Acceleration, LLC

Gross Revenue: 2007: $2,998,511 2004: $279,307 Growth 973.55% Full-time employees: 22

Faced with the rising cost of healthcare, health systems worldwide have come to appreciate the fact that a prescription drug costs a whole lot less than a hospital admission. Keith Koehler, CEO of Acceleration, LLC, understands that the time is right for his company. His is a contract research organization that assists in drug development for pharmaceutical companies throughout the world. More specifically, Acceleration customizes information for its clients on product development, analytical methods, testing, and marketing of pharmaceuticals and other products. Since its launch in 2003 with just three principals, the company has taken on warehousing and distribution and has grown to a 22-person operation. A new laboratory will come on line in a few months at its Lee’s Summit facility, and manufacturing will follow soon thereafter. “We have taken the philosophy of letting the business drive where we are growing,” says Koehler. “If you bring us the business we will bring you the service. Clients trust that we will do it right.”