Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Year founded: 1990

Core business: Jiu-jitsu instruction

Top executive/owner: Rorion Gracie

Revenues in 1990: $40,000

Revenues in 1996: $2 million

Employees in 1990: 2

Employees in 1997: 17

Goal: To make jiu-jitsu the martial art of choice worldwide.

Driving force: Worldwide demand for the teaching methods of the Gracie Academy.