When is bigger not better? When you value greatness over fast growth. These 25 companies are all privately owned and closely held, and they share a commitment to being the best at what they do, providing stellar service to customers, offering employees fulfilling, rewarding work and being vital members of their communities. They include a leading website for how-to advice, a Texas remanufacturer of oil drilling rigs, a burgeoning chain of “hyperlocal” newspapers, and a game company that has spawned an international community of more than 200 million players. Read and be inspired.