Ingredients for a Best Place to Work: At Whitestone (asi/359741), intention sets the tone for the company – and grows with the people who join along the way. Lee Ann Mazzarisi, executive director of brand operations, spent a decade in the fashion industry before joining the distributor four years ago. She first learned about the company as a client and recalls that what stood out wasn’t just the work, but the attitude behind it. “They were human,” she says. “They recognized mistakes, they were collaborative and they actually seemed to be having fun at work.”

Whitestone (asi/359741) brings its workforce together for annual company offsites.

That ultimately led her to make the leap from client to employee. Since then, Whitestone has scaled rapidly – with roughly 40% growth year over year in the last two years. “We don’t claim to be family,” Mazzarisi adds. “We create policies and practices that treat people the right way and respect what matters to them – their time, their benefits and their lives outside of work.”

That philosophy shows up both internally and in the work Whitestone produces for clients. McKenzie Morgan, a marketing manager who recently celebrated her one-year anniversary with the company, says the supportive leadership and flexibility were immediately noticeable. “It wasn’t just a company that talks the talk,” she says. “They really walk the walk.” Meanwhile, Kelly Maturi, executive director of people operations, says Whitestone’s challenge as it’s grown has been preserving the creative, collaborative environment that made the company successful in the first place. “We’re focused on keeping that small-agency feel even as we scale,” she says. The result is a workplace where ideas flow freely, from sustainability initiatives like Whitestone’s RISE program to consistent brainstorming sessions.

Top Benefits & Perks: Whitestone pairs its people-first philosophy with a range of benefits designed to support employees professionally and personally. The company offers healthcare, wellness stipends, volunteer PTO and flexible remote work, allowing employees like Morgan to work abroad temporarily in places like Barcelona, Spain. Programs include a quarterly MVP award that recognizes standout employees with extra time off and stipends, as well as a “bucket list” initiative that helps employees pursue personal goals outside of work. To strengthen team connections, Whitestone also brings its workforce together for annual company offsites – with recent gatherings in New York and an upcoming trip planned for Cabo.

Parting Tip: The human-centric aspect of the business is the most important for longevity Mazzarisi says: “It matters to have a work-life balance. It matters to care about your benefits and the future of your families.”

If Whitestone Were a TV Show, It Would Be Shark Tank. “We’re constantly in this creative tank of new ideas and new waves, and we’re not afraid to challenge a pitch if it doesn’t meet our standards,” Mazzarisi says.