Gatorworks is proud to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing LSU alumni businesses in 2020. This year, Gatorworks ranked second on the LSU100 list, marking a significant climb from its ranking of 30 in 2019.
The LSU100, created and hosted by E. J. Ourso College of Business—Executive Education, is a highly competitive program that identifies, recognizes, and celebrates the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned and led by LSU graduates. Since its inception in 2011, the program has offered encouragement, networking, and assistance to entrepreneurially minded students, faculty, and businesses.
Representatives from each of the 100 organizations typically attend the LSU100 and LSU ROARING10 Celebration Event and Company Rank Countdown to find out where their companies placed on the list. But, due to current restrictions, 2020 rankings for the LSU100 were revealed in a private meeting held in November.
This marks the eighth time Gatorworks has been honored with a spot on the LSU100 in the last 10 years. And this year’s placement in the number-two position is also the highest rank Gatorworks has achieved on the list to date. LSU graduate and Gatorworks President Brian Rodriguez views the latest ranking as a testament to the company’s continued commitment to smart growth.
“To be named in eight of the 10 LSU100s is one of the biggest honors Gatorworks has received. To be ranked second this year recognizes the growth we’ve gone through in the last few years, which has at times been as challenging as it was rewarding. I’m proud that the team at Gatorworks, and our partners, have been able to sustain this level of growth. And most of all, I’m pleased we can represent LSU positively. Geaux Tigers!”
As a student, LSU provided Brian with more than the skills and knowledge to start his own business—it was also the place where Gatorworks got its start! Gatorworks was founded in Brian’s dorm room in 2006, but as it continued to grow by leaps and bounds over the years, Brian never forgot the company’s college roots.
Today, Gatorworks is a full-service digital marketing firm based in Baton Rouge serving clients locally and nationally. And, with a staff of 23 full-time professionals, the majority are LSU graduates. This means Gatorworks’ success is also a reflection of the advantages and opportunities provided by an LSU education. And many Gatorworks staff members continue to pay it forward, returning to their alma mater to speak with today’s students and offer real-world insight to help them prepare for their futures as professionals.
A number of Gatorworks’ current and past clients were also among the organizations recognized in 2020. These included Mimosa Handcrafted, Netchex, Puryear IT, and Jay Ducote Hospitality Group LLC. The latter, which recently opened a new location for its stand-out Gov’t Taco restaurant, is also a fellow member of the Guaranty Corporation family. Gatorworks would like to congratulate Jay Ducote Hospitality Group LLC for a well-deserved number-four ranking on this year’s list.
To be eligible for the LSU100, companies must have been in business for at least five years, have annual revenue of $100,000 or more, and be led or owned by an LSU alumnus. Additionally, the company, its leaders, and its founders must act with integrity and maintain the values and image of LSU. Postlethwaite & Netterville is the independent accounting firm partner of the 2020 LSU100. University partners for the program include the LSU Foundation, Tiger Athletic Foundation, LSU’s Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute, and LSU’s Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems.