October 2002 - Strategic Data Systems, an information
technology services provider based in San Diego, California,
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. Strategic Data Systems’ ranking, number 67 of
500, will appear in the magazine’s special Inc 500 issue,
which hits newsstands on October 15. Strategic Data
Systems achieved 2,355 percent growth over the past five
years with sales climbing from $284,000 in 1997 to
$7,000,000 in 2001. The company specializes in innovative
applications of technology that boost productivity, control
costs, and enhance customer service. The company’s
comprehensive IT services include information assurance,
enterprise application development, systems integration and
support, Internet-based solutions, network, helpdesk, and
desktop support services.
“It is exciting and gratifying to be included in Inc
magazine’s prestigious ranking,” stated Jim Christopher,
President of Strategic Data Systems. “This recognition
affirms our corporate values – that dedicating ourselves to
the success of our customers and employees and maintaining
integrity in the way we run our business ultimately leads to
success. I appreciate our hardworking and creative team, who
is responsible for this consistent growth.” Strategic Data
Systems was voted an “Employer of Choice” in 2001 by the San
Diego Society of Human Resource Management for its
successful strategies for recruiting and retaining quality
employees.
Started in 1982, the Inc 500 ranks the nation’s leading
entrepreneurial firms according to sales growth over the
previous five years. Many former Inc 500 companies have gone
on to become household names, such as Microsoft, Oracle,
Intuit, Timberland, Domino’s Pizza, and E*Trade.
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 this is less than the 1,933%
average for companies on last year’s list, it is nonetheless
dramatic in the current environment. 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.”
