Play to your strengths, hire the best people and use the best technologies. According to Steve Sarowitz, Founder and CEO of Paylocity, that’s how you grow a brand. Given that his payroll and HR company started in a basement and has since become a five-time Inc. 500 honoree, it’s hard to argue with Steve’s formula. We caught up with Steve at the Inc. 500/5000 Conference to talk about what it takes to challenge Goliath and charm new customers.

Here’s what we learned from Steve:

• Paylocity’s secret to exponential… read more.

Jill Blashack Strahan, Founder and CEO of Tastefully Simple, shares her story and the secret to her company’s success at this year’s Inc. 500/5000 Conference. From its humble start in a backyard shed to its popular “house parties” in homes across America, Tastefully Simple demonstrates the power of determination.

Our conversation with Jill reveals:

• Three things that define entrepreneurial perseverance.
• Three ways to conquer fear and succeed.
• How to maintain brand integrity throughout a nationwide network of sales consultants.… read more.

Erika Andersen, CEO of Proteus International and author of Being Strategic: Building the Castle on the Hill has helped major brands turn vision into action for more than 20 years. She talks with us about what it means to be strategic and how to cross the chasm between where we’re starting and where we want to go.

During our interview, we learn:

• The real definition of strategy and true fingerprint of strategic thinking.
• Common obstacles that can get in the way of a company’s desired future.
• Techniques… read more.

“Inspiring.” There’s simply no other word to describe Alison Schuback. At 23, Alison’s life changed in an instant when another car smashed into hers. The accident left her with a traumatic brain injury and severely compromised motor skills. Even basic physical tasks like eating presented a challenge.

Out of necessity, Alison created the Invisibib, an ingenious product that protects its user from spills. Eventually, Alison’s invention won the attention and hearts of executives at Bed… read more.

America’s leading entrepreneurs gathered September 23-25 in Washington, D.C. for the Inc. 500|5000 Conference to celebrate and honor the country’s fastest growing privately held companies. For the second consecutive year, Two West was recognized on the Inc. 500|5000 list and invited to not only attend the event, but also cover the gathering on The Brand Show.

The Brand Show had the opportunity to catch up with several conference speakers and honorees, including Keith Ferrazzi, author of the #1 New York Times… read more.

Since 1982, Inc. magazine has published a special Inc. 500 issue that recognizes the 500 fastest-growing, private companies in America. Past honorees include Microsoft, Oracle, Timeberland, Morningstar, Jamba Juice, and Domino’s Pizza.