Charlotte County Business Blooming: Two Local Companies Thrive on the 2024 Inc. 5000 List


February 3rd, 2025

When people think of entrepreneurial hotspots in Florida, they often picture major metros like Miami or Tampa. Yet Charlotte County is steadily carving out its own reputation for innovation and growth. Two Charlotte County-based companies—Executive Career Upgrades and Creations by Fitz Design—recently landed on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for 2024, underscoring that Charlotte County business blooming is more than just a catchphrase. It’s a reality.

A Rising Tide in Charlotte County

Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Charlotte County is home to roughly 188,910 residents (according to U.S. Census Bureau data), and it’s known for a pro-business environment. The local government actively encourages entrepreneurship through our office, the Charlotte County Economic Development—You can explore to learn more about incentives for startups, established businesses, and everyone in between.

If you’re new to the area or just curious about its thriving business landscape, check out our Local Business Success Stories for more insights.  You can also check out our Business Resources to see what help you have at your fingertips.

Spotlight on Executive Career Upgrades (Inc. 5000 Rank: #907)

Founding & History

Executive Career Upgrades was founded by Tim Madden, whose background includes years of experience in recruitment and leadership coaching (per ExecUpgrades.com). Over time, Executive Career Upgrades refined its services into a structured program that includes résumé optimization, personal branding, interview mastery, and salary negotiation. This comprehensive approach contributes to the firm’s recognition on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list.

Company Culture & Values

From their publicly available materials, Executive Career Upgrades emphasizes a culture of:

  1. Accountability – Team members and clients alike are encouraged to set measurable goals, track progress, and adjust strategies as needed.
  2. Personalized Service – Each client receives one-on-one coaching and a customized action plan, reflecting the belief that no two executive career paths are the same.
  3. Transparency & Honesty – According to their “About Us” section, Executive Career Upgrades focuses on candid feedback, whether it’s about résumé improvements or identifying skill gaps that need addressing.
  4. Empowerment – Much of their branding underscores an empowerment theme, motivating job seekers to take charge of their professional futures.

These values come through in Executive Career Upgrades’ blog posts, client testimonials, and the Executive Career Upgrades Podcast (hosted by Tim Madden), which often features discussions on leadership development and job market trends.

Growth & Success

  • Rapid Expansion: As noted in the Inc. 5000 data, Executive Career Upgrades reported $2.3 million in revenue for 2022. Their 555% three-year revenue growth placed them at #907 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list.
  • Client Outcomes: While exact client numbers aren’t publicly disclosed, their website and social media pages reference thousands of leaders who have landed new roles or advanced their careers after completing Executive Career Upgrades’ programs.
  • National Footprint: Although headquartered in Charlotte County, Florida, Executive Career Upgrades serves clients across the U.S. (and occasionally internationally), showcasing how a specialized, digital-first coaching model can thrive beyond a single local market.

Why It Matters for Charlotte County

Executive Career Upgrades’ success story demonstrates how a locally based but globally minded company can boost Charlotte County’s profile as a region where innovative service providers can flourish. With its remote-friendly operations and focus on executive-level strategies, Executive Career Upgrades serves as a case study in how niche expertise can scale quickly in a competitive marketplace.

Sources & Further Reading:

Spotlight on Creations by Fitz Design (Inc. 5000 Rank: #2,200)

Founding & Focus

While the company hasn’t published an extensive founding story on its site, Creations by Fitz Design has established itself over the years as a go-to brand for boutonnieres, corsages, ribbons, and specialty floral accessories. Their product offerings are especially popular for proms, weddings, and upscale events—markets that demand creative and visually striking décor elements.

Industry Niche:

  • Cater primarily to florists, event planners, and retailers looking for unique, ready-to-use floral embellishments.
  • Offer specialized accessories like adjustable wrist corsages, often featuring rhinestones, ribbons, and other decorative touches.

Culture & Design Philosophy

  1. Craftsmanship – Fitz Design emphasizes handcrafted quality. Many of their accessories involve intricate detailing, underscoring the brand’s commitment to making each piece feel uniquely luxurious.
  2. Innovation – By focusing on patented or proprietary designs (like certain adjustable wristlet models), the company has carved out a distinctive place in a crowded events market.
  3. Customer-Centric Approach – The official website highlights how the business collaborates with florists and planners to bring fresh ideas to life, aiming for a balance of fashion-forward and functional.
  4. Community Engagement – Based in Punta Gorda, Florida, Fitz Design’s success demonstrates how a local, boutique-style operation can grow into a nationally recognized supplier without sacrificing personal touches.

Inc. 5000 Success

  • 2024 Inc. 5000 Rank: #2,200
  • Three-Year Revenue Growth: 237%
  • 2022 Revenue: $2.8 million

These figures, reported by Inc. 5000 (an authoritative source for private-company growth metrics), reflect Fitz Design’s remarkable ability to capture market share across the U.S. Their ranking also underscores Charlotte County business blooming, showing that innovative ideas paired with dedicated craftsmanship can thrive outside major metropolitan areas.

Why It Matters for Charlotte County

Creations by Fitz Design is one of several Charlotte County-based success stories that highlight entrepreneurial innovation in this Southwest Florida locale. With a product line that’s both creative and practical—and a national clientele—the company showcases how homegrown businesses can flourish with the right blend of quality, niche focus, and consistent customer relationships.

Learn More:

For more on local Charlotte County success stories—and tips on making the most of our region’s business-friendly climate—explore our Charlotte County Business Resources.  

Looking Ahead

If these two success stories tell us anything, it’s that innovation and passion can flourish in unexpected places—like the peaceful, waterfront community of Charlotte County. As these businesses continue to grow and garner national recognition, they shine a spotlight on the region’s upward trajectory.

For more stories on local success—and tips on how to build your own Inc. 5000-worthy venture—explore Charlotte County Economic Development News.

Meanwhile, the official Inc. 5000 list remains a crucial resource for anyone tracking the fastest-growing private companies in America. Keep an eye on it, because if Charlotte County’s track record is any indication, we’re bound to see more homegrown stars emerging every year.

Written by Charlotte County Economic Development
Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Inc. 5000, Executive Career Upgrades Press Release, Creations by Fitz Design Website