L.A.’s fastest-growing companies are about as eclectic a group as you’ll come across. From the maker of breath freshener capsules to a recycling firm, from car dealers to software developers, these companies form a living, breathing catalog of what works in L.A. business.

The levels of success vary widely, from growth of 607 percent for the No. 1 company on the List based on three-year revenue growth (1994-1996) to 35 percent for No. 100.

The Business Journal established certain parameters for this year’s List that provide for a better cross-section of L.A. business activity. To qualify, a company must be privately owned, headquartered in Los Angeles County and have had 1996 revenues of at least $10 million. This last criterion allows for both fast-growing startups and more established businesses. (Advertising agencies, banks and non-profit institutions were excluded because their growth measurements are typically not revenue-based.)

It’s a highly niche-oriented group, especially those in the top 10. It’s also reflective of the new wave of small to mid-sized L.A.-based companies. Pay attention to the names chances are, they’ll be around awhile.

Mark Lacter, editor