Fast-Track Firms--Leaps and Bounds

February 1999 saw the acquisition of two more companies, one in Georgia and one in Miami. One more followed shortly thereafter, in June of 1999, in Austin, TX. In August, two more printers—in Florida and Texas—joined Nationwide Graphics.

How did Norton and Hyde do it?

"It takes a good business plan; we are very particular about the kinds of companies we acquire," Norton states. "Each must be a high-margin business that has been consistently profitable. We are not out on any wild goose chases. The companies must meet specific financial and growth criteria, then they must pass our final test—a meeting with our advisory board of directors."