Opening up: an appreciation of business leaders--and coaches--who share their stories.

• Author: Mildenberg, David
• Position: Up Front - Editorial

A clever tradition of some civic groups is to charge members a few bucks every time their names appear in the press, promoting selflessness. Journalists think it's a nutty idea because businesspeople, politicians and bureaucrats who speak to the media invariably have more credibility than those who avoid us. For sure, there's a chance of being misquoted or misinterpreted because of a lack of knowledge or context. Or reporters and editors might mess up. Fortunately, most businesspeople understand the greater good that comes from a candid flow of information. A favorite example was the late Ken Iverson, a gravelly voiced CEO who would pick up his own phone calls and answer any question as he built Charlotte's Nucor Corp. into a giant steel company.

The unsung heroes of this magazine are those willing to share their stories in considerable detail, often with little to gain. It's easier to publish a cover of a gorgeous beach scene or a list of best barbecue restaurants. Business North Carolina, now in its 35th year, has a tradition of reaching for more, hoping to both inform and entertain. In August, Premier Inc. CEO Susan DeVore demystified her Charlotte-based health care company. Last month, Lowes Foods President Tim Lowe described how his Winston-Salem-based supermarket chain plans to outsmart larger rivals.

This edition includes the 31st annual list of the state's largest private companies, compiled by Grant Thornton LLP. While some big companies based in North Carolina prefer to keep a low profile, the list has provided a good snapshot of key players in the state's economy. We value Grant Thornton's diligence in producing the ranking...