2024 PD Cleveland.com Top Workplaces

TOP WORKPLACES 2024

New technology may be all about artificial intelligence, but employees say they value a supportive culture, flexibility and positive environment. For the 15th annual Top Workplaces list, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer compiled more than 200 standout Northeast Ohio employers based on employee surveys.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Colleagues who feel more like family: Keys to a Top Workplace

Laura Johnston ljohnston@cleveland.com

They call their co-workers “family.”

Over and over, in cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer’s annual Top Workplaces rankings, employees say their value the relationships made in the office not just as friends, but like relatives.

(And not like your jovial Uncle Frank, who you see every other summer.)

Like this Jarrett employee: “I am trusted to do my work and have the freedom to think creatively. I get to work with people I love and who are like family to me. I’ve been given the opportunity to grow over my time at Jarrett, and I have come to know what I’m good at, what I’m not good at and where my passions lie.”

Or this employee at Southwest General Health Center: “I feel like part of a family here. I come to work and enjoy being here. I not only have the opportunity to make an impact on patients’ lives but they also make an impact on mine. I can honestly say I love my job!”

Since there are days when you talk to your coworkers more than your actual family, this is a good thing.

In surveys, employees consistently highlight the emphasis on teamwork, open communication and a sense of belonging, with deep connections formed beyond professional duties. They feel valued for their individual contributions and supported in their personal and professional endeavors.

All are key to finding that elusive worklife balance.

For the 15th annual Top Workplaces rankings, Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer partnered with Philadelphia-based Energage to rank the best places to work in 11 Northeast Ohio counties. These are banks and mortgage companies, insurance agencies and hospitals, real estate and law firms, schools and nonprofits, all lauded by their employees for being wonderful.

In 2024, we have 212 winners:

› Top 7 Mega (out of 9 participants with 1,000 or more employees in the region)

› Top 10 Large (out of 15 participants with 500-999 employees in the region)

› Top 62 Midsize (out of 90 participants with 150-499 employees in the region)

› Top 133 Small (out of 188 participants with 149 or fewer employees in the region)

A Top Workplace analysis of 36,000 employees found that 87 percent of employees said managers respected work-life boundaries, while 68 percent said they can disconnect during nonwork hours.

To make it easier, companies are offering all sorts of benefits.

For example, Hudson-based Leaf Home offers childcare discounts, Uber discounts for commuting, and subsidized healthy lunches delivered to the office. Companies are increasing their mental health benefits, offering time off for volunteering or a concierge that can help with vacation plans.

The question remains, will you go with your colleagues on a work family vacation?

Laura Johnston is the content editor at cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer

HOW IT WORKS

The selection process explained

Bob Helbig Energage

How do you judge the quality of a workplace? Ask the experts: The employees.

For the 15th year, employee survey firm Energage has partnered with cleveland. com and The Plain Dealer to determine the best places to work in Northeast Ohio. It’s not a popularity contest, and not everyone gets a blue ribbon. A select few are honored based on a scientific survey process.

Energage administers an employee survey that covers 24 factors and asks employees for feedback about things such as pay and benefits, direction, leadership, and more. Energage crunches the data and scores companies based on the responses.

Of the 3,840 organizations invited to survey their employees, 302 did so. Based on that survey, 212 have earned recognition as Northeast Ohio Top Workplaces.

“Being honored with a Top Workplaces award is a distinctive mark of excellence, setting companies apart in a recognizable way,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “Top Workplaces embody the highest standards, and this award, rooted in authentic employee feedback, is a point of immense pride for company leaders.”

The award is open to any employer with 35 or more employees in Northeast Ohio. Survey results are valid only if 35% or more employees respond; employers with fewer than 85 employees have a higher response threshold, requiring responses from at least 30 employees.

Employers earn Top Workplaces recognition if their aggregated employees feedback score exceeds national benchmarks. Employers are grouped by sizes to best compare employee experiences. Energage has established those benchmarks based on feedback from about 30 million employees over 18 years. Energage runs tests on survey feedback and in some cases may choose to disqualify organizations, for example, if a high number of employees said they felt pressured into answering positively.

GO ONLINE: For more information or to participate in the 2025 Top Workplaces awards, visit cleveland.com/nominate

Medical Mutual, in Brooklyn, finished second in the Top Workplaces 2024 mega business category. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

NO. 1 MEGA EMPLOYER

Progressive Insurance offers opportunities to grow

Rodger Roeser Special to The Plain Dealer

Founded in 1937 and well known for its quirky commercials featuring Flo and her friends, Progressive Insurance is a household name and a beloved employer.

The Mayfield Village company is the second largest auto insurer in the country, a leading seller of commercial auto, motorcycle, and boat insurance, and one of the top 15 homeowners insurance carriers. It has 60,000 employees from all 50 states. And it is once again the winner of Top Workplaces for mega employers.

The company has been consolidating its real estate footprint, and even closed its main headquarters, as many employees still work remotely instead of in the office. The company has digital workplace tools that allow employees to stay connected with their teams.

“Progressive has so many different opportunities to grow within the company,” said Progressive customer service representative Milissa Shaw. “Progressive also offers flexibility with various work schedule options, so you can work to fit other schedule needs you may have with your personal life.”

Shaw says Progressive is always recognizing their employees for their work, and that everyone is friendly and helpful.

Supervisors coach their employees, online training is offered to learn about other positions in the company, and employees encouraged to speak with other coworkers, job shadow, or watch videos on other positions.

Progressive also engages employees, agents, investors, vendors and customers in practical and meaningful ways to create a better future. Their strategies aim to encourage engagement, build business value, and improve social and environmental outcomes.

Since 2013, one of their most significant community engagements has been the annual Keys to Progress Program, a one-day vehicle giveaway event, where they provide reliable transportation to military families.

Progressive Insurance is the second largest auto insurer in the country, a leading seller of commercial auto, motorcycle, and boat insurance, and one of the top 15 homeowners insurance carriers. The Plain Dealer

MEGA EMPLOYERS

“As a first-time full job straight out of college, I feel as if the company really cares about helping me develop my professional skills, as well as cares about my personal wellbeing. I love that there are different community groups that we can join, and I love that the company as a whole operates on inclusivity.”

Progressive Insurance employee

“Being able to work from home for the first time has been such a blessing, but also for the first time I am working for a company that does not see me as a number, but a person that can bring value to the work that I do.”

Progressive Insurance employee

“The company keeps me updated and I love being able to help people and explain insurance and what it means.”

Progressive Insurance employee

“There are several reasons I adore my current position at Medical Mutual, one of the main reasons being it feels very similar to a family.

Medical

“I

In 2020, the company also launched the Keys to Progress Homeless Transition Program, bringing Humble Design to Cleveland. The Detroit-based non-profit group transforms empty houses into a welcoming with donated furniture and household goods for individuals emerging from homelessness.

Progressive customer relationship manager Jen Conaway says there has never been a day when she has felt that she works “for” my supervisor, instead, she works “with” them. She said Progressive celebrates

There’s no place like work.

There’s no place like work.

Southwest General is proud to again be named one of The Plain Dealer’s Top Workplaces.

disagreement, and that employees are encouraged to share their thoughts, which, in turn, provides continued growth throughout the organization.

“The company culture is amazing. From the day I walked into the office for my interview I felt how different this company is,” Conaway said. “There is so much support and the opportunities to grow within the company are incredible... From our amazing CEO and through all areas of Progressive, there is always a feeling that you matter and belong here.”

Southwest General is proud to againbe named oneof The Plain Dealer’s TopWorkplaces.

Southwest General is proud to againbe named oneof The Plain Dealer’s TopWorkplaces.

of The Plain Dealer’s Top Workplaces.

General is proud to againbe named oneof The Plain Dealer’s TopWorkplaces.

Southwest General is proud to againbe named oneof The Plain Dealer’s TopWorkplaces.

Thank you to all of the doctors, nurses and staff who helped Southwest General to be named one of The Plain Dealer’s Top Workplaces in Northeast Ohio for 2024. We are truly honored to know that our caring, dedicated staff members look forward to coming to work every day to help make a such a positive difference in the lives of our patients.

Thank youtoall ofthedoctors, nurses and staff who helped Southwest General to be named oneof The

Thank youtoall ofthedoctors, nurses and staff who helped Southwest General to be named oneof The PlainDealer’s Top Workplaces in NortheastOhio for 2019.We aretruly honored

Thank youtoall ofthedoctors, nurses and staff who helped Southwest General to be named oneof The PlainDealer’s Top Workplaces in NortheastOhio for 2019.We aretruly honored to know that our caring, dedicatedstaff members lookforwardto coming to work ever y dayto help make a such a positive di erence in the lives ofour patients.

Thank youtoall ofthedoctors, nurses and staff who helped Southwest General to be named oneof The PlainDealer’s Top Workplaces in NortheastOhio for 2019.We aretruly honored to know that our caring, dedicatedstaff members lookforwardto coming to work ever y dayto help make a such a positive di erence in the lives ofour patients.

If

to know that our caring, dedicatedstaff members lookforwardto coming to work ever y dayto help make a such a positive di erence in the lives ofour patients.

If you’d like to join the Southwest General team and find a job that you’ll love, visit swgeneral.com/careers

If you’d like to join the Southwest General team and find a job that you’ll love, visit swgeneral.com/careers

At Southwest General, we believe in the power of teamwork, creating a family-like environment, ensuring a work-life balance, and providing meaningful work to make a real difference in people’s lives. We value our employees as much as our patients, offering a supportive work culture that encourages growth, development and collaboration. We’re committed to building a team that works together, supports each other, and ultimately, saves lives every day. At Southwest, you are family.

If you’d like to join the Southwest General team and find a job that you’ll love, visit swgeneral.com/careers

If you’d like to join the Southwest General team and find a job that you’ll love, visit swgeneral.com/careers.

‘I love my job because…’

Continued from page 3

“I enjoy bringing the full resources of HNB to my clients and adding value to their operations. They see me as a valued partner in their business.”

Huntington National Bank employee

“I am able to work remotely, which is beneficial for me personally. I love the atmosphere and the work that I do. My team is amazing and supportive of both my professional life and my personal life.”

Huntington National Bank employee

“I am able to work autonomously and provide individualized care as patients request/require.”

Southwest General Health Center employee

“I feel like part of a family here. I come to work and enjoy being here. I not only have the opportunity to make an impact on patients’ lives but they also make an impact on mine. I can honestly say I love my job!”

Southwest General Health Center employee

“The amazing team of nurses and department staff I work with, and the great leadership of the managers. There is trust and encouragement from leaders.”

Southwest General Health Center employee

“I feel valued by the other team members around me and by my manager. I have the support I need to grow in my career here.”

Sherwin Williams employee

“The company cares about the overall well-being of its employees and achieving work-life balance.”

Sherwin Williams employee

“New ideas are listened to and encouraged, and I am given the freedom to complete my job at my discretion.”

Sherwin Williams employee

“Considering how large the organization is, I feel like I am counted as a person who has a voice and can feel comfortable to speak up at any time. I appreciate the opportunities we have been given to grow and expand our career.”

Cleveland Clinic employee

“My new role has a healthy work life balance and allows me to work full time but still have some flexibility. I also love my job because I have a huge passion for education, and I have a talent in teaching others.”

Cleveland Clinic employee

“It has allowed me to grow as an individual. It has given me opportunities to share my ideas and develop process improvements to make our work easier and more efficient.”

Cleveland Clinic employee

“Everyone’s opinion counts! If you have something to say, you can say it and it will be heard. You can ask questions and you will get an answer. My abilities are always stretched. If I feel I have too much on my plate to be effective for the company, I always have the option to ask my supervisor to evaluate my workload with me. Safety, life-work balance, and ensuring you have what you need for your job are key aspects of working at TA!”

TravelCenters of America employee

“I directly influence the talent we bring into the organization. Having the ability to drive culture and our diversity recruiting strategy is exciting!”

TravelCenters of America employee

TOP WORKPLACES 2024

Medical Mutual values teamwork

Gregory Burnett Special to The Plain Dealer

Building an engaging, collaborative, and caring team of workers starts at the top. Medical Mutual starts by bringing people on board who value teamwork.

“That’s one of the keys to our success. We refer to our group of businesses as the Medical Mutual family of companies — and our team members are like family, too,” said Andrea Hogben, the executive vice president and chief marketing, corporate affairs and people officer. “You’ll hear the word family used often at Medical Mutual because that’s our kind of culture.”

Medical Mutual has been serving Northeast Ohio since 1934, with about 2,500 employees. The company offers health, life, disability, dental, vision, and indemnity insurance plans. Plans include fully insured and self-funded group coverage, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and individual offerings.

The company’s mission is to collaborate with healthcare providers, employers, brokers and community leaders to ensure people live healthier throughout the various stages of life. It won second place among mega companies in the Top Workplaces rankings for 2024.

Employees echo the same sentiment when it comes to what’s it like working at Medical Mutual. You hear a lot about teamwork and the opportunity to learn other skills.

“At a practical level I get to employ creative problem-solving skills to help others succeed at their jobs,” one employee said. “I feel like I positively impact their efficiency and job satisfaction, which in turn increases my job satisfaction. At a more general level, I believe in the mission of Medical Mutual. I feel strongly about it being a “hometown” company.”

Medical Mutual offers a variety of work schedules to help members have a better work-life balance. The company works

NO. 3 MEGA EMPLOYER

hard to be flexible with as many positions as possible. The organization offers on-site fitness centers, wellness programs, and on-campus health screenings, as well as a cafeteria.

Workers often volunteer, raise funds, and donate time to various institutions and are regarded as pillars of the civic community.

The company values professional development and offers training opportunities and mentoring and educational programs.

“Continuing education is among our annual company goals for all team members,” Hogben said. “This helps our team members grow professionally and advance in their careers.”

When evaluating new talent, Medical Mutual looks for applicants with diverse backgrounds and strengths. The company understands that a diverse workforce’s unique experiences and outlook make the organization better. Also, a willingness to learn and continually flourish in knowledge and skill sets is essential. Innovative thinkers help the organization keep pace with the ever-changing healthcare field, Hogben said.

“Our team members are working toward the same goal, which means we are aligned across the organization,” Hogben said. “Sharing ideas, collaborating, and working together are all part of us upholding our mission daily.”

Huntington National Bank values forward thinking

Yadi Rodriguez yrodriguez@cleveland.com

Northeast Ohio Region President: Sean Richardson

Address of local operation:

200 Public Square, Suite 1550, Cleveland

What the company does: “Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a $194 billion asset regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

Founded in 1866, The Huntington National Bank and its affiliates provide consumers, small and middle-market businesses, corporations, municipalities, and other organizations with a comprehensive suite of banking, payments, wealth management, and risk management products and services. Huntington operates approximately 970 branches in 11 states, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies.”

Year founded: 1866

Why they won: The company credits its employees, saying they are its greatest assets. Expectation are high, but the culture encourages hard work and a

focus on improvement and growth and exceeding goals.

Huntington says the company stands out because of the pride employees take in their accomplishments, as well as the impact they have on customers, shareholders and the community. Said a representative, “We all have individual strengths, but all of us working together leads to greater results than any one of us working alone. We recognize each other’s successes and offer help when it’s needed.

We understand that making Huntington the best place we’ve ever worked is a responsibility that we all share.”

Huntington is also proud of its record on diversity. The Huntington ESG Report notes: “the Huntington National Bank board is 47% diverse” and that “68% of our workforce is gender or racially diverse, and 45% of middle and executive management is gender or racially diverse.”

The company says it is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, embracing different skills, backgrounds and perspectives, not only at work but in the communities they serve. Huntington is also big on volunteerism. The company believes that when employees volunteer together it

builds team morale and helps in retaining employees.

In reflecting over the past year, they had this to say, “While the banking sector faced challenges early in 2023, Huntington emerged with new customers, balance sheet strength, and the potential to capture additional opportunities for 2024. So far, we’re doing just that — our fundamentals remain strong, and we are outperforming our peer banks in a number of key areas.”

This coming year they want “to continue to be a source of strength and stability for customers by helping them to navigate challenges that may arise and still emerging in a strong financial position.”

Said one employee: “This company really values Can-do attitude, service heart and forward thinking from the top down. This is embedded within everything this company does. Previous companies I have been with talk these pillars but have a hard time implementing them. I finally feel I am with a company I can grow authentically with. This excites me for my new position, and I look forward to my future with them.”

Medical Mutual’s mission is to collaborate with healthcare providers, employers, brokers and community leaders to ensure people live healthier throughout the various stages of life. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

NO. 1 LARGE EMPLOYER

National Interstate Insurance celebrates events, but its people matter most

Rodger Roeser Special to The Plain Dealer

Every year, National Interstate Insurance celebrates Thanksgiving with a full turkey lunch in its cafeteria. To celebrate the Guardians’ home opener, it hosts a baseball lunch for employees and their families. There’s an annual summer party, wellness events, trivia challenges and Generational Jeopardy games.

“The energy and camaraderie of these company-sponsored days are always special,” said Vice President of Human Resources Tony Prinzo. “The organization focuses on engaging the entire workforce, both at our Richfield headquarters and remotely.”

But it’s not the special events that make National Interstate the No. 1 large business in cleveland.com’s 2024 rankings. Employees say it’s the people and the culture they have created as a team.

The company, founded in 1989, is one of the leading specialty property and casualty insurance companies in the country. The privately owned business has 801 employees and offers more than 30 product lines with a focus on commercial transportation, Alternative Risk Transfer, and specialty vehicle insurance.

National Interstate has been named a Top Workplace nine years consecutively.

“No one in our company wants to let their teammates down and we’re always there to pick each other up when someone needs help,” Prinzo says. “That is powerful financial objectives are certainly important, but the commitment and care we have for each other, and our customers is the gamechanger.”

President and Chief Operating Officer Shawn Los said he is proud and humbled by the employee responses that earned National Interstate its slot on Top Workplaces. The organization takes its feedback seriously and turn it into action to continually enhance employee engagement.

“Our people and their commitment to each other, as well as our customers, make National Interstate a great place to work,” Los said. “The insurance business is driven by relationships, and we understand that across our entire organization. We win together, we

learn together, and we grow together.”

The company invests time and resources in making roads safer and preventing accidents, Prinzo said. “Whether it’s a school bus operator transporting children, a truck delivering goods or a waste hauler picking up from our tree lawn, we take the safety of those operations very seriously and have a team throughout the country dedicated solely to this aspect of our work. We take great pride in the protection we provide and work we do to improve the overall safety of our community and roadways.”

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Julie McGraw says that the company lives by their values and focuses on excellent customer service. The company prioritizes employee training and develops leaders with long tenures at the company.

“I have seen so much growth and change throughout my 18+ years at National Interstate, but one thing that has not changed is the passion, technical expertise and integrity of our workforce,” McGraw said. “I take pride in who we are as an organization.”

Prinzo says the employees genuinely enjoy working with one another and continue to focus on having meaningful

employee events.

Through corporate and employee giving, volunteer opportunities, blood drives, and food and donation drives, National Interstate remains committed to the community. They support and participate in many community organizations including the American Heart Association, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Akron Marathon Series and Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.

They also hold a yearly Whole LIFE Conference which is designed to inspire employees through meaningful work and culture. The company offers multiple employee benefits including a yoga studio, fitness classes and three fitness centers. And, an office in Hawaii doesn’t hurt either.

Colleen Shepherd is president of Vanliner, a subsidiary of National Interstate. “I am routinely asked why I choose to invest in my career with National Interstate/Vanliner, and it is undeniably because of our people and our employee centric culture. From family inclusive social events on campus, to surprise deliveries across the country welcoming a new baby or mourning a lost loved one, this company cares.”

‘I love my job because ...’

LARGE WORKPLACES

“The people I work with are extremely supportive and make coming to work everyday fun and motivating.”

“My job is different every day. I love to be challenged and National Interstate is a great fit for me. I love the work I do and the results of the adjusters I coach and mentor.”

National Interstate Insurance Company employees

“Even though I work remotely, I never feel disconnected to anyone, be it corporate, support, HR or any of the other branches.”

“The company’s values align with my own and I believe my work has a positive impact on the company as a whole.”

CrossCountry Mortgage employees

“It is my first job where I genuinely enjoy coming to work everyday. There is a unique balance between having fun but enforcing a good work ethic and standards.”

“All of my fellow crew members and managers are some of the best I’ve ever worked with and it makes me enjoy working at Cane’s because of the great environment.”

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers employees

“I make good money for what I do and there is a completely open line of communication between me, who is very low on the pole and my superintendent.”

“Every project is different. After 15 years, I still have the same excitement level as I did on my first day.”

Independence Excavating employees

“Working here allows me to combine my passion for finance with a dedication to providing excellent service.”

“We have the best senior leadership team in business banking – industry wide. They want us to win and will help when needed.”

Fifth Third Bank employees

“My leadership skills were noticed by my highly supportive management team! And the pay ain’t bad!”

“It allows me to work the schedule that best suits me and my personal life.”

Charter Foods employees

“I am being challenged daily and have the freedom to implement my own management style to motivate and build my sales team.”

“Every manager, even when not on your team, is willing to help out as well as other service admin’s with any questions and do it with a positive attitude.”

Leaf Home employee

“I am trusted and allowed to truly own my work and decisions.”

“I feel like I am a valued part of a company that is looking to the future and taking steps to grow each day.”

Vitamix employees

“I am empowered to make decisions that make our workplace run smoothly and efficiently.”

“I get to carry out the mission of this agency along side some of the most amazing, compassionate, committed people I have ever worked with.”

Hospice of The Western Reserve employee

National Interstate Insurance is one of the leading specialty property and casualty insurance companies in the country David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

NO. 2 LARGE EMPLOYER

CrossCountry Mortgage leverages team spirit

Gregory Burnett Special to The Plain Dealer

In 2003, Ron Leonhardt founded CrossCountry Mortgage to take the hassle out of buying a home. His vision was to provide superb customer service and transparency when explaining loan products and programs.

Two decades later, with a workforce of more than 7,000 and operations spanning more than 600 branches across all 50 states, CrossCountry partners with industry giants like Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Ginnie Mae, a testament to our commitment to excellence and transparency.

Shireen Shackelford, a six-year veteran and producing branch manager at CrossCountry Mortgage in Cleveland. She has the No. 1 branch in Northeast Ohio, from a retail perspective.

“What I love about CrossCountry is they believe in their employees,” she said. “All departments are sales-minded and deliver on commitments, whether to a buyer, to people on my team, or to me. If they say they can or will do something, they do, whether internal or external. Most of the time, I put my head on the pillow, I feel like I did what I needed to do today.”

CrossCountry takes second place in the large category of this year’s Top Workplaces rankings.

You can feel Corey Evert’s enthusiasm when he speaks about his job as a mortgage banker at CrossCountry. The mortgage industry is competitive, and it takes everyone in corporate and our folks to ensure our team gives clients the best.

“I go back to one of the big corporate things we have here at CCM is make today a win,” he said. “The organization’s culture is really like a sports team. Everyone has known roles. Everyone’s expected to bring their best efforts. Everything is set up to help serve borrowers and the loan officers who work with them to purchase homes nationwide.”

The company has many perks to liven up the crew and a partnership with Cleveland State University, where they can recruit business majors.

Leading by example is essential to keep a staff motivated.

“I want to be able to lead by example,” Shackelford said. I want to provide the same thing and support to my team. So, if I get it, I lead with it, and I win with it, my acknowledgment of employees’ success is to give them everything that they need

and be there when they may get lost or give up; I’m not necessarily the person that’s, like, let’s, let’s spend more money. I give them the space to grow and become a future me or somebody they view as successful.”

Yadi Rodriguez yrodriguez@cleveland.com

Regional Leader of Restaurants:

Brian Stegall

Address of local operation: 5180 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn

What the company does: “At Raising Cane’s, we pride ourselves on doing one thing and doing it exceptionally well and that’s ONE LOVE — our craveable Chicken Finger meals. We employ more than 55,000 crew across more than 800 Restaurants. Our food

is served fresh with a smile and made to order.”

Year founded: 1996

Why they won: When asked what makes them a top workplace, Cane’s Regional Leader of Restaurants Brian Stegall said “We’re all fry cooks and cashiers! at Cane’s, we have the opportunity to serve our community in a positive, motivating, challenging and fun environment. ”

Raising Cane’s stands out as a top workplace because of the unlimited growth opportunities it offers its employees along

with competitive compensation and benefits packages. The company’s “Cane’s Love” program recognizes employees for their hard work

“Our impressive growth offers crew countless opportunities to choose their career path, whether they are passionate about operations, marketing, recruiting, or any other aspect of the business,” Stegall said On diversity and inclusion Stegall said, “We take great pride in hiring the best crew to serve our customers and were recognized by Forbes as one of its “Best Employers for Diversity” and “America’s Best Employers for Women.” We have more than 55,000

crew across more than 800 restaurants and are proud that our crew represent many backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, and genders.” Cane’s is looking forward to more growth in the coming year, more employee promotions and new restaurant locations opening and serving more communities.

Said one employee: “Work does not feel like work. I love the culture we have here at our Cane’s location. The crew, customers, and managers are always a pleasure to be around.” Said another employee, “We are on a mission to work hard and have fun every day, no matter the circumstances.”

What sets us apart is what we achieve together.

We started out as a pioneer of recruitment process outsourcing. And we’re still shaping the industry today.

Thank you to the team in Cleveland who bring their passion, creativity, and vision to everything they do.

Bring your best to AMS Cleveland.

If you have a passion for doing things better –for your career, clients and colleagues – bring it to AMS and unleash your potential. Explore opportunities at weareams.com/careers

Maria Greco, left and Rebecca Medina, here at CrossCountry Mortgage’s building in downtown Cleveland, are part of a workforce of more than 7,000 and operations at more than 600 branches across the country. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

WORKPLACE TRENDS

How do you get workers back into the office? Make the office nicer.

Sean McDonnell smcdonnell@cleveland.com

Employers are still working on getting their workers back into the office. And the simplest way to do that, many have found, is to make the office itself a nicer place to work.

“There’s nothing in my opinion that will replace human interaction,” said Laura Soave, chief brand officer at CrossCountry Mortgage. ”And if you can do it in a really great building, then that’s even better.”

CrossCountry Mortgage, named one of Northeast Ohio’s Top Workplaces, is one of many employers that either renovated or changed offices recently. In November 2022 the company moved from its old headquarters in Brecksville to newly built offices on Superior Avenue in Cleveland.

The 168,000 square feet of space, which includes amenities like a gym and a cafe, centers around a 7,100-square-foot atrium. That hub basked in natural light is where CrossCountry Mortgage holds events and get togethers. It’s nice enough that employees have even shot their holiday photos there.

“We tried not to cover any of the windows if we didn’t have to,” Soave said, explaining that having natural light both in the atrium and throughout the offices was a priority.

The company is hybrid, with workers coming in some days of the week depending on what they do and which department they’re in. The building is set up with things like kitchenettes and standing desks.

The new building has two dozen Microsoft Teams-enabled conference rooms to make meetings with hybrid employees and in-office employees easier. There are also training centers where new employees can onboard and current employees can learn new skills.

Offices like this are part of what some real estate experts have called a “flight to quality.” Part of that is renovations or new buildings. Many real estate firms have seen employers looking for what’s called Class A properties.

For Brian Conroy and Scott Pick, both first vice presidents at real estate firm CBRE, employers’ flight to quality has had a huge impact on what their clients are looking for.

“Flight to quality is the biggest trend you’re seeing in the office sector across the country,” Conroy said.

The trend was first seen after the 2008 recession, Conroy said, where tenants were trying to get the best bang for their buck on office space. But the pandemic really brought it back to the forefront.

Conroy and Pick work on behalf of tenants who are looking to lease or buy office space.

Many of those employers wanted workers back in the office, they said. But to accomplish that, employers are finding they need to prioritize creating a better quality of life for people while they’re at work.

“Flight to quality is as much a labor issue as anything else,” Conroy said.

Downtown Cleveland’s return-to-office rate, as measured by Downtown Cleveland Inc., was just under 60% in April. Kastle Systems, which tracks office visits in top 10 metro areas across the U.S., says on average offices are getting about 51% of the visits they used to get before the COVID-19 pandemic.

What makes office space “Class A” can change depending on who is looking at it. But the space generally must be newer, larger, have great amenities and a good location near other things employees want or need.

Pick said many landlords, especially in Cleveland where there hasn’t been much new construction, are making renovations to attract employers looking for quality space. One challenge has been the cost of construction, which has risen over the past few years. Whether to move or renovate was a question on the minds of Embrace Pet

CrossCountry Mortgage’s new offices center around an atrium, above, spacious and full of natural light. There is also a gym in the new building that’s open to employees seven days a week.

Insurance, whose current office is in Warrensville Heights.

Embrace Pet Insurance was already hybrid before the COVID-19 pandemic. It went fully remote during the pandemic, then went back to hybrid.

But there was an issue. People were having to take video meetings in the office. That meant sitting separately at their desks, with headphones on, which defeated the purpose of being hybrid because people weren’t meeting in person, said Sara Radak, chief of staff at Embrace.

The solution was to have senior staff leave their offices and to transform those rooms into new conference rooms with all new furniture, and with the right equipment for holding those video meetings.

Radak said Embrace had already tried to make the workplace a fun and engaging place, but doubled down on those efforts post-pandemic.

“We’re really trying to both create a space that people want to be in,” Radak said.

Photos courtesy of CrossCountry Mortgage

Seven common characteristics of a terrific workplace culture

Bob Helbig Energage

What exactly does a high-performing workplace look like? The best workplaces know their strengths and weaknesses, which helps them focus on where they excel and identify opportunities for improvement.

Company culture impacts productivity and performance. When a company has a high-performance culture, employees are motivated to go above and beyond, daily operations are more efficient, and customers feel the improvements. Recruitment and retention jump, too, when people talk about their amazing and productive culture.

Here are seven common characteristics to a high-performing workplace culture:

1. Motivational and inspirational leaders: The tone is set at the top. Motivational leaders inspire employees to reach their fullest potential. When more people are driven to achieve success, performance skyrockets.

2. Engaged and empowered employees: Companies perform at a higher level when employees are engaged. An engaged workforce brings together people willing to go the extra mile.

3. A strong growth mindset: Growth directly correlates with organizational and financial success. Companies must have a robust and open-minded growth mindset to perform at a high level. From entry-level employees to senior executives, it creates a culture where everyone is empowered to embrace challenges, learn together and develop innovative ideas.

4. Trust and understanding: Employees lean in when they trust the process and understand their direct impact on company performance. High performance cultures rely on leadership to motivate employees and build trust. Engaged, trusting employees see how their daily tasks contribute to company performance. And if they do not, it is the job of leadership to build trust and understanding.

5. C ontinuous learning: To stay innovative and hungry, employees need regular opportunities for training and development. Learning new skills is key for company innovation and futureproofing. But it’s also great for individual confidence, engagement, and retention. After all, data shows most job seekers want continuous learning.

6.

Communication and collaboration: Whether it’s helping a teammate or a different department, high performance cultures are built on support. When

employees collaborate and work towards shared goals, they save time. That time can then be used to think outside the box or work on another project.

7. C ulture of accountability and autonomy: Defining responsibilities and timelines keeps everyone accountable and on track. In high-performance environments, employees need to know exactly what is expected and how to properly handle slowdowns. After all, things will always pop up. How teams handle them and take responsibility says a lot about company culture and the tone at the top.

THE FOUR PRINCIPLES

Every high-performing workplace culture is built on the same four principles: people, technology, culture and intentional organization.

Get the right people: People are the backbone of any organization. Hiring hungry, like-minded people who value performance and innovation makes it easier to achieve shared goals. Identify the hard and soft skills needed to succeed in your organization, and hire based on those skills. It’s about who is the most productive and who cares about your core values. Hiring employees with meaningful connections to your company vision makes success more satisfying.

Invest in technology: Investing in new technology and tools gives employees the opportunity to save time and learn new skills. Automating repetitive tasks can improve engagement and reduce burnout, keeping the whole team performing at a higher level.

Create a productive culture: Whether they work remotely or in person, employees need a supportive and productive culture to perform well. Their physical work environment and overarching culture must motivate people to get their work done and go the extra mile. Perks such as childcare, fancy coffee machines, comfortable desk chairs, and Spotify or Calm subscriptions make people happier and more motivated.

Build the right processes: Structure guides employees, managers, and leaders to greatness. Clear responsibilities, communication from leadership, alignment across teams, training sessions, and confidential employee feedback channels make it easier to be efficient. By establishing standards, guidelines, and checkpoints, organizations ensure outputs meet high-quality standards and identify opportunities for refinement and optimization, ultimately enhancing performance over time.

Here’s how the best workplaces encourage work-life balance

Bob Helbig Energage

Even employees who feel supported by their managers in a quest for worklife balance need something more.

That’s the crux of an analysis by the Top Workplaces Research Lab, which found that 87% of employees say managers respect work-life boundaries while only 60% of employees feel they can take time off without falling behind.

Work-life balance matters more than ever, particularly with employees who prefer remote work but struggle to keep it from bleeding into their personal lives. A recent analysis by Energage of 36,000 employees shows:

88% feel comfortable discussing scheduling needs with managers.

87% say managers respect work-life boundaries.

84% say managers support work-life balance.

68% can disconnect during non-work hours.

65% can complete their work without extra hours.

60% can take time off from work without falling behind.

Responders said self-imposed expectations and heavy workloads are the biggest obstacles to work-life flexibility. One in three also felt their companies tend to reward employees for coming in early, staying late, and working weekends.

Worth noting, it’s not only frontline workers who struggle. Responders believe leaders and managers have the toughest time with work-life balance. Senior leaders struggle the most, the analysis found.

These best practices can help encourage a workplace environment that supports work-life balance:

Review company policies: Rules around vacation, sick time, scheduling, and other time off can have unnecessary obstacles. Review policies for opportunities to simplify, streamline, and otherwise improve.

Consider what the workplace culture conveys: Messaging the importance of work-life balance is good, but what does your culture reward? If promotions typically go to those burning the midnight oil, your organization might be sending mixed messages about what is valued.

Assess staffing needs: While keeping a low overhead is important, employee well-being must also be a priority. Review staff levels across the organization to ensure one employee’s vacation doesn’t burden employees who are covering for them. If that is happening, it can create an atmosphere of resentment.

Manage meeting times: When folks try to schedule a large meeting, especially at the last minute, doing so might create problems. Lunchtime meetings, early meetings, and late meetings also can interfere with employees’ non-working hours. Avoid them.

For employers looking to go further, here are some other tips on creating a positive culture for work-life balance:

Consider flexible work arrangements: Flexible schedules, remote work options, and hybrid models can accommodate individual needs and preferences.

Offer additional time off: Give workers additional time to recharge their batteries with more paid holidays, half days before long weekends, summer Fridays, or extra days off for birthdays or wellness.

Give mental-health and well-being support: Provide resources for counseling or stress reduction, mental health days, and encourage employees to prioritize self-care.

Implement family-friendly policies: Programs that support childcare and adult care needs, and even ones that allow pets at the office, can support employees and reduce stress.

Communicate and set expectations: Provide clear communication regarding work hours, meetings, and availability. Consider implementing automated reminders for managers to respect time off and encourage employees to unplug during vacations.

Here’s another suggestion that can help employees who struggle: Place transition work blocks on the calendar before and after paid time off. This allows time to prepare to be off and time to catch up upon return.

The right benefits package could tip the scales

Cliff Pinckard cpinckard@cleveland.com

A good salary is a great starting point for attracting quality employees. But the difference in attracting and keeping workers often can come down to benefits offered by a company.

Companies often go beyond offering matching a 401(k) or a few personal days.

Matt Scagnelli, chief human resources officer at Leaf Home, believes his company is meeting the challenge.

Among the benefits offered by Hudson-based Leaf Home, a home solutions company ranked No. 8 among large businesses, are paid maternal and paternal leave, childcare discounts, Uber discounts for commuting, and subsidized healthy lunches delivered to the office. Leaf also offers 100% paid medical, dental and vision benefits.

“By offering these benefits, we aim to create a work environment where employees feel valued and supported, both personally and professionally, to do their best work,” Scagnelli said. “We continuously evaluate employees’ needs to ensure Leaf Home benefits offer the most value and meet the changing needs of our workforce.”

At Solon-based Gardiner, an HVAC, building technology and services company ranked No. 29 for midsize businesses, workers are reimbursed dues for gym membership and fitness classes. There also is an employee assistance program that includes a mental health component, said Lisa DeBoe, director of human resources. She said the company is considering adding additional mental health resources, as well as offering pet insurance.

“Benefit offerings play a crucial role in attracting new talent and retaining employees,” DeBoe said. “Moreover, a competitive benefits package provides what we like to call ‘stickiness’ to Gardiner, meaning it encourages new talent to join us and helps established talent to stay.”

Fifth Third Bank recently enhanced its mental health offerings to workers, said Laura Passerallo, vice president/ regional marketing director. They include up to six no-cost in-person or virtual sessions with a counselor; 24-hour support from licensed clinicians by phone to help

resolve emotional concerns like stress, anxiety, depression, burnout or substance abuse; and coaching to boost emotional fitness, learn healthy habits, establish new routines, and build resilience.

And in 2017, Fifth Third (No. 6 among large businesses) became the first company in the nation to offer a maternity concierge program for employees, Passerallo said. It’s served more than 1,200 employees and performed nearly 6,000 services, she said.

“While the program is focused on working mothers, the maternity concierges can help all new parents, including fathers and those adopting,” Passerallo said.

She said Fifth Third also offers free virtual and on-site concierge services, which can assist workers with running errands, finding tickets and reservations, shopping, researching products and services, making appointments for home-care services, arranging auto services, and assisting with travel and vacation plans.

Montago Bradley, human resources

manager for Cleveland-based Embrace Pet Insurance (No. 20 for midsize companies), said Embrace recently added critical Illness coverage and accident coverage for workers. Bradley said the company also offers a “generous” tuition reimbursement program and said workers have expressed interest in student loan assistance.

“We’re responsive to employee feedback and industry innovations, which helps us quickly integrate benefits that align with our workforce’s evolving needs,” Bradley said. “We recognize the critical role that a comprehensive benefits package plays in attracting and retaining top talent.”

And at Union Home Mortgage in Strongsville (No. 13, midsize companies), recently added benefits include workers being given time off for volunteering in their communities, a free fitness center, and an employee assistance program that offers 24-hour confidential help for workers and their family members. But what benefits — and whether

they’re feasible — is another challenge.

“The challenge of adding benefits lies in making sure benefit dollars are being spent in a way that associates see the value,” DeBoe said. “We navigate various considerations. Yes, cost is one, but we also consider the diverse needs and preferences of our workforce.

“Adding a benefit is the easy part; it’s putting effective communication and education together so that associates understand what is being offered and how to take advantage of it.”

Margie Orth, president and co-owner of Home Instead (No. 4, midsize businesses), says her company’s commitment to its workers goes “beyond words” and that “Our benefits package plays a crucial role in attracting skilled professionals.”

Those benefits include monthly speakers who address health issues, a wellness program that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health, a mental-health hotline, and tuition reimbursement.

“While adding new benefits is an exciting opportunity to enhance our employee experience, it also presents challenges such as balancing cost considerations with the desire to provide comprehensive support,” Orth said. “This process may involve reassessing certain benefits to allocate resources effectively and ensure that our benefits package remains relevant and impactful. However, our commitment to continuous improvement drives us to find innovative solutions that benefit both our employees and the organization as a whole.”

Kim Kapfer, executive compensation director at First National Bank (No. 54, midsize businesses), said the company is continually evaluating its benefits package offered to employees. Kapfer said First National recently added pet insurance and free biometric screening for all employees, as well a virtual physical care program and more flexible dental coverage.

“There are many studies that indicate that an employee’s well-being is directly correlated to their performance, and we continually measure the costs and benefits of new programs to ensure we are meeting employee needs in a manner that is cost effective for our company and for our team members,” Kapfer said.

Leaf Home, a home-solutions company based in Hudson, is constantly evaluating the benefits package for employees. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

Sean McDonnell smcdonnell@cleveland.com

Whether it’s mortgages, risk management or a short-term rental of an RV, Greater Cleveland’s companies are racing to make artificial intelligence part of their day-to-day business. They just aren’t racing to be first.

Instead, many of the companies that were named one of Northeast Ohio’s Top Workplaces are looking to be in the middle of the pack when it comes AI. Jon Gray of RV Share explains it like this: The company’s big push is “not to be ahead in AI, but also not to be behind.”

RV Share and other employers, like Oswald Co., say they’re taking a measured approach. Use AI, but don’t rush toward the new technology and use it incorrectly, either.

“We refuse to be victims to the shiny object syndrome,” said Jessica Jung, president of Oswald.

AI has been having its time in the sun since ChatGPT was launched in November 2022. Since then a countless number of companies have tried to insert AI into their everyday business, whether it’s customer facing or on the back end.

And while some rushed after ChatGPT launched, others started before then.

That was the case for Rocket Mortgage, said Josh Zook, chief technology officer at Rocket Mortgage. The company started working on its platform Rocket Logic before ChatGPT launched, and it’s already paying dividends.

Rocket Logic can do a few things. It can listen in on phone calls between mortgage officer and customers and make notes. It can read through documents. It can even get a head start on filling out loan applications.

The result? In February alone Rocket Logic processed 1.5 million documents. The AI has been saving Rocket Mortgage nearly 10,000 hours of labor each month. And now loans can be closed two times faster.

Zook said the point isn’t to replace

“Let computers do what computers do best — which is data entry,” Zook said. He added that the company is making sure that humans, ultimately, make all the decisions.

people. Instead, Rocket Logic frees up loan officer’s time. They can listen to customers instead of worrying about paperwork.

“Let computers do what computers do best — which is data entry,” Zook said. He added that the company is making sure that humans, ultimately, make all the decisions.

AI at the end of the day is a tool, said Gray

of RV Share. His company still has coders and customers support specialists. But in both cases AI helps do the job faster.

RV Share helps people find short-term rentals of RVs when they’re vacationing to places like national parks. It works a lot like AirBNB or VRBO, where Gray was the third employee.

When it comes to code, AI can make sure code is written properly by testing it in real time. Many errors in coding come down to syntax errors. AI like Microsoft’s CoPilot can help fix.

On customer service, chatbots have been along much longer than ChatGPT. However, Gray said they’ve taken steps to make sure RV Share’s chatbot isn’t speaking gibberish. AI programs have a tendency to make things up or give wrong answers. At RV Share, the chatbots have a set of frequently asked questions.

If a customer asks a FAQ, the chatbot will find a response. But if it’s a novel question, a real person can be routed in.

There’s also an RV Share plug-in for ChatGPT that can help people plan their RV trips. That’s somewhere where RVShare is a first-mover. However, not many people use it, Gray said.

“The power of it is kind of undeniable,” Gray said of AI. “You can see what it will be. It’s just not there yet.”

Companies are already setting up guardrails to make sure that whatever AI becomes, it will be used by employees correctly.

Jung said Oswald had established company polices to help workers understand when they should or should not try to use AI. And the company has had education sessions to teach workers more about what’s possible.

They are also being careful, said Matt Ginter, Oswald’s director of technology. If someone is using AI to help code, for example, they’ll be careful to not use people’s names or company data

Workers are using AI to get a head start on content creation, like press releases or emails. Or using it to record and summarize meetings. They will not use it to do core tasks for Oswald, like risk management.

Much like Rocket Mortgage, Oswald is trying to use AI to give workers more time for their core responsibilities.

“We do not and will not rely on AI to do what we do,” Jung said.

TOP WORKPLACES 2024

‘I love my job because ...’

MIDSIZE EMPLOYERS

“I

McDowell Real Estate employee

“When working at McDowell Real Estate, you are considered as a family member. Our company is incomparable to any others in the industry as our opinion’s truly matter and our owners do everything to support our best interests.” McDowell Real Estate employee

“It’s real estate, what’s not to love?! The culture they have and practice every day makes it fun to get started every morning.”

McDowell Real Estate employee

“I help families to achieve their dreams of owning a home. I work with a lot of first time home buyers, they are unsure of the process…I have every tool needed with McDowell to take them step by step.” McDowell Real Estate employee

“I can be myself and am surrounded by successful like-minded individuals, focused on growing, developing and achieving lofty goals as one team”

Rocket Mortgage employee

“We have the ability to help clients around the country meet their financial/life goals and/or put them in a much better financial situation. This can change lives for the better.”

Rocket Mortgage employee

“The team leaders are invested in my success, and provide me with the tools and training to be great at my job.”

Rocket Mortgage employee

“The people, the students, and the overall morale of the organization. I feel respected, valued, and trusted in my role.”

Saint Edward High School employee

“I know I am having a meaningful impact on the students we serve, and I get to work with such wonderful colleagues.”

Saint Edward High School employee

“I am in a welcoming and positive environment daily. The positivity and general “feel” from every single person in the building is unmatched. It is all about the students and providing the best environment for them by creating the best environment for the staff.”

Saint Edward High School employee

“Everyone is so kind and they really care about the staff and the clients. I never feel like I’m burned out at this job, and I get calls frequently about how the job is going. Literally the best job I have ever had.” Home Instead CLE employee

“The organization’s owner has a clear vision on the operations and vision. She verbalizes her goals and recognizes each individual person’s contributions to the whole.” Home Instead CLE employee

Continues from page 12

“It makes me feel good to make a huge difference in someone’s life. Not just huge but gigantic.”

Home Instead CLE employee

“I am allowed to be myself and grow at a pace specific to my strengths. My manager encourages me even when I don’t feel at my best.”

SPR Therapeutics employee

“I love being a part of a dedicated, passionate group of professionals. I feel privileged to help patients and their families.”

SPR Therapeutics employee

“It is very rewarding and humbling. I feel that my career at SPR has made me a better person.”

SPR Therapeutics employee

“Incept doesn’t make me feel like I’m just another body at work. I’m actually treated like a human but more like family.”

Incept employee

“MIM challenges me everyday, I’m constantly having to learn new things to do the best job I can do and I want to do my best because MIM gives me the flexibility and benefits I need to make me want to stay, grow and thrive.”

MIM Software employee

“JFSA has provided me with a position where I can help others with my job responsibilities and skills. My co-workers are smart working professionals and good human beings. We are collaborative and work for the common good of the client and the caregivers.”

Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland employee

“I have the flexibility to be a full-time team member and a full-time parent. Riley gives me the opportunity to balance home and work life easily and that means a lot!”

Riley Hotel Group employee

“I have wonderful, smart colleagues and feel valued even as a working parent who needs a lot of flexibility.” Ulmer & Berne LLP employee

“I am supported so that I can focus on providing excellent care for patients, knowing the other parts of the puzzle are being taken care of.”

Apex Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center employee

“I wake up everyday excited to work.

I am a part of a team that really appreciates me. I have the privilege of a remote job where my time is valued, with a schedule that fits my needs…”

Waste Dynamics employee

“I love my job because I feel heard, I enjoy a peaceful work environment and appreciate the kindness of management. It creates a supportive atmosphere where I can thrive professionally and personally.” The Equity Engineering Group E2G employee

“I have been given the opportunity to grow within the company. I have never worked for a company where the executives are so down to earth and communicate with all employees.”

National Safety Apparel employee

“I feel that I am heard and not overworked and the company does a great job at including everyone.”

SSP Fittings employee

“I am trusted to do my work and have the freedom to think creatively. I get to work with people I love and who are like family to me. I’ve been given the opportunity to grow over my time at Jarrett, and I have come to know what I’m good at, what I’m not good at and where my passions lie.” Jarrett employee

“My job is rewarding. Each day is an opportunity to live and breathe our core values with passion and innovation.”

Embrace Pet Insurance employee

TOP WORKPLACES 2024

Rodger Roeser Special to The Plain Dealer

At McDowell Real Estate, the goal is about creating a positive culture and teamwork.

The privately owned brokerage is the brainchild of Kayleen and Chaz McDowell, who founded the firm in 2015 and took a four-person start-up to a juggernaut with more than 150 employees.

McDowell Real Estate ranked No. 1 among mid-sized companies in Top Workplaces this year, just like last year.

Kayleen McDowell had been working with other brokerages and found it wasn’t the culture or atmosphere she wanted. She interviewed with other brokerages, and they all seemed the same, agents that competed against each other. “I would ask them about their culture and they would look back at me like I had three eyes. I found that the type of real estate firm I was looking for simply didn’t exist. So, I had to build it.

She wanted to build a brokerage focused on positivity, a group of professionals who would build each other and the practice up.

“We have a team of very carefully selected agents whose ethics and vision align,” she said. “We strive for quality over quantity, and that culture of positivity and a good atmosphere is a big reason why we’ve grown and why we have so many top producing agents.”

She calls the organization a family.

The team of highly talented professionals share a passion to help make their clients’ vision and dreams come true. Realtors are continually trained to apply the best of the best marketing plans, advertising materials and cutting edge technology to ensure the home buying or selling experience is a success.

“Our mission is that we believe excellent service leads to excellent results,” Kayleen McDowell said.

To that end, clients receive a personal orientation, a free market analysis and resources for a smooth buying or selling experience.

At first, hiring at McDowell was a unanimous decision — which meant 10 or 15 other agents had to say yes before you got in.

The company now has 30 teams of agents. And while each team is independent, they don’t compete, and they all work with the same support staff.

Now that they’re much larger, new hires don’t need to get a yes from every single team member. But McDowell still says no much more than she says yes. That means only hiring the right people, and occasionally letting go of the wrong people.

McDowell Real Estate has an in-house nonprofit called McD Cares to focus on helping the communities they serve. The company invests in marketing, with radio and print ads, state-of-the-art photography and three-dimensional presentations. That, McDowell said, brings “more buyers to your doorstep and we secure a higher price for your home.”

“If you do not maintain a positive and humble attitude than you’re just not the right fit here,” Kayleen McDowell said. “Communication is key here, and in the event we have to mediate an issue, we communicate and we resolve the issue and focus on solutions. After all, we have a big job to do and folks trust us to do our job well.”

The company has an in-house nonprofit called McD Cares to focus on helping the communities they serve and also offer “McDo Well Days,” where agents provide help and support for different organizations. This year, they’re focusing on helping with landscaping and yardwork for local veterans.

The brokerage also has specialists in certain areas, such as senior buyers. And, even with higher interest rates on mortgages, the housing market remains hot, McDowell said. A third of the homes they sell receive multiple offers, and there are many more buyers than sellers.

The company invests in marketing, with radio and print ads, state-of-theart photography and three-dimensional presentations. That, McDowell said, brings “more buyers to your doorstep and we secure a higher price for your home.”

The brokerage has done more than $1 billion in sales volume since 2015 and last year hit their goal of $340 million in total home sales.

McDowell Real Estate now has five physical offices in Northeast Ohio. The company has a commercial real estate division and a property management company, which works with real estate investors and helps them manage their properties.

The brokerage recently started a team of agents in Florida and was recently licensed in Pennsylvania and are beginning their expansion there. Even though the brokerage has grown tremendously, McDowell said they still work to keep the tight-knit, team atmosphere.

“We focus on each individual’s unique strengths and help build on those,” she said. “So many agents are not educated and are just running around, or chasing clients with promises of low commissions.”

TOP WORKPLACES 2024

Rocket Mortgage focuses on team building in cool downtown space

Gregory Burnett Special to The Plain Dealer

Olivia Smith, a President’s Club mortgage banker, started at Rocket Mortgage Cleveland nine years ago. She loves the downtown vibe of her Public Square office, but her passion for her job outweighs anything else.

“What really drew me to this position was the culture and it has stood very true over the nine years,” she said. “They’re just phenomenal. They care about you and allows some flexibility within our schedule... The company cares about its people and their clients.”

Rocket Mortgage was founded by Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert in 1985 and in 2010 moved its headquarters and 3,600 team members from suburban Detroit to the heart of downtown. Since then, Rocket Companies has grown to include more than 25,000 team members in downtown Detroit, as well as offices in Cleveland, Charlotte, and Phoenix.

Rocket Mortgage has been named a Top Workplace for 13 years and in 2021 was the third-place winner in the large category. This year, it won second place in the midsize category.

TODAY’S WORKPLACE

Qualities employees

Lisa Black Energage

These aren’t the “9 to 5” things Dolly Parton sang about. Today’s workplaces increasingly recognize the importance of creating environments that prioritize inclusivity, support, and teamwork.

Employees are quick to recognize these efforts as well. As part of the Top Workplaces survey process, when we ask employees to list three words that describe their organization’s culture, terms centered on those themes are among the most frequently mentioned traits.

1. I nclusivity is a cornerstone of supporting the team. Employees at Top Workplace see the commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Employees repeatedly emphasize how their organizations go beyond mere rhetoric and actively foster an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and heard. From embracing a variety of perspectives to implementing inclusive hiring practices, these workplaces prioritize diversity at all levels.

For a company to be successful, it takes a team effort and hard work. Rocket Mortgage figured out a long time ago that the key to keeping employees engaged is adding some diversion to the day.

Not long ago, the company threw a fullblown carnival in the office, with games and food stands and visits from senior leaders.

“We have developed a culture that’s unique,” site leader John Wargo said. “Most mortgage companies, for example, are writing and doing loans all day. They hide behind cubicles and then they walk out of the building at the end of the day. We have something called pattern interruptions. It’s a dash of the ridiculous. It’s a time for some fun to make our team members smile.”

The company also prioritizes giving back. The Rocket Community Fund was created to find innovative ways to make an impact in each of there home communities. Through investments, they believe they can create value not only for business but for everyone.

Rocket employees have given thousands of hours over the years to partnerships with organizations like Ronald

McDonald House, Power Sports, and Habitat for Humanity.

“We had a 100% engagement from our team members last year, and engagement to find is everybody volunteered and or donated to a charity of their choice,” Wargo said.

After 17 years as an elementary school principal in Shaker Heights, James Lindsey Florence was looking to start a new career. He wanted something that he could both assist the public and enjoy coming to everyday. When Rocket Mortgage Cleveland came calling, it turned out to be a good fit.

“So, as a mortgage banker at Rocket, it’s an opportunity to assist people,” Florence said, giving examples of people using home equity to make improvements or consolidate debt. “I love that we have an opportunity to work with people and make a difference in their lives.”

As for perks, Florence said some employees won tickets for the Drake concert at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Some got to shoot hoops with Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell. And last but not least, employees can bring their dogs to work.

find most often at a great workplace

2. Support is a cultural trait that encourages people to be the best versions of themselves. A sense of support, care and warmth is crucial for creating a workplace that feels like a safe place to bring out the best in people. Top Workplaces prioritize the well-being of their employees, offering robust support systems and resources for personal and professional development. Employees often mention feeling cared for by their colleagues and leadersh ip alike, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

3. Teamwork creates a community in the workplace. The power of collaboration cannot be overstated in Top Workplaces. Employees consistently highlight the emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, where individuals are encouraged to contribute their unique skills to collective goals. These organizations actively encourage friendly interactions, promoting open communication and a sense of belonging. The notion of being part of a work “family” is a recurring theme, emphasizing the

deep connections formed beyond professional duties. This spirit of collaboration enhances productivity and fosters a sense of shared achievement.

In addition, positivity and flexibility are common descriptors of Top Workplaces. Positivity is contagious, and Top Workplaces thrive on creating environments that exude optimism and enjoyment. Employees often express how their workplaces prioritize a positive atmosphere, making the workday more enjoyable.

Flexibility is also a common thread regarding where employees work and how they get the work done. Organizations recognize the importance of work-life balance and offer options that allow employees to decide how to get their work done and Employees’ descriptions of their Top Workplaces paint a vivid picture of organizational cultures that prioritize inclusivity, support and teamwork. As more companies strive to emulate these characteristics, the future of work promises to be a more inclusive, supportive and fulfilling landscape for employees across all types of work.

Yadi Rodriguez yrodriguez@cleveland.com

President: KC McKenna

Address of local operation: 13500 Detroit Road, Lakewood

What the workplace does: St. Ed describes itself as “a premier Catholic high school for boys in the Midwest, with an enrollment of about 900. One of the largest and most successful International Baccalaureate world schools in Ohio, St. Ed is also considered to be one of the most premier IB schools in the US. They have an incredible tradition of excellence in athletics with national profiles for football, basketball, wrestling and hockey. They are a Holy Cross school, founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross in France in 1837.

Year founded: 1949

Why they won: McKenna, who has been president for the past two years but with the school for 17 and also an alumnus, had this to say, “For me, I tell people this all the time, schools aren’t campuses or buildings. They are collections of people and its truly people that make schools great and its people that make workplaces great. Our philosophy has always been to prioritize your faculty and staff. All of the wonderful things that happen in schools will flow from that.” He says he does just want St. Ed to be a top workplace, but “THE top workplace. And I want this to be a place that people are excited to come to everyday and that they feel that they are well supported in and that they can grow and develop professionally and that they feel that they can make a difference.”

The school offers a high-quality benefits package, free tuition for children on staff, a pension, and a Traditional 403B retirement plan. The school has a fund that was established in the 1990’s that allows it to pay for continuing education and advance degrees for all members of faculty and staff. Said McKenna, “Teaching and working in schools is an important profession and we want to make sure that to the best of our ability we can take care of the people who have chosen to work at Ed’s.”

McKenna says St. Ed sees artificial intelligence as transformational and being a common thing in education. While there are challenges around it, such as the possibility of kids taking short cuts, AI can dramatically improve learning for some students, he says. “AI isn’t going to go away, it is only going to grow and our focus is how do you use that tool to enhance a student’s learning not to replace it. And that’s where AI has become tough. There is a place for it. I think the world, especially in the education sector. (We are) seeking to find that place and it’s not dissimilar to the advent of the internet and the smartphone and how that changed what classroom applications and access to technology were.”

McKenna says St. Edward has returned to normal operations post-pandemic.

“We are in a place where COVID is almost fully in our rearview mirror now. More and more things have been a return to normal and this year has felt like we are completely back to normal now,” he said. “I look back on this past year and besides thinking wow that went by incredibly quickly, it’s been an incredibly successful year at Ed’s. I’m really proud of the ways in which people commit to this community and the transformational work that they do and it matters. And I’m a product of it as an alum and the work that we do absolutely matters, the impact that we have as educators lasts forever.”

Said one employee: “I am in a welcoming and positive environment daily. The positivity and general “feel” from every single person in the building is unmatched. It is all about the students and providing the best environment for them by creating the best environment for the staff.”

Rocket Mortgage employees have given thousands of hours over the years to partnerships with organizations like Ronald McDonald House, Power Sports, and Habitat for Humanity. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

See which companies excel in special areas

Yadi Rodriguez yrodriguez@cleveland.com

Some Northeast Ohio companies excel in particular categories such as leadership, communication or benefits. These companies received “Top Workplaces” recognition for high scores in specific areas, based on employee responses:

LEADERSHIP

I have confidence in the leader of this company.

MEGA: Tricia Griffith, Progressive Insurance

“Tricia’s career is filled with roles that provided direct insight into actual customer and employee experiences. I believe that she’s able to lead Progressive so effectively because she really knows what it’s like from both perspectives at every point in their experience cycle with the company.”

LARGE: Ron Leonhardt Jr., CrossCountry Mortgage

“Ron is incredibly passionate about helping his employees be successful. He came from very humble beginnings and through hard work has created a billiondollar organization. That is inspiring.”

MIDSIZE: Gregg Eisenberg, Benesch

“What inspires me the most is that Gregg loves his job, and he always has a positive outlook for the future.”

“Gregg is a dynamic leader who genuinely cares about the people at Benesch from the top down.”

SMALL: Ronald Hazelton, Ken Ganley Honda

“Ronald is on top of staff to make sure the work is done on time and to high standards. He makes sure the staff look and act professionally.”

DIRECTION

I feel this company is going in the right direction.

HILLCREST FOODS

“I believe the company is continuing to grow and prosper in the right direction.”

“I’ve been here a long time; I watched a small business grow and keep growing.”

MANAGERS

My manager helps me learn and grow, makes it easier to do my job well, and cares about my concerns.

THRIVE PEER RECOVERY SERVICES

“My manager is amazing; she gives me the strength and the motivation to be the best I can be for myself and the company. I am very grateful to have my manager. She takes time, she cares, she gives me examples on how to better myself so I can grow not only as an employee but for the betterment of my success.”

NEW IDEAS

New ideas are encouraged at this company.

FULLY ACCOUNTABLE

“We are encouraged to share anything with the team or management, and actively pursue new ideas on a daily basis.”

DOERS

This company does things efficiently and well.

RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS

“There’s never confusion (about) how to do something. From hiring, scheduling, training, and more, everything has a system and process that allows us to work fast and efficiently. Not only do the processes work well but Cane’s is always open to ways we can improve no matter what position you are.”

MEANINGFULNESS

My job makes me feel like I am part of something meaningful.

SPR THERAPEUTICS

“Improving patient’s lives.”

“Helping patient’s treat their pain.”

VALUES

This company operates by strong values.

MEDICAL MUTUAL OF OHIO

“Medical Mutual cares about the well-being of its employees through the encouragement of wellness checks and milestones, and also through the hybrid, flexible schedule.”

CLUED IN SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Senior managers understand what is really happening at this company

ROCKET MORTGAGE

“They highlight opportunities to improve, reward hard work and provide a break from work with fun activities, contests, and videos that emphasize our culture.”

COMMUNICATION

I feel well-informed about important decisions at this company.

TENDON MANUFACTURING, INC.

“Job security. I can sleep at night knowing we’ll never be out of business.”

“They keep us informed about what is shipping on a daily basis.”

APPRECIATION

I feel genuinely appreciated at this company.

HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK

“My manager spends the time to truly have meaningful conversations with me about how much he appreciates me and to tell me how much I am appreciated by Huntington. He is sincere and honest…”

Employee Built, Employee Owned

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

I have the flexibility I need to balance my work and personal life.

NATIONAL INTERSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY

“National Interstate offers flexibility and recognizes the different needs of everyone. Work and life balance is clearly a priority for the organization with an emphasis on mental and physical well-being.”

TRAINING

I get the formal training I want for my career.

INDEPENDENCE EXCAVATING

“All the safety training that Independence pours into team members and they keep us up to date in the field.”

“We are able to take classes online.”

BENEFITS

My benefits package is good compared to others in this industry.

MANSOUR GAVIN LPA

“…I have been able to push my creative envelope and enjoy an excellent quality of life here and at home.”

Tendon Manufacturing scored high in the Communication category. Advance Local

TOP WORKPLACES 2024

‘I

love my job because ...’

SMALL EMPLOYERS

“Everyone helps create a positive and smooth workflow so therefore I never feel stressed out.”

Tendon Manufacturing, Inc. employee

“It doesn’t always feel like a job. I don’t leave the house in the morning upset that I have to go work (like other jobs I have held in the past).”

Tendon Manufacturing, Inc. employee

“It never feels like Groundhog’s Day here. We’re always doing something new and exciting.”

Tendon Manufacturing, Inc. employee

“I’ve worked here many years, and they have always been there for me. Through my good times and bad. They’re like family to me. To be quite frank, I would never even consider going to another job, because you’ll never find another company where, not just the bosses but the entire team is so wonderful.”

L’Nique Specialty Linen employee

“There’s always an open door policy where they actually hear you out! The people you meet become like family.”

L’Nique Specialty Linen employee

“I am valued as an employee and mother. I have the flexibility to be a mom and a great employee without stress.”

L’Nique Specialty Linen employee

“The team is supportive of each other, I feel valued. I enjoy what I do to support clients.”

Open Practice Solutions, LTD employee

“I am encouraged to complete tasks and projects, not pressured.”

Open Practice Solutions, LTD employee

“I have people around me who care about me and recognize my good work.”

Open Practice Solutions, LTD employee

“The work culture is excellent! Always encouraging and willing to train or assist when needed.

Fully Accountable employee

“We’re always evolving and working to be a better company and workplace for our employees, thanks in large part to ideas and initiatives that come from the bottom up. Everyone pulls together to help FA, our clients, and each other succeed. I love being a part of such a talented and caring group of people.”

Fully Accountable employee

“I have achieved a great deal professionally and personally.”

Mansour Gavin LPA employee

“From the beginning of my employment

I have been challenged, stimulated, and encouraged to succeed both as a professional and as an individual. I enjoy working alongside my colleagues. I have been able to push my creative envelope and enjoy an excellent quality of life here and at home.”

Mansour Gavin LPA employee

“I have the freedom to run my department the way I think it should be run. My input is valued in many aspects of the business. I feel appreciated and that helps me to find my work to be rewarding.”

Transport Services employee

“I have never been micro-managed. I am allowed to sell what my customers truly need for the success of their business, not what I am pushed to sell.”

Vintage Wine Distributor, Inc. employee

“I am not punished for being unsure of myself but encouraged to learn and grown more confident. The people I work with believe in helping each other and creating a friendly atmosphere that fosters cooperation. The company is open to change for the better.” Nexus Engineering Group employee

Vantage Financial Group is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Cleveland! THANK YOU to our amazing team! We appreciate all you do!

TOP WORKPLACES 2024

‘I love my job because…’

SMALL EMPLOYERS

“This is the

and my private life is as important to my employer as my professional.”

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health employee

“I feel like I make a difference with everything I do! We do more than serve delicious, quality food — we support the community and each other to continue to grow and give back!”

Choolaah Indian BBQ employee

“I get to be a small beacon of hope and support, or a brief sense of relief for someone in their darkest hour. I get to be there for others in ways I wish I had experiences in my hardest times, and it is both rewarding and fulfilling.”

Victim Assistance Program employee

“I have the freedom to choose topics/ work without being micromanaged. On top of that, I’m working with some of the brightest people I know.”

Binary Defense employee

“I am allowed to express myself, I am trusted to complete my work without constant oversight.”

Amsdell Companies/Compass

Self Storage employee

“I get to champion for the city I love in various ways that no other organization would ever allow me to do in a multi-faceted way.”

Destination Cleveland employee

“I feel valued. I feel supported. I feel heard. I feel trusted! I feel included. I feel no discrimination.”

Rainforest Car Wash employee

“Everyone seems to have the same values and looks out for one another. We are able to do our jobs well while still having fun.”

415 Group employee

“I feel that I am making a difference in a very important area. I feel that the company cares about me, and the work/life balance.”

ReliabilityFirst employee

“I’ve never been in a job that’s been so committed to helping the employees grow while also treating them like real humans. The culture here is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, we have insane benefits that go beyond anything in the state and there is flexibility and understanding.”

Rvshare employee

“It is a wonderful environment for working and teaching students. I feel respected and enjoy working with my colleagues. I feel that my ideas are listened to.”

St. Mark School employee

“My job allows me to have a lot of autonomy. Management puts trust in me and they allow me to make my own decisions.”

Direct Recruiters, Inc. employee

“From top to bottom, the leadership is tremendous with every resource imaginable to succeed.”

Liberty Home Mortgage employee

“We work as a team and focus on putting patients first. Co-workers and management are understanding of life issues and work with you whenever possible. When people enjoy working somewhere, patients notice and ours do.”

Cleveland Eye and Laser Surgery Center employee

“It is fun to come to work. I like everyone that works for the company. It also pays the bills and keeps money in my bank account.” West Side Catholic Center employee

“I feel I am a part of a Super Bowl winning football team. We work together to compete and push limits.”

Ken Ganley Honda employee

TOP WORKPLACES 2024

Tendon Manufacturing offers flexibility, family time

Rodger Roeser Special to The Plain Dealer

Tendon Manufacturing was founded in 1988. And the family-owned Warrensville Heights company says it has never laid off an employee.

The company, which has grown from a six-employee machine shop to a 99-person metal manufacturer with three Northeast Ohio locations, works with all metals and aims to provide a one-stop approach to metal fabrication, allowing customers to have their parts laser cut, CNC machined, formed, welded, powder coated and silk screened all in one place. With three locations across Northern Ohio, Tendon’s products can be found in hospitals, big box stores, vehicles, sports stadiums, spas, music studios, on naval ships and on football fields across America.

The company prides itself on its laidback atmosphere and employee-led discussions. Tendon has flexible scheduling, where employees can pick how many days a week they work and change their days when needed.

“We have the opposite of micromanaging here,” said co-founder Michael Gordon Sr.

That could be why Tendon has been named a Top Workplace eight years in a row.

Tendon Manufacturing was founded by

NO. 3 SMALL EMPLOYER

Michael Gordon, Sr. and Greg Tench, who worked together and formed what would become a lifelong friendship. Tench knew the manufacturing side of the metal fabrication business, while Gordon knew how to handle the fiscal side, so they started Tendon, a combination of their last names.

“We want to be flexible, especially with folks that have families, whether they have a doctor’s appointment of something with their kids,” Gordon said. “You don’t live to work, we look at it as the other way around. We teach employees that by learning more skills and being efficient they can reach their personal goals, be it a car, house, provide for their families, education, and so forth.”

Gordon acknowledges it can be hard to find skilled employees who want to work. So the company taken steps to reach out into the communities they serve to help retain existing employees and inspire future ones. Tendon has employed and housed 30 Ukrainian refugees in the last six months, and the company offers English lessons.

“Thank God for them. They are good, hard workers. You pretty much have to kick them out to go home from work,” Gordon said. “We have Ukrainian lawyers and doctors that are here starting over, starting fresh and they really want to work. Google

Translate has been our best friend.”

Tendon works with “Women in Man -

ufacturing” programs to help promote workforce development for women and several local high schools in developing their trade school programs, in which they offer paid internships.

“We provide training, and folks are getting paid and earning good money right out of high school,” said Michael Gordon Jr. “The younger folks like it because they’re getting to work with the latest and greatest toys in manufacturing, because we invest in all of this amazing technology. Things like robotics, and programming and fiber optics that the younger generation really seems to adapt to so easily.”

Tendon’s Engineering Department can turn ideas into prototypes and with a 3D printer, customers can have a model in their hands within hours.

Employee Lahni Moore said she enjoys the flexibility. “The owner here believes family time is important, and not all parents get to have the chance to get out of work early or come in late to deal with their children’s school or sporting events.

Employee Tracy Nemes praised the opportunity for growth. “There are tow motor certification classes, blueprint reading classes, and we even offer English classes now to our Ukrainian employees to help them here, but also help them in their day-to-day lives out of the plant too.”

Open Practice Solutions credits its culture and people

Yadi Rodriguez yrodriguez@cleveland.com

President: Rylan Arnold

Address of local operation: 300 Executive Parkway West, Hudson

What the company does: “Browser-based Practice Management and Medical Billing Software.”

Year founded: 2005

Why they won: Open Practice Solutions credits its culture and people for making it a Top Workplace. Said “We have a closeknit team of remote, hybrid, and in-office employees that serve as a cohesive unit to serve thousands of clients across the country,” said company president Rylan Arnold. “Although our working stations vary based on the circumstances of the individual employee, we gather once a year in the Fall to rekindle the fire of our collective mission and to build bonds that span technology, location, and position.”

Arnold says that being privately owned allows the company to have an edge when it comes to customer service, empathy, and dedication. They value not only employee experiences but also their clients. Understanding the happiness of their employees allows them to remain successful. This is why they stand out as a top workplace in comparison to some of the other companies out there.

Arnold says Open Practice emphasizes employee re tention and “is dedicated

to providing consistent and constructive feedback to employees whenever the opportunity arises. Additionally, leadership at Open Practice strives to recognize the contributions of every team member to promote a positive work environment that inspires growth, loyalty, and dedication.”

The company also offers employee benefits focused on stay healthy and strike a work-life balance, including a workout room and yoga session.

“The past year was another record year of growth for the company, which is possible due to the amazing team of people at Open Practice,” says Arnold. “As we continue to grow, we have to continue to make changes to company structure. In the past

year, we created a new account management team, which we are excited to grow to ensure our clients can maximize the value they receive from our software.”

This coming year, Open Practice will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. Arnold says this will provide an opportunity to bring all the teams together — both remote and local — to celebrate the company’s accomplishments in the past two decades.

Said one employee: “I love that I work remotely but even better that I work for a company that truly feels like it appreciates what it has in its workforce.” Said another, “I have people around me who care about me and recognize my good work.”

Gregory Burnett Special to The Plain Dealer

Fun is mandatory at L’Nique Specialty Linen. The 75 staffers pause to hit around a volleyball, or roll Oreos into cups of milk or mustard, or play Plinko or pickleball. Then it’s back to work in the factory, making sure the linen is stitched to perfection, properly washed and ironed, placed on hangers, wrapped in plastic, and loaded onto trucks for deliveries.

The L’Nique showroom/warehouse has been servicing Northeast Ohio since 1998 and provides various types of specialty linen for weddings, corporate events, private parties, etc. Items for rent include an array of colorful tablecloths, overlays, napkins, charger plates, table runners, placemats, chair covers, sashes, and accessories.

Co-owners Angela Klodnick and Deidre Docman were already friends when they started the business 25 years ago. They often tease that they have been around each other for so long that occasionally, they can finish each other’s sentences.

L’Nique, which last year won third place in the Top Workplaces small business competition last year, started in Klodnick’s kitchen. As the company grew, it moved into a 16,000-square-foot brick-and-mortar building. This year, it’s moved up to second place.

When the duo decided to expand, they both agreed that a family-oriented environment was essential for them to make the business a success.

“Well, to start with, Deidre and I started this business to create a family culture specifically,” Klodnick said. “So, we treat everyone like family, we have events, we celebrate all of their life’s events with them inside and out, you know, whether they are celebrating a special birthday or having a work anniversary. This whole business is about celebrating our employees outside of satisfying our clients. We have what we call the three F’s. It’s fun, flexibility, and family.”

Winnette Martinez says the camaraderie is like nothing like she’s experienced before in the workplace. In addition to the friendly atmosphere and pickleball breaks, the company offers opportunities to move around the organization.

“I’m just a trainer,” Martinez said. “So, I work with almost everybody. It’s also important to point out the flexibility. I have a 14-year-old son, so if school calls, and I have to go; I feel comfortable going into the office and saying, I have an emergency and must leave. And the response is just taking care of it.”

There’s only a little turnover at L’Nique, so there are not many openings. Many employees have worked there for over 20 years, but when an opportunity comes along to hire, the candidate really needs to be a good fit.

“Personality is No. 1,” Klodnick said. “A fun-loving person who gets along well with others. We will then see if they have the skills to do the job. You know, I think a lot of things you can teach people about anything, but if they’re not a good person, you can’t go further with that.”

President Rylan Arnold, says being privately owned gives them an edge when it comes to customer service, empathy, and dedication. Open Practice Solutions LTD, via Energage

The L’Nique Specialty Linen has provided Northeast Ohio with various types of specialty linens since 1998. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

Photos by David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

Zachary Smith zsmith@cleveland.com

Many of the same companies make the Top Workplaces list each year, and some of the bigger companies, like the seven in the Mega Employer category, have the same positions in the rankings this year as in 2023.

But for the smaller companies, they are rarely in the same spot as they did the year before. And 35 new companies are on the lists this year in the large, midsize and small categories.

We broke down the list and found the highest-ranked new company in each category, and the company that showed the most growth in its bracket. Included are some of what employees said makes each company a top workplace. Some comments are edited for brevity.

LARGE EMPLOYERS

HIGHEST-RANKED NEW COMPANY

RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS

Rank: No. 3

What employees are saying:

“All my coworkers are very welcoming. I am new, and they all made it a point to introduce themselves or get to know me in some way. As I’ve been trained, they’ve been patient with me, answered all my questions, and were forgiving when I made multiple mistakes. I couldn’t have asked for a better first job. Canes will forever have my heart!”

“It helps me to remain focused on daily tasks and also gives me more responsibility to ensure my growth within the company! My job is completely different from that of the other companies! And plus, Cane’s is awesome sauce!!”

GREATEST GROWTH IN CATEGORY

INDEPENDENCE EXCAVATING

2024 rank: No. 4, up from No. 26 in 2023.

What employees are saying:

“Every project is different. And after 15 years, I still have the same excitement level as I did on my first day.”

“I make good money for what I do and there is a completely open line of communication between me, who is very low on the pole, and my superintendent.”

MIDSIZE EMPLOYERS

HIGHEST-RANKED NEW COMPANY

PATRIOT AT HOME

Rank: No. 6

What employees are saying:

“It gives me an opportunity to learn

about different aspects of healthcare in a supportive environment. Having not done homecare before, I am not afraid to ask questions and feel that my coworkers are able to help me understand. This is the best place I’ve worked in terms of culture. I feel supported, respected, and motivated to learn and help our patients get all the resources they need.”

“This practice does seem to value patients and those that care for the patients. They are engaging and very welcoming. I have recently started, and so far, there is nothing I dislike about this company.”

GREATEST GROWTH IN CATEGORY

ROUNDSTONE

2024 rank: No. 17, up from No. 84 in 2023

What employees are saying:

“I feel valued for the work I contribute and the work-life balance. Even when not in a leadership position my ideas and concerns are always taken under consideration and welcomed. When we begin to be busy through the year, it is always our personal/mental health that is put first. Leadership knows we have a more than normal workload but doesn’t want our health to have a negative impact.”

“I’m free to run my department as I see fit. Senior management doesn’t micromanage me and allows me to use my personality to achieve maximum production from my teammates.”

SMALL EMPLOYERS

HIGHEST-RANKED NEW COMPANY

KEN GANLEY HONDA

Rank: No. 6

What employees are saying:

“I feel like I am a part of a Superbowlwinning football team. We work together to compete and push limits.”

“I am able to support my family, save money, take trips, got engaged. My manager is always looking out for me and helped better my life financially.”

GREATEST GROWTH IN CATEGORY

MANSOUR GAVIN LPA

Rank: No. 5, up from No. 121 in 2023.

What employees are saying:

“From the beginning of my employment, I have been challenged, stimulated, and encouraged to succeed both as a professional and as an individual. I enjoy working alongside my colleagues. I have been able to push my creative envelope and enjoy an excellent quality of life here and at home.”

“I have autonomy to perform my work without micromanagement.”