Finalists
Azule Staffing | Eagan
Since its founding in 2012, Azule has helped hundreds of veterans find new employment post-deployment. In 2013, it was awarded the Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business certification, which permits it to provide staffing to large government contractors. The fast-growing company will soon have offices in three states—Minnesota, California and Arizona.
Eldermark | Minnetonka
This software developer serves the senior living and senior care communities. Its products include a health information exchange platform that enables these communities and clinics to share data quickly and securely, thus assisting in continuity of care. In the past decade, Eldermark’s customer acquisition has increased 1,700 percent.
Emergent Networks | Edina
Founded in 1985, Emergent Networks has continuously kept abreast with the accelerating pace of change in business IT. The company's broad range of products and services includes IT strategy and support, unified communications, mobile app management and software development. Having experienced its biggest year-over-year growth rates in the past few years, Emergent Networks has recently opened offices in Mankato and Rochester.
Global Tax Network | Maple Grove
GTN’s target market comprises emerging and midsize companies with employees all over the world. By helping them manage the complexities of U.S. and foreign tax regulations, GTN has grown into a $15 million business with 78 employees and 15 consecutive years of profitability.
Haberman | Minneapolis
The marketing and branding firm that Fred and Sarah Haberman founded in their two-bedroom home has grown by spreading the word about innovative companies, particularly in the food category (its portfolio includes Annie’s Homegrown and Organic Valley). Haberman also co-founded Urban Organics, one of the first USDA-certified organic aquaponics businesses in the U.S., growing both salad greens and tilapia.
Innovative Basement Systems | Pine City
Starting out as an egress window installer in 2005, IBS has evolved into a broad-based provider of basement waterproofing, foundation repair, insulation and basement-refinishing services. It’s now a $20 million, 90-employee business.
Maud Borup and Eco Eggs | St. Anthony
Christine Lantinen purchased the famous St. Paul chocolatier brand in 2005 and transformed it into a food-gift company that sources a variety of treats and beverages for companies including Target and Tree Top. In 2011, it launched Eco Eggs, a line of biodegradable “plastic” eggs (made from plant materials rather than petroleum) for the Easter season.
Mint Roofing | Long Lake
Kevin and Michele Krolczyk had to take over her father’s commercial roofing company when both were just 28 and new to the business. They found their footing by focusing on repair and maintenance—and grew revenue 700 percent. Notable clients include Medtronic, U.S. Bank, Xcel Energy and Carleton College.
Murphy Warehouse | Minneapolis
This 111-year-old business is now one of the largest logistics and warehouse providers in the Midwest. The company has focused on green logistics—all four of its owned facilities are LEED- and Energy Star-certified, and it’s the fifth-largest solar producer in Minnesota. CEO Richard Murphy Jr. represents the family’s fourth generation.
US Electronics | Golden Valley
Specializing in LCD displays for medical applications, US Electronics offers turnkey solutions to system integrators in the diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring sector. It also provides options for original equipment manufacturers in health care and diagnostic imaging.