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1999 FAST 50 Winners
A-I | J-R | S-Z
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Jones Pharma Inc.
Pharmaceutical company
Dennis M. Jones
Chairman and CEO
1945 Craig Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63146
314/576-6100
www.jmedpharma.com
A St. Louis powerhouse for years, Jones Pharma reorganized recently, shedding its nutritional supplement business and focusing on pharmaceuticals. “We went from having 11,000 products in 1998 to 11 products,” says Dennis Jones, chairman and CEO. The company sold Bronson (the nutritional business) to TwinLabs last year. To emphasize its complete focus on pharmaceuticals, the company changed its name from Jones Medical to Jones Pharma.
To fuel its growth over the last few years, the company made 17 acquisitions. Its new model is to concentrate on its core pharmaceutical business, which involves three product lines that treat: endocrine disorders, critical care patients and companion animals. Still on the market to purchase pharmaceutical companies with similar product offerings, Jones says one way the company won’t grow is by developing its own products. Jones believes the company’s determination to work on its core business is already seeing results—freeing management from running five manufacturing facilities to only three and marketing 11 products instead of 11,000.
The company sells to all major wholesale druggists throughout the world and has 350 employees. It is publicly listed on NASDAQ: JMED. The company was a FAST 50 winner in 1996 and 1997.
Karpel Computer Systems
Custom software developer
Jeff Karpel
President and CEO
5520 Telegraph Rd., Suite 201
St. Louis, MO 63129
314/892-6300
www.karpel.com
After he graduated from the University of Missouri—Columbia in 1986, Jeff Karpel started working with his father who was doing computer consulting work. Karpel Computer Systems now employs 20 people who work mainly on AS400 and Windows NT operating systems for their clients. Jeff is majority owner.
Its software programs assist Flesh Co., a printing firm, to integrate its quote, ordering and processing system. Karpel also completely automated the court processing system for the City of St. Louis and the prosecuting attorney’s office is asking for a similar program. Another major client is First Bank. The company works with the bank’s 140 branch offices on its data processing systems. The latter two projects are so big that Karpel has offices in the City Courts Building and First Bank’s headquarters.
Karpel credits his employees with the company’s success. A unique recruiting tool he uses to find the best and brightest is an internship program especially designed for college students studying computer programming. Karpel sets up “course work” for the students during their time at the company (e.g. studying for and passing a computer certification program), then typically hires the students after graduation.
LINCO Research
Producer and distributor of immunology reagents
Ronald L. Gingerich, Ph.D.
President
14 Research Park
St. Charles, MO 63304
314/441-8400
www.lincoresearch.com
Still researching, developing and making diagnostic products in the areas of diabetics and obesity, LINCO Research is expanding its product offerings to include producing diagnostic tools in the field of neurobiology. A first-timer on the list in 1998 at number 26, LINCO is fueling its growth by expanding R&D and acquiring product lines or entire companies. LINCO’s expansion plans also include building another facility near its current space in the Missouri Research Park.
LINCO’s products are sold through 50 distributors in 60 countries to researchers in academic and commercial settings. Its product offerings include diagnostic tools that identify the obesity protein leptin as well as brain peptides and hormones. From its diagnostic inventions, Ron Gingerich, president, hopes the researchers who use the products can then find cures to numerous maladies.
Gingerich started the company part time while teaching at Washington University, and became full time 15 years later in 1993. LINCO currently has 23 employees. Gingerich is working to put in the next level of management; he believes the company needs to continue its growth.
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Above: Joseph M. Blomker, president of Maryville Technologies
Maryville Technologies
RCGA Member
Technology Gateway Member
Software development focusing on infrastructure
Joseph M. Blomker
President
540 Maryville Centre, Suite 300
St. Louis, MO 63141
314/519-4100
www.maryville.com
A FAST 50 Sprint Award winner in 1997 and 1998, Joe Blomker founded Maryville Technologies (originally called Maryville Data Systems) in 1994 to provide software development not for application purposes but to support companies’ infrastructures. This niche, Blomker believes, is what drives the company’s success. “We wanted to be a company that focuses on the operational aspects of technology. We assist with the performance and reliability of our clients’ infrastructures,” he states. The company concentrates on two areas: infrastructure design, integration and management, which links existing and new technologies to address business requirements and to enable all components to perform as a reliable system (servers, operating systems, networks, databases and applications); and technology client empowerment, which involves the knowledge, information, advice and personnel training or redeployment critical to making and capitalizing on the best technology choices.
With 145 employees in 10 markets currently, Blomker plans to double the number of locations by the end of next year to continue its 100 percent annual growth rate. Maryville is the only Midwest-based systems integration firm that has earned an authorized integrator status with every major infrastructure technology supplier in the industry. Blomker was named 1999 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year in the Technology category.
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Above: Jerry McElhatton, president, MasterCard Global Technology and Operations.
MasterCard Global Technology and Operations
RCGA Member
Technology Gateway Member
Developer and manager of technology payment systems
Jerry McElhatton
President
11885 Lackland Road
St. Louis, MO 63146
314/275-6100
www.mastercard.com
MasterCard’s Global Technology Center develops and manages advanced technology for one of the leading payment systems in the world.
It is a pioneer in the use of technology to help banks and financial institutions deliver the convenience of payment cards to their customers.
With 1,500 employees in St. Louis, MasterCard processes as many as 22 million transactions on a single day and settles $1.5 billion between financial institutions.
Earlier this year, MasterCard announced their plans to build a $100 million-plus “Campus of the Future” at Winghaven in O’Fallon, Mo. RCGA chief economist and director of research George Rafael calculates the total economic impact of the expanded MasterCard Center on the region, including that of the current operations to total $306 million in annual business revenues, 4,400 jobs, $162 million in personal incomes, and $18 million in annual state and local taxes.
MasterCard is a leader in chip-based technology. With a MasterCard Mondex, users can transfer money via a phone line to their cards. This smart card can then be used for purchases.
Rob Reeg, senior vice president of systems development, believes this card will virtually stop the need for cash. An example he gives is having a pizza delivered. “Instead of writing a check or handing over cash to the pizza delivery driver, customers can slide their Mondex card into the reader to transfer the money,” Reed states.
MasterCard is a three-time FAST 50 winner.
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Above: William Jack, Ph.D., CEO and principal (left) and William Mattson, president and principal, The Mattson Jack Group.
The Mattson Jack Group (MJG)
RCGA Member
Technology Gateway Member
Custom consulting to the health-care industry
William Mattson
President and principal
11960 Westline Industrial Dr., Ste. 180
St. Louis, MO 63146
314/469-7600
www.mattsonjack.com
A four-time winner and ranked 38th in 1998, The Mattson Jack Group was founded in 1986 by William Mattson and William Jack, Ph.D. The company’s clients are in the pharmaceutical and health-care fields and MJG’s three areas of business are: forecasting and modeling; mergers and acquisitions; and strategic planning.
Bill Mattson gives the following example to explain his company’s unique services. A drug was developed to alleviate an Alzheimer patient’s dementia. Mattson Jack worked with the company for 10 years and was involved with product planning and promotional tie-ins with Pfizer. “The drug now brings in $300 to $400 million a year,” he remarks. Forecasting and modeling is the largest component of MJG’s business.
Another component, mergers and acquisitions, involves MJG working with clients in terms of planning, due diligence and execution. In addition, the company assists clients in their conventional market research needs and strategic planning. MJG has 56 employees in five offices: St. Louis, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and London.
Metaphase Design Group
RCGA Member
Technology Gateway Member
Ergonomic product design
Bryce Rutter, Ph.D.
Principal
12 S. Hanley
Clayton, MO 63105
314/721-0700
www.metaphase.com
In simple terms, Bryce Rutter, Ph.D. could be known as the “guy who specializes in hands.” Recognized as the foremost expert on the human hand, Rutter has taken his doctorate in kinesiology and created an award-winning company and award-winning product designs for companies such as Microsoft, Gillette, Sony and Bausch & Lomb Surgical.
The company’s break came in 1992 when its mouse design for Microsoft created the best-selling mouse to date. Last year Metaphase’s design of the Gatorade E.D.G.E. (Ergonomically Designed Gatorade Experience) Sport Drink Bottle won the Best Product Design of the Year. Metaphase, with 12 employees, recently conducted research and ergonomic studies for a new Oral B toothbrush. It also designed the Bayer Microlet, a finger lancing device for diabetics, which increased sales of the product by 258 percent. The hand-held device is on permanent display at the Chicago Anthenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design . Metaphase recently worked with Sony in its redevelopment of its cell phone.
“We are the leaders in integrating science with new product development,” Rutter states. Founded in 1991, Metaphase’s three areas of expertise are design research, ergonomic studies and product design. New to the FAST 50 in 1998, the company ranked 46th.
The Miller Group
RCGA Member
Technology Gateway Member
Application developer and web presence provider
Mike Miller
President
12213 Big Bend
St. Louis, MO 63122
314/822-8090
www.tmgIT.com
One of 20 newcomers to the list in 1999, The Miller Group is no newcomer when it comes to computers and information technology. Founded in 1985 and employing 30 people, the company bills itself as a one-stop shop for companies needing application software development; web site hosting and e-commerce; network support and technical services; and training. The Miller Group is the only authorized training center in St. Louis for AT&T and Lucent.
“We serve as many companies’ IT department,” says Mike Miller, president. The company’s clients include Mallinckrodt, Lucent, Bank of America, AT&T and Eveready Battery. The company concentrates its efforts on working with St. Louis clients. Miller says the main challenge he faces in managing a fast-growing company is keeping up with technology. “We have to be the curve,” he notes.
Miller started the company part time after graduating from college while working at smaller IT firms. He devoted his complete attention to the business in 1990. The Miller Group has already outgrown a building it bought two years ago and is expecting its growth rate of 50 percent to continue.
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Above: Robyn Feigenbaum, president, Oakwood Systems Group, Inc.
Oakwood Systems Group, Inc.
RCGA Member
Technology Gateway Member
Application developer and information technology consultant
Robyn Feigenbaum
President
Two CityPlace Dr., Suite 10
St. Louis, MO 63141
314/824-3000
www.oakwoodsys.com
Ranked number 33 in 1998, Oakwood Systems Group added a new office in Kansas City and moved its St. Louis office to Two CityPlace. The company’s new moves aren’t just geographical in nature. It is moving its focus from simply doing IT projects to creating business solutions for clients. Oakwood developed a Business EXCELLERATION Model that works with clients’ corporate visions to integrate outcomes, delivery and talent.
Robyn Feigenbaum believes this partnership approach, which integrates everything Oakwood does into one solution for its clients, will keep its growth rate consistent and deliver positive results to customers. She founded the company in 1981 after working as a programmer/analyst. The company is an IBM Business Partner and a Microsoft Solutions Provider-Partner.
Oakwood has 58 full-time employees and employs up to 20 subcontractors. Feigenbaum is proud that turnover is low and commitment is high among her employees. “We have a planning session with each employee individually to help set up goals for education and training,” she notes.
Open Systems Group, Inc.
RCGA Member
Technology Gateway Member
Designer and developer of automated solutions
John D. Marx
President and CEO
1650 Des Peres Rd., Suite 150
St. Louis, MO 63131
314/966-7555
www.opensysgroup.com
A FAST 50 Sprint last year, Open Systems Group started in John Marx’ garage in 1989. Headquartered in St. Louis, the company’s 45 employees also work in the Dallas and San Antonio offices. A Texas native, Marx owns a home in Town & Country (where he served as mayor for two years) and in Dallas.
Open Systems Group is to the size now that Marx manages part time and works at client offices the rest of the time. “Technology develops so fast that if you got into management you could forget the technical side of the business and become obsolete,” he says. Each manager at the company must work with customers and be billable 50 percent of the time.
Marx expects the company’s growth to continue—it just received GSA approval to perform government work. But Marx doesn’t measure success by growth. “Stability is more important. I’ve turned down clients because my employees weren’t happy working on their projects,” he says. “There are only two things of value that don’t show up on the balance sheet—trust relationships with clients and trust relationships with employees.”
Optitek, Inc.
Information and enterprise image management system developer
Steve DeVaney
CEO
2001 S. Hanley Rd., Suite 250
St. Louis, MO 63144
314/644-2880
www.optitekinc.com
Optitek started in October 1992 converting paper documents into electronic images. This process saves its clients money by putting filing systems into electronic formats, making the company more efficient and productive in retrieving information and eliminating storage costs for millions of sheets of paper. Not only will Optitek integrate the software needed to manage the new electronic files, but will literally take the stacks of paperwork a company may accumulate and scan, index and code it at its Brentwood facility.
Steve DeVaney, CEO, along with President Ricki McGuire, give an example. A mortgage company has thousands of files, each inches thick, on each loan. A homeowner calls with a question. The operator takes the information down, passes the information onto someone who will go to the warehouse, access the file, retrieve the information, pass it along to the original operator who then calls back the homeowner. “We provide our customers a return on their investments,” DeVaney notes. Citibank reported to Optitek that it saves $1 million a quarter using Optitek’s system by having more access to information and using fewer people.
Optitek, employing 30 people, is expanding its services to include workflow management and consulting.
PC Innovators Consulting
RCGA Member
Technology Gateway Member
IT consulting and custom software development
Skip Martin
Vice president
11856 Lackland Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63146
314/692-0200
www.pcinnovators.com
A newcomer to the FAST 50, PC Innovators Consulting was founded in 1989. The company’s 15 employees provide software solutions to Bausch & Lomb, Mallinckrodt, bioMerieux Vitek and Alcon Surgical. Fifty percent of its business is with local clients, the rest is spread around the country.
Skip Martin, vice president, notes that one key to PC’s success is its in-house development center. “We’ve put together a development process that’s fairly rigorous.” By developing software programs internally, the company allows employees to work together in teams, providing solutions quicker and for less cost. Martin says the process conforms to FDA standards, which allows the company to work with medical product development organizations. Medical development software is its core competency.
Like most companies on the FAST 50, PC Innovators Consulting is working with numerous clients on web-based projects, database management and application development. The company sees its growth continuing and plans to add 10 employees in the next year.
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Above: Brian Matthews, chief executive officer, Primary Network.
Primary Network
RCGA Member
Technology Gateway Member
ISP, local and long distance
Brian Matthews
CEO
11756 Borman Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63146
314/216-2002
www.primarynetwork.com
A FAST 50 Sprint the last two years, Primary Network has exploded onto the regional Internet scene. Today the company boasts 55,000 subscribers and is actively purchasing ISPs throughout the Midwest. Its focus cities are St. Louis, Kansas City, Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Springfield, Mo.
“Our goal is to acquire 25 percent of all Internet customers in those target cities,” states Brian Matthews, CEO. Primary recently purchased the largest ISP in Kansas City and a local company called Broadspan Communication, which was a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC). The latter purchase enables Primary Network the opportunity to offer local and long distance phone services as well.
The company is investing heavily in Digital Service Line (DSL) technology. It presents customers with faster Internet connections and no busy signals or disconnects. Matthews is the only CEO to have two companies on the FAST 50. The last two years his sports fantasy company, CDM has been a high-flying winner. Matthews is also primary owner of the St. Louis Swarm and the revitalized St. Louis Steamers. He’s a minority owner in the River City Rascals and the Gateway Grizzlies.
PRO Networks Corp.
RCGA Member
Professional networking services
John G. Sargent
President
743 Spirit 40 Park Dr., Suite 257
Chesterfield, MO 63005
314/519-4801
www.pronetworks.com
Ranked 32 on the FAST 50 last year, PRO Networks’ services are in high demand—integrating voice, data and video systems into one. This integration, which involves the latest in high-speed technology, saves clients money.
John Sargent, president, explains the company’s philosophy. “Technology is moving at break-neck speeds and it confuses a lot of business people. We give them the ability to run their companies faster, better and cheaper,” he notes. PRO Networks is also a reseller for Lucent, Cisco, 3COM, Ascend, Adtran, Microsoft, Novell and Compaq. In fact, the company is the number one reseller for Lucent and Cisco in the United States for the two companies’ data products.
PRO Networks recently moved to Chesterfield Valley to accommodate its growth and is experiencing similar growth in its Kansas City office. Sixteen employees serve local clients such as Tenet, Monsanto, Washington University, Belleville Memorial Hospital and Angelica. Sargent says the company is contemplating opening offices in other markets because of vendor and client requests.
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Above: Himanshu “Sue” Bhatia, chief executive officer, Rose International.
Rose International
RCGA Member
Software development and consulting
Himanshu “Sue” Bhatia
CEO
16401 Swingley Ridge Rd., Ste. 300
Chesterfield, MO 63017
314/532-3126
www.roseint.com
Ranked number two in the 1998 FAST 50 locally and number 48 nationally, Rose International isn’t slowing down from its astronomical growth it experienced in 1998. With offices in San Roman and Irvine, Calif., Chicago, San Antonio and San Diego and a move to larger offices in the last year here in St. Louis, the company is still on target serving national clients and government contracts. It was just awarded the Bank of America project as well as one with the State of Texas. Dallas and Austin are two more cities waiting for Rose International offices.
In addition to custom software development for local clients such as Southwestern Bell, Anheuser-Busch, Maritz, Monsanto and Ralcorp, the company recently introduced its own web-based software package for streamlining companies’ staffing needs. As Rose has grown to 210 employees, Sue Bhatia, CEO, sees her role as constantly evolving. “I work to make sure the company changes with the times to stay competitive and ahead,” she says. Bhatia also checks out the competition, works on business strategies and makes sure the company has the right mix of commercial and government work.
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