MOVING UP

Climbers say managing growth is key

Published: Sunday, April 18, 1999        Page: 1F        Section: BUSINESS PAGE

The Miami Valley's top privately held companies are proof that businesses don't have to be on New York's Big Board to make dramatic gains in a booming economy.

About 15 percent of the companies listed in the 1999 Dayton Top 100 jumped a minimum of 10 spots because of increasing annual revenue. That compares with only two companies on the list that dropped more than 10 spots from last year. Arthur Andersen compiles the list based on information voluntarily submitted by local companies.

The highest-climbing companies this year found themselves in growing industries, expanded their business or landed major contracts.

`It's a good time for businesses in most industries, but the key is to manage and control the growth,' said Carl Mays, chief executive of Reynolds Machinery Inc., a company that moved 27 slots up the list, more than any other local company.

Even the companies that fell on this year's list think their problems are only short-term.

Kelchner Environmental fell 12 spots to No. 100 on this year's list. Chief executive Todd Kelchner said the company, which does earth moving and environmental clean-up work, was hampered last year by a lull in the market and a couple of bad jobs. He is looking to rebound through increased marketing this year, Kelchner said.

The companies making the biggest moves in this year's Top 100 list are:

* Reynolds Machinery Inc., a distribution business, moved from 86 last year to 59 this year.

* Koenig Equipment Inc., an operator of farm machinery and lawn care equipment, moved from 71 to 46.

* Adams Robinson Enterprises Inc., a general contractor, moved from 72 to 49.

* Unitize Co. Inc., an operator of heavy machinery, moved from 85 to 69.

* All World Travel Service Inc., a travel agency, moved from 89 to 75.

* Bush Transportation System, a truck leasing company, moved from 24 to 10.

* Dollar Towne, a gold and silver distribution company, moved from 58 to 45.

* Angell Manufacturing Co. Inc., manufacturer of aluminum and plastic parts, moved from 67 to 54.

* 2-J Supply Co. Inc., a distributor of heating and cooling equipment, moved from 90 to 77.

* Allied Supply Co. Inc., a heating and cooling systems supplier, moved from 83 to 71.

* ESKCO Inc., a manufacturer of promotional products, moved from 98 to 86.

DAYTON TOP 100 1999
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