Warrington entrepreneurs showcased at Gator100 event

The University of Florida recognized the 2020 Gator100 honorees on Friday, February 28 at the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.

Presented by the UF Alumni Association and the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center at the Warrington College of Business, the Gator100 honors the 100 fastest-growing Gator-owned or Gator-led businesses in the world. The event serves not only as a setting where UF’s elite entrepreneurs can gather and share their talents and wisdom, but as an inspiration to fellow Gators to be a part of this exclusive group.

Gator100 companies have been in business for at least five years and have annual revenues of $250,000 or more. The Gator100 is ranked by Compound Annual Growth Rate, which is used to determine year- over-year growth over the past three years. CAGR is determined by global accounting firm Ernst & Young, which ensures confidentiality of financial submissions and the integrity of the Gator100. View the complete list of Gator100 honorees here.

The Warrington College of Business was well represented on the list. Four of the top six companies are led by Warrington alumni, including No. 1 overall FANCHEST. Led by CEO and Warrington graduate Jeff Lin (BSAc ’02, MAcc ’02), FANCHEST earned a CAGR of 293.3%.

Fanjoy was No. 4 on the list, run by CEO, Founder and Warrington graduate Chris Vaccarino (BSBA ’10). Software company Survios was No. 5 on the list and led by Warrington alumnus Joshua Green (BSAc ’02). Bear Mattress, led by Scott Paladini (MBA ’13), came in at No. 6 to finish Warrington’s strong list of companies at the top of the standings.

Overall, 36 of the top 100 companies on the list are led by Warrington graduates.

As a whole, all companies honored combined to employ 54,026 people, represent 17 states and come from 15 UF colleges.

To qualify for the Gator100, companies must have been in business for five years or more as of Sept. 28, 2018 and have had verifiable annual revenues of $250,000 or more every year since 2015.

Additionally, a UF alumnus or alumni must have met one of the following three leadership criteria:

• Owned 50 percent or more of the company from Jan. 1, 2016, through Oct. 15, 2019; or
• Served as company’s chief executive from Jan. 1, 2016, through Oct. 15, 2019; or
• Founded the company and been active as a member of the most senior management team from Jan. 1, 2016, through Oct. 15, 2019.