Chris Hurn
Get your Firm on the INC. 500 List
Female: Welcome to sbtv.com! Our guest today is the co-founder, the president and CEO of one of the fastest-growing companies in America, Christopher Hurn from Mercantile Commercial Capital is here with us today. Now, Christopher, your company was recently ranked no.245 on Inc. top 500 fastest growing companies for less. How did you guys do that?
Chris Hurn: Well, I’m always asked of that question. Well, first we had 951% revenue growth over a three-year-period of time. That’s how Inc does it. But, I’m asked all the time, how do you get on this? I believe it was our accounting firm that nominated us. So, I guess, my suggestion to the viewers would be to make sure you to apply. You can’t win on anything if you don’t apply.
Female: Yes, but did your accounting firm apply for you and be known to you, or—
Chris Hurn: No, they suggested that we do it and if there would be a reference at DB and etc, etc and use all financial statements I provided them or not—
Female: I was going to say it’s probably a pretty lengthy process that you have to provide a lot of information.
Chris Hurn: Yeah, in my monthly news magazine, I’ve talked about fielding 500 questions to make it on the 500 list. These guys are the most extensive fact checker since Co Jack. It’s unbelievable. First, I’m going to say, you’re going to apply. Number 2 is, don’t make anything up because they’re going to find out. Overall, it was really fun experience. It’s much easier to apply in the second year because all you have to do is update a couple of dollar figures. That’s worth moving at. That’s about it.
Female: Now, it’s based on profits, right.
Chris Hurn: No, it’s based on revenues.
Female: Okay.
Chris Hurn: Yes, based on revenues, if it’s based on profits, it will be higher up the list.
Female: Yes, so what has being ranked 245 done for business?
Chris Hurn: I think it has the same effect to on any small business in order to make the list. It just enhances your credibility. In my business, I compete against much larger firms, much more well capitalized firms, a little heavy presence on just about any street corner in America – that’s bank branches. By making it on the list, it’s clearly anointing us as a fast-growing company, but immediately shows that we are for real, that we’ve arrived. It’s helped a little bit. I can’t say that I’ve done a whole lot of business with my fellow colleagues on the list necessarily; but maybe it will change the future.
Female: But that’s one requirement though. It’s the loveliest that you’ve done.
Chris Hurn: No, of course not, I guess, that the way to put it, sure.
Female: Is this something that you set out to achieve or that’s just one those happy coincidences that worked out for you.
Chris Hurn: Believe it or not, it’s actually something that I had at the back of my mind when I started my company. I guess, now it’s public. I don’t say that very often but yes. When we started our company about six years ago, it’s one of the things that I thought would be pretty cool to make it on the 500 list. I have no desire ever to be on the fortune 500 list. I don’t want to run a company of that size. But, for small business this is the most prestigious award that you can get so, yes, it’s something that I want to do.
Female: Okay, well Christopher Hurn right here, says make sure that you get the application and make sure that you apply correctly and confusingly. Don’t make things up. Follow those rules and then make sure your talent is available so you can go to the ceremony, right?
Chris Hurn: Sure, exactly, it’s a lot of fun to actually.
Female: Is that right? We’ll take your word for it. In case, you’ll all want to know how to get to the Inc. 500 list, Chris has enlightened us today. Thanks Chris for being here. Chris is also an expert on small business credit and lending. You can find out more information on his website at 504experts.com. You can also for more helpful segments from Chris right here at SBTV.com where small business is our only business.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services