Company Culture: The first line in the Weaver Associates (asi/550019) employee handbook is “FAMILY FIRST.”

“Employees know that if anything ever arises with their families, that always takes precedence over work, and this will never change,” says Heather Harris, Weaver Associates’ vice president. Co-workers feel like family, too, and bonds are close. “It’s fun to joke around with each other,” she adds. “It keeps the days fun, even the tough and busy days.”

Started in 1999 and evolving into a “comprehensive business solutions provider” of promo products, printing, supplies and more, the company takes its lead from President Ron Weaver, who was named the 2021 Small Business Owner of the Year by the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. “Everyone here knows that Ron has a good heart and wants the very best for his employees,” says Harris. “He stays in this business because he wants to see everyone grow and be successful, more so than himself.”

COVID Changes: As a print shop without the ability to work from home, Weaver is completely in person. “The upside to this is we’re more of a family unit because we’re all working so closely together every day and able to help each other,” Harris says. “It’s also just nice to be present around employees again after COVID had us working with minimal employees for a period of time, so we seem to appreciate each other’s company more now than ever.”

In addition to vacation days, Weaver added a mental health day to help employees take care of themselves. The company also keeps morale up by ordering lunch and celebrating birthdays and jobs well done. Another handy perk: the ability to print greeting cards, invitations and signs for personal use.

Parting Tip: Says Harris: “We’ve found the most success with finding people through our current employees. Word-of-mouth or referral of an acquaintance has proven to be successful for us.”