NORTH CAROLINA, August 23, 2019 – Inc. magazine revealed that USConnect® is No. 2326 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Microsoft, Dell, Domino’s Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.
“We are honored to be recognized for our growth, and to be listed among this great group of leading companies,” says Jeff Whitacre, President and CEO of USConnect. “We are truly committed to changing the corporate snack and food service industry. We’ve worked hard to develop next-generation technology and programs, along with assembling a consortium of the leading independent vending operators across the country, Our inclusion in this list is a validation of our efforts, and a welcome recognition for our team.”
Not only have the companies on the 2019 Inc. 5000 (which are listed online at Inc.com and in the September issue of Inc., now available) been very competitive within their markets, but the list as a whole shows staggering growth compared with prior lists. The 2019 Inc. 5000 achieved an astounding three-year average growth of 454 percent, and a median rate of 157 percent. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $237.7 billion in 2018, accounting for 1,216,308 jobs over the past three years.
“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 have followed so many different paths to success,” says Inc. editor in chief James Ledbetter. “There’s no single course you can follow or investment you can take that will guarantee this kind of spectacular growth. But what they have in common is persistence and seizing opportunities.”
Founded by Whitacre in 2013, USConnect has achieved tremendous year-over-year growth, while quickly developing a name for itself in the national corporate food service space. The firm is known for its rapid adoption (and development of) technology for the industry, as well as its expansive loyalty rewards, and workplace health and wellness programs.
“USConnect is focused on driving continued innovation within the industry for the benefit of our clients. We are also expanding our national and international footprints, as we expand our concepts for convenience technology and fresh food around the world,” says Whitacre.
About USConnect
Founded in 2013, USConnect is America's only nationwide wireless integrated food service network. Comprised of the industry's leading independent food service firms, USConnect provides its clients with the very latest in employee food service options and its proprietary loyalty and rewards program—all while serving the freshest, healthiest foods designed to meet today’s demanding corporate food service needs. With more than 100 affiliate members across the United States and Canada, the firm has recently expanded to Mexico and is planning further international growth.
More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000
Methodology
The 2019 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2015 and 2018. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2015. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies— as of December 31, 2018. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2015 is $100,000; the minimum for 2018 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000.
About Inc. Media
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. Inc. took home the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. The total monthly audience reach for the brand has been growing significantly, from 2,000,000 in 2010 to more than 20,000,000 today. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
The Inc. 5000 is a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. Started in 1982, this prestigious list has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. The Inc. 5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of these companies. The event also offers informative workshops, celebrated keynote speakers, and evening functions.
