Ingredients for a Best Place to Work: Being a family-owned business means everything to Top 40 distributor Genumark (asi/204588). “Those values are embedded into our organizational structure. It’s an ethos that’s not only evident in our approach to business, but also in how we value and nurture our employees’ well-being,” says CEO Mitch Freed, who, like his father, Mark – the company’s executive chairman – is on Counselor’s Power 50 list.

At the heart of Genumark’s culture are its core values: Commit, Collaborate, Customer-First Mindset and Community. “These values aren’t just words; they’re the principles that drive every decision we make and every action we take,” Freed says. “Our motto, ‘Big Enough to Matter, Small Enough to Care,’ captures the essence of our approach.” The Toronto-based distributor supports a healthy work-life balance as an essential form of personal and professional growth, and recognizes the positive impact that extends beyond the internal workings of the company through its B Corp certification and commitment to inclusivity and diversity. “We strive to create a ripple effect of positive change,” Freed says, “starting from within our organization and reaching out into the communities we’re a part of.”

Top Benefits & Perks: The company’s broad range of benefits include extensive health insurance; dental and vision care; mental health resources that provide access to counseling services, stress management programs, and tools to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance; paid personal and sick days that Freed notes exist “in addition to our generous vacation policy. This ensures that our employees have the flexibility and support they need to manage their personal commitments and health without financial worry.”

In addition to its hybrid work policy, early closings, paid days off and summer half-days are offered, as Genumark knows its employees value downtime, especially during festive seasons. “That’s why we offer early closings on long weekends and paid days off between Christmas and New Year, allowing our employees to fully enjoy these times with their loved ones,” says Freed, who also points out that the company regularly organizes all-hands meetings and summer BBQs. Additionally, though not surprisingly, Genumark provides sustainable merchandise. “These items are not only practical and stylish, but also align with our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility,” Freed says.