Xversity

Location: Seattle

Website: www.xversity.com

Founded: 1997

Key Innovation: Xversity helps launch the careers of college graduates with almost any degree, including hard-to-sell degrees like sociology, by linking them to an established business network. Xversity also helps employees who are switching careers, including military officers transitioning to civilian life. To be accepted into Xversity's program, a potential associate must outperform on attributes that have been defined as those of the "perfect employee": reliable, adaptable, intelligent, results-oriented, professional, consistent, enjoyable, self-starting, communicative and teachable. By evaluating associates and matching them with companies, ranging from Microsoft Corp. and Wells Fargo to Verizon and Nintendo, Xversity allows companies to accomplish projects and to reduce  risk in hiring. Xversity's program is "an elevated model," says Chief Officer Todd Floyd. "There are over 9,500 staffing companies, recruiters and temp agencies in the country, and we didn't want anything to do with that."

Key People: Floyd, chief officer; Ray McKinley, national director; Mark Reister, director, Denver; Brad Jackson, founder and CEO of Two Degrees LLC, Xversity's parent company.

Measure of Success: Associates stay in Xversity's program for an average of four-and-a-half months, and more than 96 percent of them ultimately are hired by companies that use the Xversity program. Companies use Xversity's bimonthly evaluation system to assess the potential of associates. On average, associates score a rating of 8.18 on a 10-point scale, falling between "Exceeds Expectations" and "Always Exceeds Expectations." And Xversity doesn't cast you off if you aren't accepted as an associate. "It's not like American Idol," Floyd says. Instead, the company advises you on such things as your résumé and interview skills.

Employees: 22

What's Next: In response to customer requests, the company is expanding from six to 26 U.S. markets and is moving into Sydney, Australia, and Dublin, Ireland, as well. The company is expanding its scholarship programs, including helping underprivileged high school students get a college education and launch a career.

CFO Selections LLC

Location: Bellevue

Website: www.cfoselections.com

Founded: 2002

Key Innovation: CFO Selections matches experienced, semi-retired controllers, financial vice presidents and chief financial officers with small- to midmarket companies that need that level of leadership but historically have not had access to it or could not afford it. "The typical CFO on the team has over 26 years of experience in multiple industries and financial roles," says Tom Varga, founder and managing partner. "They each bring intangible executive insights gained from having 'been there and done that.'" CFO Selections strives to make these important connections in an on-demand, flexible and affordable way. In this way, the company serves CFOs who are looking to work part time, while providing growing companies with the experience they need to manage their financial interests. "It's this ability to bring balance in terms of their life," Varga says of the executives, "and at the same time help fuel the economic engine of Puget Sound."

Key People: Varga, founder and managing partner; Mark Tranter, partner, business development; Rich Leo, partner, executive search.

Measure of Success: "There's only one measure that really matters, and that's customer satisfaction," Varga says. "We've had clients come back to us three and four times over the past six years. One guy calls us his ace in the hole." Varga points to the company's rapid growth as another measure of success: Revenue skyrocketed to $1.6 million in 2006, up 360 percent from $348,000 in 2004. Additionally, the company was nominated as one of the best places to work by several publications this year and in 2006.

Employees: 26

What's Next: Varga says the company will continue to emphasize its role as a conduit for linking experienced executives with young and growing companies. He likens it to a family making sure the children spend time with their grandparents. "We kind of do that on a professional services basis," Varga says.