Knoxville Entrepreneur Center celebrates East Tennessee’s 2026 Inc. 5000 honorees
The number of East Tennessee companies on the Inc. 5000 has doubled in about six years, a sign of a regional economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem that is thriving.
The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) gathered some of East Tennessee’s fastest-growing companies Wednesday evening at Covenant Health Park, honoring the region’s 2026 Inc. 5000 honorees during its annual Grit & Growth celebration.
“This really is one of my favorite events of the year because it’s an opportunity to recognize folks who have been listed on the Inc. 5000 list, which is an extraordinary accomplishment and something that I think we should all be incredibly proud of,” KEC Executive Director Jim Biggs told the crowd. “It’s a testament to an incredibly vibrant and growing entrepreneurial community here that is going from strength to strength at this point.”
This year’s class spans manufacturing, software, health care, logistics, professional services and nuclear safety. Some companies are new to the list. Others have been regulars for more than a decade. Biggs pointed to both ends of that spectrum. Knoxville-based True Metal Supply earned the region’s highest ranking in its first appearance. Kodak-based KaTom Restaurant Supply, meanwhile, made the list for the 17th time.
“Regardless of whether it’s your first time or your 17th time, it’s an extraordinary accomplishment to be on that list,” Biggs ended. “At KEC, we like to say that entrepreneurs change lives, and there is no better example of people changing lives than the folks in this room. Your businesses are changing the lives of the people who work for that business. We look forward to seeing all of you on the list again next year, and the year after that, and the year after that.”
Meet the 2026 East Tennessee Inc. 5000 honorees
True Metal Supply — #33 | 7,728% growth | Knoxville
Manufacturing siding, roofing and post-frame construction materials, True Metal Supply earned the highest ranking among this year’s regional companies—and its first appearance on the list.
Vanterra Foundation Solutions — #1,762 | 198% growth | Knoxville
Vanterra provides foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl-space encapsulation, mold removal and concrete lifting services across the U.S. This is the company’s second consecutive year on the list.
RocketCert — #2,111 | 161% growth | Knoxville
RocketCert helps professionals obtain and maintain their licenses through a platform built around personalized learning and customer service. It’s the company’s second consecutive appearance.
Avero Advisors — #2,114 | 160% growth | Knoxville
Avero works with public agencies to modernize internal operations and make interactions with government simpler. The company has now appeared on the Inc. 5000 for six consecutive years.
Pro Source Home Buyers — #3,026 | 101% growth | Knoxville
The real estate investment firm purchases as-is residential properties throughout East Tennessee and makes its first appearance on the list.
RiskExec — #3,052 | 100% growth | Knoxville
RiskExec develops cloud-based analytics and compliance reporting software for banks, credit unions, lenders and other financial institutions.
Storage Pug — #3,053 | 100% growth | Knoxville
Storage Pug creates software for self-storage operators, helping owners attract tenants, manage their investments and simplify the rental experience. This marks its fifth consecutive appearance.
Functional Pathways — #3,114 | 97% growth | Knoxville
Functional Pathways provides occupational, physical and speech therapy to continuing care and skilled nursing communities. 2026 marks its first appearance on the Inc. 5000.
RevitalyzeMD — #3,324 | 88% growth | Knoxville
RevitalyzeMD offers wellness, sexual wellness and regenerative medicine services, returning to the list for a second consecutive year.
Garza Law Firm — #3,415 | 84% growth | Knoxville
Garza Law Firm focuses on personal injury, criminal defense and Social Security disability, earning its second consecutive place on the list.
Mountaineer Cleaning and Maintenance — #3,928 | 63% growth | Sevierville
Serving rental properties throughout the Smoky Mountains, Mountaineer handles everything from inspections and linens to lawn care and small remodeling projects. The company has made the list four consecutive years.
Axle Logistics — #4,154 | 55% growth | Knoxville
Axle provides third-party logistics services to customers throughout North America. Its 2026 recognition marks an impressive 11 consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5000.
Paschal Solutions — #4,447 | 43% growth | Oak Ridge
Paschal Solutions provides nuclear safety engineering, safety analysis and licensing support to commercial and federal clients, earning its first appearance on the list.
RDA Healthcare Supply Chain Solutions — #4,623 | 34% growth | Oak Ridge
RDA provides nationwide healthcare supply chain services, using proprietary technology to identify expense reductions and operational improvements. This is its third consecutive appearance.
KaTom Restaurant Supply — #4,768 | 27% growth | Kodak
KaTom supplies commercial kitchen equipment and restaurant supplies to customers across the country. The company has appeared on the Inc. 5000 17 times.
Congrats, all!
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