The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) announced the results of its fifth annual list of the nation’s 50 Fastest-Growing Woman-Owned Businesses this week. Sponsored by American Express OPEN, the list featured the Tyndale Company for the second year in a row.  

Specializing in providing flame resistant clothing, Tyndale has been serving the safety apparel needs of companies in the energy, public transportation and manufacturing industries since its founding by Dale Whittenberger in 1981. The company manufactures and sells its own line of American-made flame-resistant clothing, in addition to distributing branded merchandise by the likes of Carhartt and Wrangler.

Majority ownership was transferred to Gail Whittenberger in 2007, and shortly thereafter Tyndale gained recognition as a woman-owned business enterprise (WBE) under the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).  In April 2011, following a meticulous application and review process, Tyndale was certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)—the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the US.

Since taking the helm, Gail has led Tyndale through the strongest period of growth in the company’s history. Tyndale’s impressive growth and woman-owned business status were first recognized by the WPO and American Express OPEN in 2011. This year, Tyndale ranked #41 on the Top 50 list.

According to the WPO, the Top 50 generated $4 billion in total revenue in 2011, and collectively employed 26,883 people. “This year’s Top 50 list is our most diverse ranking ever, with 20 states represented and companies ranging from precious metals dealers to food service distributors,” said Marsha Firestone, Ph.D., president, and founder of the WPO. Tyndale was one of only two Pennsylvania-based companies in the Top 50.

The ranking stemmed from a sales growth formula that combines percentage and absolute growth. To be eligible, companies had to be privately held, woman-owned, US- or Canada-based, and have reached at least $500,000 by the first week of 2007 and $2 million in 2011. As a privately-held company, Tyndale does not share revenue figures.

“We are thrilled to showcase the successes of our fifty honorees in order to inspire other women to build high-growth businesses,” said Sarah Forger, manager of customer advocacy at American Express OPEN. According to the company’s research, woman-owned businesses account for 29% of American companies.

“2011 was a banner year for Tyndale,” said Gail Whittenberger, “and we are thrilled to have made 2012’s Top 50 list,” she said. Over the past year, Tyndale expanded into a new distribution center and launched a Factory Store in Williamsport, PA to serve shale gas workers.

“Tyndale’s ongoing growth further strengthens our ability to support many large companies with our top-notch products and services,” Whittenberger said. “We are proud to protect workers across the US.”