Fastest Growing Businesses in Chattanooga Revealed
Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement as it celebrates its fastest-growing businesses. According to a recent ranking published by a notable business magazine, 15 companies from the scenic city made it onto the prestigious list of the 5,000 fastest-growing businesses in the United States for 2024. Among these, Big Sky Landscapes shone the brightest, landing at an impressive rank of 416, achieving a staggering growth rate of 1,066% over the past three years.
The Story Behind Big Sky Landscapes
Founded by Luke Bowling, Big Sky Landscapes started about four years ago when he returned to Chattanooga after several years away. Bowling noticed a significant demand for landscaping services that went beyond the typical industry standards. “Customers were pleased just to receive a call back,” he said in a recent interview. “I felt that we needed to redefine the standard in the landscaping business.” With a commitment to high-quality service and customer relations, Bowling rapidly expanded his team from just a couple of people in the first summer to now employing 28 full-time workers.
Bowling’s businesses offer various services ranging from installing outdoor lighting and irrigation systems to creating patios and retaining walls. They cater to a wide clientele, including developers, commercial construction companies, and residential clients. One of their key differentiators is a thorough communication process: clients receive timely updates whenever the team visits their property and quarterly reports on the status of their grounds.
Logistics Making Waves
An interesting trend in Chattanooga is the dominance of logistics firms among the fastest-growing businesses. Six out of the fifteen businesses that made the list are in the logistics and transportation sector. Companies like Covenant Logistics and U.S. Xpress have cultivated a local talent pool that frequently launches their own ventures, marking Chattanooga as a hub for logistics innovation.
The CEO of FreightWaves, Craig Fuller, highlighted how the shifts within big logistics companies led to a burst of new businesses. “When employees leave these companies, they often start their own businesses,” he explained. The trend of freight brokers growing faster than traditional trucking companies is notably impacting the area’s economy.
A Diverse Array of Businesses
Other notable companies from the list include MOCA Logistics and Steam Logistics with growth rates of 654% and 491% respectively. Waypoint TV offers a unique take on the fast-growing landscape, focusing on outdoor streaming content while ranking at 2,283 with a growth of 228%.
Waypoint TV has taken an interesting approach by partnering with TV manufacturers to introduce their channel directly into new devices. “We’ve become a staple in outdoor programming,” said CEO Brock Builder. “Seeing Chattanooga recognized on a national platform feels fulfilling.”
The Full List
Here’s a quick look at some of the Chattanooga-based companies that made it onto the Inc. Magazine’s list for 2024:
- 416. Big Sky Landscapes – 1,066%
- 735. MOCA Logistics – 654%
- 1,038. Steam Logistics – 491%
- 2,283. Waypoint TV – 228%
- 2,640. Taimen Transport – 193%
- 2,804. Trident Transport – 181%
- 2,855. WAP Sustainability – 178%
- 2,928. WorkHound – 172%
- 2,966. Conversant Group – 169%
- 3,157. MRO – 157%
- 3,466. Reliance Partners – 139%
- 3,476. FreightWaves – 139%
- 3,978. Max Trans Logistics – 115%
- 4,012. Text Request – 113%
- 4,364. AHS Consulting – 97%
Conclusion
The growth of these businesses not only highlights individual success stories but also emphasizes the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit within Chattanooga. With a rich mix of landscaping, logistics, and innovative media companies on the rise, the future looks bright for this Tennessee city.
