Ingredients for a Best Place to Work: To Jodie Schillinger, executive vice president of Maple Ridge Farms (asi/68680) and a member of the Counselor Power 50 list of the most influential people in promo, one of the key qualities for any employee is flavor forward, in every sense of the word. As a food gifts supplier, that can certainly be taken literally, but it’s also about letting processes, questions or concerns marinate to develop fully, says Schillinger. That extends to everything from ensuring employee expectations are clear cut, but still challenging, to building enough genuine trust and care so that work feels like a family, while work-life balance is still respected.

Maple Ridge Farms (asi/68680) treats employees like a family, while still respecting work-life balance.

What makes Maple Ridge truly unique, though, according to Schillinger, is its multigenerational workforce. During the company’s busy season, its staff swells by more than 200 to keep up with production demands, including a large segment of retirees who return year after year. It’s a special amalgamation of people, Schillinger says – and more than that, it’s good for business. “Once you blend the generations and allow stories to naturally weave,” Schillinger says, “you’ll uncover so many new opportunities for business.”

Top Benefits & Perks: During the early days of the pandemic, Maple Ridge implemented Fridays off during its typical “off season” – and then were immediately slammed with unexpected business as companies drop-shipped care packages to now-remote employees. Maple Ridge didn’t back down on the practice, though, says Schillinger. Instead, employees learned how to work differently, managing the early part of the week to enjoy those extra days off. And the practice has stuck around: The company’s off-peak months of the year – roughly March to August before holiday gifting production ramps up – employees are off every Friday.

Parting Tip: “The cadence of how we lead through listening is one of our best assets,” Schillinger says. “Through listening there’s a pause, and in that pause, you’ll find the answer.”

If Maple Ridge Farms Were a TV Show, It Would Be Ted Lasso. “Ted is always challenging someone, but he does it with that unshakeable optimism and curiosity,” Schillinger says. “It’s through collaboration, respect and challenge.”