Business: Designs and manufactures gas-sniffing sensors to detect more than 100 toxic and explosive gases used in a variety of manufacturing processes.

Founded: 1992

Headquarters: Edina

Website: www.sensorelectronics.com

Executives: CEO Alan Petersen Sr. and his son and business partner, Alan Jr.

Employees: 19

2007 revenue: $10 million

Quote: "This business is a whole lot more interesting than getting up in the morning and doing the crossword puzzle." -- Alan Petersen Sr., explaining why he remains at the helm of his company at age 76.