Missoula Business Montana Knife Co. Earned Inc. 5000 Rank
The Missoula-based manufacturer achieved a national ranking after recording 680% growth in three years.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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Montana Knife Co., headquartered in Missoula, has secured the No. 508 spot on the annual Inc. 5000 list. The firm achieved the highest growth rate of any company based in Montana.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the rapid scaling of private enterprises in regional hubs. It also showcases the significant impact of niche manufacturing on the broader state economy.
Montana Knife Co. reported 680% growth over a three-year period and earned the No. 508 ranking on the latest Inc. 5000 list. This performance represents the highest growth rate among all Montana firms tracked for the list.
The players
Montana Knife Co.
This Missoula-based manufacturer produces high-end blades and serves as a significant player in the state's growing private sector.
Josh Smith
He is a co-founder of Montana Knife Co. and played a central role in establishing the firm in 2020.
Brandon Horoho
He is a co-founder of Montana Knife Co. who helped launch the company four years ago.
The details
Founded in 2020 by Josh Smith and Brandon Horoho, the manufacturer has grown rapidly within the private sector. The Inc. 5000 list evaluates companies based on their percentage growth over a three-year window.
Timeline
Montana Knife Co. was founded in 2020.
The 680% growth was recorded during the 2023 to 2026 period.
Macro View
The success of Montana Knife Co. aligns with the historic inclusion of regional manufacturers on the annual Inc. 5000 ranking of the fastest-growing private companies. This growth mirrors broader cycles where niche, high-quality production firms scale rapidly in emerging business hubs.
The rapid expansion of local companies can influence the regional job market and availability of locally produced goods for residents. This growth may also signal an increasing concentration of manufacturing investment within the city.
The takeaway
This achievement underscores how specialized private businesses can compete on a national stage despite originating in smaller markets. Entrepreneurs in similar sectors may look to this growth trajectory as a benchmark for scaling operations.
Further reading
Learn more about local trends on the Missoula Economic Indicators page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MATR.
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