Ascend’s Dramatic Rise to No. 866 Reflects a Commitment to Client Success and Strategic Adaptability
Ascend, Inc. announced today that it has been named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies for the second consecutive year. This year’s ranking marks a significant jump, reflecting the company’s remarkable growth and resilience in a competitive and dynamic business landscape.
Ascend achieved a ranking of No. 866 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 from last year’s debut at No. 1575, demonstrating a consistent dedication to client success, an employee-driven culture, and strategic growth initiatives. The Inc. 5000 list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment of independent businesses. 
“Making the Inc. 5000 list for a second consecutive year is an incredible honor and our moving up over 700 spots really validates our team’s hard work and dedication,” said Lou Sylaj, CEO of Ascend. “This repeated recognition truly reflects our strategic vision and the agility of every individual at Ascend who embraces excellence and consistently delivers exceptional value for our clients, year after year.”
This year’s Inc. 5000 recognition highlights companies that have demonstrated remarkable resilience, a quality deeply embedded in Ascend’s culture. In an ever-evolving market, Ascend’s commitment to team members and clients has allowed it to not only navigate challenges but to consistently achieve significant growth.
“Change is a challenge for every organization, but at Ascend, it has revealed our greatest strength: our people,” said Kathryn Aspromonti, SVP of Sales at Ascend. “Thanks to the grit, passion, and adaptability of our sales and delivery teams, we didn’t just survive — we have thrived, achieving double-digit growth in the face of economic uncertainty.”
The Inc. 5000 recognition provides Ascend with further national exposure and cements its position as a leader in the UKG partner ecosystem. Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. adds, “Making the Inc. 5000 is always a remarkable achievement, but earning a spot this year speaks volumes about a company’s tenacity and clarity of vision. These businesses have thrived amid rising costs, shifting global dynamics, and constant change. They didn’t just weather the storm—they grew through it, and their stories are a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial spirit is the engine of the U.S. economy.”
###
Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.
Inc. 5000 Methodology
Companies on the 2025 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2021 to 2024. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2021. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2024. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2021 is $100,000; the minimum for 2024 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places.
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
Follow ASCEND on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Press release regarding this announcement can be found here.
