Established in 2025 by SFA's Arnold Center of Entrepreneurship in collaboration with Greg Price '80.

The Lumberjack 100 identifies and celebrates the 100 fastest-growing Lumberjack-led businesses in the world.

Applications and supporting financial documents are submitted to an external, independent accounting firm for tabulation. Company information is confidential, and SFA receives the final ranking only after the accounting firm has completed their processing and verified data.

Companies who meet the eligibility criteria may apply or be nominated by others. Verified applicants are ranked based on their compound annual growth rate in sales or revenue over a three-year period.

Each spring, SFA celebrates these outstanding alumni entrepreneurs during a ticketed event, where recipients are formally announced and recognized for their success, innovation and contribution to the Lumberjack legacy.

Size and longevity

To qualify, the company must have:

1. been in continuous business for five years or more as of Dec. 31, 2025
2. and had revenues of at least $200,000 every fiscal year since Jan. 1, 2023

Lumberjack leadership

To qualify, the company must be one of the following since Jan. 1, 2023:

• Lumberjack founded: SFA alumni founded a company and held the position of CEO, chairman, president, managing partner or other C-Suite title.
• Lumberjack owned: SFA alumni owned at majority (50% or more) of the company.
• Lumberjack led: SFA alumni held the position of CEO, chairman, president, managing partner or other C-Suite title.

Character

The company and its Lumberjack founders, owners and leaders must act with high integrity and operate in a manner consistent with the values and image of SFA and the Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship.

Revenue verification

To ensure the integrity and credibility of the ranked list, all applicants' baseline financial data submitted application is kept confidential and managed by an external, independent accounting firm. Financial data will not be shared with SFA, the University of Texas System or its member institutions, personnel of these institutions or any other third party. As such, no parties will enter into a nondisclosure agreement.

Verified applicants are ranked based on their compound annual growth rate in sales or revenue over a three-year period. The firm reserves the right to request further documentation from the applicant to verify the revenues reported. 

Frequently asked questions

How is the Lumberjack 100 determined?

Companies who apply are ranked by percentage of compounded annual growth in sales or revenue (net of returns) from the years 2023, 2024 and 2025. All financial information is processed and verified by an independent accounting firm for the Lumberjack 100. Nominees/applicants send their financial information directly to the accounting firm for result tabulation. 

How are the results calculated?

Compounded annual growth rate in sales or revenue (net of returns) are calculated for each applicant. After compiling the calculations, the applicant will be ranked by percentage of growth rate in descending order. The 100 fastest-growing companies will be named the Lumberjack 100 and their rank will be revealed at award ceremony.

What is revenue?

• The total amount of income generated by the sale of goods and services related to the primary operations of the company.
• Net sales, or sales less returns and discounts for the prior three calendar or fiscal years ended on or before Dec. 31, 2025.
• For professional service companies, use net revenue (gross revenue less refunds or credits.)
• Businesses should provide revenue figures utilizing a consistent method of accounting for all three fiscal years (accrual or cash basis.)
• Net revenue should not include expense reimbursements, PPP loan proceeds, provider relief funds, shuttered venue grants, employee retention credit proceeds and any other proceeds unrelated to normal operations of the company.
• Other items which will not be considered as revenue include: investment income, interest, dividends, gains/losses on sale of assets, etc.

Publicly traded companies are eligible to apply. Company executive leadership must meet the requirements stated above for the period being measured and be listed on the company’s most recent SEC Form 10-K. This form must be submitted in addition to the standard required application documents.

If the business reports revenues in foreign currencies, the applicant must submit revenues in US dollar currency (prior to any foreign exchange rate conversion.)

Will my confidential financial information be released?

Submitted financial data remains confidential with the independent accounting firm. It will not be shared with SFA, the University of Texas System and its member institutions, personnel of these institutions or any other third party. As such, no parties will enter into a nondisclosure agreement.

What is considered fiscal years?

The fiscal year may occur at any point within the calendar year (Jan. 1 through Dec. 31). For example, a fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025, together with the two preceding fiscal years ending Sept. 30, 2024 and 2023, is acceptable. The objective is to utilize fiscal year amounts corresponding to those three calendar years.

How will the Lumberjack 100 winners be honored?

View the award celebration details.

What information will be published?

The published Lumberjack 100 list will include:

• company name
• logo (as outlet permits)
• Lumberjack leadership names
• company location, ranking, growth rate and self-reported information.

Specific revenue and financial data reported to the accounting form will not be published.

Can I nominate a company even if I’m not sure they qualify?

Yes! It also is a good idea to let the company know you nominated them. When a company is nominated, we will reach out and they can determine whether they qualify.

What happens when a company is nominated?

We will reach out and they can determine whether they qualify, and if so, complete the application process.

Are multiple nominations considered when determining the winners?

No.

Do I need to submit an application if I've been nominated?

Yes.

Do I need to submit my application and revenue verification form electronically?

Yes. It is critical that information be typed and the correct signatures included.

Are there sponsor opportunities?

Yes! View sponsor levels.

How will the Lumberjack alumni be determined?

Alumni status will be verified through SFA's Office of the Registrar.

The inaugural Lumberjack 100 awards celebration will be held in April 2027 and each Lumberjack 100 company will officially be awarded.

Recipients will be honored and celebrate with their guests and fellow honorees. During the event, we'll recognize the hard work and achievements of each ranked Lumberjack business, including:

• luncheon
• reveal of the Lumberjack 100 rankings
• keynote speeches from SFA leadership
• participation in class presentations
• meetings with college deans
• and opportunities to connect and grow your network.

Sponsorships are tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law and valid for one full calendar year from the date of commitment.

Platinum Sponsorship $5,000

Limited to 10 companies

• Reserved table (eight seats) at the celebration
• Recognition before and after event
  • News releases
  • Social media
  • Logo on promotional materials
• Recognition during event
  • Logo displayed prominently at event entrance and on digital screens
  • Verbal acknowledgement and thanks during opening remarks
• Opportunity to include a branded gift or promotional item in recipient award packages

Purple Sponsorship $2,500

• Four reserved seats at the celebration
• Recognition before and after event
  • News releases
  • Social media
  • Logo on promotional materials
• Recognition during event
  • Logo displayed at event entrance and on digital screens
  • Verbal acknowledgement and thanks during program

General Sponsorship $1,000

• Three reserved seats at the celebration
• Recognition during event
  • Logo displayed on digital screens
  • Verbal acknowledgement and thanks during program

Contact us to become a sponsor