2018 WINNERS OF 50 FASTEST GROWING WOMEN-OWNED/LED COMPANIES ANNOUNCED BY WOMEN PRESIDENTS’ ORGANIZATION

 Sunstates Security Recognized at 11^TH Annual Awards Ceremony Held in Los Angeles

Raleigh, N.C. – May 23, 2018 – The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) has announced the 11th annual ranking of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies during the WPO Annual Conference held this year in Los Angeles. The companies featured on this year’s 50 Fastest list include a variety of industries — such as technology, finance, retail and entrepreneurial ventures. With aggregate revenues of $8.3 billion, this number is up $1 billion from last year’s ranking.

Kathryn Burrell, CEO, Sunstates Security based in Raleigh, N.C. has been ranked 47th among this year’s WPO 50 Fastest-Growing list.

Kathryn co-founded Sunstates Security with Glenn Burrell in 1998 and is active in every aspect of the company’s operation. Her role is critical in giving support to internal corporate functions and attending to vital client expectations of responsiveness and efficiency. Before launching the privately-owned Sunstates Security, Kathryn was working as a partner in a multimillion-dollar, family business in the UK.

Sunstates Security is an industry leader with a differentiated approach to providing quality contract security services to Fortune 500 companies, municipalities and small business entities throughout the United States. Sunstates has millions of hours of contract security experience, and all the resources and strength you expect from the largest providers, but our organization is uniquely structured to ensure consistently superior, client-centric service at the local level, with over 2,000 employees nationwide.

“Since 2007, the WPO launched the listing of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies to focus much-needed attention on the vital role that women-owned/led companies have in boosting the economy and enhancing overall job growth,” notes WPO President and Founder Dr. Marsha Firestone. “We are proud that Kathryn is among the unique women business leaders facing challenges yet rising to accelerate the growth of her business in today’s consistently growing economic landscape.”

All eligible companies were ranked according to a sales growth formula, combining percentage and absolute growth. To qualify for the ranking, businesses are required to be privately-held, woman-owned/led companies and have reached annual revenue of at least $500,000 as of January 1, 2018. Applicants are not required to be WPO members.

Additional facts about the 2018 WPO 50 Fastest:

– The average age of women-owner/leader is 51; with half of the winners in their 30’s and 40’s
– Aggregate revenue is $8.3 billion, up $1 billion from last year
– Average 2017 revenue was $165.3 million
– The average number of employees on the first day: 13; the projected average for 2018: 799
– Funding sources at company start:
70% with their own funds
12% with funds from friends and family
4% with a bank loan
8% with a line of credit
4% with a credit card
4% with private investors/angels

The WPO is the premier peer advisory organization connecting women who own multi-million dollar companies. In monthly meetings across six continents, chapters of 20 women presidents from diverse industries invest time and energy in themselves and their businesses to drive their corporations to the next level. Local WPO chapters are coordinated by a professional facilitator and meet monthly to share business expertise and experience in a confidential setting. For more information, contact 212-688-4114 or visit www.womenpresidentsorg.com. Follow the WPO on Twitter @womenpresidents and Facebook @TheWPO.

Contact:
Andrea Pass
Marketing Maven
Andrea@MarketingMaven.com
646-661-2203 Office
201-873-6087 Mobile

Susan Johnson
Women Presidents’ Organization
sjohnson@womenpresidentsorg.com
(212) 688-4114 Office
(917) 601-5778 Mobile