Chattanooga’s Rising Stars: 14 Companies Make the 2025 Inc. 5000 List
In a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and economic resilience, 14 Chattanooga-based companies have earned a spot on the prestigious 2025 Inc. 5000 list. This annual ranking, compiled by Inc. Magazine, recognizes the fastest-growing private companies in America based on revenue growth over a three-year period. For Chattanooga, a city known for its vibrant business ecosystem, this achievement underscores its growing influence on the national stage.
Tidalwave Leads the Charge
Among the standout performers is Tidalwave, a Chattanooga-based printing and e-commerce business. Founded in 2021 by Matt Schroeder and Bradley Sewell, Tidalwave claimed the 37th spot overall on the Inc. 5000 list and was named the fastest-growing company in the Business Products and Services category. Its remarkable three-year growth rate of 6,436 percent not only solidified its position as a sector leader but also made it the second-fastest-growing company in Tennessee.
Tidalwave’s success is rooted in its innovative approach to screen printing and e-commerce. The company offers high-quality, custom printing solutions for businesses and organizations of all sizes. From design to delivery, Tidalwave streamlines the process, sourcing garments from well-known brands and accommodating orders ranging from 50 to over 100,000 pieces. This flexibility and commitment to quality have made it a go-to partner for companies nationwide.
A Diverse Group of Achievers
Tidalwave is not alone in representing Chattanooga on the Inc. 5000 list. Thirteen other local companies also made the cut, showcasing the city’s diverse economic landscape. Firecrown, founded by Craig Fuller, ranked 75th, while WYRE Technology secured the 745th spot. Other notable honorees include Big Sky Landscapes, Bullins, and MOCA Logistics, each excelling in their respective industries.
These companies represent a broad range of sectors, from technology and logistics to landscaping and manufacturing. Their inclusion on the Inc. 5000 list highlights Chattanooga’s economic vitality and its ability to nurture innovative, high-growth businesses. Together, they demonstrate the city’s growing presence in the national business landscape.
The Bigger Picture
The 2025 Inc. 5000 list paints a vivid picture of the power of small and privately held businesses in America. This year’s honorees collectively generated over $300 billion in revenue and created more than half a million jobs over the past three years. For Chattanooga, the presence of 14 companies on the list is more than just a statistical achievement—it’s a testament to the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Chattanooga’s business climate, supported by a combination of innovation, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives, has created a fertile ground for startups and established companies alike. The city’s focus on fostering entrepreneurship has not only driven local economic growth but also positioned it as a key player in the broader U.S. economy.
As these 14 companies continue to thrive, they serve as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and a reminder of Chattanooga’s potential to shape the future of American business.
Chattanooga’s Rising Stars: 14 Companies Make the 2025 Inc. 5000 List
Diverse Industries Driving Growth
The 14 Chattanooga-based companies featured on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list represent a wide range of industries, showcasing the city’s economic diversity. From technology and logistics to landscaping and manufacturing, these companies highlight Chattanooga’s ability to foster growth across multiple sectors. Firecrown, founded by Craig Fuller, ranked 75th on the list, while WYRE Technology secured the 745th spot, demonstrating the city’s strength in the tech industry.
Big Sky Landscapes, Bullins, and MOCA Logistics also made the list, further diversifying the industries represented by Chattanooga. These companies exemplify the city’s vibrant business ecosystem, which supports innovation and resilience across various fields. Their inclusion on the Inc. 5000 list is a testament to the city’s ability to nurture high-growth businesses.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The collective impact of these companies extends beyond recognition on the Inc. 5000 list. Nationally, the honorees generated over $300 billion in revenue and created more than half a million jobs over the past three years. For Chattanooga, the presence of 14 companies on the list underscores the city’s contribution to the U.S. economy and its role in driving job creation and economic growth.
Chattanooga’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, supported by a combination of innovation, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives, has created a fertile ground for startups and established companies alike. The city’s focus on fostering entrepreneurship has not only driven local economic growth but also positioned it as a key player in the broader U.S. economy.
A Closer Look at Chattanooga’s Honorees
Among the 14 Chattanooga-based companies, Tidalwave stands out as the fastest-growing U.S. company in the Business Products and Services category, with a three-year growth rate of 6,436 percent. This achievement makes Tidalwave not only a leader in its sector but also the second-fastest-growing company in Tennessee.
Founded in 2021 by Matt Schroeder and Bradley Sewell, Tidalwave offers high-quality screen printing solutions to businesses and organizations of varying sizes. The company’s ability to handle everything from design to sourcing garments, including well-known brands, and flexible order quantities, from 50 to over 100,000 pieces, has made it a go-to partner for companies nationwide.
Other notable companies on the list include Firecrown, WYRE Technology, Big Sky Landscapes, Bullins, and MOCA Logistics, each excelling in their respective industries. These companies represent a broad range of sectors, from technology and logistics to landscaping and manufacturing, highlighting Chattanooga’s economic vitality and its growing presence in the national business landscape.
Conclusion
The inclusion of 14 Chattanooga-based companies on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list is a resounding endorsement of the city’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. From Tidalwave’s remarkable 6,436% growth to the diverse representation across industries, these companies exemplify innovation and resilience. Chattanooga’s ability to foster growth across sectors like technology, logistics, and manufacturing underscores its pivotal role in the national economy. As these businesses continue to flourish, they not only drive economic growth but also position Chattanooga as a beacon for entrepreneurship and innovation, inspiring future generations of business leaders.
FAQ
What is the Inc. 5000 list?
The Inc. 5000 list is an annual ranking by Inc. Magazine that recognizes the fastest-growing private companies in America, based on revenue growth over a three-year period.
How many Chattanooga-based companies made the 2025 Inc. 5000 list?
In 2025, 14 Chattanooga-based companies were featured on the Inc. 5000 list, showcasing the city’s vibrant business ecosystem.
Which industries are represented by Chattanooga’s Inc. 5000 companies?
The companies represent a diverse range of industries, including technology, logistics, landscaping, manufacturing, and business products and services.
What company had the highest growth rate among Chattanooga’s Inc. 5000 honorees?
Tidalwave, a printing and e-commerce business, achieved the highest growth rate among Chattanooga’s honorees, with a remarkable 6,436% growth over three years.
What factors contribute to Chattanooga’s success in fostering fast-growing companies?
Chattanooga’s success can be attributed to its innovative business climate, collaborative community, and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, which encourages startups and established companies to thrive.