Broker Firm Edward Jones Retakes Top Ranking Among Big Companies
Edward Jones again is ranked as No. 1 in the large company category of the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama competition, for the third time in the last five years. Regional Leader Jason Kozon, who is a Foley-based financial advisor for the nationwide financial services leader, credits the 97-year-old company’s focus on its employees, clients and the communities it serves. “Employees own the company, so there’s not stockholder pressure for higher and higher profits,” Kozon says of the Fortune 500 company.
Leadership is provided by those who have spent years in the ranks of Edward Jones and have a vested loyalty to the company and its client-centered philosophy. Kozon had praise for top leaders throughout the company’s history and says Edward Jones’ new Managing Partner Penny Pennington is bringing new vision and vitality to the firm. “We are fortunate to have had exceptional leadership during our long history,” he says. “Edward Jones continues to expand and promote from within.”
Benefits provided by the company — including medical, dental, vision and long-term care insurance; paid parental leave for births or adoptions; and tuition reimbursement as well as 401(k) and profit sharing — typically exceed industry standards, Kozon says, and have been expanded and improved over time. One of the top benefits, however, is that financial advisors have the potential of becoming partners in the firm. “Edward Jones takes well care of us so we can take well care of our clients,” Kozon says.
Each Edward Jones office consists of a financial advisor and one or more administrative staff members. Although offices are independent with much autonomy, there is plenty of company communication and support, especially on the regional level, where training and mentorship is ongoing, Kozon says.
“We all want each other to do well because we all benefit from each other’s success,” Kozon says. “It’s collaboration among Edward Jones offices, not a competition.”
Employee solidarity is also built through group activities, such as associates participating in Alzheimer’s Association fundraisers. Edward Jones, the first national presenting sponsor for the Alzheimer’s Association annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raised $3.3 million in 2018 through its 3,578 teams across the country. The firm’s total contributions last year topped $6 million, surpassing its 2017 contributions of $4.8 million. “We feel fulfilled to be a part of combined efforts that make such an impact,” Kozon says. “Working together we can do so much good.”
Edward Jones
Jason Kozon, Financial Adviser/Regional Leader
22394 Miflin Rd., No. 202, Foley, AL 36535
Phone: 251-943-3399 | Fax: 888-860-6265
edwardjones.com
Runners–Up Among Big Companies
2. Jack Henry & Associates Inc.
Jack Henry & Associates Inc., a national provider of technology solutions and payment processing services primarily for the financial services industry, has made a conscious effort in recent years to enhance its employee experience, and the strategy is paying off in employee engagement and retention numbers, says Ashley Hogan, human resources business partner, senior manager.
Whenever possible, the company tries to promote from within and has a company department devoted to that effort. “Our CEO and executive leadership team know our employees are our company’s greatest asset and want to treat our employees with the same level of caring as our clients,” Hogan says. “Our motto is ‘Do the right thing’ and that goes for everyone we serve.”
Among company perks are spot and annual bonuses, as well as quarterly and annual employee recognition programs. Benefits continue to improve based on changes requested by employees in periodic company surveys, Hogan says. One example is the expansion of paid leave for births and adoptions for both mother and father. Another is the removal of the salary cap on the company’s 6 percent company match on 401(k) contributions. “We are continually looking for new and better ways to meet the needs of our employees,” Hogan says.
Rick Keith, Regional Sales
7400 Cahaba Valley Rd., Birmingham, AL 35242-6306
Phone: 205-981-1980 | Fax: 417-235-4281
jackhenry.com
3. America’s First Federal Credit Union
America’s First Federal Credit Union, a Birmingham-based community credit union with 19 branches in Alabama, has this year begun offering a popular new employee benefit: access to medical clinics where employees pay no copays for exams, lab work or prescriptions. “We try to keep abreast of the trends and are always looking for the next great thing to offer our employees,” says Audra Weber, senior vice president and chief people officer for the credit union.
Morale boosters include the annual company picnic, which has been held at Oak Mountain and Regions Field. Periodic competitions can pay off with an extra vacation day for the winner. Cash bonuses are provided when certain goals are met, Weber says. “We try to be creative so that our employees better enjoy their work and understand we appreciate their hard work,” she says.
Employees are encouraged to volunteer and are provided with up to 8 hours of paid time off to do so. Tuition reimbursement is available at up to 100 percent, depending upon employee grades. Professional development is offered through three continuing education tracks, including one that develops branch managers.
“We look for people who fit our customer-service culture and help them to be the best they can be, promoting from within whenever possible,” Weber says.
Bill Connor, President/CEO
1200 4th Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: 205-320-4000 | Fax: 205-325-3979
amfirst.org
4. Total Quality Logistics
National business-to-business freight movement company Total Quality Logistics (TQL) emphasizes clear communication as being a core value of the company, says Group Sales Manager Mackenzie Collins, who is based in Spanish Fort. “One of the reasons our founder and CEO Ken Oaks started TQL was because he was frustrated with the lack of communication and transparency in the transportation industry,” Collins says. “To keep the lines of communication open, our CEO sends out a daily email to everyone in the company with pertinent information for our teams.”
The growing company provides attractive rewards to its hardworking employees, Collins says. “Our HR and employee engagement teams focus on offering the best benefits to our employees,” she says. “From great insurance and 401K matching programs to intramural sports leagues, free meals, work-from-home days and corporate discounts, we make sure our employees have plenty of perks.”
TQL tries to promote from within, Collins says. “We are constantly creating new roles and establishing new leaders as we see fit for our growing company,” she says. “Additionally, TQL doesn’t promote on tenure but on performance, which is a driving force for our younger team players. Promoting managers from within the team sets up our teams for success.”
Mackenzie Collins, Group Sales Manager
26000 Bass Pro Dr., Bldg. E200, Ste. 214, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
Phone: 800-580-3101 | Fax: 513-722-7534
tql.com
5. Warren Averett
The leadership of Warren Averett, a major regional accounting and advisory firm, makes it a priority to help employees create and maintain a healthy work/life balance in addition to offering attractive benefits, says Chief Executive Officer Mary Elliott. That can be particularly difficult during the busy tax season each year. One strategy is to allow staff to access the resources of the firm’s Destin office during spring break so they can get to the beach while keeping their work flow going. “Back in the day, a CPA never could go on spring break,” Elliott says. “We try to provide as much flexibility as possible so that employees are able to enjoy being with family and friends.”
To keep long-term staff members fresh and retention high in an industry where burnout is common, Warren Averett provides a month-long paid sabbatical — in addition to vacation time — after 10 years of service. Then the employee is given the month-long perk after each five years of additional service. “As you can imagine, that has been tremendously popular,” Elliot says. Another strategy is to allow team members to career shift in-house when positions are available rather than having to leave the firm to follow a new interest.
Mary Elliott, CEO
2500 Acton Road, No. 200, Birmingham, AL 35243
Phone: 205-979-4100 | Fax: 205-979-6313
warrenaverett.com
6. MAX Credit Union
MAX Credit Union works hard to keep its employees, says Chief Talent Officer Sandra Stenger. She points to the average tenure of staff members being greater than 10 years and the average tenure of credit union leadership greater than 20 years. Training and professional development for employees and “onboarding” mentoring of new employees is ongoing with an eye to future career paths, Stenger says. “We try to develop our staff members and promote from within,” she says. “Many of our senior leaders started out as tellers.”
The credit union intranet, including a social media type platform, and quarterly coffee meetings called “breaking grounds,” keep staff members in the loop, says Vice President of Organizational Development Lynnette Cupps.
Employees who are observed providing above-and-beyond service that demonstrates organizational core values are recognized with badges on social media. Staff members are encouraged to offer new ideas for benefits and the like. “We want to keep the lines of communication open and honest with communication going both ways to and from top down,” Cupps says. Based on staff member requests, for example, leave benefits for births and adoptions have been greatly expanded, now including leave for grandparents, as well as mothers and fathers.
Martin Head, Interim CEO
P.O. Box 244040, Montgomery AL 36124
Phone: 334-215-4976 | Fax: 334-215-2983
mymax.com
7. Alabama Credit Union
Employees are encouraged to be innovative at Alabama Credit Union, one effort that has helped increase job satisfaction, says Brandi McKinney, assistant vice president for human resources. Research teams and employee think tanks look for ways to keep improving the organization. One group, for example, is considering how to unify the company’s wellness and financial health efforts. “We have seen staff members really break out and shine through their contributions to the teams,” McKinney says.
A popular new benefit is the credit union’s student loan repayment program. After six months, employees are eligible for the benefit, which provides $50 per month toward paying down their loan’s principal. “They still pay their regular payment, but when they see how much is going to paying the principal, shortening the term of the loan, they are thrilled,” McKinney says. Another popular benefit is employee access to telemedicine, a medical visit that requires no copay.
Weekly video broadcasts are used to keep employees engaged and informed. Fun credit union events include the annual employee tailgate, Halloween costume contest and Margarita Monday. Community service is supported through 15 hours of paid leave.
“We want to keep showing our employees we care about them by being both creative and thoughtful,” McKinney says.
Steve Swofford, CEO
P.O. Box 862998, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486-0027
Phone: 205-469-5944 | Fax: 205-650-1000
alabamacu.com
8. BBB Industries
A collaborative culture without the sharp elbows, a dedicated staff and a work location on the sunny Gulf Coast makes BBB Industries one of the state’s best places to work, according to CEO Duncan Gillis.
BBB Industries is a private company headquartered in Daphne that remanufactures alternators, starters and other parts for OEMs and vehicle after-market industries.
“BBB was founded by a Mobile-based father and his two sons,” he says. “While our company has grown exponentially and evolved over time, it’s important to us that we create a work environment that seeks to maintain our family-centric roots.”
BBB Industries has its own Executive Council that welcomes suggestions from workers. One idea, says Gillis, led to the company establishing a summer hours program where during July and August, staffers can work from home or at the office and log out at 2 p.m., every Friday as long as they work 40 hours that week. The program has proven to increase productivity, he says.
Another new initiative at the BBB Industries’ Daphne office is a pilot program that pairs employees with mentors who can guide them toward their career goals, he says
The employees have health and dental insurance, 10 paid holidays and an employee assistance program. But they also enjoy fun company perks, too, such as birthday lunches, after-hours socials, a Memorial Day cookout and the annual Christmas party at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear.
“BBB wants its employees to feel appreciated,” says Gillis, “to know that they’re valued and reward them for their hard work.”
Duncan Gillis, CEO
29627 Renaissance Blvd., Daphne, AL 36526
Phone: 251-438-2737 | Fax: 251-438-2828
bbbind.com
9. SH Enterprises
From wellness programs to an employee forum, SH Enterprises Inc. offers several initiatives to make it a desirable place to work.
SH Enterprises, with more than 200 Alabama employees, manages entities that include CENTURY 21 Meyer Real Estate, Meyer Vacation Rentals and Starr Textile Services.
“Perks, benefit packages and competitive pay are hard earned and well deserved for each member of our team,” says SH Enterprises President Michelle Hodges.
The company offers a LiveWell program for employees who want to get healthier. LiveWell includes meal plans, blood pressure checks, gym membership reimbursements and one-on-one meetings with a health coach.
SH Enterprises also holds a Spring Celebration event, where employees can draw for prizes, such as a paid day off with $100.
“We also offer a team lunch every Saturday throughout the summer months and host a Fall Family Fun day at The Track amusement park in Gulf Shores so the entire team and their families can let loose and enjoy activities from go-carts to mini-golf.”
Hodges says one way the company identifies benefit options is through feedback from the Employee Forum Group, comprised of one team member from each company and division. The team meets monthly with the CEO or president to discuss recent news, changes or needs and to pick the “Employee of the Quarter” award winner.
“Engage with your workforce,” Hodges says. “Encourage their feedback on ways to enhance the work environment and remove barriers to help them stay focused on what they can impact.”
Sheila Hodges, Chairman of the Board
1585 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores, AL 36542
800-775-8945 | 251-968-6469
she-inc.net
Peachtree Planning Tops Among Small and Medium Companies
Ranking top among small to medium companies is Peachtree Planning Corp. LLC, a financial planner with offices in Birmingham, Atlanta and Nashville.
“Our people make the company so outstanding,” says Sara Boudreaux, vice president and head of recruiting and marketing. “The majority of people who work here are people who are referred to work with us, and people who do business with us refer other people to do business with us.
“Our purpose is to help people make impactful financial decisions and to create security,” says Boudreaux. “Most of our advisors feel good at the end of the day because they have made a difference in someone’s life.”
One way Peachtree achieves that is through matching programs for charities and causes that touch the lives of employees and clients — from the Pound the Pavement for Peter run honoring Peter Hopkins who died at 3 from a Peroxisomal Disorder where advisor Sarah Dozier sits on the board, to the Autism Society of Alabama, where advisor Clay McDowell sits on the Junior Board of Birmingham.
In addition to supporting charitable causes in the communities it serves in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, Peachtree also fosters an atmosphere of teamwork within its walls. For birthdays, staff members always decorate the doors of the honoree, showering that person with cards, cake and good wishes. Work anniversaries are recognized throughout the firm, and a Monday morning memo advises all staff of special events, celebrating new babies or sharing the sorrows of those with a sad event.
“Even though we are all throughout the Southeast, we feel like part of a close-knit family,” Boudreaux says. “We get together as an entire firm two times a year for a fun event. We’ve had picnics at Big Canoe (in North Georgia) with families and kids enjoying egg tosses and water balloons. We enjoy seeing how kids have grown over the years, since we don’t see the children of folks in other state offices every often.”
In September, the whole Peachtree team will gather at Chattanooga Brewing Co. in Tennessee. Different offices hold special events throughout the year, but those times as a team, whether annual or every other year, are considered valuable bonding time.
Instead of gifts to one another, the staff gives to someone in need during the holidays, either adopting a family or choosing a charity for contributions. The company matches those staff gifts, including taking part in local charity events or organizing drives for servicemen overseas.
“If we can make a difference for somebody in a positive way, either helping a company with their financials or helping employees and their families create a sense of financial security, we’ve done our jobs,” Boudreaux says. “Because of the way we operate and care about our staff, a lot of people enjoy spending time together and sharing their lives.”
Peachtree Planning of Alabama LLC
Andrew Meehan, President Distribution, Birmingham
2151 Highland Ave., Ste. 100, Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: 888-232-7151 | Fax: 205-930-9430
peachtreeplanning.com
Runners–Up Among Small/Medium Companies
2. Rabren General Contractors
Begun as a modest general contractor in 2000 in Auburn by Mike and Travis Rabren, and now led by Matt Rabren, Rabren General Contractors has grown into one of the state’s largest privately held general contractors, with experience across the industry.
Che Odom, business process administrator for the firm, says the company stands out because “leadership treats employees like family.”
Leadership is transparent about plans for the future and how employees can help to “get there,” Odom says. That includes annual performance reviews that are tied to compensation increases and Christmas bonuses for a job well done, giving employees both incentive and direction for best success.
Employees take part in a lot of teambuilding, often including families, in events like football games and bowling, a Christmas party and the annual Travis L. Rabren Foundation Fundraising Golf Tournament.
“We are encouraged to grow personally and professionally and are given tools and learning opportunities to do so,” Odom says.
Matt Rabren, President & Chief Executive Officer
306 Persimmon Dr., Auburn, AL 36830
Phone: 334-826-6143 | Fax: 334-819-1760
rabren.com
3. Wilkins Miller LLC
Wilkins Miller Accounting and Advisory Firm is a full-service accounting firm offering financial advisory, wealth management, IT, forensic accounting, litigation and valuation services.
Of course, that means April looms large on the firm’s calendar, but an emphasis on staff engagement and workplace enjoyment is at the top of Wilkins Miller priorities — from community events like a bowling fundraiser for Junior Achievement and meal preparation for Ronald McDonald House and working with Big Brothers, Big Sisters to costume parties and ugly holiday sweater contests.
“We genuinely care about folks and want to be a great place to work,” says Managing Partner Allen Carroll. “Happy, motivated team members result in great service to clients.”
Beyond offering excellent traditional benefits of insurance and vacation time, the firm believes in flexibility in an age when employees struggle to balance work and home life.
“Organizations that are successful for the long term realize the economy is good, and people have choices. Talent is scarce,” says Carroll. “We serve our clients best by having good folks.”
Allen Carroll, Managing Partner
41 W. I-65 Service Rd. N, Ste. 400, Mobile, AL 36608
Phone: 251-410-6700 | wilkinsmiller.com
4. Byars|Wright
Since 1946, Byars|Wright has grown from a single office in Jasper to four offices in the greater Birmingham area providing commercial and personal insurance, overseeing risk management and insurance needs for organizations throughout the United States. While its services have grown on a grand scale, the company remains privately owned.
Lacey Rae Visintainer, brand manager, says, “At Byars|Wright, we’re a family — and we’re committed to remaining a locally family-owned and operated business. We understand the human element of business and desire for a well-balanced life and family. We foster that belief through encouraging teamwork, kindness, compassion and a positive culture.”
Visintainer believes the atmosphere of challenging, supporting and encouraging one another draws employees closer, which in turn allows them to go above and beyond for clients.
One big perk is having the weekend begin early. The office closes on Fridays at 3 p.m., because she says, “An extra two hours with family or friends is precious time. We celebrate each other’s victories in both life and work. Co-workers organize luncheons, birthday celebrations, cookouts and more.”
W. Haig Wright II, President, Jasper Office
1700 4th Ave., Jasper, AL 35501
Phone: 205-221-3621 | byarswright.com
5. The American Equity Underwriters Inc.
The American Equity Underwriters Inc. has decades of experience as the program administrator of the American Longshore Mutual Association Ltd., a group of self-insurance funds authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor to provide member coverage under the United States Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Its members are waterfront employers of all sizes.
Maggie Hudson, marketing strategist, says AEU is a great place to work because it’s open and collaborative on multiple fronts and leadership is always open to ideas from throughout the company.
Michael L. Lapeyrouse, president and CEO, says, “We’ve worked hard to build a culture that truly feels like a family, and that feeling extends beyond our employees to our customers and business partners. We hire employees who embrace this type of culture because families deliver on promises, celebrate successes and do the right thing by each other.”
Commitment to the community also makes an impact. As a corporate sponsor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Alabama, the company allows employees one hour a week to be a “big” for a child at an inner-city school and supports numerous Big Brothers Big Sisters events throughout the year.
“We have a summer Day of Service each year where employees go out into our community and volunteer,” Hudson says. “And then we also have a fun environment with periodic luncheons, fun happy hour events, contests throughout the year, and our company-wide Christmas party. Top it all off with good benefits, fair pay, flexible scheduling for personal events as needed and more and it really makes AEU a fantastic place to work.”
Michael L. Lapeyrouse, Chief Executive Officer
32nd Floor, 11 N. Water St., Mobile, AL 36602
Phone: 251-690-4230 | Fax: 251-690-4299
amequity.com
6. Hartmann, Blackmon & Kilgore PC
Front and center on the website of accounting and business consulting firm Hartmann, Blackmon & Kilgore, there’s a picture of smiling people with an overlay, “Our team is what makes HB&K different.”
Managing Director Dennis Sherrin, CPA, says, “What makes our company great is the people. Without a great team that is committed to being better than yesterday, we wouldn’t be a best company.”
HB&K serves clients ranging from small businesses and individuals to governments and multi-national corporations. And according to Kari Wolfe, creative content director, its many services to the community make the company even more remarkable. Its service is headlined by the Steak Cook-Off it presents each year to support a local Rotary group.
“We try to really focus on being forward thinking and innovative,” Wolfe says. “Our busy season is insane hours (tax season runs January through April). Even in the busy season, our firm puts an emphasis on work-life balance” — helping employees stay focused and productive for eight hours rather than working until midnight.
Even during tax season, there are relaxing events. During the rest of the year, there might be a Margarita Friday, food trucks or sports bracket contests.
“We try to get people to really spend time with each other and share about their lives so that you’re working with people who can become more than co-workers,” Wolfe says.
Employees are also encouraged to donate time to the Salvation Army Angel Tree, Baldwin County Humane Society, Boys and Girls Club or other organizations that interest them.
“There are so many charities that need help,” Wolfe says. “What they need most is our time.”
Dennis Sherrin, Managing Shareholder
806 N. Section St., Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: 251-928-2443 | Fax: 251-928-6921
hbkcpas.net
7. Avadian Credit Union
If you’ve ever seen the distinctive orange armchair television commercials for Avadian Credit Union, you’ve heard impact stories of how the credit union thoughtfully gives back to the members it serves.
Avadian Credit Union began operations in December of 1934, formerly Alabama Telco, with seven charter members and a capital base of $70. It was formed to serve telephone company employees and their families, but has grown from its original charter to embrace members of the communities it serves.
With its trademark of recognizing individual needs in a “people helping people” way, the credit union makes the Business Alabama list of best places to work, in addition to having earned the 2018 Credit Union Journal Best Places to Work and the Birmingham Business Journal Best Places to Work in 2018.
“Connecting with our community and our employees is an important part of who we are,” says Avadian President and CEO Linda Cencula. “We love putting smiles on faces, on the faces of members of our community and on the faces of our employees.”
The credit union takes part in initiatives like a summer kickoff cookout, once-a-month service at the Jimmie Hale Mission and participation in community events like Moss Rock Festival and community Christmas parades. Avadian employees also partner with Vineyard Family Services at a BackPack Buddy packing party, which provides students who need them with nutritious and easy-to-prepare food options to take home.
Today, with more than 78,000 members from branches throughout the state, Avadian has approximately $750 million in assets and is one of the largest credit unions in Alabama. It prides itself on community involvement.
Linda Cencula, President and CEO
1 Riverchase Pkwy. S., Hoover, AL 35244
Telephone: 205-444-3713 | Fax: 205-444-3745
Avadiancu.com
8. White-Spunner Construction Inc.
“In our industry we work a lot of crazy hours,” says John White-Spunner. “It certainly isn’t a 9 to 5 business.”
White-Spunner is president and CEO of White-Spunner Construction Inc., a general contracting, design-build and construction management company based in Mobile. His company, in business since 1981, has erected commercial and retail buildings, schools and healthcare facilities throughout the United States.
“Our team works hard, and they deserve to be recognized for that,” he says. “We try to do what we can to make life easier.” One key way is helping employees achieve a work-life balance. “Our office is kid friendly,” White-Spunner says. “So if there’s a school holiday, and we’re still working, our employees are welcome to bring their kids to work with them.”
The company also brings a chaplain to the office weekly to pray and talk privately with employees who request assistance, he says. “He’s not a part of the company,” White-Spunner says. “So he’s never going to be critical of anything that’s shared. He’s just there to support and encourage.”
White-Spunner also has an on-site fitness center, and every quarter, the company hosts fun events, he says, from dinners out to ice-cream sundae parties. The company also hosts an appreciation retreat every fall for employees and their families.
Besides the perks, White-Spunner’s employee benefits package includes a family healthcare plan, dental and vision insurance, disability coverage policies and a matching 401k program.
White-Spunner says companies should listen to employees’ priorities and offer opportunities to merge those priorities with their job.
“That creates a culture where your employees are truly invested,” he says.
John White-Spunner, President and CEO
2010 W. I-65 Service Rd. S., Mobile, AL 36693
Phone: 251-471-5189 | Fax: 251-478-3962
white-spunner.com
9. Eagle Eye Outfitters Inc.
Established in 1999 by Mark and Susan Anderson, Eagle Eye Outfitters is an independent retail department store in Dothan specializing in outdoor clothing, accessories and supplies, from jeans and leggings to hiking footwear and camping gear.
The company has 45 full-time employees and 31 part-time workers.
“Eagle Eye challenges our staff to be someone great to work with — to be someone that both team members and customers love working with, which means being efficient, communicative, collaborative, personable and willing to work to get things done,” Susan Anderson says.
Unlike many retailers today, the self-described Christian company keeps it doors closed on Sundays. But Eagle Eye Outfitters also gives employees six paid holidays a year once they meet key anniversary dates, Anderson says. In addition, those who complete management training get 80 hours of paid vacation.
Moreover, the company’s employee benefits include store discounts and an up-to-three-percent match toward a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) individual retirement account.
But besides the benefits, Eagle Eye Outfitters hosts an employee Thanksgiving meal and an “After Christmas” party offsite.
The store, however, also offers its employees the chance to give back to the community through its Volunteer Time Off program, which allows full-time workers up to 40 paid hours a year to volunteer at a local nonprofit organization, church or public school. Part-time workers get up to 20 paid hours annually to volunteer.
Anderson says her company chose the benefits and perks by polling their workers and benchmarking with other companies in the retail industry.
She says, “Listen to your staff.”
Mark Anderson, CEO, and Susan Anderson, CFO
3535 Ross Clark Cir., Dothan, AL 36303
Phone: 334-673-2878 | Fax: 334-673-2879
shopeagleeye.com
10. Roberts Brothers
“Investing in our staff is a consistent focus,” says Daniel Dennis, president of Roberts Brothers Inc., a real estate company based in Mobile.
Roberts Brothers has been in business since 1946, selling homes and rental properties around the Mobile Bay area.
Dennis says its managers endeavor to help employees advance their careers.
“Whether it’s working together on flex hours so someone can pursue a college degree or promoting them to a new department, our managers consistently look for opportunities,” he says.
Last year the company kicked off a new leadership development initiative, Dennis says. It offered employees a six-month stretch to shadow managers and attend managers’ meetings. Each January, the management team reads and discusses a book on leadership and the firm invites motivational speakers and local market experts to make presentations for employees.
Beyond career development, Dennis says the company fosters an “entrepreneurial spirit” among its employees.
“Trying or suggesting new things is encouraged daily,” says Dennis. “When your employees feel safe and secure to try new things and make mistakes, they’re more willing to vocalize better ways to operate.”
Roberts Brothers makes time for fun, too. The company hosts free movie and dinner nights, and, each spring, it treats employees and their families to a company “convention,” which is actually a cruise off the Gulf Coast where the only agenda is relationship-building and relaxation.
Dennis says, “Treat your people as the number one asset on your balance sheet.”
Daniel Dennis, President
3601 Spring Hill Business Park, Ste. 101, Mobile, AL 36608
Phone: 251-344-9220 | Fax: 251-344-7477
RobertsBrothers.com
11. Crow, Shields, Bailey PC
The accounting and consulting firm Crow, Shields, Bailey PC, headquartered in Mobile, promotes communication and an open door policy, Managing Shareholder Gina McKellar CPA, says.
Crow, Shields, Bailey PC got its start in 1986 when the founder, Kenny Crow, opened the first office in Gulf Shores. Today, the firm has offices in Daphne and Gulf Shores as well.
“Our millennial team members are very involved in recruiting and offer many recommendations regarding retention,” says McKellar. “The key is to listen to these suggestions and have an open mind.” The firm also gathers feedback through internal and external surveys, firm-wide meetings and one-on-one meetings to determine the kinds of perks employees want.
“Perks and benefits are a waste of time and money if they’re not the ones our team is interested in,” she says.
Current perks include Friday trivia with gift card prizes, happy hour socials, food truck lunches and even cornhole tournaments.
Besides the activities, the firm offers benefits such as wellness initiatives, 401k matching, flexible work hours, telecommuting and paid time off to encourage family time, personal hobbies and community involvement, she says. The flexible work scheduling includes letting staffers have Friday afternoons off during non-peak season months.
She says the firm also provides mentoring and professional development through its membership in the RSM U.S. Alliance, an affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms.
“Have fun,” says McKellar. “Be open to change and new ideas. Listen to your team members.”
Gina McKellar, Managing Shareholder
3742 Professional Pkwy., Mobile, AL 36609
Phone: 251-343-1012 | Fax: 251-343-1294
csbcpa.com
12. United Bank
In business since 1904, United Bank, with its headquarters in Atmore, has branches throughout southwest Alabama and northwest Florida.
Bob Jones, the bank’s CEO, says that although the financial institution offers its employees benefits such as a 401(k) match and a profit-sharing contribution, it also gives employees opportunities to pursue continuing education, team building and making a difference in local communities.
The bank, for example, provides tuition reimbursement for individuals desiring to attend a banking school, such as the Alabama Banking School at the University of South Alabama, Jones says. United Bank also pays for continuing education for those seeking certification in a specialized area, such as commercial lending, marketing or compliance.
Besides the tuition reimbursements, United Bank offers employees other rewards, too. Most recently, to celebrate the success of its credit card program, United Bank offered team members tickets to a minor league Blue Wahoos baseball game in Pensacola. Other perks have included jeans day on some Fridays throughout the year. And, during football season, employees can wear jerseys representing their favorite teams, Jones says.
“At Christmas we have 12 Days of Kindness in every market where we give them a couple hundred bucks to go out and do something nice for somebody,” he says.
Bank staffers also have volunteered with local charities like the nonprofit food bank Feeding the Gulf Coast, he says.
“I think that’s probably the biggest satisfier,” Jones says. “That there’s more than just the job you do. It’s making a difference.”
Robert Jones, CEO
200 E Nashville Ave., Atmore, AL 36502
Phone: 251-446-6100
unitedbank.com
13. WaveLink Inc.
WaveLink provides aviation and software engineering, as well as technical support, to the U.S. Air Force, Army, Department of Defense and other government agencies. In business since 2001, the Huntsville firm has 51 employees.
WaveLink’s Owner, President and CEO Tamela Gibbs says they meet regularly with employees so employees can discuss their aspirations, expectations and even their frustrations.
“We feel this leads to greater productivity and loyalty,” says Gibbs. “It also helps employees plot a career path because they know where the company is headed and can be told what milestones and achievements are necessary to meet their goals.”
WaveLink demonstrates appreciation for its employees each quarter by hosting occasions for employees to relax with their families — from tickets and concession vouchers to Huntsville Havoc hockey games to the annual Thanksgiving luncheon. Moreover, during those events, the firm awards employees with gifts by lottery draw and service awards for exceptional performance.
WaveLink also offers flex time and alternate work schedules, and the firm provides a 401k profit-sharing option that gives employees a fixed, yearly retirement lump sum based on the profitability of the company, she says.
“The 401k plan cannot be beat,” says Gibbs, “with high profit sharing to the employees regardless of whether employees choose to contribute to their 401k or not, and only a three-year vesting schedule, unlike most companies.”
“We feel that employees expect fairness and programs that tell them, ‘Do good and you’ll get rewarded,’” she says. “It makes a positive impact on the company, with employees working harder to meet and exceed customer expectations.”
Tamela Gibbs, President and CEO
7800 Madison Blvd., Ste. 504, Huntsville, AL 35806
Phone: 256-776-7216 | Fax: 256-270-9404
wavelinkinc.com
