ISRI member United Scrap Metal (USM), headquartered in Cicero, Ill., has been named in the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned and Led Companies of 2022 list by the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and JPMorgan Chase.
This year’s list included high-powered, women-owned and -led organizations that service the healthcare, government, technology, and manufacturing industries. To qualify for the ranking, businesses must be privately held, woman-owned, or -led, and must have annual revenues of at least $500,000 in each of the past five years. All eligible companies were ranked according to a sales growth formula that combines percentage and absolute growth. Together, the companies listed generated a combined $6.8 billion in revenue and collectively employed more than 30,000 people from January to December 2021.
“For decades, women have often been underrepresented in media and regarded as small niche businesses, when they are significant drivers of the economy,” Camille Burns, CEO at Women Presidents’ organization, stated in an interview with Forbes on Feb. 19. “Through the 50 Fastest and the WPO community, we can help raise the profile of women business leaders and uplift them by providing a peer community where they can learn, share insights, and support one another.”
USM’s commitment to diversity and empowering women leaders is a characteristic that has been cemented into its foundation. Currently, 79% of its workforce is represented by women or minorities.
“It’s truly an honor to be included in this year’s list, among so many powerful female leaders,” says Marsha Serlin, USM founder and CEO. “Our success wouldn’t be the case without the incredible support from everyone on our team. When we hire, we strategically recruit individuals who embody our organization’s foundational values and over the years, that has produced an abundance of success.”
The 50 Fastest companies were honored during a luncheon and ceremony at the WPO Annual Conference on May 5, in Montreal, Québec at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth hotel. Following the ceremony, JPMorgan Chase hosted a discussion and audience Q&A featuring 50 Fastest honorees, who shared insights and advice for WPO members looking to grow their businesses.
