The Fastest Growing Active Brands

Inc. 5000 list includes Yeti Coolers, Oiselle and other industry brands to watch.

By Thomas J. Ryan

Amid the athleisure boom and a growing desire to stay fit and healthy, it’s no surprise that quite a few active lifestyle brands are among the fastest growing private companies in the country, according to the annual Inc. 5000 list.

The exclusive rankings, now in their 35^th year, are listed according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2012 to 2015. The minimum revenue required for 2012 is $100,000; the minimum for 2015 is $2 million. Companies must be private, independent and based in the United States.

This year’s list includes a number of upstarts SGB has been following including Yeti Coolers (510), Jaybird (1,128), Oiselle Running (801) and Outdoor Tech (483), along with a number of obscure players that may be getting their start.

Here are the companies targeting the active and outdoor space that earned a spot on the 2016 Inc. 5000:

Nine Line Apparel (No. 31) sells U.S.-made casual men’s and women’s clothing with a strong patriotic sensibility. Three-year growth rate: 6,962 percent; 2015 revenues: $9.4 million.
Orangetheory Fitness (No. 60) provides athletic training services with equipment including treadmills, rowing machines, suspension and free weights to improve cardiovascular health and strength. Three-year growth rate: 4,308 percent; 2015 revenues: $47.1 million.

Photo courtesy Orange Theory Fitness

Hyperice (No. 96) sells devices to help athletes recover from injuries and enhance their movement in physical training. Three-year growth rate: 3,366 percent; 2015 revenues: $4.5 million.
Cambridge Select (No. 97) is a retailer of apparel and footwear. Three-year growth rate: 3,341 percent; 2015 revenues: $37.8 million.
Fin Fun (No. 119) manufactures mermaid tails, flippers, swimwear and swimming accessories. Three-year growth rate: 2,800 percent; 2015 revenues: $19.5 million.
Lonecone.com (No. 235) is a specialty outdoor retailer of adventure gear and supplies. Three-year growth rate: 1,672 percent; 2015 revenues: $3 million.
Spikeball (No. 289) manufactures equipment for Spikeball, which is a cross between volleyball and foursquare. Three-year growth rate: 1,354 percent; 2015 revenues: $6.9 million.
Skyrocket Toys (No. 306) designs a wide variety of tech-driven toys, bicycle accessories and sporting goods. Three-year growth rate: 1,277 percent; 2015 revenues: $110.6 million.
GoPole (No. 453) produces mounts and accessories for GoPro cameras. Three-year growth rate: 847 percent; 2015 revenues: $9.4 million.
Outdoor Tech (No. 483) designs audio products designed for outdoor use and activity. Three-year growth rate: 785 percent; 2015 revenues: $10.8 million.

Photo courtesy Outdoor Tech

Yeti Coolers (No. 510) manufactures durable, extra-insulated coolers for outdoor enthusiasts. The company filed for an initial public offering in July. Three-year growth rate: 748 percent; 2015 revenues: $468.9 million.
MiiR (No. 605) sells water bottles, bicycles and backpacks. Sales directly contribute to clean water initiatives in communities. Three-year growth rate: 647 percent; 2015 revenues: $3.5 million.
IPC Store (No. 609) sells consumer electronics, computers, tablets, office, home, garden and sports products online. Three-year growth rate: 642 percent; 2015 revenues: $17.6 million.
Ammunition Depot (No. 785) is an e-tailer of ammunition and related accessories. Three-year growth rate: 512 percent; 2015 revenues: $18.6 million.
Oiselle Running (No. 801) sells running and athletic apparel for women. Three-year growth rate: 496 percent; 2015 revenues: $6.7 million.

Photo courtesy Oiselle Running

Performance Plus Carts (No. 837) provides golf cart parts, accessories, sales and service. Three-year growth rate: 474 percent; 2015 revenues: $3 million.
Babiators (No. 937) manufactures sunglasses for babies and kids. Three-year growth rate: 421 percent; 2015 revenues: $3.7 million.
Klymit (No. 981) produces camping gear with a focus on new technologies that produce comfortable, lightweight and rugged products. Three-year growth rate: 408 percent; 2015 revenues: $5.7 million.
Turnstyle Brands (No. 1017) sells outdoor recreation products such as scooters, helmets and accessories. Three-year growth rate: 389 percent; 2015 revenues: $5.9 million.
Tower Paddle Boards (No. 1121) produces stand-up paddleboards and beach lifestyle products and publishes a beach lifestyle magazine on its website. Three-year growth rate: 346 percent; 2015 revenues: $7.2 million;
Jaybird (No. 1228) designs wireless sports headphones. Three-year growth rate: 317 percent; 2015 revenues: $58.8 million.
Spirit Monkey (No. 1249) produces embroidery patches, rings and lanyards for students, school awards, fundraising and clubs. Three-year growth rate: 309 percent; 2015 revenues: $3.8 million.
TigerFitness.com (No. 1338) is an online retailer of health and nutritional supplements. Three-year growth rate: 287 percent; 2015 revenues: $10.9 million.
Isle Surf & SUP (No. 1352) manufactures and directly sells surfboards, paddleboards and accessories via its online platform. Three-year growth rate: 285 percent; 2015 revenues: $8 million.
YakAttack (No. 1354) manufactures paddle sport and marine accessories with a focus on recreational fishing. Three-year growth rate: 284 percent; 2015 revenues: $2.4 million.
Yak Gear (No. 1472) provides paddle sport equipment and accessories. Three-year growth rate: 261 percent; 2015 revenues: $3 million.

Photo courtesy Yak Gear

University Tees (No. 1840) prints customized apparel and promotional products for schools and school groups. Three-year growth rate: 202 percent; 2015 revenues: $15.4 million.
Revant Optics (No. 2226) supplies a wide range of replacement lenses for sunglasses. Three-year growth rate: 164 percent; 2015 revenues: $7.7 million.
College Hill Custom Threads (No. 2270) provides custom apparel and promotional products bearing university logos. Three-year growth rate: 160 percent; 2015 revenues: $2.7 million.
Rush Order Tees (No. 2317) designs and produces custom commemorative T-shirts. Three-year growth rate: 157 percent; 2015 revenues: $22.9 million.
Pedego Electric Bikes (No. 2349) manufactures electric bicycles. Three-year growth rate: 155 percent; 2015 revenues: $9.7 million.
Tasc Performance (No. 2446) designs bamboo fiber-based active apparel with a focus on performance running wear. Three-year growth rate: 146 percent; 2015 revenues: $9.1 million.

Photo courtesy Tasc Performance

Yuba Bicycles (No. 2776) sells cargo bikes with space in the back to transport kids and items. Three-year growth rate: 126 percent; 2015 revenues: $2.5 million.
Disc Store (No. 2817) sells discs worldwide for ultimate Frisbee and disc golf. Three-year growth rate: 124 percent; 2015 revenues: $2.8 million.
Carver Skateboards (No. 3199) designs patented skateboards that operate similar to surfboards. Three-year growth rate: 105 percent; 2015 revenues: $4.9 million.
Bases Loaded (No. 3590) retails specialty baseball and softball apparel, equipment and services. Three-year growth rate: 87 percent; 2015 revenues: $4.9 million.
State Bicycle Co. (No. 3996) manufactures bicycles, parts, accessories and apparel for the fixed gear/single gear market. Three-year growth rate: 73 percent; 2015 revenues: $5.7 million.
Total Hockey (No. 4006) is a retailer of hockey and lacrosse gear and apparel. The company filed for bankruptcy protection in July and was sold to Pure Hockey in August. Three-year growth rate: 73 percent; 2015 revenues: $62 million.
Mountain High Outfitters (No. 4139) operates five stores selling top outdoor brands like The North Face, Patagonia and Icebreaker. Three-year growth rate: 68 percent; 2015 revenues: $21.9 million.
Industrial Revolution (4190) manufactures camping and outdoor recreation products, including brand names UCO, Light My Fire, Grilliput and Pedco. Three-year growth rate: 66 percent; 2015 revenues: $13.5 million.
Sportique (No. 4780) is an online retailer of adventure and outdoor equipment and apparel. Three-year growth rate: 48 percent; 2015 revenues: $3.1 million.
GunBroker.com (No. 4809) provides hunting and sport shooting equipment to customers through an online auction. Three-year growth rate: 47 percent; 2015 revenues: $21 million.
Yeti Cycles (No. 4875) sells bicycles and bike parts and apparel. Three-year growth rate: 45 percent; 2015 revenues: $20.7 million.