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CONTINENTAL LINEN
SERVICES iS HAVING
LOADS OF SUCCESS
WONDERFUL
WORKPLACES
of southwest Michigan
HOLIDAY 2019 $6.99
TOAST OF THE TOWN
Tapistry Brewing Is Weaving
Passion Into Its Beer Making
in Southwest Michigan
YEAR IN REVIEW
A Look At Some of the Best Happenings
This Year in Southwest Michigan
Contents
Holiday 2019
“Pleasure in the
job puts perfection
in the work.”
— Aristotle
Wonderful
Workplaces
2
our 2 019 p ick s m a k e w or k coun t
269MAG.COM HOLIDAY 2019
13
KALAMAZOO, MI
30
Regional Scorecard
What the numbers are
saying about Kalamazoo.
EDITORIAL
Your guide to our Wonderful
Workplaces of 2019.
6
Community Comment
Local interns sound off
on what stands out in the
corporate cultures they are
experiencing.
8
NEWS FIRST
33 34
The meaning of a college
education (and degree)
Internship Insight Jobs report is changing.
Josie Fiore has unearthed a goldmine Continental Linen Services finds 40
of experience at Getman Corporation. loads of success in Kalamazoo.
LEADER2LEADER
A Q&A with local
leaders Cyekeia Lee
and Liz Semaan.
46
year in review
A look at some of the best
happenings this year in
Southwest Michigan.
53
ALWAYS FORWARD
It’s time to graduate
and celebrate.
54
38
Toast of the Town
Tapistry Brewing weaves passion into its
brew making in Southwest Michigan.
HOLIDAY 2019 269MAG.COM 3
HEATHER BAKER
Editor-in-Chief
Publisher Ron Kitchens Photographers k athryn davis
Assis ta n t edit or Trisha Dunham trisha dunham
Cre at i v e Direc t or Scot t Millen hannah ziegeler
SENIOR Designer Adam Rossi
Advertising Nick Riashi Contributors Heather Baker
Jobs Report Jill Bl and trisha dunham
Printer RiverRun Press jake fredericks
Subscriptions 269mag.com/subscribe K atie Hurst
ron kitchens
cathy knapp
Lora Painter
Andrea Prat t
Kimberly Verduzco
@269mag
Our hope is that the readers of 269 magazine will become active participants in
the world around them and join our mission to make Southwest Michigan the
place to build a home, go to work, and bring dreams to reality.
261 e Kalamazoo Avenue, ste 200 For full-length articles and The mark 269 is used under license
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 553-9588 more, visit 269mag.com. from discover kalamazoo.
4 269MAG.COM HOLIDAY 2019
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PEREGRINEC OMPANY .COM 269.226.6336
EDITORIAL
BY HEATHER BAKER
Editor-in-Chief
Your Guide to Our Wonderful Workplaces
PHOTO hannah ziegeler Tune in to the Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan
“I
f you knew me, it you really knew me, you recognition. Loni Anderson’s smart portrayal cares so much about its mission. You’ll learn
would know that i...” of Jennifer Marlowe on “WKRP in Cincinnati” that Imperial Beverage is so invested in its
poked fun at those who weren’t quite ready employees that it devotes an entire week to
If you’re reading this issue of 269 MAGAZINE, my
to get their own coffee or made assumptions appreciating them. You’ll see how building a
guess is that you know a thing or two about employee
about office roles. foundation of trust has made TowerPinkster a
engagement. So, you’ll probably recognize this question
top firm in both industry and business. And,
that is often used as an ice-breaker at team events. There was no keeping Murphy Brown down in
you’ll get a glimpse of what it’s like to arrive
the 90s. She shattered glass ceilings for women
Here’s my answer: “If you knew me, if you really knew me, you at Greenleaf Trust, a top place to work in the
everywhere. Murphy called upon us to face
would know that I … love sitcoms. ” nation, for your first day on the job.
tough human resource issues in the workplace,
It doesn’t matter if it’s a story about a lovely lady bringing up although many like harassment and mental Get ready to have some fun. It’s time to turn
three very lovely girls or six well-dressed friends who seem to illness continue to be wrestled with today. the page and enjoy reading about those who
spend more time at a coffee shop than at work. And it doesn’t earned recognition as our 2019 Wonderful
In the 00s, everyone wanted to be in the cast
matter if they’re from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, or 00s. Sitcoms Workplaces!
of “The Office.” But, I’d wager that most
are my guilty pleasure; I find them addictive, relaxing, and, of
of us wouldn’t actually tolerate working at Oh, and if there is one thing that I can agree
course, completely amusing.
Dunder Mifflin for more than a week. The poor with Michael Scott on, it’s this: “An office is a
You could say all those hours spent in front of the television are management style of Michael Scott and toxic place to live life to the fullest, to the max, to …
wasted, but I challenge you: There’s a lot you can learn from office environment he emboldened made us all An office is a place where dreams come true.”
sitcoms. For starters, you can learn that our workplaces have keenly aware that things have changed in the
come a long way from the 1960s. Back then, ashtrays on desks workplace for the better.
were the norm in the office where Rob Petrie of the “The Dick
Today, many of our workplaces celebrate
Van Dyke Show” spent his workday hours.
diversity, consider overtime pay a no-brainer,
Read On,
Mary Tyler Moore took the WJM-TV office by storm and shook and take traditional benefits like parental
things up in the 70s. Women were leaving the Carol Brady image leave to the next level in the form of paid gym
at home—literally—to show up for work in unprecedented memberships and curated engagement events.
Tell us about your favorite workplace sitcom.
numbers. Mary helped define a new vision for the female in the That’s apparent as NBC’s “Superstore” throws @269Mag with #269Sitcoms!
workplace that transcended the stereotypical secretarial role all these things in our face to the nth degree.
as she landed a job as an associate producer in Minneapolis.
In this issue of 269 MAGAZINE, you’ll find
In the early 80s, women were beginning the conversation, only the best office stories. You’ll find out
and rather loudly, that it was high time for equal pay and why the team at The Kalamazoo Promise
6 269MAG.COM HOLIDAY 2019
“ I want to know
what’s going
on, but I don’t
have time to
keep up on
current events.”
Subscribe for free
and receive the Kalamazoo
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Community Comment
John Vary
Surveyor Intern,
Wightman
It’s great working at Wightman because you can tell
how much they invest in the people who work there.
We do so many fun, engaging things both in and
out of work. It’s a great feeling to be supported by a
company in every aspect of your life. You can tell
There’s no better view into workplace culture than they really care about you.
through the eyes of an intern. So, we asked local interns,
“ What stands out for you Biush Khanal
about the corporate culture Quantitative Analytics and
Statistics Intern , Zoetis
you are experiencing?”
In academia, I’m used to a different culture. We
Use your voice @269mag with #Communitycomment work in small centers with direct supervisors and do
the research for others to implement. But, at Zoetis,
I am getting a lot of experience working in real-
world scenarios. I work with data that directly affect
customers, which forces me to be more responsible.
Here, we are doing the research, and whatever we
find, we get to implement. So there’s a direct relation
to the customers who are able to give us feedback on
our performance.
Alannah Chenez
Project Engineering Intern,
MANN+HUMMEL USA
I was surprised to see how relaxed and easy to
talk to everyone is [at MANN+HUMMEL]. It
makes conversations so easy to have. It isn’t the
way I imagined corporate to be. It seems that at
MANN+HUMMEL, anyone with enough ambition
can get to where they want to go.
Dwight Bowman II
Outbound Sales Intern,
Consumers Credit Union
Consumers Credit Union’s culture has been great
to be a part of because, at the end of the day, it’s
all about working with people who are relatable to
me, [share] my values, and make the overall work
culture welcoming and inclusive.
8 269MAG.COM HOLIDAY 2019NOT JUST ANY TEAM
YOUR TEAM
Nancy Turtle Kim Labadie Josh Bush Marcus Brussee Justin Horn Lisa Carriveau
Community Bank President Vice President, Vice President, Vice President, Assistant Vice President, Senior Vice President,
Treasury Sales Commercial Banking Commercial Banking Commerical Banking Commercial Banking
At Mercantile Bank our team of business banking pros are invested in the growth of Southwest Michigan and the
vibrant businesses that call this area home. From business loans to payroll services, we can help you navigate growth
or streamline processes.
For banking that’s here to get you there®, visit MercBank.com/Business
BUSINESS LOANS
TREASURY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT TOOLS
mercbank.com 269.553.9100Ron Kitchens Liz Forkin Bohannon
LEADERSHIP ARCHITECT SOCIAL
& C R E ATO R O F G R E AT T E A M S ENTREPRENEUR
CEO of Southwest Michigan First Co-founder and co-CEO of
& Author of “Uniquely You” Sseko DesignsAmena Brown Horst Schulze
SPOKEN WORD POET LEGEND & LEADER
& PERFORMING ARTIST IN THE SERVICE WORLD
Host of the ‘HER with Co-founder of The Ritz Carlton
Amena Brown’ podcast Hotel Company & Chairman and
CEO of Capella Hotel Group
Jon Gordon B.T. Harman
B E S T- S E L L I N G A U T H O R C O N S U LT A N T
& C O N S U LT A N T & STORYTELLER
Author of “The Energy Bus” and Content Maker for Millennials
“The Power of a Positive Team” and the Brands They Love
Michelle Poler DJ Adrian ‘AB’ Butler
F E A R FA C E R & THE ONE WITH
B R A N D I N G S T R AT E G I S T T H E B E AT S
Founder of Hello Fears Designer, Musician & DJ
• • •
cover story
Wonderful
Workplaces
our 2 019 p ick s m a k e w or k coun t
BY Jake Fredericks Did you know that you will spend
and Heather Baker about one-third of your life working?
PHOToS The editorial team at 269 MAGAZINE did the math: You will work approximately
HANnAH ZIEGELER 85,000 hours over the course of your lifetime. Don’t you want those hours to be well
spent? To feel like you’re a part of something important? To be recognized and rewarded
for your contribution?
34% One might think that working hours are entirely separate from personal hours. But the
time you spend in the workplace affects how you will think, act, and feel in all aspects
of U.S. workers are of life.
considered “engaged.”
That’s the highest level That’s why we believe it’s important to celebrate those organizations in Southwest
since Gallup began Michigan that are dedicated to maximizing employee enjoyment, purpose, and growth.
reporting the national Our 2019 Wonderful Workplaces picks are here! On the following pages, we highlight
figure since 2000.
regional workplaces that help their employees work and live with purpose. We know
Source: “Employee Engagement
on the Rise in the U.S.,” Gallup, 2018. we’re inspired by them, and we hope you are too.
HOLIDAY 2019 269MAG.COM 13One aspect of Greenleaf Trust’s strategy has been to its culture deeply enough to be qualified to make
Greenleaf Trust keep team members engaged, but Dudley believes this determination.
the wealth management firm’s exceptional hiring
Invests in the and onboarding practices have garnered the biggest
Then, candidates complete competency and
strengths assessments that are designed to
returns. “We spend an incredible amount of time
Right People to find the right people to bring on board—it can
determine if their abilities meet the needs of the
particular team they would join. By this point,
take [several months]” she says. “But once you hire
Dudley estimates that only two or three candidates
W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T F I R M someone, they’re part of the family, so we want to
would remain, and all that’s left is the final test: The
K a l a mazo o , M I make sure they’re a perfect fit.”
team-fit interview. “We bring them in to meet five
people they would be working closely alongside,”
In the wealth management field,
“ Once you hire someone, she says. “There needs to be a consensus. Everybody
where clients’ assets are passed
they’re part of the family, needs to feel good about the decision.”
from generation to generation,
relationships matter. so we want to make sure When the search is over, the onboarding process
they’re a perfect fit.” begins. “You have this window of opportunity when
“We’re like doctors in a way,” says Kimberly Dudley, somebody starts [in a position] to really bring them in,”
Kimberly Dudley, Human Resource Specialist
human resource specialist at Greenleaf Trust. “Our says Dudley. “If you miss that, it’s tough to go back.”
clients are sharing deep, personal details about their First, an introductory email is sent out to the whole
finances with us, and that’s not something you disclose The search for candidates begins with pre-screening
Greenleaf Trust team, welcoming the lucky new-hire
to just anybody.” To combat the rampant turnover calls conducted by Greenleaf Trust’s in-house
who made it over the hiring hurdles. Along with that,
common to the field and keep relationships strong recruiter. The company doesn’t outsource this job
the firm sends a welcome plant, and—if a new family
through the years, Greenleaf Trust decided to make a because it selects for values first and skills second.
member is relocating—meals, baked goods, and a few
huge investment in its most valuable asset: its team. Only someone who works at Greenleaf would know
helping hands to unload the moving truck.
On their first day of work, every new team member
is greeted with warm smiles and a goody bag filled
with their favorite treats. Also on their desks is an
agenda for their first weeks. Though every agenda is
tailored to the individual—no matter which location
they call home—each begins with a meeting with
the firm’s President, Mike Odar, who will walk them
through the company’s history.
“In the past, when we were particularly busy, we
tried putting off the onboarding process until things
settled down,” says Dudley. “It didn’t end well. Our
new team members need that time to get to know
everyone, build relationships, and learn about our
culture. We have an amazing process.”
Only 12% of
employees
strongly
agree their
organization
does a
good job of
onboarding.
Source: “Designing Your Organization’s
Employee Experience,” Gallup, 2018.
14 269MAG.COM HOLIDAY 2019Managers
account for a
70% variance
in team
engagement.
Source: “State of the American Manager: Analytics
and Advice for Leaders,” Gallup, 2015.
first day on the job. As soon as a new hire accepts
TowerPinkster the position, a team-wide email is sent out with the
individual’s photo and background information
Draws Up detailing their likes, dislikes, and passions. “We
want to get to know each other as people. We want
Blueprints for an to know if you like dogs or cats, what your favorite
pizza topping is, and what grades your kids are in,”
Unshakable Team says Green. The get-to-know-you process, however,
doesn’t end after the first week of work. “We want
ArchitecturE, Engineering and Design firm
our team members to feel like they’re a part of the
K a l a mazo o , M I
TowerPinkster family, but we want to get to know
their families too,” he says.
TowerPinkster, a West Michigan-
To bring everyone a little closer together,
based architectural firm, is behind
employees, their spouses, and their little ones
the top-to-bottom composition of Halloween, TowerPinkster team members and their
look forward to fun-filled company-wide events
buildings across the state. kids dress up for some spooky trick-or-treating.
“Hopefully no one gets too scared,” he laughs,
This creativity-centric company tackles “ Culture is always worth it. remembering a time when a miniature Stay-Puffed
architecture, engineering, interior design,
When employees are happy, Marshmallow Man became a little uneasy when
landscape, security, and technology projects. But
it shows through in our work he came face-to-face with a team member who
to keep its team in tip-top shape, TowerPinkster
as we create remarkable coincidently chose an identical costume.
has also constructed a workplace environment that
towers above the rest. For CEO Bjorn Green, the
outcomes for our clients, “We’re all working collectively towards the same
company’s stand-out culture is built on a foundation and that’s always the goal.” goal, so it’s critical that we can trust each other.
of good working relationships. “It all starts with Bjorn Green, Ceo You have to carve out time for togetherness,” says
trust,” he says. “When employee relationships grow Green. “Culture is always worth it. When employees
from a strong foundation, the ways in which they will throughout the year. In the summer, everyone are happy, it shows through in our work as we create
collaborate are boundless.” working at TowerPinkster’s Grand Rapids and remarkable outcomes for our clients, and that’s
Kalamazoo offices converge for a family picnic that always the goal.”
That all-important trust between teammates
Green refers to as a “little family reunion.” And for
begins to take shape even before an employee’s
HOLIDAY 2019 269MAG.COM 15Community
Investments Pay
Off Big for BKC
Cer tified Public Accoun ta n t s
K a l a m azo o , M I
For over 25 years, BKC,
formally known as Brink, Key
& Chludzinski, has been serving
Southwest Michigan by providing
accounting excellence in solutions
for personal and business needs.
And though this full-service firm has a roster of 75% of U.S. workers expect their employer to support groups
tax, audit, accounting, and consulting experts, and individuals in need in their respective communities.
each of its team members is passionate about Source: Glassdoor, 2017.
serving their community directly through
volunteerism and philanthropy. “We know The hours invested not only pay dividends for to see that side of our teammates.” When an
that we grow along with the people we serve,” the community but also strengthen the firm’s event approaches, like the Salvation Army’s
says Director of Business Development Sarah internal and external bonds. “When we’re Thanksgiving drive or the March of Dimes’
DeVoll. “BKC’s guiding mission is to foster volunteering, we’re meeting clients, shaking March for Babies, the BKC team rallies to
success for our clients, our team, and our hands with potential clients, interacting outside support each other’s causes.
community.” She says that each of those three of a professional setting, and showing that we And when tax season strikes and clients are
focuses is equally important—the success of actually care,” says DeVoll. filing furiously, BKC takes the opportunity
any one area is contingent upon that of the to put those passions on full display with
other two. “ A lot of us grew up or a friendly competition. Each week team
went to college here. We members who contribute five dollars or more
BKC’s team members practice what they preach
all have a personal stake to a charity fund can do their work in jeans
and have even crunched the numbers to back
in our community.” on Friday. In addition to the denim privileges,
it up. Together, the 28 employees at the firm
Sarah Devoll, Director of Business Development donors can also cast a vote for their favorite
volunteer over 1,000 hours of their time to
local non-profit organizations each year. “A cause, with the total proceeds going to the
lot of us grew up or went to college here,” says Through volunteerism, team members have winning organization.
DeVoll. “We all have a personal stake in our the opportunity to express themselves and “We work hard for our clients every day, but we
community.” In fact, BKC is represented on their passions as individuals. “I have a heart believe it’s important to have experiences outside
over a dozen boards in Southwest Michigan, for babies, but we have some huge animal of yourself,” says DeVoll. “It opens your eyes to
and DeVoll herself serves as executive chair of lovers here as well,” she says. “Everyone is how fortunate you are and makes you recognize
the Kalamazoo division of the March of Dimes. committed to a different cause, and we love how important community really is.”
16 269MAG.COM HOLIDAY 2019learning opportunities available to get you
[where you want to go].” In fact, if an employee
wants any kind of professional development,
all they have to do is ask.
“ A career here is not an
upward ladder—it’s an
intertwining lattice.”
Jennifer Smith, Senior Recruiter & HR Specialist
One of the many learning opportunities offered
at Consumers Credit Union is called “Grab an
Assignment.” This program enables a team
member to temporarily take over a job in a
different department. “What’s great about this
opportunity is that it benefits the employee,
because they’re learning a new skill set and
exploring career avenues, but it also benefits
Consumers because we’re building bench
strength,” says Smith. Team members who opt
into Grab an Assignment help a different team a
Unlock Your Professional Destiny at few hours a week—and if they find that the new
position suits them, they just might update their
Consumers Credit Union career path. “It’s really cool to be able to watch
someone we hired thrive in a position I wouldn’t
CREDIT UNION
K a l a mazo o , M I have imagined,” she says. “We have all kinds
of stories like that throughout the organization.”
Consumers Credit Union knows As part of the team’s evaluation process, In fact, Smith’s own career path is one of these
all about growth. Over 300 employees at Consumers fill out a “passion stories. After graduating from college, she
employees work at the credit and purpose” form. The document identifies started at Consumers Credit Union as a teller.
union’s 20 West Michigan what a team member is particularly good at, “At that point, I didn’t know what I wanted to
offices, with more joining its what they love doing, and where they want do exactly,” she says. “I learned the company’s
ranks every year. to take their career. “We build those goals foundation and commitment to growing its
together at a ‘Performance GPS’ meeting that people.” Over time, Smith made a move to the
allows us to draw up a path designed to help Consumers marketing department. She later
Jennifer Smith, senior recruiter and human
the team member navigate their career at discovered a passion for recruiting, which
resources specialist, credits the Consumer’s
Consumers,” explains Smith. landed her in her current position.
team for the organization’s success. “We’ve
found that if we have happy and engaged The credit union’s team members can also As a result of its professional development
employees, we’ll have happy and engaged follow internal career pathways mapped out strategy, Consumer’s Credit Union enjoys an
members,” she says. “And I believe one in a company-wide playbook. “A career here incredibly high retention rate. Its engaged team
of the biggest keys to engagement is is not an upward ladder—it’s an intertwining members know they are right where they need
professional growth.” lattice,” Smith says. “There are all kinds of to be to pursue the careers of their dreams.
Teams who score in the top 20% in engagement have 59% less turnover.
Source: “State of the American Workplace,” Gallup, 2017.
HOLIDAY 2019 269MAG.COM 1789% of workers at
companies that
support well-being
initiatives are more
likely to recommend
their company as a
good place to work.
Source: “Work and Well-Being Survey,”
American Psychological Association, 2017.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in the “ Our warehouse workers
are best friends with sales
Imperial Beverage Family reps, and executives are
friends with drivers.”
BEVER AGE DISTRIBUTOR Lindsay Cekola, Human Resources Manager
K a l a m azo o , M I
Since the repeal of prohibition in In the summer, the Imperial team heads out on
1933, Imperial Beverage has had a togetherness excursions to uncork their bottled-
presence in Michigan. up workday stress. They go camping, cheer on
the Detroit Tigers, and have been known to ride
a mechanical bull or two. One of the highlights
Today, over 80 years later, it keeps good cheer
of every summer is the “Beers on First”
flowing in every county in the state. With new
picnic, a company-wide softball tournament.
bars, breweries, and tasting rooms drawing
On this one day a year, the usually chummy
ever-bigger crowds to Southwest Michigan’s
Imperial Beverage team is divided. “It’s super
downtowns, the company is enjoying a
competitive,” says Cekola. “We play a full
renaissance not seen since its early days.
tournament and rent out T-shirt cannons and
A visit to Imperial Beverage’s warehouse in bounce houses for the whole family.” Six months
Kalamazoo finds an ever-expanding treasure later, Imperial’s holiday celebration is also a hit.
trove of libations with aisle upon aisle of beer, Like most family holiday parties, it’s kid-focused,
wine, spirits, nonalcoholic drinks, and even featuring gingerbread and movies like “Elf.”
whipped liquors. With the recent addition of
Cekola believes events like these help Imperial
spirits to its shelves, the company’s inventory
Beverage maintain the close-knit culture that has
has expanded to over 9,000 brands. Human
been the key to its ongoing success. “We owe it
Resources Manager Lindsay Cekola says that
all to our employees,” she says. “To thank our
Imperial’s strategy for growth hinges on its ability
team every year, the company organizes another
to maintain a small-business feel. While it’s
celebration: Employee Appreciation Week, and
true that team members love being able to take
last year, we had a ‘Dress as Your Favorite Drink’
home free cases of beer every Friday and order
day. One of our warehouse associates wore a
company-covered Ubers on demand, the close
Plungerhead [Wine] costume and worked all day
relationships they share across departments
with a toilet plunger on his head.”
keep them coming to work with a smile.
If you were to ask any of Imperial’s 390
“Everyone here knows each other. Our warehouse
employees to tell you their favorite part of the
workers are best friends with sales reps, and
job, they would likely say the friendships they
executives are friends with drivers,” she explains.
form with their good-humored coworkers. And
“To make us more of a family unit as we expand,
the company intends to keep it that way.
we organize huge events.” As Imperial Beverage
knows well, nothing brings people closer than
sharing a laugh (and a drink).
18 269MAG.COM HOLIDAY 201989% of Human Resources
leaders agree
That ongoing peer
feedback and check-ins
are key for
successful outcomes.
Source: SHRM/Globoforce Employee Recognition Report, 2018.
members on track as they take on massive, By meeting regularly, team members can
Breaking It Down multi-year undertakings, AVB has adopted a divide their yearly or quarterly goals into
and Building It unique mode of operations. manageable daily responsibilities. “I also
have a set of accountabilities,” says Dobson.
Behind the day-to-day operations of the
Up With AVB organization, in much the same way as an
“The EOS gives us clear direction on what
we’re supposed to do and how we’re going to
operating system manages the functions of a
Construction & Development firm be judged so we can coordinate big projects
po rtag e, M I computer, is AVB’s Entrepreneurial Operating
together and complete them on schedule.”
System (EOS). “It’s a business management
To witness the growth of Southwest system that allows you to break down big, AVB uses EOS like scaffolding that allows
Michigan is to see AVB’s team in scary-sounding objectives into bite-sized the company to reach even greater heights.
action. pieces,” explains Dobson. Under this system, “Our EOS also helps us lead employees
every employee is assigned specific goals through stages of professional development,”
The company is a leader in both residential says Dobson. “With clear, quantifiable goals,
and commercial development, and its people “ We have a desire to build it takes the guesswork out of what that next
are driven by a passion for creating great things that most people might career stage is going to look like and when
places to live and work. “We have a desire to not think are even possible.” someone is ready to make the leap.” The
build things that most people might not think Greg Dobson, Chief operating officer & principal real-time feedback and guidance from EOS
are even possible,” says Chief Operating provide AVB structure to stay the course and
Officer and Principal Greg Dobson. “I can’t and responsibilities. Each week, progress coordinate its long-term projects.
pick a favorite [project]. It’s like picking a towards these goals is assessed with a trusted So, when any AVB employee drives past a
favorite kid; you can’t do it.” mentor while allowing for the individual’s newly constructed neighborhood, they can
Like children, AVB’s projects take a long course to be adjusted if needed. With an point to a physical representation of their
time to grow up—Dobson says that the organizational system like EOS, AVB can daily efforts and be proud of what their team
company’s recent Corner@Drake development not only build hundreds of houses along with has accomplished together.
in Kalamazoo took 25 years from land huge community hubs but also build up its
acquisition to completion. To keep its team team members at the same time.
HOLIDAY 2019 269MAG.COM 19Only the Best
Benefits for
the Team at
Nulty Insurance
Independent Insur ance Agency
K a l a m azo o , M I
Knock on the doors of Nulty
Insurance, and you’ll find a
staff of experts in personal and
business insurance, as well as 70% of employers have improved their physical
environments to encourage healthy behaviors.
employee benefit services,
waiting to welcome you. Source: “How Top Employers are Controlling Health Care Costs, Focusing on Wellbeing,” Willis Towers Watson, 2018.
Helping clients prepare for whatever the future the new benefits have had a significant impact One of the other uncommon ways Nulty takes
might bring is the company’s top priority. on the health of his teammates—one employee care of its team is by taking financial health
But when it comes to looking out for its own credits the stair-stepper Nulty provided for into account. Whether team members are just
employees, Nulty Insurance makes sure that helping her lose almost 40 pounds. entering the workforce or looking towards
its team members are covered too. retirement, the company has found that
The company also believes that emotional and
hosting financial education classes and 401k
“There are many spokes on the wheel of mental wellness bears the same importance
counseling has relieved the financial worries
wellness,” says Director of Marketing Adam as physical. It began by adding an Employee
that might hang over the workday.
Burke. “We want to touch on every single one.” Assistance Program (EAP) to its list of benefits
For Nulty, this means that on top of offering and inviting mental health professionals to “Health, mental, and financial wellness mean
excellent traditional benefits, the company speak on the seriousness of issues like anxiety something different for everyone,” Burke says.
also provides first-class physical, mental, and and depression. Plus, for some therapeutic “The labor market is tight right now, and we
financial wellness programs. have to make sure that our team is well cared
for.” For an annual check-up of Nulty’s cultural
Years ago, Nulty Insurance started getting “ There are many spokes
health, its staff participates in an engagement
serious about physical health. It tore down on the wheel of wellness.
survey conducted by Humanex Ventures. “One
its cubicles and purchased stand-up desks We want to touch on
of the questions on the survey asks, ‘Would you
for every team member who wanted one. every single one.”
recommend your workplace to someone you
Then, it began paying for gym memberships Adam BUrke, Director of Marketing
know?’” Burke says. “Our goal is to provide
in full, providing a yearly $150 allowance for
the benefits and support our team needs to
wellness-related events like marathons, and
relaxation, Nulty welcomes a masseuse to its respond with an enthusiastic ‘yes!’”
switching to flex-time. “People know they can
take some time during the day to go to fitness office each month for 30-minute stress-melting
classes,” says Burke. “You’ll see them change massages. “We treat our people as human
into their gym clothes and come right back beings, not just employees,” says Burke.
after they get a workout in.” He reports that “Sometimes, it means being unconventional.”
20 269MAG.COM HOLIDAY 2019The Kalamazoo Promise
Is on a Mission
94%
Communit y Development
K a l a mazo o , M I
The Kalamazoo Promise (The Each week, employees bring their passions to a
Promise) is known far and wide full-team huddle to discuss the week that was
as one of the nation’s premier and the days ahead. “When we’re in the huddle,
community development programs, we’re all looking at different perspectives,” says
and education is just one of its team’s Amy Terzino, culture operations manager. of employees at highly
many purposes—and passions. “Essentially, we have an invisible student engaged companies say
in the middle. We’re all working toward the
common goal of improving that student’s life.”
the people they work
The Promise employs specialists who come
to work every day eager to break down the
Not only do team members talk about what’s on with help each other out.
the horizon for the coming week, but they also Source: “The Best Practices of the Nation’s Elite Employers,”
barriers that stand between Promise Scholars Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, 2019.
share personal challenges and successes. As
and success, and its roster represents a
Terzino puts it, “Sometimes we get tears in the
plurality of backgrounds, cultures, and ages bonds within the team with some one-on-
huddle. But mostly, we get cheers.”
that reflect the diversity of its community. one time while providing the opportunity to
“Every one of our team members is creative, address the hurdles employees face in and out
passionate, and brings something different “ Sometimes we get tears
of the office. “We ask the difficult questions.
to the table,” explains Executive Director of in the huddle. But mostly,
There are no taboos,” he says. “Sometimes,
Community Relations, Von Washington Jr. we get cheers.”
people are afraid to ask for help. It takes a
Amy Terzino, Culture Operations Manager
Passion is a big part of the selection process at The level of authenticity on the part of everyone
Promise—the organization hires those who come here so we can open up and be ourselves.”
The team supports each other through
with a deep-rooted devotion to its mission and By encouraging team members to be their
good times and bad. To keep everything in
empowers them to let their love for the community true selves in the workplace, The Promise
perspective, it embarks on “Culture Walks and
define their roles. Team members help students creates an environment where everyone can
Culture Talks” twice a year. Over lunch and
find successful careers and maximize community bring their authentic and unadulterated
on a stroll through the community, employees
collaborations to help groups address pressing perspectives, passions, and strengths to bear
have the chance to confide in a mentor.
issues, including clean water, shared prosperity, for the benefit of the Kalamazoo community.
Washington says the intent is to develop closer
and generational poverty. Its team is truly on a mission.
HOLIDAY 2019 269MAG.COM 21An Interconnected to maintaining that culture is to bring all those throughout the year and exchange them for
smiling faces together regularly. For example, prizes, including cash, gift cards, and CTS swag.
Culture at the full CTS team gathers for a daily morning More often than not, team members choose
meeting at the company’s headquarters. “We branded shirts over cash incentives. “We
CTS Telecom take that time to review the plan for the day, but are all truly invested and proud of working
more importantly, give recognition and thanks here,” Haydo says. “Almost 20 percent of our
T EL ECOMMUNICAT IONS COMPA N Y
for a job well done,” she says. These meetings workforce has been here for over 20 years—
Ga les b u r g , M I
allow for interactions between teams that would the fact that we have such high employee
otherwise rarely be in the same building while retention speaks for itself.” Whether providing
An office nestled in a beautiful providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate
wooded corner of Galesburg, MI, stand-out moments together.
may seem like an unlikely place “ Almost 20 percent of our
With high-fives in the hallway, office Olympics,
for the headquarters of a high-tech workforce has been here for
and spur-of-the-moment celebrations, dull
internet company. over 20 years—the fact that
moments are few and far between at CTS. But
we have such high employee
fittingly, the CTS team has a bit more high-tech
Inside, CTS Telecom’s technical skills and retention speaks for itself.”
way to celebrate the stand-out work of their
vast network empower it to compete with Heather Haydo, Chief Financial Officer
coworkers. “The most popular form of recognition
and win against the largest multinational we have is an app called Kudos,” says Haydo. “It
corporations in their business. CTS also has looks and feels a lot like social media. Employees tech support, setting up custom phone systems,
another competitive edge—a committed and create posts and give recognition and points to transferring data around the world, or locating
supportive team that is as bright and connected each other for going above and beyond.” The a squirrel bite, the team at CTS Telecom
as its fiber-optic network. team has since renamed its program “Chewdos” supports each other through it all. Every
“We Answer the Call” is their motto, and CTS’s in honor of its mascot, Chewy T. Squirrel. “In employee knows their hard work will be seen,
culture of team recognition and togetherness our business, squirrels sometimes chew on recognized, and rewarded, making them more
is obvious to any visitor. Chief Financial and damage fiber optic cables,” she explains. than willing to go the extra mile for each other,
Officer Heather Haydo explains that the key CTS team members collect their “Chewdos” and each of the company’s clients.
89% of employees at winning
companies say their organization
promotes a positive culture.
Source: “The Best Practices of the Nation’s Elite Employers,”
Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, 2019.Purpose-oriented
employees are
54% more likely
to stay at a
company for more
than five years and
30% more likely
to be high
performers than
those who work
for a pay Check.
Community Is A Way Of Life At
First National Bank of Michigan Source: Imperative Workforce Purpose Index, 2015
BANK
K a l a mazo o , M I Lansing; in each market, all decisions are As Kalamazoo has grown in recent years,
local, made by a local management team and so too has First National Bank of Michigan’s
A visit to First National Bank of
Board of Directors so the bank can always do location there with its team of 43, leaving it
Michigan, located in the heart of
what’s best for its community. a little cramped for space. But when it came
downtown Kalamazoo, comes with
time to search for a new location, the bank
a complimentary cup of locally But it’s not only business decisions that First
never dreamed of leaving its city. When team
brewed coffee and warm smiles National Bank of Michigan sources locally.
members packed up their desks in October,
from familiar faces. Just as it doesn’t buy the coffee served in its
they didn’t have to go far—its new location was
lobby from the grocery store, it purchases its
“We have customers who come in every day,” right next door!
pens, staplers, paper, and other office supplies
says President and CEO Dan Bitzer. “We “We did a full renovation of the building,”
think of everyone who walks in as family.” says Bitzer. “We did it for our team, but also
“ At the end of the day,
And because much of its team has worked the community. We spent extra dollars to
we’re here to serve our
together for the entire 13 years the bank make sure the whole block looks first-class for
community—every decision
has been in the community, its internal Kalamazoo.” Plus, ever thinking of its local
is made with that in mind.”
environment is much the same. community, First National Bank of Michigan
Dan Bitzer, President & CEO
“First National Bank of Michigan is a made sure to hire only local contractors and
community bank, and a community bank subcontractors to complete work on its new
means just that,” Bitzer says. “We’re here to from local vendors. “It’s very important to us digs, something Bitzer says was no easy task.
service the customers and the community the to support where we live, work, and raise our “Our team members and our customers like to
best we can, and it starts with our employees.” families,” says Bitzer. Staying true to this see us put money back into the city,” he says.
The company has 87 employees spread value, the bank purchases everything it can, “At the end of the day, we’re here to serve our
across branches in Grand Rapids, Holland, down to branded mugs and clothing, from community—every decision is made with that in
Kalamazoo, and a loan production office in local businesses. mind. Nothing could be more important to us.”
HOLIDAY 2019 269MAG.COM 23Although the company’s outdoor campus has plenty
Get Up and of benches, chairs, and tables, the most sought-after
outdoor space to work in is its Upfit outdoor space.
Get Outside at “Upfit came out of our study of human behavior and
insights into how people work and interact outdoors,”
Landscape Forms says Marshall. The structure is outfitted with
whiteboards and power outlets as well as automated
Designer & Manufacturer of
Custom Environments louvered roofing that automatically adapts to
K a l a m azo o , M I weather changes. Designed for spaces like university
campuses, hospitals, and public parks, Landscape
It should come as no surprise that Forms’ own Upfit structure is the most popular on-site
at Landscape Forms—one of the workspace for both meetings and focused independent
world’s premier manufacturers of work. “When people ask, ‘Where are we meeting?’
outdoor site furnishings, lighting, and chances are, it’s the Upfit tables,” says Marshall.
structures—people like to get outside.
The company’s benches, streetlights, bike racks, and “ For me, if I have an
more can be found everywhere from the Kalamazoo undisturbed hour outside
Mall to Barbados to London. “Chances are you’ve
with the breeze blowing, I
seen [our products] and not even realized it,” says
can get so much more done.”
Jim Marshall, vice president of culture. “My family is
Jim Marshall, Vice President of Culture
embarrassed to travel with me because I’ll be lifting
the lids on trash cans to see our sticker on the bottom.”
Imbedded in Landscape Form’ credo is the ambitious
Landscape Forms, Marshall explains, constantly tries
goal of doubling every six years. Though this may
to find new ways to make the outdoors a place where
seem aggressive, it’s a mark the company has been
people can learn, work, play, and relax. “We like to say
more than able to meet during its 50-year history by
that we’re all designers here,” he says. “We often wax
smashing preconceptions and encouraging creativity.
poetic about how we’re artful problem-solvers.”
“No matter your role at Landscape Forms, we want
The company found that the best way for a team to you to break the mold,” says Marshall. “We have to
break out of conventional thinking is to break out of constantly shake things up. We want people getting
the traditional workplace. “At Landscape Forms, when out from behind their desks and going outside. Even in
we’re trying to figure out how will we build a new our manufacturing plant, we never bolt anything down
product, we want to collaborate,” says Marshall. “If because everyone knows it’s not going to be there in
you walk through our offices, you’ll see whiteboards all six months.”
over and drawings pinned up on the walls. But for me,
if I have an undisturbed hour outside with the breeze
blowing, I can get so much more done.”
43% of the best places to work offer
meditation/relaxation areas for employees.
Source: “The Best Practices of the Nation’s Elite Employers,”
Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, 2019.
24 269MAG.COM HOLIDAY 201987% of employees
expect their
employer to
support them in
balancing work
and personal
commitments.
Source: Glassdoor, 2017
WSI Finds Time In the summer months, kids are welcome to tag
along to Kalamazoo Growlers games attended by
for Work and Life the company and its annual party. And though
everyone on staff looks forward to these events,
most would say their favorite perk is WSI’s policy
s ta ffing a nd recruit men t firm
for summer Fridays. After logging 40 hours in a
K a l a mazo o , M I
week, WSI employees have the option to take the
WSI’s mission is to “empower rest of the day off after lunch time. “I love it,” says
Rogalski. “It totally changes your weekend. You
people to live their best lives.”
get to really spend that time with your family and
As a staffing and recruitment firm, this means helping with your kids. We’re a hard-working team, so you’re
people find a profession where they will be successful probably already working your 40 hours before noon
and fulfilled; however, the company’s guiding purpose on Friday. It’s a great reward.”
also translates to the way it treats its internal staff. In all seasons, WSI understands that sometimes that we’re there, and we’re willing to do everything
Culture Manager Lauren Rogalski puts it this way, it’s impossible to leave your lives at the door we can to make it easier for them.” One time, when
“We know that WSI is just a part of our employees’ before coming in to work. “We spend a lot of time an employee’s husband was preparing for his first
lives, but we don’t demand that it be the main focus. year of teaching at a local school, WSI sponsored a
We believe that you should be able to have fun here drive to collect school supplies to fill his classroom.
“ We spend a lot of time Rogalski says it was one of the most successful
while still being happy in your outside life.”
together. We’ve been through collections she has seen.
To guarantee an optimal work-life balance for its team,
a lot of ups and downs here
WSI holds that family will always come first. “Family For WSI, connecting its clients to the right jobs
with our coworkers.”
will always take precedence over work,” says Rogalski. requires making sure its employees can live their
Lauren Rogalski, Culture Manager
“We blur the lines between work and family. It’s best lives inside and outside of work. “We really just
not abnormal to see kids sitting in offices with their want to put people in a place to be as successful as
parents who are trying to finish something up.” WSI’s together,” she says. “We’ve been through a lot of they can be,” says Rogalski. The company’s guiding
no-questions-asked policy when it comes to family ups and downs here with our coworkers. Our team philosophy is that teams are engaged only when they
ensures that its employees never feel guilty leaving an celebrates together, but we also come together when know the people they work with and care about their
hour early to be at the bus stop or a dance recital. times are tough. We stop by, make sure they know lives in and out of the workplace.
HOLIDAY 2019 269MAG.COM 25Honor Credit Union Finds
Big Value in Intentional Spaces
Credit Union
B er r i en S pr i n g s , M I
In business for over 85 years, Honor between teams. But when someone needs
Credit Union has only had a unified a little privacy, they can always step into a
headquarters since 2016. conference room or sit on a comfy and secluded
couch. “I love the fact that we can embrace
both [privacy and collaboration],” she says.
With its team scattered across Benton Harbor “I write a lot in my role, and sometimes I just
and St. Joseph in rented buildings, “We had a need a quiet spot to work.”
lot of different people going different ways,” says
Walking through the credit union’s offices,
Brand Manager Stacey Dodson. “We were having
the atmosphere is electric in the shared
a harder time pulling together as one.” Leaning
into its values of collaboration, transparency, and
“ There’s glass everywhere for
teamwork, Honor Credit Union built a brand-new
a reason. We’re a financial
hub in Berrien Springs to bring its employees
institution, but we’re one
together under one roof.
that’s transparent.”
Now that it could design a new space from Stacey Dodson, Brand Manager
scratch instead of squeezing into rented
space, Honor Credit Union did not waste this spaces, with vibrant art on the walls and team
opportunity to make the new office feel like members working together. But you don’t have
home. “Everything about the building—inside to go far to find a secluded corner couch or
and out—was intentional,” says Dodson. Even the coveted “spaceship” private booth on the
the smallest details, like the color schemes top floor. Even more popular is the bookable
and artwork, were chosen to reflect the credit relaxation room, complete with a massage
88% of highly engaged union’s values and brand. “For example, chair. “We’re growing, we’re busy, and we are
employees report they there’s glass everywhere for a reason,” she on the go constantly,” says Dodson “We know
can choose where they
explains. “We’re a financial institution, but how important it is to get the mental reset you
we’re one that’s transparent.” need to do good work.”
work in the office In the spirit of transparency, Honor Credit Honor Credit Union refuses to take a cookie-
depending on the task. Union designed multiple creative spaces for its cutter approach to its clients’ financials or the
employees, embracing an open office concept. workplace. “To help our members achieve
Now, its individual teams are grouped together, their financial dreams, we decided to break the
but they all work side by side. Dodson says that traditional workplace mold, giving employees
the layout—with marketing working in the call the option to work the way they can be most
Source: “Engagement and the Global Workplace,” Steelcase Global Report, 2016. center next to IT—increases collaboration effective,” says Dodson.
26 269MAG.COM HOLIDAY 2019and even their weirdness,” says Senior Design
At Tekna, Researcher Sarah Hollingsworth. “It’s how
Transparency is we have meaningful relationships. We’re just
‘real’ with each other.” Highly engaged
Part of the Design Keeping it real seems to be working. As its teams are
client list expands, Tekna has been adding
more and more perspectives to the mix—the
21% more profitable.
Product Development Firm
K a l a mazo o , M I team has almost tripled in the five years of
Hollingsworth’s tenure. And the firm shows no
sign of slowing down.
The headquarters of the full- Source: “State of the American Workplace,” Gallup, 2017.
service product development
firm Tekna is a hive of activity, “ We celebrate everyone’s For creatives, it can be hard to let people get
with industrial designers, quirks and even their a look behind the curtain before designs are
mechanical engineers, graphic weirdness. It’s how we have polished, but the transparency throughout the
designers, and creatives of meaningful relationships.” creative process is what sets Tekna’s culture
every kind huddled around sarah hollingsworth, Senior design researcher apart.
computer screens and sketching
out new ideas on whiteboards. “There’s something really risky about being that
Tekna’s authenticity extends beyond its walls, too, up-front and authentic,” says Hollingsworth.
defining interactions with clients and partners. “It forces you to be vulnerable.” She believes
The space—with ceilings high enough to
Hollingsworth says that in the consulting world, that, by laying out what she calls the “creative
allow for an airplane to be suspended above
it’s easy to go through the motions on a project, messiness” throughout a project’s lifespan,
the design team—leaves plenty of room for
even if you don’t believe in the product. “Some the firm is able to work through problems
big ideas, but Tekna’s openness is more than
firms may spend a client’s money even if they and design a product that’s even better than
physical.
don’t think the idea will be profitable. We find expected. “Meaningful relationships create
For professionals of many different disciplines that short-sighted,” she explains. “When you’re meaningful solutions,” she says. “Our team is
to rally around one vision for a product, Tekna playing the long game, you need to be honest with not an assembly line. We make the most of our
believes that authenticity is an absolute everyone.” diverse skillsets and our clients’ input all the
necessity. “We celebrate everyone’s quirks way through.”
HOLIDAY 2019 269MAG.COM 27You can also read
