
Type of business: Wireless security products
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Average annual growth rate: 54 percent
Key to success: Offering a scalable and highly customizable authentication servers.
dba The Macomb Group
34400 Mound Road
Sterling Heights 48310
William McGivern Jr., President
Established: 1977
Type of business: Pipe, pipe valves, fittings and fixtures
2004 annual revenue: $62 million
Average annual growth rate: 22 percent
Key to success: Using our newly renovated corporate headquarters, along with technological advances, as the "hub" to link an increasing number of "spoke" locations throughout Michigan and Ohio.
Madeira Woodworking Co.
2707 American Drive
Troy 48083
Paul Gingell, CEO
Established: 2000
Type of business: Architectural woodwork and furniture
2004 annual revenue: $5.7 million
Average annual growth rate: 15 percent
Key to success: Offering value-added services to good design, quality materials and expert craftsmanship.
3331 W. Big Beaver, Ste. 200
Troy 48084
Thomas P. McGraw, President
Established: 1997
Type of business: Group benefits consulting broker
2004 annual revenue: $7.4 million
Average annual growth rate: 13 percent
Key to success: See "Future 50: Spotlight onsix companies" at the end of this listing.
11940 Merriman Road
Livonia 48150
Melvin C. Gutherie III, President
Established: 1925
Type of business: Building material sales
2004 annual revenue: $46.3 million
Average annual growth rate: 24 percent
Key to success: Commitment to service and quality.
5840 N. Canton Center Road, Ste. 270
Canton 48187
Michael D. McCormack, Chairman
Established: 1997
Type of business: Software engineering products, consulting, training and staffing services
2004 annual revenue: $3.6 million
Average annual growth rate: 26 percent
Key to success: Responding to the challenge of offshoring by focusing more on services that require either a local physical presence and/or the ability to respond immediately to new requirements.
23200 Haggerty Road
Farmington Hills 48335
Larry Gaynor, CEO & President
Established: 1985
Type of business: Products and services to salons, spas and resorts
2004 annual revenue: $78 million
Average annual growth rate: 10 percent
Key to success: We are the only ISO 9000 certified company in our industry.
30840 Northwestern Highway, Ste. 250
Farmington Hills 48334
Duane Tursi, CEO
Established: 1997
Type of business: Planning, designing, implementing and supported converged IP communications
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Key to success: Unwavering devotion to customer satisfaction. We are privately held and view our customers as our investors.
2240 Greer Blvd.
Sylvan Lake 48320
R. Tyler Smith, Integrator
Established: 2001
Type of business: Online retail
2004 annual revenue: $10.2 million
Average annual growth rate: 453 percent
Palazzolo Brothers Construction Co.
5995 19 Mile Road
Sterling Heights 48314
Sebastian Palazzolo, Owner
Established: 1985
Type of business: Residential construction
2004 annual revenue: $23 million
Average annual growth rate: 50 percent
Key to success: The ability to bend and not become stagnant.
1731 Harmon Road
Auburn Hills 48326
Jane Warner, President
Established: 1995
Type of business: Web-based manufacturing software business where all product information is available real time.
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Average annual growth rate: 36 percent
Key to success: See "Future 50: Spotlight onsix companies" at the end of this listing.
26261 Evergreen Road, Ste. 200
Southfield 48076
Ron Pellegrino, president and COO
Established: 1994
Type of business: Technology
2004 annual revenue: $9.7 million
Average annual growth rate: 35 percent
Key to success: Gaining significant market penetration and visibility.
655 Fairfield Court, Ste. 200
Ann Arbor 48108
Robert E. Boone, CEO
Established: 1997
Type of business: Broker/dealer, investment advisory services, security and insurance sales
2004 annual revenue: $33.4 million
Average annual growth rate: 28 percent
Key to success: Recruiting an increasing number of experienced insurance and securities brokers who are highly motivated and committed to success.
re.Source Partners Asset Management Inc.
175 Malow
Mount Clemens 48043
Andrew Loria, Chairman
Established: 2000
Type of business: Re-market IT and telecom hardware
2004 annual revenue: $2.3 million
Average annual growth rate: 124 percent
Key to success: Expanding into the secondary corporate server market
7676 Rushton Road
Brighton 48116
Joe Riccardi, President & CEO
Established: 1998
Type of business: Site development
2004 annual revenue: $5.5 million
Average annual growth rate: 44 percent
Key to success: Our first-class equipment and employees.
San Marino Excavating Inc. is a Silver-level member of the Detroit Regional Chamber
Spalding DeDecker Associates Inc.
220 W. Congress St., Ste. 400
Detroit 48226
Jay B. Shah, President
Established: 1954
Type of business: Civil engineering and surveying
2004 annual revenue: $15.7 million
Average annual growth rate: 7 percent
Key to success: We improve, adapt and expand services in response to our clients' needs and requirements.
Spalding DeDecker Associates Inc. is a Silver-level member of the Detroit Regional Chamber
32255 Northwestern Highway, Ste. 201
Farmington Hills 48334
Craige L. Stout, Managing Director
Established: 1991
Type of business: Investment banking, restructuring and performance improvement, and valuation and litigation advisory services
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Key to success: Our business model enables us to continue growing and performing.
1920 Livernois Road
Troy 48083
Thomas J. Gotshall, President & COO
Established: 1992
Type of business: Computer system integration
2004 annual revenue: $28 million
Average annual growth rate: 17 percent
Technical Solutions LLC is a Bronze-level member of the Detroit Regional Chamber
28411 Northwestern Highway, Ste. 640
Southfield 48034
Radhakrishnan Gurusamy, President & CEO
Established: 1996
Type of business: Information technology consulting services and IT-enabled services
2004 annual revenue: $37 million
Average annual growth rate: 38 percent
Key to success: We are committed to provide value-added services as an IT and IT-enabled solutions provider.
27335 W. 11 Mile Road
Southfield 48034
Dr. William F. Coyro Jr., President & CEO
Established: 1982
Type of business: Computer services
2004 annual revenue: $128 million
Average annual growth rate: 21 percent
TechTeam Global Inc. is a GOLD-level member of the Detroit Regional Chamber
24550 N. River Road
Mount Clemens 48043
Steve Smarsh, President & CEO
Established: 1989
Type of business: Ultra-precision CND grinding machines and grinding services-medical
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Average annual growth rate: 15 percent
Key to success: Introducing several new products, ideas and patents over the past year, including a new computerized inspection machine.
VisionIT
3031 W. Grand Blvd., Ste. 695
Detroit 48202
David H. Segura, President & CEO
Established: 1997
Type of business: Information technology and engineering staffing
2004 annual revenue: $8.1 million
Average annual growth rate: 83 percent
Key to success: Using an advanced Internet-based candidate-prospecting system with more than 10,000 active resumes to provide the quickest possible response time to open positions.
23399 Commerce Drive, Ste. B1
Farmington Hills 48335
Joe Barbat, President & Owner
Established: 1995
Type of business: Cell phones
2004 annual revenue: Withheld by request
Key to success: Continuing to develop a unique and innovative structure for marketing cell phones and satellite TV.
Future 50: Previous Winners
Seven-time winner
Technical Solutions LLC
Six-time winner
The Nailco Group
Five-time winners
Employees Only
Questar Capital Corp Inc.
Stout Risius Ross Inc.
Future 50: By Location
Oakland, 25
Wayne, 14
Macomb, 6
Washtenaw, 4
Livingston, 1
Future 50: By Industry
Service,19
Technology,12
Wholesale/Retail Trade,6
Finance/Real Estate/Insurance,4
Manufacturing,4
Construction,4
Research & Development,1
Future 50: Projected revenue (net sales) growth for each of the next three years
25 percent or more,23
10-24 percent,25
0-9 percent,2
Future 50: Regional Challenges
The Future 50 winners were asked: "What do you think is the most significant issue facing growing companies in Southeast Michigan today?"
By far the challenge cited most often was attracting and retaining a skilled workforce, closely followed by taxes (especially the Small Business Tax) and the high cost of providing health care coverage (described as "skyrocketing" and "out of control.") Other frequently cited issues included: foreign and domestic competitive pressures; access to capital; the decline in manufacturing jobs; the distressed state of the domestic automotive industry; the stagnant local economy; and the region's often-negative national reputation.
Future 50: Spotlight OnSixCompanies
Each of the Future 50 winners was asked to describe the key to their success and to identify the most significant issue or issues facing growing companies in Southeast Michigan today. Here is a sample of their responses:
Acro Service Corp.
Ron Shahani
President & CEO
Key to success: The primary reasons for our success are our national presence, range of servic
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