Sowing the seeds of success.

• Position: Brief article

During the Great Recession, many companies were occupied only with finding enough sustenance to stay alive. Others, however, planted seeds that, with some nurturing, have begun to bear fruit in the improving economy. Those are the kind of businesses that make up this year's North Carolina Mid-Market Fast 40, a ranking of the fastest-growing middle-market companies in the state based on workforce and revenue from 2010 to 2012.

The list, which drew more applicants than spots available, includes a mix of Fast 40 veterans and rookies. Each company created their opportunities in different ways, says Scott Duda, Raleigh managing partner for Cherry Bekaert LLP, one of the largest CPA firms in North Carolina, which compiles the list. One company told him that a key hire, shed during the recession by a large company struggling to stay afloat, brought skills and knowledge it needed to sustain growth. Greensborobased TIMCO Aviation Services Inc.--No. 20 on the list--searched the world for opportunities. It knew the economy would rebound but...