DirectMail2.0 is proud to announce that it has been selected from more than 500 nominees as an honoree for the 14th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Award. The prestigious awards program, now in its fourteenth year, recognizes outstanding second-stage companies across the state for their contributions to Florida’s economic landscape. The 14th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards program is brought to you by Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation. The honorees selected represent a diverse range of industries, all demonstrating impressive growth potential. DirectMail2.0 was recognized for their innovative approaches, strong leadership, and dedication to making a positive impact in our community and state.
A Rigorous Selection Process Identifies Florida’s Rising Stars
Earlier this year, 97 finalists were announced. The final selection of 50 honorees followed a rigorous judging process by a panel comprised of past honorees, entrepreneurs, economic development professionals and business leaders from throughout Florida.
Companies were evaluated on a comprehensive set of criteria including:
- Growth in employment
- Impact on job creation
- Sales growth
- Financial performance
- Innovation in products or services
- Response to adversity
- Community Involvement
Celebrating Achievements and Highlighting Impact
“I am deeply honored for our company to be recognized as one of Florida’s Companies to Watch,” said Brad Kugler, CEO/Co-Founder of DirectMail2.0. “This award reflects not only our team’s relentless dedication to innovation and growth but also our resilience in the face of challenges. We take pride in contributing to the local economy by creating jobs, supporting our community, and consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in omnichannel marketing. Being selected from such a competitive pool is a testament to our commitment to excellence and the future we continue to build together.”
“GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch is dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of second-stage businesses,” said Pete Previte, Chair of GrowFL Board of Directors and Broker Associate, CRES CORP. “These companies are the driving force behind Florida’s economic vitality, fostering job creation, innovation and sustainable growth.”
This year’s honorees showcase the vibrant tapestry of Florida’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. They hail from diverse industries and represent a broad range of communities across the state, with many led by women, veterans, and minorities. Their success stories are a testament to Florida’s thriving environment for entrepreneurship.
A Legacy of Honoring Excellence
Since the program’s inception in 2011, GrowFL has bestowed this prestigious award upon 650 outstanding Florida companies. With the addition of the 2024 honorees, this brings the total to 700 companies recognized for their positive economic and community impact. Many of the past honorees have transitioned to larger, more established stage 3 and stage 4 businesses employing over 500 people.
A Culture of Resilience and Innovation
“The unwavering growth and resilience of Florida’s entrepreneurial community continually inspires me,” said Marius Dobren, Chair of the GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards Committee and President of Sawgrass Financial. “These honorees have consistently demonstrated a remarkable commitment to growth and success. Like their predecessors, they have met challenges with resilience, pushed the boundaries of their industries, and inspired their teams to achieve extraordinary results.”
About the GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards Program
For eligibility, companies must be headquartered in Florida with 6-150 employees and revenue between $750,000 and $100 million. Over the past four years (2020-2023), these honorees collectively generated close to $2 billion in revenue and created 1,462 jobs, reflecting a remarkable 180% revenue increase and 127% job growth. This translates to an average annual revenue growth of 45% and 32% employee growth.
Continued Growth Projected for Honorees
These companies projected consistent growth, with a projected 31% revenue increase and 19% employee growth in 2024. If their projections hold true, these companies will have generated more than $2.9 billion in revenue and added 1,951 employees over the last five years — a staggering 266% increase in revenue and 169% increase in jobs since 2020.
Celebration and Recognition Await
The official recognition of these Honorees will take place on February 27, 2025, at the Hard Rock Live in Universal CityWalk, Orlando, FL. Tickets are currently available for purchase.
Joining DirectMail2.0 on the GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch list are the following Florida-based businesses:
- Abacode, Management and Consulting Services, Hillsborough
- Above Group, Inc., Architectural, Engineering, Brevard
- All Clean Facilities Services, Management and Consulting Services, St. Johns
- Atlas Sign Industries, Manufacturing, Palm Beach
- BFARR Contracting, Construction, Orange
- Blue Chip Maintenance, LLC, Construction, Hillsborough
- Blue Frontier, Inc., Scientific Research and Development, Palm Beach
- Brooks Building Solutions, Construction, Duval
- Caring Therapists, Health Care and Social Assistance, Broward
- CLN of South Florida, Inc., Manufacturing, Palm Beach
- ConnexPay, Finance and Insurance, Lee
- DirectMail2.0, LLC, Advertising, Public Relations, Pinellas
- Drake Ready Mix, Inc, Manufacturing, Lee
- Emerson and Friends, LLC, Retail Trade, Pinellas
- Empire Aviation USA, Transportation and Warehousing, Palm Beach
- Eternal Life Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, Miami-Dade
- Family First Firm, Legal Services, Orange
- FBR Aviation, Inc., Wholesale Trade, Broward
- Fire Neural Network, Information Technology, Alachua
- FlightPath Golf LLC, Wholesale Trade, Orange
- Focus GTS, Other Services, Miami-Dade
- Frankndesign LLC, Specialized Design Services, Orange
- Fuse Specialty Appliances, Retail, Broward
- Golden Boat Lifts & Marine Systems, Manufacturing, Lee
- GoTu Technology, Inc., Other Services, Miami-Dade
- Haddy, Manufacturing, Pinellas
- HCM Unlocked, Information Technology, Miami-Dade
- Kabinets By Kinsey, Manufacturing, Hillsborough
- Kalogon, Health Care and Social Assistance, Brevard
- Keel and Curley Winery, Wholesale Trade, Hillsborough
- OnDefend, Information Technology, Duval
- Pangolin Laser Systems, Inc., Manufacturing, Seminole
- Payzli, Finance and Insurance, Hillsborough
- Power Bolt and Tool, Retail Trade, Orange
- Protean BioDiagnostics, Health Care and Social Assistance, Orange
- Rolle IT, LLC, Information Technology, Brevard
- Semipack Services, Inc., Manufacturing, Brevard
- Semplastics EHC LLC, Scientific Research and Development, Seminole
- Shark Coatings, Construction, Duval
- Signature Athletics, Inc., Manufacturing, Hillsborough
- Sophros Recovery, Health Care and Social Assistance, Duval
- Stark Enterprises, Wholesale Trade, Sarasota
- Tap N Go LLC, Information Technology, Orange
- The Good Pour, Retail Trade, Orange
- The Launchpad Group, Information Technology, Orange
- TSS Solutions, Telecommunications, Brevard
- VerdeGo Aero, Manufacturing, Volusia
- Watermelon Swim, Educational Services, Hillsborough
- Winter Park Veterinary Hospital, Other Services, Orange
- X-lumin, Telecommunications, Brevard
Sponsors for this year’s event include: Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services, Bank of America, Florida Power & Light Company, OUC – The Reliable One, Stankowski Advanced Strategies, Studio Pinard, The Florida High Tech Corridor Council, TheRiot Agency, University of South Florida, G&A Partners, Atlantic Logistics, Engineering & Computer Simulations, CEO Nexus, eXpress Badging, Align Business Advisory Services, Capital One, Pinellas County Economic Development, Florida Economic Development Council, Orange County, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, Florida Trend.
