According to Sageworks, a financial information company, farmers of oilseeds and grains have experienced almost 20 percent in sales growth over the past year. “It might be attributed to price inflation that resulted from the 2012 drought or just increased demand across the board for their goods,” said Sageworks analyst Libby Bierman.
Privately-held construction companies specializing in drywall, painting and flooring are number two on the list having seen a 15 percent increase in sales over the past year. This is most likely due to the improvement we’ve seen in the housing market. Not surprising, other small businesses have also benefited from the flourishing housing and construction markets including contractors, realtors, architect firms and building supply manufacturers. “When hammers started swinging again, these industries benefited, and their top lines show that positive impact,” said Bierman.
This is great news for other privately-held companies especially given that sales have slowed down for them in the past two years with growth rates at less than 4 percent as compared to double digit growth in 2012 and 2011.
Other industries on the top 10 include:
- Technical consulting services with a 13.9 percent increase
- Computer systems design services with a 13.4 percent increase
- Utility system construction with an 11.3 percent increase
- Specialty food stores with an 11 percent increase
See other industries that made the top 10 list.
Reference
Biery, Mary Ellen. “Guess Which Small Businesses Are Growing The Fastest?“. Forbes.com. 10/20/2013.
