PROFESSIONAL CUTLERY DIRECT®, LLC.
SELECTED FOR THE INC. 500 FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Noted As One of the Fastest Growing Companies In America
And THE Fastest Growing in New Haven County Two Years in a Row
North Branford, CT, October 11, 2000 - Professional Cutlery Direct, LLC www.cutlery.com, the leading provider of professional kitchen tools to the gourmet consumer and professional chef, has been named one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation by Inc. magazine, which today released its annual ranking of the Inc. 500, the comprehensive guide to America's fastest-growing private companies.
This is the second year in a row in which Professional Cutlery Direct (PCD®) has been selected for the list. This year, PCD is ranked number 181. In 1999, it ranked number 131. Just like last year, PCD ranks #1 in New Haven County and #2 in the state of Connecticut.
The Inc. 500, published on October 17th, is an exclusive report on the companies and CEOs who are changing the face of American business. The cover of this year's special issue of Inc. magazine will announce, "The List: Birthplace of Entrepreneurial Superstars."
PCD was founded in 1993 by Terri S. Alpert with start-up capital of $8,000. The company is recognized as a primary source for the finest selection of the chef's essential tools including knives, cookware, furniture and accessories. PCD is known for its product expertise and exceptional service. The majority of their sales are generated by the PCD catalog and Web site www.cutlery.com.
Alpert credits the success of Professional Cutlery Direct to four key factors. "First, is our willingness to listen to our customers and the marketplace. Second, is attention to detail. To survive in the catalog business you must be very analytical. Next, is our ability to leverage technology. We have built our own software from the ground up in order to provide better service than almost any other catalog company. Most important, are our people. We have a wonderful staff, now more than 40 strong. Each person's dedication has been terrific and everyone pulls together as a team. Together, we have a lot of fun."
PCD is one of only 7 Connecticut companies to be selected for the Inc. 500. California tops the list with 69 companies on the list and Texas is second with 39 firms.
This marks the 19th 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 1999, have at least $200,000 in sales in the base year, 1995, and their 1999 sales must have exceeded their 1998 sales. The ranking is based on the percentage increase in sales from 1995 through 1999. Holding companies, regulated banks and regulated utilities are not eligible. Inc.verified all information using tax forms and financial statements from certified public accountants and by conducting interviews with company officials. PCD's sales growth from 1995 through 1999 was 1,313%.
PCD is located at 242 Branford Rd., North Branford, CT.
Chefs can place orders or request a free Professional Cutlery Direct catalog by phone at 1-877-MY-KNIFE, or via the Internet (www.cutlery.com) All products are backed by a 100% guarantee of satisfaction and return policy.
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Professional Cutlery Direct (www.cutlery.com) is a primary source for the finest selection of the chef's essential tools including knives, cookware, furniture, and accessories. The company's chef, Will Cook, tests and trains all staff on products offered in the catalog. Founded in 1993, PCD achieved sales of $9 million in 1999, up from $5 million in 1998.
To arrange an interview or to receive digital photography, please contact: Michele FitzGerald at 203-871-1000 ext. 245 e-mail michelef@cutlery.com
PCD in the News
