Appletree CEO Wins SBA Entrepreneurial Success Award

WILMINGTON, DE., May 19, 2008 – Appletree Answering Service CEO, John Ratliff, was honored as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2008 Entrepreneurial Success Award winner for Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic Region.  The SBA awards program was designed to recognize outstanding entrepreneurs on a state, regional, and national level who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses.

The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses and offers a variety of lending options to meet small business’ financing needs.  Each year the SBA’s 68 district offices across the country recognize their outstanding small business owners.  The state winners selected then compete against their region’s state winners to determine 10 regional award winners.  Appletree’s region includes state winners from federal region III:  PA, MD, WV, VA, DE & DC. 

The regional award recognizes Appletree’s steady growth into a large organization, based on revenue growth and number of employees.  To win the Entrepreneurial Success Award, a business must have received SBA assistance in the past, and must have grown into a “large” business based on SBA standards.  The award also recognizes the businesses’ ability to be innovative and its community involvement. 

Ratliff's entrepreneurial spirit and his dedication to the needs of his customers, vendors and employees, have earned him this state and regional award.  Mr. Ratliff was honored at the Delaware Small Business Week Awards Dinner on Monday, May 19, 2008, at the Deerfield Golf & Tennis Club in Newark. 

Appletree Answering Service was founded in 1995 by John Ratliff, in his two bedroom, commercially zoned apartment in Wilmington, Delaware.  For the first few years, John was handling all aspects of the business including answering the calls, marketing the company, and sales efforts, all while trying to operate the business.  Since this time, Appletree has experienced steady growth and has maintained at least a 30% growth in revenue each year due to Ratliff’s intense dedication and determination to make Appletree successful.  Appletree has acquired 11 companies and today boasts locations in eight states and Puerto Rico, including its headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. 

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