Who says that small businesses can’t grow in the middle of a recession? According to the Pittsburgh Business Times’ compilation of the 100 fastest-growing companies in Pittsburgh, four Bridgeway Capital borrowers are leading the way – right now – in revenue growth: Santelli Tempered Glass, Apangea Learning, Bella Sera on the Square, and 80sTees.com.

Joseph Santelli, owner and president of Santelli Tempered Glass Inc., utilized capital investments to increase efficiencies at his glass manufacturing company. Number three on the list, the company had 782 percent sales growth over a three-year period. Tempered glass is a processed safety glass that shatters into pebble-sized pieces instead of jagged shards. Although the housing downturn has pushed window manufacturers’ sales down, next-day turnaround service and attentive customer service has helped Santelli gain large clients.

Apangea Learning, a one-on-one online math and writing tutoring service for students, is next on the list at number 17, with a 212 percent sales growth and 71 employees. By keeping an eye on trends, understanding needs in the down economy, and shifting spending to maintain a healthy cash balance, president Mark DeSantis sees business continuing to grow.

Bridgeway Capital’s other borrowers came in at numbers 42 and 79 respectively. Jason Capps, owner of Bella Sera restaurant, has achieved 100 percent sales growth and 18 employees over the last few years, and Kevin Stecko from 80sTees.com, an online retailer specializing in licensed entertainment t-shirts, focuses on the bottom line and trimming operational costs, with the resulting revenue growth of 53 percent and 17 employees.

The Pittsburgh Business Times compiled the Top 100 list ranked by revenue growth from 2006 – 2008.

Bridgeway Capital congratulates its borrowers on their prestigious recognition, and will continue to collaborate with businesses to promote a growing western Pennsylvania economy. 

Company information and sales numbers from Pittsburgh Business Times articles.