NKyTribune staff report
Florence-based Legion Logistics LLC and its president, Lacy Starling, were recently recognized by the Women Presidents’ Organization and American Express as one of the fastest-growing women-owned/led companies.
Legion Logistics ranked tenth on the list of 50 companies.
The 50 Fastest generated a combined $4.96 billion in 2015 revenues and collectively employed 44,744 last year.
“This year’s 50 Fastest list represents our most diverse ranking ever, with an immense geographic reach covering 20 states and one international winner in Turkey,” said Marsha Firestone, president and founder of the WPO. “We are once again so very pleased to partner with American Express in paying tribute to these influential women and recognizing the vital role that women-owned/led companies have in boosting the economy and enhancing overall job growth.”
Legion Logistics is a service-disabled veteran-owned third-party logistics provider. Founded in 2009, the Legion specializes in full truckload, less-than-truckload, government freight, hazardous materials and produce shipping.
“According to our recent State of Women-Owned Businesses report, the number of women-owned firms grew at a rate of five times faster than the national average since the recession,” said Susan Sobbott, president, Global Commercial Payments, American Express. “We are thrilled to showcase the successes of these fifty honorees in order to inspire other women to build high-growth businesses.”
Starling founded Legion Logistics in the basement of her home in Union. Under her guidance, Legion has grown into a $26 million company with more than 50 employees.
“It’s an honor to be included on this list with all these amazing, powerful women, for the second year in a row,” Starling said. “It serves as great recognition of the hard work everyone at Legion has put in, and our fierce commitment to growth and excellence.”
Applicants did not have to be WPO members. All eligible companies were ranked according to a sales growth formula that combines percentage and absolute growth. From that list, the 50 Fastest were selected.
To be qualified for the ranking, businesses are required to be privately held, woman-owned/led companies and have reached revenue of at least $500,000 by the first week of 2011 and $2 million in 2015.
More about the 2016 50 Fastest:
- Average Age: 49
- CEOs that founded the business: 92 percent
- Listed companies that do business globally: 44 percent
- Provide health insurance: 92 percent
- Plan to continue to grow their company: 90 percent
- State hiring the best talent as their biggest business challenge: 44 percent
All 50 companies were honored April 8, at a special event hosted by American Express at the 2016 WPO Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.