Located in Colon, Michigan, the self-described "Magic Capital of the World," Riverside Vans opened for business more out of need than for any entrepreneurial spirit. In 1985, the local Chevrolet dealership received several new Astro Vans, but there was no one on the lot who knew how to design the interiors. Enter Riverside owner Ann Gilchrist and her team, and the rest is history.

Riverside divides its output between the commercial and the luxury van markets. The company's six-acre headquarters contains three buildings and 7,500 square feet of space. Riverside employs seven full-time workers and the company's conversion vans are primarily sold in the Midwest.