As Corporate Report 100 turns 20, it is time for reflection. Through the years, Ingram’s Magazine—and prior to that Corporate Report/Kansas City—has researched the fastest-growing companies headquartered in the greater Kansas City area and honored their accomplishments. In the process, we have expanded our “area” to match the natural reach of the greater metro from Topeka in the west to Concordia in the east, from St. Joseph in the north to Ottawa and Harrisonville in the south.

What we have found is that growth is a result of a necessary combination of risk-taking, faith, timing, a little luck and mostly, a lot of hard work. None of the companies on this 20th list—or any of the previous 19—got there by accident. Whether it’s the small business that has grown to a second or third location, or the corporation that has ignored the expected limits of the marketplace and reached for the stars, these entrepreneurs will show, if pressed, some seriously worked-to-the-bone fingers.

One other key element that is resident in all these companies is service. Three of every five are now considered as representing a service industry, compared to just one out of six in the first year. But for the successful company, “service” is more than an industry. It’s a way of life. All our winners are service companies, and, in a certain sense, they always have been.

On behalf of the editors, employees and associates of Ingram’s Magazine and those who served at Corporate Report/Kansas City, we extend our sincere congratulations to each company that has earned their place in the history of Corporate Report 100. We’re proud to serve the Kansas City area and to deliver the 20th annual ranking of this year’s CR100 competition.

CORPORATE REPORT 100

NUMBER ONE