Early's company specializes in hazardous-material and chemical-spill cleanup. He founded it in July 2004 when the company he worked for was acquired -- and took half his clients with him. Operating in Kentucky and several neighboring states, the company also leant a hand with cleanup in Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina.

Age: 29
Location: Shelbyville, Kent.
Revenue: $1.7 million
Employees: 8