BlackRapid Lands on Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing List

SEATTLE, Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Rapid Inc. was named in Inc. magazine's 500 Fastest-Growing Small Businesses list. The company's revenues have grown 1,281 percent in the past three years, placing them second among companies headquartered in Seattle (fifth in the Puget Sound), number 23 in the Consumer Products and Services category and 285 overall among U.S. companies.

"For more than 30 years, Inc has celebrated the fastest-growing private companies in America. To be honored this year is a particularly notable achievement," said Inc. Editor in Chief, Eric Schurenberg. "To rank among the 2012 Inc. 500, the company had to thrive through three of the toughest years this economy has seen in living memory."

In January 2008, BlackRapid revolutionized the camera strap by introducing the patented R-strap camera sling line, the "Original Camera Sling."  The innovative system's benefits and convenience appealed to photographers looking for a better solution to the discomfort associated with cumbersome conventional camera straps. With increasing revenues, the company expanded its strap line in January 2010 and began global distribution. Today, BlackRapid distributes straps, bags and accessories in over 50 countries around the world and continues to expand its distribution force and product lines. 

"I have watched BlackRapid evolve from a start-up with a good idea, developed by photographer and BlackRapid founder Ron Henry, into a respected brand in the photography community with a loyal following around the world," said Dan Ballard, renowned global travel and landscape photographer.  

In 2011, ThinkGlobal, in conjunction with U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, honored BlackRapid with the Exporter of the Year award in the consumer goods category for significant contributions to growth in US exports and the creation of job opportunities. BlackRapid and its products have received numerous other awards globally for innovation, customer relations, superior quality and design. 

"Being named to the Inc. 500 list is a tremendous validation of what we've created over the past few years," said BlackRapid President, Kurt Peterson. "Distributors and dealers across the globe have played a large part in helping BlackRapid achieve this notable accomplishment, as well as our global community of photographers who use and believe in our products. We are proud to create job opportunities in the United States and abroad during these economically challenging times and look forward to additional sustained growth in the coming years."

About BlackRapid

BlackRapid is the premier camera accessory brand, offering products designed to improve the speed, comfort and efficiency of consumer and professional photographers. In addition to the popular R-strap series camera sling strap, the company also offers the popular SnapR camera bag line and the timesaving LensBling Lens Cap System.  Based in Seattle, WA, Founder and photographer Ron Henry established BlackRapid in 2008, with co-owner and BlackRapid President, Kurt Peterson.

Contact:
Brent Camara, Porter Novelli
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206-770-7026

SOURCE BlackRapid