The trying times have been good for Lynne Leahy, too. Her 13-employee company, AquaPrix, distributes distilled drinking-water filtration systems to companies and has annual revenues of $2 million. Since September 11, inquiries have jumped 30%. AquaPrix' system attaches to the water supply inside of office buildings, reducing the risk of outside contamination. "All companies are looking at security now"' says Leahy, 57. She just launched a new direct-mail campaign and expects to close 2001 with $3.5 million in revenues, 40% more than first forecast. She's pushing into the residential market and plans to add four or five new employees over the next six months. Expansion is far from a sure thing --- especially if the nation's current state of alert should subside. But at a time when the only certainty is uncertainty itself, it seams as safe a bet as any.

Business Week Small Biz November 5, 2001