Inc. Magazine Ranks Automotive CRM Provider DealerSocket in Top 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Aug. 13, 2009 -- Inc. Magazine today ranked leading auto dealer CRM provider DealerSocket number 1772 on its third annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy -- America's independent-minded entrepreneurs. Consumer electronics maker Vizio, Internet giant GoDaddy, rental car service Zipcar, and beverage maker Honest Tea are among the prominent brands featured on this year's list.

"We are honored to be included in the Inc. 5000 rankings for the second year in a row," said Jonathan Ord, DealerSocket Co-Founder and CEO. "Automotive CRM is a must have for car dealers in today's economic environment and our continued growth and success speaks to the strength of our product and our people."

The 2009 Inc. 5000, unveiled today on Inc.com, serves as a unique report card on the U.S. economy. Despite the ongoing recession, aggregate revenue among the companies on the list actually increased to $214 billion, up $29 billion from last year, with a median three-year growth rate of 126 percent. The Inc. 5000 are responsible for creating more than 1 million jobs since their founding, making the list perhaps the best example of the impact private, fast-growing companies can have on the economy. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found on Inc.com.

About DealerSocket

With the power to manage sales, service, CSI and marketing, DealerSocket's Customer Relationship Management solution is a single tool enabling all automotive dealership departments to achieve optimum results. DealerSocket provides auto dealers with the most comprehensive CRM solution available today, allowing dealers to save critical time and money, while also increasing sales staff effectiveness. More than 50,000 users at nearly 1000 auto dealerships throughout the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia now leverage DealerSocket's CRM solution to optimize and manage marketing activities, sales processes, customer satisfaction and retention, and service department operations. Based in San Clemente, California, DealerSocket has won numerous awards and industry recognition, including being named Best Overall Company globally in the 2008 International Business Awards. DealerSocket is recognized by Deloitte & Touche as one of the fastest growing companies in North America. More information is available at www.dealersocket.com.

Methodology

The Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2005 through 2008. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by the first week of 2005, and therefore able to show four full calendar years of sales. Additionally, they have to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent -- not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies -- as of December 31, 2008. Revenue in 2005 must have been at least $200,000, and revenue in 2008 must have been at least $2 million. The top 10 percent of companies on the list comprise the Inc. 500, now in its 28th year.

About Inc. Magazine

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today's innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 712,961, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at Inc.com.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.