vlookup to return data validation list of contact information

Create named ranges for the data on sheet1 (Company, Contact1, Contact2 etc)

On sheet to add data validation to first cell (Company), in next cell add data validation but in the refers to box add =INDIRECT(A2)

See attached

For a more in depth way try this link
http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal15.html#Name01

Windy

Thanks, that seems close to what I'm looking for. I will try tomorrow at work, but one more question, is it possible to enter the company name manually and only have data validation drop down for the contact name?

Yes it is, just don't add the validation to the cell.

its perfect