Oklahoma City-based companies came in at No. 1 and No. 30 on Fortune magazine’s “Inner City 100,” a listing of the 100 fastest growing companies in the country.

Consulting Services Inc. was ranked as the No. 1 fastest-growing company in the U.S., coming in just above Pandora Internet Radio. CSI, in downtown Oklahoma City, specializes in information technology, advisory and assistance, engineering and professional services.

Ken Novotny, CEO and founder, said the company focuses on the federal market space, and deals in contracts such as managing e-mail for the U.S. Army and handling technology systems for Tinker Air Force Base. The company conducts business in 14 states at five sites.

“We do a lot of the programs that sustain our war fighters,” he said. “What we do on a day in day out basis matters, and we are recognized for that.”

Novotny, who regularly sponsors golf tournaments for his employees, comes from a small farm town in Oklahoma, and said he dreamed of becoming a millionaire as a kid. He went to five different banks for loans to start up CSI. After being rejected by all five, he had to borrow money from his father to get started. Seven years later, he is the No. 1 ranked fastest growing company.

“I have heard all my life that ‘You can’t do that and you’ll never be able to do this,’ but whenever you boil it down, it’s what you want to do with your life,” he said.  “It does make me very proud to know that if you dream and you figure out how, you can accomplish pretty much anything. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the employees.”

Fortune reported CSI’s five-year annual growth rate was 158 percent, with 2009 revenues of $14.9 million.

Funnel Design Group made the Inner City 100 list at No. 30. Funnel is a branding, public relations and marketing firm founded in 2000. According to Fortune, its five-year annual growth rate was 47 percent, and had 2009 revenues of $2.2 million.

Based in downtown Oklahoma City on Automobile Alley, Funnel’s website states it provides clients with an edge against competition, with innovative thinking and concepts.

"We’re proud to represent Oklahoma City, and are thrilled to receive this national honor,” said co-founder Sean Cobb. “Design influences perceptions, and we’re focused on improving the perception of Oklahoma City with every project we do. Through our work and this award, we’re honored to service the image of Oklahoma City both locally and nationally." —Dylan Smith