When Debbie Abergel was hired at Counselor Top 40 distributor Nadel (asi/279600), she viewed it as a “pit stop” before finding a more serious role in corporate America using the skills gleaned from her master’s in public administration.

Fast-forward 26 years, and the chief strategy officer of the Culver City, CA-based distributor isn’t going anywhere. “I’ve never been at a place with so much passion,” the Counselor Power 50 member says. “It’s electric.”

Nadel (asi/279600) employees head to a company event.

Wesley Duque, too, started his Nadel career in what he thought was going to be a temporary role, doing customer service for the DARE program, which the distributorship ran at the time. Three decades later, he’s moved up the ranks to become a vice president of financial operations for the company.

“I didn’t see myself here for 30 years,” Duque says. “Now, I see myself here forever. I want to end my career here.”

So, what makes Nadel such a special place to build a career? For Pauline Metzler, a relative newcomer to Nadel with just 15 years under her belt, it’s all about the company culture and the connection with her colleagues. “I feel very supported by everyone here,” the vice president and brand consultant says.

Established in 1953 by Jack Nadel, the firm quickly emerged as a leading distributorship, playing a pivotal role in elevating the industry to prominence during the mid-20th century. The company today operates under the longtime leadership of Jack’s nephew, Craig Nadel, a member of the Counselor Power 50 list, and features offices across the U.S. and in several countries.

Another selling point, for both clients and employees, is Nadel’s recently renovated headquarters, which has won a number of design and architectural awards, including a 2024 Award of Excellence from the Los Angeles Building Council. The council lauded the redesigned office for creating “a healthy employee environment through ample daylight, connections to outdoors and natural materials.” Abergel, who oversaw the design, was also adamant that there was plenty of room for employees to congregate and relax. Even satellite offices are given the same vibe, she adds. “I know a lot of people want to save money by not having office spaces,” Abergel says. “It’s a nonstarter for us.”

Nadel employees gather for a company event.

A benefit of being headquartered in Southern California is the weather, and the Culver City office incorporates outdoor spaces and is nearby a park. Employees are encouraged to get up from their desks and take advantage of the sunshine. Duque says he keeps a pair of walking shoes in his office so he can take a mile-long walk every morning. “I come back to my desk refreshed,” he adds.

Holiday parties, Halloween costume contests and impromptu skits are all part of the creative, collaborative energy at the office. Metzler and Abergel recall one summer where employees not on vacation recorded a funny music video to Bananarama’s “Cruel Summer.”

“We’ll get these ideas that we’ve seen on social, and we don’t even do it for outside the company,” Abergel says. “It’s just for us.”

Nadel also works to reward loyalty and longevity. Every December, the company celebrates employee milestones, and those who’ve been there for multiple decades can expect something extra – a gift tailored to the employee’s interests, whether it’s a set of skis, a high-end watch or a designer handbag. “I figure if you’ve been here for 20 years,” Abergel says, “you deserve something nice.”