Ingredients for a Best Place to Work: Toronto-based Genumark (asi/204588) is successful because its main focus is its team members, says Jean Stefanazzi, vice president of people and culture. “‘People first’ is a business strategy, not a slogan,” she says. “As a family-owned business, that care-first mindset shows up in how we lead, collaborate and support our employees, and we prioritize work-life balance by encouraging everyone to take real time away to recharge.” The company’s “Core Four” values – Commit, Collaborate, Customer First/Common Sense Always and Community – help the team feel supported and empowered – part of the reason Genumark was named a B Corp in 2023.

Genumark (asi/204588) employees gather for a holiday lunch.

“We put real weight behind responsible business practices through our focus on sustainable sources, community involvement and the way we treat our key stakeholders,” says Stefanazzi. “We say we’re ‘big enough to matter, small enough to care,’ and that shows up in how teams work cross-functionally, leaders stay approachable and we invest in growth, learning and development.”

Top Benefits & Perks: Genumark offers comprehensive health insurance, paid personal and sick days, summer half-days, extended closures around major holidays, and company events such as open houses, holiday luncheons and summer barbecues.

Parting Tip: “Be intentional and consistent,” says Stefanazzi. “Define your values, hire and lead by them and reinforce them through everyday behaviors. Our best results come from building culture around our Core Four values, real collaboration and a strong sense of community.”

If Genumark Were a TV Show, It Would Be Ted Lasso. “We’re optimistic, supportive and team-first,” says Stefanazzi. “People do their best work when they feel trusted and backed by the group. We also have fun.”