Ellis Construction

Location: New Orleans
2002 revenue: $13.7 million
Growth (1998-2002): 261%
CAGR: 38%
FT/PT employees (2002): 35/10

Since 1996, when they took on their first renovation project--a 125-year-old building that had once housed a coffin manufacturer--Bret Ellis and Kevin Langley have rehabbed dozens of structures in depressed neighborhoods. They also sponsor an annual event called Christmas in October to help needy families restore their homes.