A law office and a logistics company. A wealth management firm and a nonprofit agency. What ties them all together? They’re all among this year’s Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida.
While every company has its own culture and every firm has a unique focus, all of these businesses go above and beyond in caring for not only their customers and clients, but their employees, as well. And aside from sharing a geographic place, the survey results show that all of these employers also share high marks for how they manage their workplace.
To be considered as one of the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida, local companies pay a fee to apply to the Best Companies Group, or BCG, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, an independent research firm focused on identifying and recognizing great places to work. BCG then administers a two-part survey—one for employers that details company policies, practices, benefits and demographics, and another for employees that includes an in-depth set of 77 statements they are asked to respond to on a scale of 1 through 5. This section of the survey also includes two open-ended questions and seven demographic questions.
The information collected is analyzed by BCG to determine the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida. Gulfshore Business does not participate in the survey or selection process.
To be eligible, any publicly or privately held business, government or nonprofit entity must have facilities or operations in Southwest Florida and a minimum of 15 full-time or part-time employees working in the region or reporting to a local regional office. Each enterprise must be in business for a minimum of one year. To find out more about the process, or to apply, please go to BestPlacesToWorkSWFL.com.
Now that you know how they were selected, please join us in saluting the 20 workplaces that have been named the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida in 2023. Did your company make the list?
Law Firm of Viles & Beckman LLC
(pictured above)
Headquarters: Fort Myers
Website: vilesandbeckman.com
Year founded: 1995
CEO: Marcus Viles, Managing Partner
Michael Beckman, Managing Partner
Industry: Legal
Employees in SWFL: 35
Viles & Beckman LLC is a comprehensive, full-service Florida personal injury law firm. While the firm supports its clients through their most challenging life events by fighting and advocating for all of their needs as if they were members of its own family, the approach is also “family first” when it comes to its staff.
“We put families first, and we care for one another, and our clients, as we would our own families. Wellness in our personal lives, and safety and security for our families, is the cornerstone for our happiness,” a company spokesperson says. “Those are the guiding steps in everything we do.”
The vision for Viles & Beckman is to be a bastion of advocacy, generosity and going the extra mile to change lives in the communities it serves. And as the firm works to provide its clients with an exceptional, personalized experience, it also relies on the contributions of its entire staff to make that happen. The Viles & Beckman work environment is built around creating an enjoyable culture, with hands-on community involvement and benefits including competitive performance-based salary, unlimited paid time off, vacation time, holidays, 401(k) with matching, telemedicine, on-demand counseling, employee recognition programs and more.
“One of our employees said, ‘This is definitely a no-one-gets-left-behind environment. When you are struggling in something, the amount of resources offered to help us be—and do—better is amazing,’” the spokesperson says. “We are team players. That’s why our slogan is ‘Our Family Fighting for Yours.’”
Iron Ridge Insurance Services
Headquarters: Fort Myers
Website: ironridgeus.com
Year founded: 2011
CEO: Norman Lutz
Industry: Insurance (Non-Health care)
Employees in SWFL: 18
As a boutique property and casualty insurance agency based in Fort Myers, Iron Ridge Insurance is focused on providing its clients with the best possible coverage and customer service. But, with a four-day workweek, the company is equally dedicated to the well-being of its employees and the community.
“What sets us apart is our commitment to our employees and our community. We have a strong company culture that values collaboration, innovation and mutual support,” a company spokesperson says. “We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we strive to provide a work environment that fosters personal and professional growth. Our four-day workweek allows our employees to enjoy a better work-life balance while still meeting the needs of our clients.”
Iron Ridge also offers employee education, paid benefits and a hybrid work schedule that allows its employees to work from home or in-office, depending on their preferences and job responsibilities. That flexible approach helps to promote a healthy work-life balance and fosters a positive work environment. The company also gives back to the community through its Iron Give program, an annual celebration that allows each team member to donate $500 to the charitable nonprofit of their choice.
For its commitment to its employees and community, Iron Ridge has previously been named among the Best Places to Work in SWFL and was the Winner of SWFL Inc’s Small Business of the Year Award in 2022. “These awards reflect our dedication to cultivating a positive and mutually beneficial atmosphere that benefits both our employees and our clients,” the spokesperson says.
HBK CPAs & Consultants
Headquarters: Canfield, Ohio
Website: hbkcpa.com
Year founded: 1949
CEO: Christopher Allegretti
Industry: Accounting
Employees in SWFL: 76
Though HBK is an Ohio-based financial services firm with offices in Fort Myers and Naples, the company knows that its employees go beyond the numbers. In fact, the company’s motto, “Working Together Sets Us Apart,” expresses its team members’ commitment to each other. According to HBK’s Florida Principal-In-Charge, Michael DeLuca, CPA, MBA, that defines how team members rely on each other, share expertise and collaborate to deliver holistic financial services that address their clients’ specific needs and goals.
“The foundation for that kind of commitment is serving others over self, and a purpose greater than us. We believe this produces superior results for our clients, which is tremendously gratifying for all of us,” DeLuca says. “We know our people perform at their best—and are most productive—when they enjoy a balance between their work and their personal lives.”
In addition to being one of the first firms in America to offer open leave time, HBK also offers flexible work schedules and provides an atmosphere of mutual respect, open communication and encouraging camaraderie.
Community engagement is also an important part of the HBK culture. The company serves its communities and supports charities under the banner of HBK Cares, a corporate initiative. Each office commits to programs in its area that meet the needs of the community and compel the people in that office.
“We encourage our team to be active stewards for our communities at large, not just our clients, and provide them the financial and other resources they need to stay involved,” DeLuca says.
Stevens Construction Inc.
Headquarters: Fort Myers
Website: stevensbuilds.com
Year founded: 2003
CEO: Mark Stevens
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 66
Based in Fort Myers with offices in Sarasota and Orlando, Stevens Construction emphasizes guiding its clients through the entire development and construction process so that it can provide superior construction, save time and money and create the best construction experience possible. And the company also uses that same care in building its workforce.
“Our mission statement is to ‘Identify, Hire and Retain the Very Best People.’ The main priority of our company is to keep our very best team members fulfilled,” a company spokesperson says. “Delivering 100% of our projects via construction management, our projects are carefully selected to ensure the success of our clients while providing growth opportunities for our team members.”
In addition to fostering its employees’ professional growth, Stevens Construction also assists in times of crisis. After Hurricane Ian, every team member was provided an immediate cash bonus and time off to ensure they had a safe place to live. The company’s special projects team even helped team members with any demolition needed to begin the rebuilding process of their homes—at no cost.
On top of supporting its clients and employees, Stevens Construction works to build a stronger community. In the past year, the company has donated more than $40,000 and 1,000 hours to local charities.
“We also provide our team members with a paid day off to work at a charity of their choice,” the spokesperson says. “With 78% of our team members residing in Southwest Florida, we are committed to contributing to our community.”
DeAngelis Diamond Construction
Headquarters: Naples
Website: deangelisdiamond.com
Year founded: 1996
CEO: David Diamond
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 104
DeAngelis Diamond Construction is an innovative, award-winning construction management firm whose goal is to build a better future together with its team members, clients and communities. Having completed more than $4 billion of construction projects since its inception in 1996, the company cites its employees as the driving force of its success.
“It is truly our people, who are consistently unleashing their peak performance, that make us who we are and give us the ability to reach new heights,” a company spokesperson says. “By supporting them, DeAngelis Diamond understands we’re supporting our own success—and because of this, we strive to make sure our benefits and perks are top-notch.”
To encourage its employees’ personal and professional growth, the company offers a variety of programs, including DeAngelis Diamond Academy courses, the DeAngelis Diamond Leadership Institute, a tuition/educational reimbursement program, free LinkedIn Learning access and the DD Wealth Builder program, a generous 401(k) match so that team members can share in the company’s success. In addition to paid time off, the company also provides its employees two paid days off to dedicate to volunteering in the community and a paid day off for their birthday, as well as maternity and paternity leave for new parents.
“We aim to build a healthy working environment that rewards our team members. And to encourage current team members to refer other talented individuals, we offer a generous referral bonus as an incentive to bring in more top-performing talent,” the spokesperson says. “Our people are what make us successful.”
McKenney Home Care
Headquarters: Naples
Website: mckenneyhomecare.com
Year founded: 2012
CEO: Michele McKenney
Industry: Health Care (Provider)
Employees in SWFL: 19
Established by sisters Michele McKenney and Patrice Magrath, McKenney Home Care has been providing exceptional, private-duty home care services for 10 years in South Florida. The company is driven by a passion for maximizing the quality of life of its clients and their families by providing compassionate and competent care.
“We understand that to succeed in today’s ever-changing environment we must be agile, smart and flexible,” the company’s website states. “Our future is dependent on our ability to understand today’s environment and adapt to tomorrow’s culture, as well as the ever-changing needs of the health care industry. We understand our employees’ wants and needs, providing them flexibility with their schedules to accommodate a work-life balance. We are enormously proud of our caregivers and the work they do.”
McKenney Home Care employees are provided competitive pay and overtime pay, W-2 status and Workmen’s Comp coverage, bi-weekly pay and direct deposit, plus access to health care and other benefits. In addition, as the company provides care across all of Southwest Florida, employees are also offered flexible schedules close to home, travel/mileage reimbursement, five holidays with time-and-a-half pay, paid time off, employee training and referral and a caregiver app to reduce paperwork requirements.
“The expectation of excellence brings out the best in all of us. Each employee of McKenney Home Care is responsible, considerate and sincere,” according to the company’s website. “We encourage feedback and welcome insight so we can continue to deliver the best customer service to all internal and external customers.”
Midland Trust
Headquarters: Fort Myers
Website: midlandtrust.com
Year founded: 1994
CEO: Dave Owens
Industry: Financial Services (Other)Employees in SWFL: 57
Providing administration for retirement plans invested in alternative assets since 1994, Midland Trust has grown its business by serving investors who want to use retirement funds to buy assets other than stocks and bonds. While real estate IRAs and 1031 exchanges remain a vibrant part of the business, growth has come with investors interested in hedge funds, private stock offerings, angel investing and REITs. In addition, Midland has been employee-owned since 2019, meaning current and future employees benefit from the company’s success and growth.
Alongside ownership, Midland Trust’s culture of employee recognition is unique. “One of our five company goals is ‘Develop and appreciate our employees.’ We constantly look to people’s strengths to create opportunities for them to grow and develop,” a company spokesperson says.
Midland Trust employees donate and volunteer time in their community through its Midland Serves program. While the firm aims to make a difference in the lives of people who live in its communities and in the environment, there’s also time for relaxation, too. “Together, we play sports, eat, go to social events, baseball games and other outings. We have even thrown an axe or two.”
Between employee ownership and recognition, the Midland culture translates to employees who like where they work. Looking at the big picture, one employee says, “Great culture, co-workers and leadership team—a very caring and fun place to work!” And the company spokesperson summed it up with an expression used throughout the company: “People make Midland.”
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Headquarters: Sanibel
Website: sancapbank.com
Year founded: 2003
CEO: Kyle DeCicco
Industry: Banking
Employees in SWFL: 108
Chartered on Sanibel Island in 2003, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank began as a locally owned community bank serving the residents and businesses of Sanibel and Captiva islands. Twenty years later, the bank has eight locations throughout Lee County, total assets of more than $765 million and more than 15,000 accounts. But the bank’s biggest asset is its workforce.
“We’ve created an environment where our employees are invested in us—literally. When bank shares become available, our board and executive management believe it’s important to offer those shares to employees,” says Kyle DeCicco, president and CEO. “For five consecutive years, we’ve rewarded employees with a substantial midyear bonus—in addition to year-end bonuses—to show our appreciation for their dedication, hard work and contributions to the bank’s success.”
Beyond shares and bonuses, SanCap also invests in a workplace culture focused on keeping employees motivated and excited about the bank’s success, so that they can make a positive contribution to the bank family and their community, even in the most difficult of times.
“After Hurricane Ian, we ran daily boat trips to the islands, helping employees and customers bring essential supplies to start the recovery process,” DeCicco says. “For our employees displaced from their homes after the storm, we secured housing for them and made a financial commitment to help in that difficult time. Three of our locations were closed indefinitely due to storm damage, affecting 21 employees. We found roles for each one, resulting in no layoffs. We’re a family and that’s what you do for family.”
Scotlynn USA
Headquarters: Fort Myers
Website: scotlynn.com
Year founded: 2010
CEO: Ryan Carter
Industry: Transportation
Employees in SWFL: 250
One of the largest logistics companies in Florida, Scotlynn USA operates a state-of-the-art fleet of refrigerated tractor-trailers while also providing freight brokerage services to assist clients in shipping time-sensitive products all across North America. While company President Ryan Carter says Scotlynn’s success is built on the success of its clients, he believes it’s fueled by its skilled staff.
“To be successful at Scotlynn, it’s not one particular type of person. I think that’s what makes it special. You can have various backgrounds, various experiences, various education levels to be successful here. It is for people that work hard, are dedicated and really want to see themselves achieving and hitting goals,” says Carter. “And if you have those things and a willingness to learn, we can really set you up well. We’ll give you the ingredients, you bake the cake.”
As Scotlynn utilizes proprietary logistics management software to match carriers and prices with the customers’ requirements, the company also strives to match the needs of its employees. In addition to providing a variety of benefits and evaluating its benefit package yearly, Scotlynn equipped its headquarters complex with a gym, a basketball court, a walking trail and a cafeteria with indoor and outdoor eating areas. The company also hosts regular mobile health events on-site such as dental services, mobile dermatologists, chiropractors, personal trainers and massages. For the convenience of its employees, Scotlynn even provides concierge services including a mobile car wash, dry cleaning and barber services.
Sunshine Ace Hardware Inc.
Headquarters: Bonita Springs
Website: sunshineace.com
Year founded: 1958
CEO: Michael Wynn
Industry: Retail
Employees in SWFL: 306
Sunshine Ace Hardware is a third-generation, family-owned chain of 11 hardware stores incorporating specialty gift shops, and has been in business for more than 60 years. Owned and operated by the Wynn family, the company also strives to treat each of its employees as an extended member of the family.
“It has been a part of our family values for over 80 years to put our people first. I often tell our associates that the highest authority in the company is not me, it is not their supervisor, it is not anyone with the last name Wynn—it is our core values. We all answer to them and are accountable to them,” says President Michael Wynn. “This is an incredible way to empower our people and assure them of their importance to our company.”
The Wynn family also supports Sunshine’s employees through its family foundation, which has provided more than $250,000 to help team members recover from natural disasters, medical expenses, excessive housing expenses and more. After Hurricane Ian, the company paid out almost $150,000 to help 28 associates rebuild. In addition, craftsmen from its handyman business were sent to the homes of associates to make repairs, and an attorney was retained to assist in dealing with insurance companies for property damage claims.
“Our philosophy has always been to first take care of the team, who will take care of the customers. They, in turn, will take care of the business,” Wynn says.
Naples Airport Authority
Headquarters: Naples
Website: flynaples.com
Year founded: 1969
CEO: Christopher A. Rozansky
Industry: Hospitality/Travel/Tourism
Employees in SWFL: 124
The City of Naples Airport Authority was established by the Florida State Legislature in 1969 to serve as an independent governmental unit charged with the operation, development and improvement of the Naples Airport. In 2022, the airport served as the first and last impression of Naples for more than 200,000 residents and visitors, while being an engaged, responsive partner to the community. And it’s also a great place for careers to take off.
“We provide employee development programs so that we can promote from within. That can include tuition reimbursement, sending people to conferences and workshops or simply educational programs that allow someone to learn new skills,” an airport spokesperson says. “Our culture for employees is professional and performance-driven, while also being very fun and family-oriented. Employees are regularly treated to catered lunch, off-site events and employee awards.”
True to its employee commitment, the Airport Authority also provides flexible scheduling, hybrid, work-from-home opportunities and compressed work weeks to allow employees an extra day off each week in the summer. The airport also provides loans to employees undergoing hardships, and after Hurricane Ian, provided money to team members who needed help repairing or rebuilding their homes. In addition, employees are currently receiving a special housing stipend to help with the sudden spike in rent since the hurricane.
“We do everything we can to make life work for people. Our goal is to improve the lives of the people who already work here,” the spokesperson says. “We truly care about our employees, their families and their futures.”
Wright Construction Group
Headquarters: Fort Myers
Website: wcgfl.com
Year founded: 1946
CEO: Fred Edman
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 59
Over the past 77 years, Wright Construction Group has worked to cultivate an environment and culture that is warm, caring, family-oriented and focused on treating clients with respect and care, while providing them with quality products. That same culture has led many employees to stay with the company for more than 20 years.
“Everything we do is built around the tenets of safety, quality, timeliness and value. They may not be flashy, but they are rock-solid construction, and it’s what we work to deliver every day,” a company spokesperson says. “That’s the foundation of our company culture. Using this foundation, we’re now focused on creating future leaders who can continue successfully providing Southwest Florida with quality construction.”
Part of what Wright Construction does is enhance Southwest Florida’s ever-expanding infrastructure. Better roads, bridges, marine structures, environmental management facilities and streetscapes create more opportunities for growth while also improving the overall quality of life. But the company is also driven to do what’s best for its employees, too.
“Our executive team leads by example. They are each servants at heart. In addition to that, we have a highly talented and formidable team of building and civil construction professionals that is unrivaled in the region,” the spokesperson says. “‘Wright from the start’ is the promise that guides us into delivering beyond expectations. Not because we’re compelled by market forces or any elaborate economic equation, but because it’s the right thing to do. Resource-efficient structures and infrastructure ultimately benefits everyone who lives and works in Southwest Florida.”
Suffolk
Headquarters: Estero
Website: suffolk.com
Year founded: 1982
CEO: John Fish
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 98
Founded in 1982, Suffolk is a privately held construction management services company with 10 offices across the U.S., and its people are who provide the local knowledge and resources.
“I often say we don’t build buildings; we build people. And the more successful we are at building people, the better success we’ll achieve in our industry,” says Suffolk CEO John Fish. “Often, people assume this is a purely physical business—it’s brick and mortar in many aspects—but I would say the antithesis. I think it’s really the soft skills that make a difference. The sense of empathy, the sense of compassion, the sense of caring.”
Rather than hiring based on perceived “culture fit,” Suffolk focuses on “values match,” seeking individuals who complement the company. That philosophy provides diverse perspectives and a look at the whole person. Add in the company’s informal “no jerk” policy, and Suffolk employees build camaraderie and uplift each other, creating an environment where everyone feels they belong.
Suffolk employees share a common proclivity to take on challenges head-on, explore new ways to solve problems and, most importantly, put people first. By focusing on a culture of caring, Suffolk prioritizes employee support, both in and out of work. When answering the question, “Is there anything unique or unusual about this company that makes it a best place to work?” a Suffolk employee responded, “I’ve never worked for a place that cares so much about the people.”
e2Companies
Headquarters: Bonita Springs
Website: e2companies.com
Year founded: 2009
CEO: James Richmond
Industry: Utilities
Employees in SWFL: 47
Based in Bonita Springs, e2Companies is the provider of the first Virtual Utility, a utility-grade network designed for the end user that delivers energy autonomy, providing clients with full visibility and control with a turnkey, integrated solution. Though the company targets commercial and industrial clients who use a lot of power, the firm also understands its power comes from the strength of its workforce.
While e2 provides its clients with autonomy over how their energy needs are met and managed, it also provides its employees with career autonomy, as well, in the form of eHappy Days, two weeks off per year, and unlimited paid time off. In addition, e2 launched “e2 for Good,” which is the company’s commitment to donating time and volunteers while supporting local charities. e2 employees work together as a team with a “work hard, play hard” attitude, but they also work in a relaxed environment, with surprise donuts, pizza or catered lunches throughout the year, potluck holiday celebrations and after-work activities.
“We seek to be the guide on the path to zero carbon emissions, and to be a part of the transition is a wonderful opportunity for our employees. We’ve set out to attract the highest talent with years of experience in their fields, or bright minds who’ve recently graduated from college,” says Chairman Jeanne Richmond. “As our company grows, we stay true to our original culture, providing extended time off for employees to be with family around the holidays, recognizing the need for work-life balance for all.”
First Horizon Corporation
Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee
Website: firsthorizon.com
Year founded: 1864
CEO: D. Bryan Jordan
Industry: Banking
Employees in SWFL: 140
Providing banking, insurance, fixed-income investments, mortgage, credit and financial planning, the First Horizon story is about enduring relationships with clients, associates and communities. Established in 1864, the financial services firm has also supported for decades a work culture encouraging a balance between work and home.
“Each and every day, we strive to create a great place for associates to work, build stronger communities and positively contribute to society overall. We believe that to achieve our goals, we must empower our associates to achieve theirs,” a First Horizon spokesperson says. “It is critical that we invest in talent, provide competitive benefits and rewards, offer development programs and opportunities and communicate effectively. We understand the challenges of life and are dedicated to helping our associates embrace both work and personal responsibilities.”
Part of First Horizon’s investment in its workforce is the firm’s long-standing pledge to diversity and inclusion. Today, the bank continues to refine and elevate its DEI strategy and priorities and leans in on one of its shared values, “elevating equity.” Equity is about accessibility, opportunity, fairness and action, the company spokesperson said, and First Horizon values how its associates see the world.
“We want to build a culture that encourages our associates to put their thoughts into action and aspire toward what’s next. Bringing together diverse people, ideas and perspectives helps us open up opportunities and builds a more inclusive and equitable world,” the spokesperson says. “We are dedicated to fostering a connected workforce where everyone feels a sense of belonging.”
Dorcey Law Firm
Headquarters: Fort Myers
Website: dorceylaw.com
Year founded: 2007
CEO: Joshua O. Dorcey
Industry: Legal
Employees in SWFL: 30
The Dorcey Law Firm provides comprehensive services in estate planning, asset protection and wealth transfer in order to help clients preserve their wealth and pass it down to future generations. With deep roots in Fort Myers, the firm sees itself as a servant of the community and is committed to meeting the needs of its clients and team members.
The firm also places a high value on treating its team members like family. Understanding that its team members are essential to its success, the Dorcey Law Firm provides them with a range of benefits that reflect this value. These include a choice of four Aetna health plans, Aetna dental and vision, 401(k) with a percentage company match, paid time off, flex days for remote work and an annual weekend office retreat for employees and their families.
“Our core values are integrity, professionalism, competence, respect, teamwork and a desire for greatness. These values are reflected in every aspect of the firm’s operations and are evident in the way we treat clients and team members,” a firm spokesperson says. “We believe that our clients become family, and strive to make team members feel the same way.”
The Dorcey Law Firm believes that by working together, it can accomplish its clients’ goals and ensure that its team members are happy and fulfilled. The firm’s motto, “We are Team Dorcey and we are a family,” is a testament to this belief and reflects the firm’s commitment to its clients and team members alike.
Christopher Alan Homes
Headquarters: Fort Myers
Website: christopheralanhomes.com
Year founded: 2017
CEO: Ian Schmoyer
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 106
Christopher Alan Homes is the largest privately held home builder in Southwest Florida. The company is driven by a commitment to providing homeowners with the highest quality homes at attainable prices, and its success is due to the hard work of its team members.
“Building a house is one of the few big things left that is still primarily done by hand. It’s an extremely personal process,” says Ian Schmoyer, president and CEO. “Success for us is not just measured financially. It means being able to do things to help … our team, our homeowners and our community. Without a community and helping others, none of us would ever get anywhere.”
Christopher Alan Homes recognizes the importance of having a good work-life balance for its team. To support its employee community, the company fosters a culture that couples a positive, collaborative work environment with engaging team-building activities and outings: family picnics, outings at Topgolf, paintball tournaments, 5K runs, holiday celebrations, regular office socials and more. In addition, the company’s culture committee plans regular volunteer days to give back to the community, and all employees receive a competitive amount of paid time off, as well as a competitive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, life and disability offerings and home-purchase discounts.
“We want our team to feel appreciated and love coming to work every day,” Schmoyer says. “Having an engaged team directly impacts having satisfied customers—people who are proud to choose Christopher Alan Homes as their homebuilder.”
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties Inc.
Headquarters: Fort Myers
Website: habitat4humanity.org
Year founded: 1982
CEO: Becky Lucas
Industry: Nonprofit (Other)
Employees in SWFL: 89
Since 1982, the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties has been to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. It’s a mission that the employees live out every day.
“From the perspective of a long-term Habitat volunteer, I have witnessed a team driven by the vision to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live,” says board member Vicki Cooper. “When an organization thrives on open and ongoing two-way communication, challenges its team to create new and innovative practices, embraces the concept of upward mobility and acts upon it and offers opportunities for staff development and education, then, when issues arise, this team collaboratively will find the best solution.”
According to a spokesperson, the foundation of Habitat’s culture rests on its core values of integrity, teamwork and mission focus. Employees are reminded of these values in the weekly newsletter by the CEO, and employees who exemplify these values are recognized throughout the year. In addition, Habitat employees participate in monthly peer-to-peer recognition, and honor each other through written submissions for annual core value awards.
“No matter the role an employee plays at Habitat, a clear line is drawn from a job function to organizational impact,” the spokesperson says. “Habitat employees do what they love, with people they love, while finding their personal purpose within the mission. This mission-driven culture fosters employees who authentically work for a greater purpose, as well as care for each other.”
Storm Smart Building Systems LLC
Headquarters: Fort Myers
Website: stormsmart.com
Year founded: 1996
CEO: Scot Burris
Industry: Manufacturing
Employees in SWFL: 350
As one of the largest manufacturers and installers of hurricane screens, shutters and panels, Storm Smart Building Systems works to help Southwest Florida residents protect their homes from storm damage. But in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the company was more focused on protecting its employees.
“Our top priority is our employees, their families and the community. Before and after Hurricane Ian, our employees came together to help each other and the community. Many employees even worked helping others through the evening prior to the storm,” a company spokesperson says. “Once the storm cleared, team members were encouraged to handle their family first, and then they banded together to help each other and the community. For employees who were in need, we provided hurricane relief grants [and] interest-free loans and assisted with transitional housing.”
Beyond helping its own after catastrophes, Storm Smart also focuses on training and promoting people from within. That culture allows associates to cross-train to gain an understanding of the entire end-to-end process. But the company is also happy to reward the team members for their hard work.
“Because our business is demanding, we focus on engaging our associates and rewarding them for their hard work. We show our appreciation monthly and weekly through cookouts, on-site ice cream socials, monthly birthday and anniversary parties and more,” the spokesperson says. “We realize that our associates spend a great deal of their week away from their own families, and we want to provide an atmosphere that welcomes and rewards them.”
Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida
Headquarters: Fort Myers
Website: osswf.com
Year founded: 2000
CEO: Justin Blohm, Chief Administrative Officer
Bob Cunniff, Chief Operating Officer
Denice Veatch, Chief Financial Officer
Industry: Health care (Provider)
Employees in SWFL: 161
Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida was established in 2000 to provide very specialized orthopedic care for the Fort Myers area with all aspects of orthopedics under one roof. Focusing on sports medicine, foot and ankle, adult reconstruction, hip, knee, hand and upper extremity, spine, pain management and trauma, Orthopedic Specialists is now the largest private orthopedic practice in Southwest Florida. But that growth wouldn’t have been possible without the team that supports the physicians.
“Making sure our staff is appreciated is the key to success,” says founding partner Charles Springer, MD. “If you take care of your people, your people will take care of your business.”
While Orthopedic Specialists helps neighbors, family, friends and community members get back to doing the things they love, it also cares for its support staff with a variety of amenities. That includes a very competitive benefit package, regular visits from food trucks on-site, employee recognition programs, an employee council so the staff can work together on improvements and several lunches throughout the year. In addition, to better serve its patients and staff, Orthopedic Specialists is currently building a new medical office and state-of-the-art ambulatory surgical center.
“It’s been our great pleasure to serve the residents of Southwest Florida for over 23 years. The tremendous growth of our practice is a testament to the dedicated physicians and staff who strive to provide superior care to our patients,” Springer says. “We appreciate the trust our patients place in us and look forward to growing in response to the community’s needs.”
