8 ● INC. ● SEPTEMBER 2019 ● ● ● PHOTOGRAPH BY WAYNE LAWRENCE
CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2019
The Inc. Interview
“We Iike to think
of ourselves as
a mission with
a business.”
—Richelieu Dennis,
founder of
Sundial Brands10 Editor’s Letter There are no cheat codes.14 Introduction to the Inc. 500 The fastest-
growing companies are hurtling forward.19 The No. 1 Company The new poster boys.29 Tossware Disposable glassware with
an elegant touch.30 Polaris Energy Services Helping
California farmers save water—and cash.34 BentoBox A daughter of immigrants built
a sought-after tool for restaurants.38 TriFold A “Frankenstein contraption”
with a cult following.48 UrbanStems Long-distance romantic
gestures, on demand.50 Rad Power Bikes Step aside, e-scooters.52 SABG Losing a friend and a mentor
on 9/11 pushed her in a new direction.56 With Clarity An engagement
ring without the commitment.58 Founders Project Sarah LaFleur
mentors Michelle DeLoach.62 Untappd Like Foursquare,
but for craft beer.65 CEO Survey Who are the
Inc. 5000 founders?73 Parsons Xtreme Golf
Building a better golf club.74 Thomas Goetz What’s stopping you?76 Tomahawk Strategic Solutions
Two Navy SEALs adjust security
teams to a new reality.80 Jeanine Skowronski
Recession-proof your business.92 Squadhelp.com His business
is built on naming businesses.94 Jonas Paul Eyewear
Hipster glasses for kids.96 CityLift Parking Taking
the pain out of parking.100 Sweet Loren’s
Healthier cookies
that taste good.102 Sparx Hockey
A skate sharpener
that’s as simple to
use as a coffeemaker.106 Vested Metals
International It took
steely determination to
keep this metals seller alive.108 Empowered Electric
Why this electrician hires
on Instagram.112 Inc. Life For this founder,
running a company is like
brewing kombucha.114 Arrive Logistics Turning an
$800 billion industry into a
math problem.118 The Inc. 5000 Map Growth can
come from some surprising places.