Utah companies are growing.

• Author: Francom, Sarah Ryther
• Position: Editorial

Growth. It's not a word heard often in today's business realm. As more and more companies close their doors, it's rare to hear of a business that is not only holding steady, but is actually experiencing phenomenal growth.

In this issue of Utah Business, we celebrate 50 of the state's fastest-growing companies. Our 2010 Fast 50 list, determined by a combination of reported revenue and compound annual growth rate, demonstrates that success is still obtainable in today's dire economy. And not just mediocre success, but extraordinary success.

In addition to the Fast 50 (which is found on page 44), we also honor eight of the state's fastest-growing young companies--companies that have been in business less than five years. The Emerging 8 companies, found on page 46, demonstrate Utah's business landscape continues to foster strong, new growth.

So what's the secret to their success? We went to executives at five of the Fast 50 companies--Skullcandy (No. 1), Castle & Cooke Mortgage (No. 3), IntegraCore (No. 10), Packsize (No. 21) and Kneaders Bakery & Cafe (No. 47)--to hear firsthand how they've been able to continue growing. Their stories of triumph begin on page 47; read closely and you'll find that their success didn't come overnight. Though diverse in industry and size, these five companies share common business principles, such as living the brand, serving customers and employees, and taking strategic risks that might not pay off. We hope these stories will give you ideas...