Lightyear Makes Inc. Magazine List of
500 Fastest Growing Companies

Lightyear (formerly UniDial) Communications, based in Louisville, Ky., has been named one of the fastest growing companies in the country by Inc. Magazine, which recently released its annual ranking of the Inc. 500, the comprehensive guide to America’s fastest-growing private companies.

The Inc. 500 is an exclusive report on the companies and CEOs who are changing the face of American business. Noteworthy alumni include such household corporate names as Microsoft, Timberland, Dominos Pizza and Patagonia.

Lightyear was ranked #19 on this year’s list, based on percent of revenue growth. From 1993 through 1997, Lightyear’s revenues grew from $1.6 million to more than $112 million—a growth rate that, by Inc.’s estimates, totals a 6,872% increase. It was also ranked #9 on the top ten list of fastest growing newcomers to the Inc. 500.

"This moment is a big one for us," said J. Sherman Henderson, III, President and CEO of Lightyear. "We started from zero in 1993 with just a few employees, and now we’re looking at an annual run rate of approximately $180 million for 1998. Right now, we’re more than 60% ahead of where we were this time last year. It’s wonderful to be recognized. But it is just one more way of proving to us what we’ve known all along. We’re in the right industry, with the right services at the right time."

Though 1998 has seen major capital investments in Lightyear from companies like IXC Communications and The Williams Companies, Lightyear’s growth comes mainly from its sales from new and existing Agents.

This year marks the 17th year that Inc. has charted the progress of America’s most innovative and successful entrepreneurs. To be eligible for the Inc. 500, companies have to be independent and privately held through 1997, and must demonstrate a sales increase from fiscal year 1996 through 1997. Inc. verified all information using tax forms and financial statements from certified public accountants, and by conducting interviews with company officials. With a readership of 2.2 million, Inc. provides expert advice and practical solutions to businesspeople as they face the opportunities, pitfalls and rewards of growing a company, from startup to a fully managed enterprise.

Lightyear Communications, in conjunction with its Authorized Agent's, offers all businesses and consumers state-of-the-art telecommunications services and the most comprehensive customer service in the industry. Lightyear is a privately held company headquartered in Louisville, Ky.