Clif Bar
An idea that started with a dissatisfied energy bar on a bike ride launched Clif Bar—now a leader in all natural nutrition and energy products—has also earned Clif Bar a spot on the 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2007 lists. Learn more about Gary Erickson starting up in a down economy here.

Green Beans Coffee
It sounds like a film pitch: Two American expat doctors open a coffee shop in the mid-1990s as a vanity project for a Saudi Arabian princess. When American soldiers discover the café in Riyadh in 1996, the business finds an expansion force more powerful than even Starbucks. For Green Beans Coffee, now a $20.8 million, California-based production of Jason Araghi and his brother Jon, serving organic coffee, smoothies, and pastries in war zones on more than 60 military bases around the Middle East is a daily, death-defying reality. Read the 2007 Inc. 500 How I Did It here.

GTM Sportswear
Selling customized imprinted sportswear to athletic teams in the U.S., Canada and Europe, GTM's 18 lines of uniforms for cheerleaders, gymnastic teams, and dance squads, has earned it a spot on the list in 2007 and 2008.

Mighty Leaf Tea
An honoree of the 2005, 2006, and 2007 lists, Mighty Leaf Tea attributes the growing market for hot tea, as well as the company's stitched, trademark-protected tea pouches as keys to its success, earning it the position as a leader in premium whole-leaf teas.



 

Skullcandy 
Rick Alden started out promoting snowboarding events. Then he sold bindings -- he dismantled his own boots and played with car-door latches to come up with the prototype. Next came Skullcandy, which sells stereo headphones and other audio products. The Park City, Utah, business hit $35.7 million in sales last year -- thanks in no small part to the community of boarders, surfers, and skaters that Alden has cultivated through sponsorships and other forms of grass-roots marketing. As Skullcandy goes mainstream, he says, his goal is to keep that customer base excited about the brand. Learn more about Skullcandy from Inc.'s interview with founder Rick Alden when Skullcandy topped the 2008 Inc. 500 consumer products list: "How I Did It".

Sonicbids
Inc. partnered with Inc. 500 alum Sonicbids to find the musical performances to share with the 2009 Inc. 500|5000 Conference attendees. Sonicbids recieved hundreds of submissions and whittled the bands down to 20 of the best. All attendees will recieve a compilation of the top bands.

TableTopics
At a loss for words now that you've made the list? TableTopics, Number 364 on the 2009 Inc. 500|5000 list, makes sets of cards that can be used as engaging conversation starters at cocktail parties, dinner parties, and other events. It also offers conversation starters in the form of napkins, place cards, coasters, and journals. Look for them on your lunch table at the conference to help break the ice with your new friends. 

Tortuga Rum Cake
Producing and selling rum cakes and related treats, Tortuga was an honoree on the 2007 and 2008 lists after opening its distribution channels to include cruise ships, upscale supermarkets, and the Internet.

Vineyard Vines
An honoree of the 2005, 2006, and 2007 lists, Vineyard Vines designs sportswear for men, women, and children and is mostly recognized for its whale logo. The company’s whimsical and casual designs embodies the relaxed personality of its brand. Read the 2004 Things I Can't Live Without here.

Wpromote
Inc. is proud to partner this year with Wpromote, a search engine marketing firm that has appeared on the Inc. 500 list twice and is currently ranked on the Inc. 5000 list at No. 2004. Founded in 2001 by Mike Mothner, Wpromote is a marketing company that uses proprietary software to help clients generate leads, gain customers, and increase sales through online search engines. Read about Mike Mothner's 2008 venture, ScanDigital, here.