Southwest Florida's population has been growing explosively, and our corporate population isn't lagging behind. For some time, the region's officials have been working to attract dynamic new businesses to diversify our tourism, construction and service-heavy economy; and the region's lifestyle, climate and growth are all helping to fuel business relocation and expansion here. Major corporate activity in Southwest Florida now covers a wide range of industries, including banking, insurance, real estate development, technology, retail, agriculture, hospitality and health care.

This annual listing offers a quick look at the most successful private and public companies in Southwest Florida, ranked by annual revenues or sales. This year's list includes 85 companies-up from 75 last year-and a considerable number are major players, indeed, with 27 exceeding $100 million in annual revenues, and four topping $1 billion. Judging from the companies on our list, 2003 was a good year for Gulfshore business, with the majority of firms reporting gains. Among the mega-gainers: Fort Myers' Lee Memorial Health System grew by 158 percent, or $753 million; Naples-based Stock Development grew by 240 percent or $156 million; and Fort Myers-based EarthMark Companies grew by 492 percent, or $166.2 million.

A newcomer to the list, Cape Coral-based Whitney Information Network reported an additional $33 million in revenues for 2003, up from $62 million the prior year. Whitney is a publicly traded corporation that offers training largely in real estate investment and financial management. It operates worldwide and employs 280 locally. The company achieved its revenue increases through the acquisition of new brands, expansion of its international operation to England, Ireland and Scotland, and the addition of top professional from outside the area, says founder Russ Whitney.

"Southwest Florida is becoming more populated and popular," says Whitney. "There are professionals moving here from large cities. With great executives, you build great companies."

What's attracting those executives-and new companies? "Tremendous growth," says Clay Cone, spokesman for Naples-based First National Bankshares of Florida. Business decision-makers are realizing that Southwest Florida is one of the nation's most vibrant markets, and the quality of life is added inducement to make the move. First National Bankshares' CEO, Gary Tice, moved here from Pennsylvania several years ago to escape the cold, Cone says; and they've discovered that the business climate is equally sunny.

Growth is also fueling the expansion of many local businesses; and both existing and new businesses enjoy other benefits, says Jennifer Dunn of Lee County's Economic Development Office in Fort Myers. "We have the right business costs, business development infrastructure and telecommunications," she says.

A recent study by Boyd Company, a consulting operation in Princeton, N.J., showed Fort Myers to be the fifth least-expensive place to operate a corporate office in the country.

The survey, taken in 50 cities, looked at businesses of 350 employees, using 50,000 square feet of office space in class A buildings. Boyd weighed real estate rates and wages of clerical, secretarial and information technology positions. Fort Myers was the only Southwest Florida community in the study.

The presence of successful business creates a buzz. "When we're recruiting, companies want to see that other existing businesses are successful," says Tammie Nemecek, executive director of Collier County Economic Development Council. "This listing, like a similar report we compile each month, validates that the economy here is strong." And when new businesses locate here, they can count on help from the EDC and its counterparts. "Eighty percent of our assistance involves existing companies," Nemecek says.

To be eligible for our list, companies must report at least $10 million in annual revenues or sales and be either headquartered in Southwest Florida, or be self-contained divisions of larger companies. We publish information as reported by the companies. When companies decline to report their revenues to us, we estimate, using a variety of sources. All estimates are marked as such. We are constantly prospecting for new candidates for our list; and for the first time this year, we included car dealerships and insurance firms. We excluded some companies-physicians, hotel chains and investment firms, for example-because their reporting does not easily compare with the other businesses on our list.

The business landscape changes so rapidly in Southwest Florida that we may have overlooked qualified companies; if so, please let us know by contacting Gulfshore Business editor Phil Borchmann at 9051 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 202, Naples, FL 34108 or pborchmann@gulfshorebusiness.com.

And now, we're proud to present our annual corporate honor roll of Southwest Florida's top companies.

1. Health Management Associates (Collier)
Operator of nonurban acute-care hospitals throughout the U.S.
Chief executive: Joseph V. Vumbacco
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $2.6 billion
2002: $2.3 billion
Employees: 30,000
Founded: 1977
www.hma-corp.com
Approved to build a 100-bed acute care hospital in Collier County.

2. Abbey Carpet Company (Lee)
Franchiser of floor covering stores
Chief executive: Philip Gutierrez
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $1.8 billion
2002: $1.7 billion
Employees: 57
Founded: 1958
www.abbeycarpet.com

3. WCI Communities (Collier)
Developer of master-planned
communities
Chief executive: Al Hoffman Jr.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $1.4 billion
2002: $1.2 billion
Employees: 3,000
Founded: 1946
www.wcicommunities.com
Offers homes from the mid-$100,000s to more than $10 million. Derives income from 30-office Prudential Florida WCI Realty division, mortgage and title businesses and amenities division, operating clubhouses, golf courses, restaurants, and marinas within its 30 communities. Awarded "America's Best Builder" in 2004 by the National Association of Home Builders. Developed the first two Audubon International certified sustainable residential communities: Evergreen, Palm Beach Gardens and Pelican Preserve, Fort Myers.

4. Lee Memorial Health System (Lee)
Community-owned health-care delivery system
Chief executive: James R. Nathan
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $1.23 billion
2002: $477.3 million (net)
Employees: 5,896; 875 physicians, 2,500 volunteers and auxilians
Founded: 1916
www.leememorial.org
Largest community-owned health-care system in the area. Member of the Voluntary Hos-pitals of America and accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Provides 1,058 beds in three acute-care hospitals, each named a Top 100 hospital.

5. NCH Healthcare System (Collier)
Hospital and health-care affiliates
Chief executive: Edward Morton
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $954.6 million
2002: $816.8 million
Employees: 3,700
Founded: 1956
www.nchmd.org
Represents an alliance of 500 independent physicians, two hospitals, more than 530 beds, outpatient facilities and dozens of affiliated medical organizations. Won the Economic Development Council of Collier County's Excellence in Industry Employee Benefits Award. Regional Cancer Institute affiliated with the Duke University Health System. Ranked in the top five percent of hospitals nationwide for overall cardiac services by Healthgrades.

6. Chico's FAS (Lee)
Retailer of women's clothing and accessories
Chief executive:
Scott A. Edmonds
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $769 million
2002: $531 million
Employees: 5,500 nationwide;
500 in Fort Myers
Founded: 1983
www.chicos.com
Operates 571 women's specialty stores. Acquired the White House | Black Market chain in September 2003.

7. Source Interlink Companies (Lee)
Direct-to-retail magazine
distributor
Chief executive: S. Leslie Flegel
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $340 million
2002: $290 million
Employees: 1,200
Founded: 1995
www.sourceinterlink.com
Largest direct-to-retail magazine distributor and provider of marketing and front-end management services to publishers, retailers and vendors throughout North America. Leading custom designer and manufacturer of fixture displays for publishing, confectionary and general merchandise products. Relocated to Bonita Springs from St. Louis in 2002.

8. Kraft Construction (Collier)
Construction manager/general contractor
Chief executive:
F. Fred Pezeshkan
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $322 million
2002: $255 million
Employees: 316
Founded: 1968
www.kraftconstruction.com
Specializes in educational, commercial, governmental, health-care, and multifamily residential and high-rise condominium construction. Ranked as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country in 2003. Strives for customer satisfaction through "Kraftsmanship" philosophy, which calls for a teamwork approach and meticulous attention to details and cost control to promote a successful working relationship among contractor, architect and client.

9. Cleveland Clinic Florida (Collier)
Specialty medical-care provider
Chief executive:
Robert J. Zehr, M.D.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $298.5 million
2002: $210 million
Employees: 750
Founded: 1999
www.clevelandclinicflorida.org
Fully integrated medical campus includes 60-plus physicians representing 30 medical specialties, a radiology department, surgery center and hospital with 70 private rooms and 24-hour emergency room. Physicans have been included in Castle Connolly Medical's annual list of "America's Top Doctors," an honor extended to only the top one percent of all doctors in America.

10. DeVoe Auto Group (Collier)
Auto dealerships
Chief executive: Mark A. DeVoe
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $250 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 350
Founded: 1968
Includes in Naples: DeVoe Cadillac, DeVoe Saab-Isuzu and DeVoe Pontiac Buick GMC. In Bonita Springs: DeVoe Infiniti, DeVoe Volvo, and DeVoe Pontiac Buick GMC Hummer. Completed Saab showroom renovation in February 2004 and completing Hummer showroom to be finished in March 2005. Dealerships continually win customer service satisfaction awards. Total vehicle sales broke records in March 2004. Provides 10 high school seniors with four-year college scholarships, built five Habitat for Humanity homes a year and sponsored 2004 Cadillac Invitational Golf Tournament benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of Florida.

11. Robb & Stucky (Lee)
Retailer for home furnishings for indoor, outdoor and interior design
Chief executive: Clive Lubner
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $240 million
2002: $218 million
Employees: 1,100
Founded: 1915
www.robbstucky.net
Expanding to Bonita Springs with a full-line store and a patio store. Opening in Tampa this fall.

12. Scanlon Auto Group (Lee)
Retail automobile sales / service
Chief executive: John E. Scanlon
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $236.8 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 230
Founded: 1980
www.scanlonauto.com
Comprises four new-car franchises: Lincoln Mercury, Lexus, Mazda and Acura. CEO John Scanlon nominated for the Ford Motor Company's "Salute to Dealers Award" for those who provide outstanding products and services while improving the lives of those in need in their communities. In May, he was inducted into the Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida Business Leadership Hall of Fame.

13. Stock Development (Collier)
Developer of country-club
communities
Chief executive: Brian Stock
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $221 million
2002: $65 million
Employees: 280
Founded: 2001
www.stockdevelopment.com
Winner of Sand Dollar Award for Savannah model in Masters Reserve at Lely Resort. Currently developing Olde Cypress in Collier, Grandézza in Lee and 2,800 acres in Lely.

14. Arthrex (Collier)
Designer and manufacturer of surgical devices for arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine
Chief executive:
Reinhold Schmieding
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $210 million
2002: $160 million-plus
Employees: 325
Founded: 1981
www.arthrex.com
Leading global manufacturer of surgical products. Moved into Creekside Commerce Park, new 130,000-square-foot headquarters In December 2003. Received the award for advertising achievement by the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery in September 2003. Exclusive sponsorship of two online medical journals, Arthroscopy Journal and Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Launched new Web site in English and German in 2003. Sponsors many local charities including the NCH Hospital Ball, Hospice of Naples, American Red Cross, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, St. Matthew's House and the Community School of Naples' Angel Ball.

15. Boran Craig Barber Engel Construction (Collier)
General contractor
Chief executive:
Melvin L. Engel Jr.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $202 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 300
Founded: 1972
www.bcbe.com

16. EarthMark (Lee)
Real estate and environmental development company
Chief executive: Michael Rosen
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $200 million (projected)
2002: $33.8 million
Employees: 230
Founded: 2002
www.earthmark.us
Projects include Herons Glen and Mariner Clubs at Key Largo and South Tampa. Pursues land acquisitions for environmental initiatives through privately held, state- and federally licensed, commercial mitigation banks and pursues environmental initiatives on a national level. In July 2004, consolidated its Fort Myers headquarters when it moved to University Park on College Parkway.

17. First National Bankshares of Florida (Collier)
Bank holding company
Chief executive: Gary L. Tice
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $178.7 million
2002: $407.7 million
Employees:1,304 full; 119 part-time
Founded: 1974
www.firstnationalbankshares
.com
Named "Best Bank" and "Best in Service" in 2003 Naples Daily News readership poll. First National completed a spin-off from F.N.B. Corp. in January 2004 with new offices opening in 2004 in Naples, Fort Myers and Port Char-lotte. The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FLB.

18. ASG Software Solutions (Collier)
Global enterprise software and professional services
Chief executive: Arthur L. Allen
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $169.2 million
2002: $157 million
Employees: 900-plus
Founded: 1986
www.asg.com
Involved with local organizations including the American Red Cross, United Way of Collier County, Humane Society of Collier County, Naples Alliance for Children and Collier County Fair. Sponsors numerous events including the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve fireworks. Tenth largest privately held software company in the world, third-largest software company in Florida, and largest privately held software company in Florida.

19. The Bonita Bay Group (Lee)
Developer of master-planned
communities
Chief executive: Dennis E. Gilkey
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $164 million
2002: $180 million
Employees: 1,400
Founded: 1981
www.BonitaBayGroup.com
Launched Verandah community in 2003 in east Lee County. Honored with a top award from the Council for Sustainable Florida and named the environmental leader in golf by Golf Digest Magazine. Named developer of the year by the Lee Building Industry Association and named a family-friendly workplace by the Naples Alliance for Children.

20. Pulte Homes (Lee)
Home builder
Chief executive:
Richard J. Dugas Jr.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $151.8 million locally;
$9 billion nationally
2002: $117.7 million locally;
$7.5 billion nationally
Employees: 80 locally
Founded: 1952
www.pulte.com
Includes Stratford Place in North Naples, Colonial Country club, Lakewood Village in Fort Myers and Arielle on Palmer Ranch in Sarasota. National company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Operations in 44 markets across the United States. Named Builder of the Year for 2002 by Professional Builder Magazine.

21. First Home Builders of Florida (Lee)
Builder of affordable homes
Chief executive: Fred Hermann
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $150 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 500 approx.
Founded: 1997
www.firsthomebuilders.com
Highest-volume builder in Lee County for the past three years. Recipient of six Pinnacle Awards from the Lee County Building Industry Association in 2003 and recipient of 15 Parade of Homes awards. Named Lee County's Habitat for Humanity corporate sponsor of 2003. Listed as No. 192 in Professional Builder Magazine's Top 400 Giants 2003. Five First Home salespeople were listed among the top six sales people in the country by the National Assoication of Homebuilders in 2003 based on units sold.

22. Raymond Building Supply (Lee)
Full-service building-material supplier and manufacturer for contractors
Chief executive: Charlie Babb
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $140 million
2002: $121.5 million
Employees: 700
Founded: 1957
www.rbsc.net
Awarded by Pro Sales Magazine as "Best Operations and Manufacturing Facilities" in the United States.

23. Beasley Broadcast Group (Collier)
Radio broadcasting
Chief executive: George G. Beasley
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $115 million
2002: $115 million
Employees: 674
Founded: 1961
www.bbgi.com
Seventeenth-largest radio broadcasting company in America. Owns or operates 41 stations (26 FM and 15 AM) in 10 large-and mid-sized markets across the U.S.

24. Vineyards Development Corporation (Collier)
Real estate development of resort communities
Chief executive: Michael Saadeh
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $109 million
2002: $58 million
Employees: approx. 500
Founded: 1986
www.vineyardsnaples.com
Winner of multiple community-of-the-year awards, clubhouse awards, landscaping awards and best overall awards.

25. Colonial Homes (Lee)
Home builder
Chief executive: Anthony Persichilli
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $104 million
2002: $78 million
Employees: 62
Founded: 1999
www.colonialhomes.com
In 2003 received 16 Parade of Homes awards, including two superior home awards. Currently builds in nine communities: Triana at Renaissance, Colonial Shores, Colonial Pointe, Rookery Pointe, Colonial Oaks, Indigo Lakes, Laurel Lakes, Sterling Oaks and most recently, Moody River Estates. Won two Pinnacle Awards in April 2004, for best video and community of the year.

26. Barron Collier Companies (Collier)
Real estate development, agriculture and oil operations
Chief executive: Paul J. Marinelli
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $100 million-plus
2002: N/A
Employees: 1,000-plus
Founded: 1920s
www.barroncollier.com
One of the largest diversified companies in Southwest Florida. Business ventures include agricultural operations in three divisions: Silver Strand Farms, Silver Strand Groves and the Immokalee Ranch Partnership. Also commercial, retail and residential real estate development, as well as oil exploration and mineral management in Southwest Florida. Currently developing Ave Maria Town east of Naples in conjunction with Ave Maria University.

27. Krehling Industries (Collier)
Construction/ general contracting
Chief executive: Henry Krehling
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $100 million (estimated)
2002: N/A
Employees: 400
Founded: 1964
www.krehling.com

28. Whitney Information Network (Lee)
Career training programs in real estate investing and more
Chief executive: Russell A. Whitney
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $95 million
2002: $62.2 million
Employees: 408
Founded: 1994
www.russwhitney.com
Worldwide provider of post-secondary education in areas of real estate investing, stock trading, business development, asset protection and financial management. Sales grew from $5 million in 1997 to $95 million in 2003. Involved with community affairs, including a new Whitney Foundation for charitable donations. Expanded from the U.S. into Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and Central America.

29. Signature Communities (Collier)
Real estate development
Chief executive: Keith A. Sharpe
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $90.1 million
2002: $93.2 million
Employees: 13
Founded: 1987
www.signaturecommunities.com
Responsible for the conception, planning and development of more than 3,000 homes. Currently developing Grande Preserve at the Dunes. Recognized as a 2003 finalist in the NAHB's 2003 Pillars of the Industry Awards for The Dunes, a luxury high-rise community. Newest development is The Vanderbilt, a 19-unit luxury beachfront tower. Also developed and built five-story Pelican Bay Corporate Centre, known as the Comerica Building.

30. (tie) Better Roads (Lee)
ghway and asphalt paving contractor
Chief executive:
Joseph D. Bonness III
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $90 million
2002: $75 million
Employees: 330
Founded: 1967
www.betterroads.net
Divisions in Fort Myers, Port Charlotte and Lake Placid. Offices in 12 Florida counties including Fort Myers, Port Charlotte and Lake Placid, as well as the Naples headquarters.

30. (tie) Beazer Homes (Lee)
Home builder
Chief executive: Scott Osmond
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $90 million
2002: $78 million
Employees: 70
Founded: 1952
www.beazer.com
Sixth-largest home builder in the United States. National headquarters in Atlanta. Gave more than $2 million to the Build America Corp. for the victims of 9-11. Also sponsor Muscular Dystrophy Association and Home Aid America, the country's largest provider of transitional housing for the homeless. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BZH.

32. (tie) Taylor Woodrow Communities (Collier)
Developer and builder
Chief executive: Douglas L. Schwartz
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $80 million
2002: $50 million
Employees: 57
Founded: 1995 locally (1921 worldwide)
www.taylorwoodrow.com
Winner of numerous product design, advertising and marketing awards in 2003.

32. (tie) Landmark Development Group (Collier)
Real estate development and
custom home construction
Chief executives:
Art Shafran and James Pierce
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $80 million
2002: $45 million
Employees: 60
Founded: 1997
www.landmarkdevelopmentgroup.com
Includes in-house architects, landscape architects, interior decorators, construction and business managers, and craftsmen. Builder of custom homes in Quail West, The Colony, Twin Eagles, Mediterra, Grey Oaks, and Shadow Wood at The Brooks.

34. Orion Bancorp (Collier)
Bank holding company
Chief executive: Jerry J. Williams
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $75 million (operating
revenue)
2002: $47.9 million (operating
revenue)
Employees: 180
Founded: 1977
www.orionbank.com
Largest privately held, independent bank-holding company headquartered in Southwest Florida and the second largest in the state. Total assets exceeding $1 billion. Ranks in the nation's top one percent of high-performing banks. Named one of Florida's top 10 banks. Posted a 30-percent gain in net income in its 2003 year-end financial report. Earnings per share rose 25 percent, total assets grew 24 percent and both deposits and loans increased 26 percent over the previous year.

35. FindWhat.com (Lee)
Performance-based marketing
services for online businesses
Chief executive:
Craig Pisaris-Henderson
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $72.2 million
2002: $42.8 million
Employees: 221
Founded: 1998
www.findwhat.com
Named No. 7 on the Deloitte Tech-nology Fast 500 list, with a revenue growth rate of 72,451 percent over five years. Acquired Comet Systems in March 2004. Named a Computerworld laureate, nominated by chairmen of leading IT companies. "Bronze Club" member of the Lee County Relay for Life, raising more than $3,000 for the American Cancer Society.

36. (tie) Causeway Lumber (Lee)
Manufacturer and supplier of building materials and components
Chief executive: M. Scott Whiddon
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $70 million
2002: $64 million
Employees: 367
Founded: 1939
www.causewaylumber.com
Recently completed a $2 million expansion. Renovations to its roof-truss plant were completed in 2003. Facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Stuart and Bonita Springs.

36. (tie) Lutgert Smith Lesher Insurance (Collier)
Commercial and personal insurance products, employee benefits and estate planning services
Chief executive:
H.A. (Bud) Hornbeck II
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $70 million
2002: $50 million
Employees: 50
Founded: 1953
www.lutgertsmithlesher.com
Commercial insurance products include property, liability, workers compensation, vehicle fleet insurance, employment-practices liability, directors' liability and officers' liability. Increased its services with the opening of LSL Title Insurance and LSL Mortgage Companies. Supports numerous organizations through donations, employee involvement and sponsorships.

38. Premier Builders (Collier)
Residential construction
Chief executive: Michael Saadeh
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $64 million
2002: $58 million
Employees: 45
Founded: 1996
www.vineyardsnaples.com
Subsidiary of Vineyards Development and builds exclusively in the Vineyards.

39. Owens-Ames-Kimball Co. (Lee)
General contractor and construction manager
Chief executive: Steven C. Shimp
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $60 million-plus
2002: $50 million-plus
Employees: 52
Founded: 1982
www.owen-ames-kimball.com
Expanding operations of NuCape Construction in more medical office and treatment facilities. eighty-five percent of all contracts are with repeat clients.

40. (tie) IRMS (Insurance and Risk Management Services) (Collier)
Business and personal insurance, employee benefits, financial planning and performance management
Chief executive: George C. Schmelzle
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $55 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 50
Founded: 1989
www.irmsinc.com
Specializes in offering insurance products as one element of a larger process of risk management, providing greater protection by focusing on reducing expenses and increasing profitability by proactively working to prevent accidents, injuries and lawsuits before they occur.

40. (tie) Fifth Third Bank (Collier)
Banking, investment and electronic payment processing services
Chief executive: Colleen Kvetko
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $55 million (locally), $900 million (nationally)
2002: N/A
Employees: 200
Founded: 1991 (locally)
www.53.com
President and CEO Colleen Kvetco recognized as one of the most 25 most powerful women in banking in U.S. Banker October 2003. Named No. one superregional bank in Fortune magazine's "Most Admired Companies in America" survey, March 2004. Internet banking site earned a number one success rate rating in February 2004 by Gomez Performance Monitoring Scorecard.

42. Collier County Produce (DBA Incredible Fresh-Capt. Jerry's) (Collier)
Wholesaler, retailer and processor of produce and seafood
Chief executive: Jack Roberts
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $54 million
2002: $47 million
Employees: 192
Founded: 1989
www.incrediblefresh.com
Opened new 20,000-square-foot seafood plant in Miami.

43. Grosse Pointe Development Company (Lee)
Real estate development
Chief executive: Robert D. Hensley
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $50 million-plus
2002: $25 million-plus
Employees: 30
Founded: 1996
www.gpdevelopment.com
Recipient of 60-plus building industry association awards. Communities include Palmas Del Sol, Bell Tower Park and Tarpon Point Marina.

44. Rinker Materials, Southwest Region (Lee)
Concrete, block, rebar and building materials
Chief executive: Darryl Fales
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $50 million
2002: $50 million
Employees: 200
Founded: 1988
www.rinker.com
Operating at more than 100 locations throughout Florida. Offers construction and building materials, including cement, aggregate, brick, glass block, reinforcing steel, construction chemicals, drywall and fireplaces.

45. Empire Builders of Collier County (Collier)
Custom home builders / model homes
Chief executive: Bill Slavich
Gross annual revenue
2003: $48 million
2002: $38 million
Employees: 24
Founded: 1986
www.builtbyempire.com.
Winner of several Parade of Homes and aurora awards. Involved in many enviromental and community efforts.

46. Shaw Aero Development (Collier)
Shaw Aero Devices designs and manufactures fuel, lubrication and water-system products for the aerospace industry. Shaw Aero Development produces fuel caps, adapters, tow bars and assorted industrial tools.
Chief executive: Robert D. Patton
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $43 million
2002: $43 million
Employees: 247
Founded: 1954
www.shawaero.com
State-of-the-art test facilities consisting of environmental chambers, fuel-and oil-system stands, fire-test and lightning-simulation compartments.

47. WilsonMiller (Collier)
Planning, design and engineering.
Chief executive: Alan D. Reynolds
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $41.7 million
2002: $37 million
Employees: 425
Founded: 1956
www.wilsonmiller.com
Ranked No. one multi-unit residential design firm in the United States by Engineering News-Record. Recipient of multiple awards, including the 2003 Sustainable Florida Award from the Council for Sustainable Florida for the Collier County Rural Lands Stewardship Area Overlay.

48. Naples Lumber and Supply (Collier)
Retail building materials
Chief executive: Ron Labbe
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $36.1 million
2002: $33.5 million
Employees: 136
Founded: 1971
www.napleslumber.com

49. Bateman Communities of SW Florida (Collier)
Real estate development company
Chief executive: Arthur L. Bateman
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $35.4 million
2002: $35.2 million
Employees: 11
Founded: 1988
www.batemanhomes.com
Winner of 29 building and design awards since 1994.

50. (tie) Elias Brothers Communities (Collier)
Residential real estate development and home-building company Risk Management Services) (Collier)
Business and personal insurance, employee benefits, financial planning and performance management
Chief executive: George C. Schmelzle
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $55 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 50
Founded: 1989
www.irmsinc.com
Specializes in offering insurance products as one element of a larger process of risk management, providing greater protection by focusing on reducing expenses and increasing profitability by proactively working to prevent accidents, injuries and lawsuits before they occur.

50. (tie) J. McGarvey Construction (Lee)
Real estate development,
construction and custom homebuilding
Chief executive: John S. McGarvey
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $35 million
2002: $35 million
Employees: 115
Founded: 1985
www.mcgarveycustomhomes.com

52. Arthur Rutenberg Homes/A.R.B.C. (Collier)

Custom home-builder
Chief executive: John Globetti
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $34.8 million
2002: $34.2 million
Employees: 33
Founded: 1987
www.arhomes.com
Largest Arthur Rutenberg Homes franchise in Florida and Alabama, and the only one in Collier County. Sponsored Building Better Lives Campaign and was one of two franchises in South-west Florida to donate in excess of $350,000 to local charities.

53. Divco Construction (Collier)
Custom home-builder
Chief executive: Stephen Kauffman
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $33.2 million
2002: $26.6 million
Employees: 21
Founded: 1979
www.divcoconstructioncorp.com
New models in Marco Island, Lely Resort, Palmira and Miromar Lakes.

54. Fox Electronics (Lee)
Multinational manufacturer of
frequency control products
Chief executives: Gene Trefethen and Edward Fox Jr.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $32 million
2002: $30 million
Employees: 108
Founded: 1979
www.foxonline.com
Recently opened an office in Hong Kong.

55. Naples Medical Center (Collier)
Multispecialty physicians' medical practice
Chief executive:
Richard Roland, M.D.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $30 million-plus
2002: $30 million-plus
Employees: 200
Founded: 1953
www.naplesmedicalcenter.com
Offers laboratory and imaging services including X-ray, CT, mammography, ultrasound, bone density, pulmonary function testing, diabetes education, audiology, speech therapy and hearing aids. Walk-in services available. Five locations in Collier County.

56. The Jack Parker Corporation (Collier)
Commercial and residential builder/developer
Chief executive: John Reisman
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $30 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 50
Founded: 1955
www.jackparkerhomes.com
Winner of multiple awards from Lee and Collier building industry associations. Currently building in Hunters Ridge in Bonita Springs. Also developing Mastique, a high-rise project in Fort Myers.

57. Crowther Roofing & Sheet Metal of Florida (Lee)
Roof trusses and roof deck
Chief executive:
Lee J. Crowther Sr.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $28.5 million
2002: $23.2 million
Employees: 315
Founded: 1975
www.crowther.net

58. Gulfstream Homes (Collier)
Custom home builder
Chief executives: Michael J. Peel and Stephen L. Peel
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $25.9 million
2002: $24.3 million
Employees: 40
Founded: 1998
www.gulfstreamhomes.com
Professional Builder's "Top 101 Best Companies to Work for in the Construction Industry" in 2002, 2003. Adopted green building standards in 2003, certified by the Florida Green Building Coalition. Completed new design center and corporate offices in Willow Park off Airport Road in November 2003.

59. Seacoast Supply (Lee)
Building materials
Chief executive: Larry McDowell
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $25 million
2002: $25 million
Employees: 43
Founded: 1972
www.lwsupply.com

60. (tie) Philharmonic Center for the Arts (Collier)
Performing-arts center, professional orchestra and 30,000-square-foot Naples Museum of Art
Chief executive:
Myra Janco Daniels
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $24 million
2002: $28.5 million
Employees: 413
Founded: 1989
www.thephil.org
Appointed Jorge Mester as new music director starting November 2004. Instituted an endowment fund drive to raise $25 million before the orchestra's 25th anniversary season in 2007-2008, with $5.7 million already pledged. Implemented online ticketing. Added 215 seats to Hayes Hall. Second national PBS broadcast, Fiesta at the Phil, aired December 2003. Expanded lifelong learning programming to include 103 classes. Acquired 70 new works of art for the Naples Museum of Art. Received national attention for Hans Hofmann: A Retrospective, and The Grand Tour in Miniature exhibitions.

60. (tie) B&I Contractors (Lee)
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractor with HVAC service
Chief executive: Gary H. Griffin
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $24 million
2002: $22 million
Employees: 210
Founded: 1961
www.bandicontractors.com
Majority ownership through an employee stock ownership plan.

62. Flex Bon Paints (Lee)
Manufacturer and retailer of architectural paints and coatings
Chief executive: Terry L. Phillips
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $22.6 million
2002: $22 million
Employees: 120
Founded: 1959
www.flexbon.com
Currently operating with 24 stores, 12 territories and a manufacturing and distribution facility.

63. Commercial Concrete Systems (Collier)
Concrete masonry and concrete tilt panel contractor
Chief executive: Bill Williams
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $22 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 178
Founded: 1990

64. Gulf Coast American Fabrication (Collier)
Fabricator and wholesale distributor of brand-name window
coverings
Chief executive: Carlos A. Diaz
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $20 million
2002: $20 million
Employees: 150
Founded: 1986
www.gcaf.us
Supports Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, Ronald McDonald House and the Education Foundation. Received 2003 excellence in industry for employee benefits and civic responsibility award from the Economic Development Council of Collier County.

65. Cement Industries (Lee)
Manufactures and installs pre-stressed concrete products
Chief executive:
Gay Rebel Thompson
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $19 million
2002: $18 million
Employees: 150
Founded: 1953
www.cementindustries.com
Named Subcontractor of the Year for 1999 by the American Subcontractor Association. Acquired PCI plant certification. MBE certified in Florida. CMEC certified lab. Participates in work skills and lessons in leadership programs. Celebrated 50th anniversary May 7, 2003.

66. Premier Electric (Collier)
Electrical contractor specializing in residential new construction
Chief executive: Robert Forbis
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $18.7 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 240
Founded: 1988
www.premierelectric.com
Serves west coast of Florida, Ocala and Orlando. Ranked eighth-largest electrical contractor based in Florida by Engineering News Record. Wires thousands of new homes and condominiums every year. Supports many local charities benefiting children.

67. Rice Insulation & Glass (Lee)
Subcontractor installing insulation, closet systems, mirrors, shower enclosures, windows, doors, firestopping and acoustical products
Chief executive: Philip W. Rice
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $18.6 million
2002: $19.2 million
Employees: 150
Founded: 1989
www.riceinsulation.com
Philip W. Rice is the 2003 president of the Insulation Contractors Association of America.

68. (tie) David Lawrence Center (Collier)
Not-for-profit, community mental health center
Chief executive:
David C. Schimmel
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $18 million
2002: Estimated $16.6 million
Employees: 345
Founded: 1968
www.davidlawrencecenter.org
Ten locations in Collier County. Treats more than 15,000 clients a year. In 2003 opened Life Works of Naples, a new behavioral health-care counseling office, added children's respite care services, implemented a pretrial diversion program for first-time misdemeanor offenders, expanded group therapy and developed new prevention and education programs for middle school youth.

68. (tie) American Dream Builders (Lee)
Single-family home builder
Chief executive: James McCord
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $18 million
2002: $24 million
Employees: 30
Founded: 1996
www.adbhomes.com
Received an Aurora Award for energy efficiency learn-and-earn credit-restoration workshop.

70. Frey and Sons Homes (Lee)
Custom home builder
Chief executive: Barry E. Frey
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $17.8 million
2002: $22.6 million
Employees: 22
Founded: 1972
www.freyandson.com
Winner in the production category of the eighth annual Pacesetter Award by the National Association of Homebuilders. Celebrated 30 years of high-end custom homes in Southwest Florida.

71. Johnson Engineering (Lee)
Engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, development, transportation, environmental planning and GIS services
Chief executive:
Steven K. Morrison
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $17.5 million
2002: $13.6 million
Employees: 190
Founded: 1946
www.johnsonengineering.com
Six offices in Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Pasco counties. Recognized for two major community involvement campaigns: Coastal clean-up at Lover's Key and Carl Johnson State Park and "Operation: Christmas Hope," partnered with the Lee County Salvation Army to provide toys, clothes, Christmas trees, food and financial contributions to needy families.

72. Oswald Trippe and Company (Collier)
Comprehensive insurance protection and risk management services
Chief executive: Gary V. Trippe
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $17.3 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 129
Founded: 1981
www.OTC1.com
Supports area chambers of commerce, charitable organizations, educational and other projects through volunteerism and corporate financial support. Recent recognitions include Florida Education Foundation and Florida Department of Education Commissioner's Business Recognition Award in 2004, Rough Notes Magazine's Community Service Award for Independent Insurance Agents in 2004, and American Cancer Society (Relay For Life) Best Corporate Team.

73. Hadinger Carpet (Collier)
Floor covering store
Chief executive: Thomas Hadinger
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $17.1 million
2002: $15.6 million
Employees: 64
Founded: 1931
www.hadinger.com
Thomas Hadinger elected to vice president of the World Floor Covering Association and elected to the board of directors of the S.I.P. Insurance Company of Orange, Calif.

74. Ruth Cooper Center for Behavioral Health Care (Lee)
Community-based nonprofit mental health care facility
Chief executive: Janet W. Eustis
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $16 million
2002: $15.5 million
Employees: 375
Founded: 1969
www.ruthcoopercenter.org
Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations certification.

75. Sunshine Structures (Lee)
Structural concrete and masonry shell construction contractor
Chief executive: Rorie C. Wilson
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $15-20 million
2002: $10-15 million
Employees: 127
Founded: 2002
www.sunshinestructures.com
warded Lee County's first tilt-up construction, two-story school in Lee County.

76. A. Vernon Allen Builder (Collier)
Luxury custom home builder
Chief executive: John D. Remington
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $15.8 million
2002: $20 million
Employees: 55
Founded: 1951
www.avabuilder.com
Participated and contributed to Outward Bound, March of Dimes, educational programs, youth sports, Youth Haven and numerous charitable organizations.

77. O'Donnell Landscapes (Lee)
Landscape and irrigation
contractors
Chief executive: Albert O'Donnell
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $15.1 million
2002: $20.7 million
Employees: 200
Founded: 1981
More than 300 acres of nurseries in Lee, Collier and Glades counties.

78. Community Bank of Naples (Collier)
Full-service commercial bank
Chief executive: Robert Guididas
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $15 million
2002: $13 million
Employees: 46
Founded: 1996
www.communitybankofnaples.com
Awarded the Economic Development Council of Collier County's excellence in industry award in 2002. More than $250 million in assets.

79. K.A. Wallace (Lee)
Concrete, framing, concrete pumping and crane service
Chief executive: Kenneth A. Wallace
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $13.1 million
2002: $23 million
Employees: 120
Founded: 1994
www.kawallaceinc.com
Residential and commercial concrete and masonry contractors.

80. Unified Marine Distributions (Collier)
Manufacturer and developer of marine, dive and trailer accessories
Chief executive: David Nirenberg
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $12.5 million
2002: $19 million
Employees: 24
Founded: 1984
www.seasense.com
Accessories sold in Wal-Mart, Kmart, Overtons, Auto Zone, West Marine, BoatU.S., Boater's World, Hammacher Schlemmer, Northern Tool and other dealers worldwide.

81. American Farms (Collier)
Wholesale grower and distributor of annual and perennial plants
Chief executive: Christine Raber Somoza
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $12 million
2002: $12 million
Employees: 165
Founded: 1991
www.american-farms.com
Received Wal-Mart's "Supplier Award of Excellence" for third quarter of 2003.
82. Worthington Communities (Lee)
Real estate developer and builder
Chief executive: Jeff Darragh
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $12 million
2002: $47.7 million
Employees: 110
Founded: 1989
worthingtoncommunities.com
Built and developed country club communities including Worthington, Lexington and Vanderbilt country clubs. Currently developing Renaissance, a golf course community in south Fort Myers.

83. Bob Dean Supply (Lee)
Industrial supply-power transmission pumps and steel sales
Chief executive: Robert S. Dean Jr.
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $10.9 million
2002: $10.5 million
Employees: 72
Founded: 1946
www.deansupply.com
Employees have a combined total of more than 300 years of sales and engineering experience.

84. Bancshares of Florida (Collier)
Community banking and investment management
Chief executive: Michael McMullan
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $10.2 million
2002: N/A
Employees: 83
Founded: 1999
www.bankofflorida.com

85. Gulfshore Insurance (Collier)
Chief executive: Brad Havemeier
Gross annual revenue:
2003: $10 million-plus
2002: N/A
Employees: 75
Founded: 1970
www.gulfshoreinsurance.com

Honored in 2003 by Rough Notes Company as the national marketing agency of July. One of three finalists for the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year award. Awarded the national APPEX Pinnacle Award by the Marsh-Berry organization for the best overall agency performace. Strong supporter of The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event, raising over $18,000 in 2004.