(Springfield, MO) – In less than three years, Next Level Solutions has been one of the most remarkable success stories in the property and casualty insurance industry. After earning the number one spot in its first year of consideration on Springfield Business Journal’s Dynamic Dozen awards list, NLS can add another chapter to its story.
At a special ceremony held in Springfield onThursday, May 27, NLS was one of twelve companies and six individuals to be honored by the Springfield Business Journal, the leading business publication and resource for the vibrant southwest Missouri region.
In receiving the top spot in its first year on the list, NLS was recognized for “impressive revenue, workforce, and industry growth.” Founded in July 2018, Next Level Solutions has grown to more than 200 employees, a 1,520% increase from 2018.
NLS Co-Founder, Michael Smith, Managing Partner andCOO, accepted the award at the ceremony. Smith called the honor beyond any expectations, adding, “I’m literally in amazement of what Next Level Solutions has accomplished in such a short amount of time. This award belongs to every single person that has made NLS what it is. This started as an idea between Chris(Sawyer), the other co-founder, and we had no idea how everything would come together so fast. It’s been an awesome experience and we’re just getting started.”
Sawyer, President and CEO, was not able to attend the ceremony but echoed Smith in acknowledging how far the organization has come so quickly and the contributions from NLS’ staff. “There are many great companies in the greater Springfield area and for us to be not only on the list but to be named #1 in our first year is to me, as a huge sports fan, comparable to winning the championship in our first year competing. It reinforces the amazing workforce we have assembled at NLS in such a short period of time, especially considering what we have accomplished during the past year during a pandemic. I congratulate our entire team and feel very fortunate to be a part of it.”
Dynamic Dozen companies are determined through a numbers-based formula that awards points for both gross revenue and percentage growth 2018-20. Companies have to operate their headquarters in Springfield, or report segment revenue for Springfield Business Journal’s 50-mile coverage area.