Meet the fastest growing private companies in the Asheville area

Six local companies were featured in the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, highlighting the fastest-growing private companies in the US.

Bag of malt labeled with the Riverbend Malt House logo.

Riverbend Malt House supplies malt to local breweries like DSSOLVR and Diatribe.

Photo via RadCraft

Six of the fastest growing private companies in the US are right in our backyard. Inc. recently released its annual Inc. 5000 list, which ranks companies based on percentage revenue growth from 2020 through 2023.

Overall, these six Asheville area companies experienced 540% median growth and added 198 jobs, with four being repeat honorees.

Getting down to business

No. 327 — Empire National

  • Industry: Logistics and Transportation
  • Growth: 1,316%

The Fletcher-based logistics partner does air, ocean, and ground freight shipping across the lower 48 states and provides inventory management and distribution services.
No. 838 — Sauna House

  • Industry: Consumer Services
  • Growth: 592%

The sustainably minded bathhouse, which offers sauna and cold plunge sessions, is a local favorite — and as the company expands into Durham, Charlotte, Greenville, Denver, Bonita Springs, and Charleston, more people can enjoy the contrast therapy experience.

No. 878 — Honest Digital

  • Industry: Advertising and Marketing
  • Growth: 571%

The agency provides SEO and paid advertising services for automotive companies.
No. 1,004 — Point Global Logistics

  • Industry: Logistics and Transportation
  • Growth: 509%

The specialized freight forwarder is working to simplify transportation services + supply chain management for its global customer base.
No. 1,107 — Artisan Studios

  • Industry: IT Services
  • Growth: 462%

The digital innovation consultancy provides web, mobile, and standalone kiosk design + development, tech service management, and tech strategy for a variety of industries.
No. 3,551 — Riverbend Malt House

  • Industry: Food and Beverage
  • Growth: 135%

As the first and largest craft maltster in the Southeast, the company supplies breweries and distilleries with custom, locally sourced malts. Bonus: It made the list for the third year running.

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