Going concern

Donald Clarke, CA,
Chairman & CEO,
Rutter Inc.

Company profile: Rutter Inc. was formed in 1998, after the International Maritimes Organization mandated all ships ultimately be fitted with voyage data recorders — the equivalent of an airplane’s black box. Adopting a “go big or go home” attitude, the St. John’s, Nfld.-based company is now the leader in the VDR industry. With 450 employees in seven offices worldwide, and agents and distributors in 60 countries, it provides clients with innovative products in such key sectors as offshore oil and gas, shipping, homeland security and marine defence. In 2004, sales were nearly $70 million (up from $800,000 in 2001) and with 90% of the market yet to be tackled, it’s unlikely Rutter will “go home” any time soon.

Hot factor: In 2003, Rutter was named Exporter of the Year at the Newfoundland and Labrador Export Awards, and in 2004, its subsidiary, Rutter Technologies, earned a Canadian Innovation Award from the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters — both for the phenomenal success of its VDR. Last year, Deloitte ranked Rutter Inc. No. 1 in its ranking of Canada’s 50 fastest growing technology companies.

Cool projects: After terrorists attacked the USS Cole in Yemen, the US Navy decided to upgrade security; it now uses Rutter’s radar signal processing technology, which picks up small or fast-moving objects normally undetected by radar. Other cool technology includes an ice floe tracking device connected to land-based radar that guides ships through treacherous waters.

In his own words: “We went from being an unknown to a leader in the industry because we executed our strategy properly. The key factors driving our success are dedicated people, innovation and a desire to be the best.        

Anna Maria Greene