Oregon-Based Dutch Bros. Among America’s Best Small Companies: Forbes

Oregon-based Dutch Bros., a coffee-stand business established in 1992 in Grants Pass, made Forbes' second annual list of "Small Giants," or America’s best small companies.

The second annual list, released by Forbes May 9, comprises of 25 small companies that value "greatness over growth." According to Forbes, what these companies have in common is a sound business model, strong balance sheets and steady profits.

For Dutch Bros. spokeswoman Jennifer Wheatley, the recognition reflects more than the company's sound business model and more directly acknowledges Dutch Bros.' collective commitment to "heart, relationships, love, and people," she said. "The recognition is empowering and let's us know we're on the right track."

Here's what Forbes had to say about Dutch Bros.:

Dutch Bros., a drive-through coffee chain, requires franchisees to spend a minimum of three years working for the company before applying for a franchise. Then it facilitates loans to cover the $30,000 franchise fee, buy equipment and pay for other opening expenses. As a result, many of its 20- and 30-something franchisees are high school dropouts now banking upwards of $200,000 a year in profits. Only outgoing optimists need apply.

"We simply don't tolerate toxic or cancerous behavior to the culture," says CEO and cofounder Travis Boersma.

In an email to Patch on Wednesday, Boersma added: "Forbes was always one of those magazines that you see on the rack and think of Fortune 500 companies. It's pretty crazy to see Dutch Bros featured."

Employing more than 7,000 people across the state, Dutch Bros. coffee stands can be found in most every little nook and corner of Oregon.

>>>Click here to see the full list of companies that made the list.

This post has been updated to include comments from Dutch Bros. spokeswoman Jennifer Wheatley and CEO and co-founder Travis Boersma.

Patch Breaking News Editor Feroze Dhanoa contributed to this post.

Photo Courtesy: Forbes.com