Sprint

Running to keep up with an always-changing telecom race, Sprint Nextel combines the best of two powerhouse wireless companies. The combination of #3 US wireless carrier Sprint with #5 Nextel Communications has created a wireless giant that aspires to take on the wireless units of bounding former Baby Bells Verizon (and Verizon Wireless) and AT&T Inc. (and AT&T Mobility, formerly Cingular). Sprint Nextel operates a nationwide digital wireless network with about 53 million subscribers. The #1 non-Bell local phone company in the US, Sprint Nextel has spun off its local wireline operations, known as Embarq, to focus on the future of wireless -- wireless broadband.

Gibson

Real pickers put Gibson Guitar on a pedestal. Though it trails #1 guitar maker Fender, Gibson builds instruments that are held in unparalleled esteem by many guitarists, including some of the world's top professional musicians. The company's most popular guitar, the legendary Les Paul, retails at about $1,500. Gibson also makes guitars under such brands as Epiphone, Kramer, and Steinberger. In addition to guitars, the company makes pianos through its Baldwin unit, Slingerland drums, and Trace Elliot amplifiers, as well as many accessory items. Company namesake Orville Gibson began making mandolins in the late 1890s. Gibson Guitar is now owned by CEO Henry Juszkiewicz and president David Berryman.