For 45 years, Fortune Magazine has generated a list of the 500 companies with the greatest revenue. It’s a compilation of the biggest names in business. The most powerful, profitable firms on the stock exchange (only public companies disclose the financial data needed to compile the list). Other factors are also considered, such as human resources practices, management, training and technology.

The top layer is referred to as the “Fortune 100″, a rare honor indeed. At Easy On Hold, we’re proud to serve members of this elite group.

On the list at number 7 is Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate headed by Warren Buffett. Easy On Hold provides music on hold and custom marketing messages at 35 Shaw Industries locations.

Berkshire acquired Shaw Industries, Inc. in 2001. Shaw, headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, is the world’s largest carpet manufacturer based on both revenue and volume of production. Shaw designs and manufactures over 3,000 styles of tufted and woven carpet and laminate flooring for residential and commercial use under about 30 brand and trade names and under certain private labels. – Wikipedia

Ranked at 31 (up from 40 in 2010) is Pfizer, inc. With offices and manufacturing in our home town of Portage, Michigan, Pfizer has utilized Easy On Hold President Julie Cook as a consultant, and Easy On Hold voice talent for various productions.

Pfizer Inc: The world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company. – Pfizer.com

At number 52 on the list is Lockheed Martin. Lockheed uses music on hold licensed through Easy on Hold. Corporations such as Lockheed and Visa (also using Easy On Hold) know they cannot take a chance on improperly acquired music on hold (see the article on Music On Hold Licensing). Easy On Hold handles all aspects of mechanical and performance copyright for companies of any size needing music on hold.

Hess station in Lakeland, FL. Photo by Robert V. Droz.

Hess Corporation is number 74 on the Fortune List in 2011. Hess is a truly remarkable corporation. In 1966 British oil company Amerada Corporation was purchased by Hess Oil and Chemical, forming Hess Amerada, now known as Hess.The company is headquartered in New York City and operates gas stations in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indonesia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Deere Corporation (John Deere) is listed in 98th position on the 2011 Fortune 100. Easy On Hold serves many John Deere dealer locations in the US and has participated in the John Deere Users Group. Easy On Hold’s unique Anytime Plan provides flexible, customized and easily updated messaging for phone on hold at multi-site Deere groups.

John Deere is very selective when choosing our suppliers and dealers. We must both totally support John Deere core values:  integrity, quality,  commitment, and innovation.  - Deere.com