1998 Hall of Fame--A Mentor, An Advisor, A Leader

Davis foresees a "pretty strong" growth rate for Consolidated over the next several years.

"In the last six months, we have announced acquisition of 14 companies, and we expect a run rate of at least $600 million by March 31, 1999," he says. "People ask me why our operating percentages are better. The answer is that these were better companies when we bought them. But we do take credit for using a high degree of judgment in cherry picking the best companies."