Ingredients for a Best Place to Work: A fast-growing distributorship, ScreenBroidery (asi/305623) hired 20 new people in 2023 – and they integrated seamlessly. The firm pulled off the impressive feat thanks to its top-notch team members that collectively create an incredible culture, says CEO Tom Rector. That culture, he explains, is rooted in a deep commitment to putting people first and relentlessly pursuing excellence.

“We prioritize the well-being of our employees, clients and partners, fostering an environment where knowledge isn’t just valued but actively cultivated, and ensure that quality underpins our every endeavor,” Rector shares. “We like to have fun, be creative and break things. We challenge our team to think big, find creative solutions and celebrate our success.”

Consider the People’s Champ initiative. It involves employees giving each other special coins that acknowledge a teammate’s exceptional effort – literal tokens of appreciation. Each month, the “People’s Champ” – the employee that earned the most coins that month – is honored at a town hall-style meeting. Teams of employees are recognized at the meeting for exceptional performance too.

“We also organize events such as the Millionaire’s Club,” says Rector. “Picture a company-wide town hall celebration following a record-breaking month, capped off by the surprise arrival of two employees carrying 28 black duffle bags labeled ‘Millionaire Club.’ As these bags are opened, bundles of cash spill out – an absolutely extraordinary experience.”

Furthermore, employees like the firm’s unique and fun office space, where most work (a few are remote). “We love being in the office,” says Rector. “It’s all about the magic of collaboration, the thrill of gathering everyone in the same room, and those spontaneous, organic conversations that just can’t be replicated in the virtual world.”

Top Benefits & Perks: ScreenBroidery offers group healthcare coverage, vacation time, monthly wellness reimbursements, performance-based bonuses and a 3% match for SIMPLE IRA contributions. The company just switched to a “9/80” work schedule in which employees put in 80 hours over nine working days, allowing them to have every other Friday off. “It provides an opportunity to rejuvenate and relish long weekends,” says Rector.

Also this year, ScreenBroidery began offering complimentary telemedicine services that cover general medical and mental health for employees and their families. “Additionally,” shares Rector, “we provide free cellphone plans, opportunities for community service, company-supported loans, and a $500 allocation per team member toward a swag order for an organization they support.”