Vector has made the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal’s annual FAST 50 Growth list for the first time at position #21. The company has $6.47 million in revenue in 2024, with a 71.37% growth rate. In August, the independently owned 11-year-old company placed 1,782 in the annual nationwide INC 5000 list of the fastest growing companies in the country. Vector also had its first million-dollar month during that time, and it surpassed its 2025 revenue goals earlier in October.  

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“We’re going to continue growing at least 30% in the next two years,” remarked Karen Balko, CEO of Vector. “All our employees and our management team are thrilled with the FAST 50 award because it validates that we’re doing everything right. It also confirms what we believe in as a small, indie company facing the growing consolidation of our industry due to the aggressive private equity buyouts of home services companies here and across the country.”

Just three years ago, Vector had just 10 employees. Today it has 42 – no debt – and has benefited from a colorful rebrand by KickCharge Creative in 2024, and acute online marketing guidance from its marketing partner CAMP Digital. All contributed to its fast growth even as major disruptors such as consolidation, AI and mounting U.S. tariffs began upsetting business models and fundamentals.

“U.S. tariff policy hasn’t slowed us down,” Balko told the Business Journal. “Challenges like these are part of doing business, and the key is to stay proactive and adaptable. Since the tariff changes were not a surprise, we planned ahead and focused on what matters most — taking care of our customers and delivering consistent service.”  

Neither has the preponderance of AI: Noted Balko, “AI is reshaping how businesses connect with customers and respond in real time. While Vector still values live phone interactions, we are starting to leverage AI in our marketing efforts because it’s the companies that adapt fastest who will win. In today’s world, speed to lead and responsiveness are everything.” 

Five-year forecast: smart, intentional growth and scaling

Balko and her executive team that includes Tom Balko (Chief Dream Builder) and Mark Goetz (Leader of Development) have embraced a reasonable five-year growth forecast. “We aim to achieve sustainable 20–30% year-over-year growth while increasing efficiency across all departments,” she added. ”Our focus is on smart, intentional growth, scaling at a pace that supports our team, maintains our culture, and ensures Vector continues to deliver exceptional service to every customer in this region.”