Largo-based tattoo shops get listed on Inc. 5000

You might not think of a tattoo parlor chain making a list of the nation's fastest-growing privately held companies, yet Largo-based Atomic Tattoos has done so for the third year in a row.

Atomic Tattoos comes in on this year's Inc. 5000 list at No. 4,275, with revenue of $3 million in 2009 and 25% growth over the last three years. The company, which started in 2001, now has 11 locations in the Tampa Bay area — three of which are in upscale shopping malls — plus two each in Orlando and Milwaukee, Wis.

CEO Steve Cannon says he is honored by the magazine's recognition. “These are difficult economic times,” he says, “but if you control costs, growth is still possible.”

As part of a $2-billion-a-year industry, Atomic Tattoos is catching on to a growing trend toward consumers with disposable income getting ink injections and piercings (talk about wearing one's wealth). Cable TV shows, magazines and websites dedicated to the skin arts are driving clients to parlors, which are far cleaner and safer environs than those of bygone decades.

The key is catching would-be customers close to where they spend, whether it's the mall or an entertainment venue.

Atomic Tattoos is also exploring new expansion markets along with funding options with interested investment groups, he adds. The company estimates double-digit revenue growth this year and beyond.