A single deal has made a world of difference for Top 150 newcomer Herndon Products. Revenue at the defense contractor soared from $42 million to $75 million last year thanks to a contract, potentially worth up to $277 million over eight years, in support of Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pa. Chief Operating Officer Dan Rodrigues said he does not expect a similar revenue jump in 2010. "You can't hit a home run every time," he said.

O'Fallon, Mo.-based Herndon is a major supplier of assembly components to the aerospace and defense industry. It also provides procurement, warehousing, bin management and inventory services to support its clients' programs. The federal government, specifically the armed forces, account for about 90 percent of Herndon's revenue. President and CEO Scott Herndon owns the company, along with his brother, Craig Herndon.