(hergenrotherenterprises.com photo)

Inc. magazine ranked Vermont-based construction and development company, BlackRock Construction, at number 42 out of 5,000 companies with 6,611.25 percent growth on its 36th annual Inc. 5000 list, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy — America's independent entrepreneurs.

“We couldn't be more excited to have our rapid growth at BlackRock Construction recognized through the Inc. 5000,” said Tom Hergenrother, co-owner of BlackRock Construction. “It's a big day for our company. We are so proud to have landed in the top 50 of America's fastest-growing companies, alongside other remarkable organizations. We continue to look forward to transforming more lives in Vermont and beyond and are grateful for how far we've come so quickly.”

The 2017 Inc. 5000, unveiled online at Inc.com and with the top 500 companies featured in the September issue of Inc., is the most competitive crop in the list's history. The average company on the list achieved a mind-boggling three-year average growth of 481 percent. The Inc. 5000's aggregate revenue is $206 billion, and the companies on the list collectively generated 619,500 jobs over the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at inc.com/inc5000.

“The Inc. 5000 is the most persuasive evidence I know that the American Dream is still alive,” said Eric Schurenberg, Inc. president and editor-in-chief. “The founders and CEOs of the Inc. 5000 tell us they think determination, risk taking, and vision were the keys to their success, and I believe them.”

The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy's most dynamic segment — its independent, small, and midsized businesses. Companies such as Microsoft, Dell, Domino's Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees of the Inc. 5000.

Today's top stories

Protecting Delaware Memorial Bridge

Widespread Catastrophic Damage From Hurricane Awaits Repair Crews in SE States

Flatiron, Dragados JV Set to Finish Major Job in Corpus Christi

JCB Celebrates 20 Years of Engine Making

Robert H. Finke & Sons Holds Open House at New Colchester, Vt. Facility

Snyder Civil Leads Way to Provide Clean Water, Safe Communities, More

Today's Security Tech Helps Contractors Combat Jobsite Theft

Komatsu Company Stores East Holds Open House in Pennsylvania