Ingredients for a Best Place to Work: Ask employees of Wisconsin-based Tools of Marketing (TOM, asi/345333) what distinguishes the business as an employer, and “flexibility” emerges an oft-cited reply. Employees at the female-owned business founded by Marietta Reuter in 1995 can work full-time, part-time, remotely from home or even on an “on-call” basis. “Employees are treated with respect and fairness, and our leadership team understands how life can bring the unexpected,” office assistant Mary Halweg says. “This caring environment is why the staff enjoy working here.”

It’s also why former employees remain so connected to TOM. To wit: the company’s “Special Forces” include “retired” staffers who return as extra hands to tackle large projects or shipments. Special Forces members can pitch in as they’d like. For some, the on-call work facilitates continued connections with TOM and former colleagues. For others, it’s a way to collect some retirement “play money.”

Top Benefits & Perks: While the traditional benefits exist – health insurance, IRA benefit match and paid vacations – TOM distinguishes itself with a few lively perks: Monday staff lunches; in-house life skill seminars around topics like financial health and online safety; yoga days; and staff raffles for event tickets or gift cards. And while TOM celebrates each employee’s birthday and work anniversary with cards, singing and an afternoon ice cream social, employees also get their birthday off with pay.

Oh, and then there’s this: an all-staff trip to Disney World to celebrate – albeit belatedly thanks to COVID – the company’s 25th anniversary.