Top Workplaces 2021 by Advance Midwest

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Top Workplaces 2021 As we welcome workers back to offices, we salute the Top Workplaces of 2021, the Northeast Ohio employers who valued their employees’ health, family and well-being as we all muddled through the coronavirus pandemic.

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How employee surveys determine the top workplaces

Northeast Ohio’s top workplaces focus on flexibility for 2021 Laura Johnston

ljohnston@cleveland.com

For more than a year, many of us typed at dining room tables, shared lunch breaks with our dogs, broke up sibling fights while on conference calls and saw colleagues only on laptop screens. “You’re on mute” became the most uttered business phrase of the year. And flexibility became one of the most necessary aspects of corporate life. As we welcome back workers to offices, we salute the Top Workplaces of 2021, the Northeast Ohio employers who valued their employees’ health, family and well-being as we all muddled through the coronavirus pandemic. This year, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer honor 175 companies, nonprofits, schools, firms and organizations. The Top Workplaces list is broken into 25 large workplaces (with 500 employees or more), 50 midsize (with 150 to 499 employees) and 100 small (149 employees and fewer). The employers cover a host of sectors, including schools, law firms, manufacturers, construction companies and financial services, in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties. For the 2021 Top Workplaces list, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer have compiled 175 standout Northeast Ohio employers, based on employee surveys. We’ve focused on their responses and adaptations during the coronavirus pandemic. Employees determine the rankings, based on surveys by employee engagement expert Energage. The employees lauded the family feel of their organizations, their commitment to diversity, their training, their hardworking managers and their inspiring leaders. At Liberty Home Mortgage, which took first for the first time in the midsize category, company leaders regularly start Nerf gun fights to relieve stress. At Marcus Thomas, a marketing company that placed second for midsize workplaces, employees are encouraged to participate in conversations about race, gender, sexual orientation and religion. Akron Children’s Hospital supports women by normalizing the need for mental health care and providing resources for

Bob Helbig Energage

women to support their families without getting overlooked for leadership or promotion opportunities. It may have been tough to balance work and home lives over the past year, but these companies aimed to make it easier for their employees. A s one Ro cket Home Mor t g a ge employee wrote, “The work/life balance is excellent. Family life is just as important as work life and recognizing and respecting that balance makes it easier to come in to work and give it my all.” Johnston is cleveland.com’s content director.

Beech Brook CEO Tom Royer has set up the most basic work-from-home office possible. He brings his laptop to the dining room table and works from there. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

As employers take extraordinary steps to meet the needs of workers and customers during the pandemic, the Top Workplaces awards are recognizing those efforts. Survey feedback from employees is the sole basis for determining Top Workplaces. And that feedback serves as the ultimate test of how employers are responding in the age of COVID. “If COVID taught us anything, it’s that asking questions and listening to employees is critical to navigating this new world of work,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. This marks the 12th year The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com have partnered with Philadelphia-based Energage to rank the Top Workplaces in Northeast Ohio. The foundation of the program is a scientific survey of employees who rate their workplace culture. The feedback also gives companies insights about what makes them unique. Surveying began in November, when news articles and promotions started running to welcome nominations for Top Workplaces consideration. In all, 1,779 employers in the region were invited to have their employees take the survey. Any organization was eligible to participate, provided it had at least 35 employees in the region. Employers could be public, private, nonprofit, or governmental. There is no cost to enter the Top Workplaces program. Combined, the companies surveyed for the 2021 program employed 75,987 people in Northeast Ohio. Of employees who received questionnaires, 39,395 responded, either on paper or online. For 2021, 175 employers earned recognition as Top Workplaces. The survey of 24 questions gathers responses regarding issues relating to workplace culture: › Alignment — where the company is headed, its values, cooperation, effective meetings › Coaching — managers care about concerns, are helpful, encourage employee development › Connection — employees feel appreciated, work is meaningful, working at full potential, feel informed › Engagement — productivity, retention, recruiting › Leadership — confidence in company leaders › Performance — execution, open-mindedness, innovation, clued-in leadership › The Basics — pay, benefits, work/life flexibility, training, expectations Employers that score high enough are recognized as Top Workplaces. Employers are ranked within size groups. Energage also determines special award winners based on standout scores on specific topics. Wonder why a particular company was not on the list? Perhaps it chose not to participate, or it did not score well enough in the survey. Energage sometimes disqualifies employers based on questionable results detected through statistical tests it runs to ensure organizations are accurately administering the survey.

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Top Workplaces Large Northeast Ohio’s Top Workplaces 2021

Winners list since 2010

LARGE MORE THAN 500 LOCAL EMPLOYEES

2021 FIRST PLACES

Rank Company

Founded

Ownership

Regional Local locations employees

Sector

Union Home Mortgage Corp.

1970

Private

Mortgage Lending

587

Progressive Insurance

1937

Public

Insurance

12,020

Rocket Mortgage

1985

Public

Mortgage Lending

700

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

1973

Public

Investment Management

687

CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC

2003

Private

Financial Services & Insurance

832

Nations Lending

2003

Private

Mortgage Lending

545

Private

Consumer Products

600

735

Leaf Home Solutions

2005

Medical Mutual

1934

Cooperative/Mutual Health Insurance

JOANN

1943

Private

Specialty Retail — Fabrics, Crafts, Home Decor

718

Fifth Third Bank

1858

Public

Financial Services

574

The Sherwin-Williams Company

1866

Public

Manufacturing and Retail

4,800

Hyland

1991

Private

Technology

1,878

Southwest General Health Center

1920

Nonprofit

Healthcare — Hospitals

2,615

Huntington National Bank

1866

Public

1,060

Catholic Charities — Diocese of Cleveland

1912

Nonprofit

Human and social services

605

Cleveland Clinic Health System

1921

Nonprofit

Hospitals & Health Systems

157

47,510

Arhaus

1986

Private

Furniture, Home Furnishings, & Accessories

529

Commercial Bank

Akron Children's Hospital

1890

Nonprofit

Hospitals

6,500

JACK Entertainment

2016

Private

Gaming-Hospitality

1,496

PSI

1977

Private

Education and Healthcare Services Provider

851

Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

1972

Public

Government — Regional Political Subdivision

747

The Timken Company World Headquarters

1899

Public

Engineered bearings, power transmission products

735 Source: Energage

› Large employer: Union Home Mortgage

› Midsize employer: Liberty Home Mortgage

› Small employer: Tendon Manufacturing

2020 FIRST PLACES

› Large employer: Quicken Loans › Midsize employer: The AndersonDuBose Co.

› Small employer: Tendon Manufacturing

2019 FIRST PLACES

› Large employer: Progressive › Midsize employer: Quicken Loans › Small employer: Digital Print Solutions

2018 FIRST PLACES

› Large employer: Progressive › Midsize employer: Reminger Co. LPA, Cleveland

› Small employer: Ancora 2017 FIRST PLACES

› Large employer: Charles Schwab & Co., Richfield

› Midsize employer: Motorcars Group Cleveland, Cleveland Heights

› Small employer: L’Nique Specialty Linen Rental, Valley View

SPECIAL AWARDS 2021

2016 FIRST PLACES

Recognition for high scores in particular areas

› Large employer: The Lubrizol Corp., Wickliffe

› Midsize employer: Reminger Co. LPA, Cleveland

› Small employer: Warren Roofing &

Yadi Rodriguez yrodriguez@cleveland.com

Insulating Co., Walton Hills

LEADERSHIP: I have confidence in the leader of this company.

CLUED-IN SENIOR MANAGEMENT: Senior managers understand what is really happening at this company.

Large company: Bill Cosgrove, Union Home Mortgage Corp.: “The leader keeps their word, and the code of conduct is held to a World Class standard. Leadership is transparent here and makes you always feel like you are one of the family. Even as large as we get, they constantly make it feel like a small, unified family unit.”

The NRP Group: “Directors are involved in our weekly meetings and are heavily involved in email as well as teams conversations.” COMMUNICATION: I feel well-informed about important decisions at this company.

Midsize company: Paul Schumacher, Schumacher Homes: “His confidence, openness and his connection to the employees.” Said another employee, “He is very inspiring and gives you the drive to complete your work.” Small company: Kris Beck, Proformex: “Confidence is the overall goal and objectives that we are working towards. Commitment to building a team that will focus on the proper things needed within the product to drive revenue.”

Search Discovery: “Strategy / future plans.”

DIRECTION: I believe this company is going in the right direction.

WORK/LIFE FLEXIBILITY: I have the flexibility I need to balance my work and personal life.

Rocket Mortgage: “We always push to be the best at what we do so we can take care of our clients better than anyone else.” MANAGERS: My manager helps me learn and grow, makes it easier to do my job well, and cares about my concerns. Embrace Pet Insurance: “My manager is always willing to work with me to strengthen any area of improvement that either of us identify. They are always invested in making me stronger in my role and life.” NEW IDEAS: New ideas are encouraged at this company. Fully Accountable: “New ideas are accepted. My previous jobs have not welcomed new ideas for improvement. It is nice to not only have my ideas heard but also implemented.”

Marcus Thomas: “Deliver work that the client is happy with and encourage growth of their employees. As well as create a space everyone is comfortable and happy in.”

PSI: “PSI has very flexible hours and schedules, which makes it easier for families to be a family.”

MEANINGFULNESS: My job makes me feel like I am part of something meaningful. Home Instead Cleveland: “They randomly send out thank you cards to their employees.” VALUES: This company operates by strong values. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.: “When my husband was diagnosed with a rare cancer, I was called into my VP’s office. I sat down and my VP said, ‘The answer is yes.’ I asked what the question was, and he said, ‘Whatever you need to get through this, the answer is yes.’ For this simple act alone, although I have many more examples, I love Schwab with all my heart.”

Westlake

› Midsize employer: Reminger Co. LPA, Cleveland

› Small employer: Budget Dumpster, Westlake

2014 FIRST PLACES

› Large employer: Keller Williams

Realty, Greater Cleveland, multiple locations › Midsize employer: Tucker Ellis LLP, Cleveland › Small employer: Be Well Solutions, Solon 2013

› Large employer: Keller Williams

Tendon Manufacturing: “Bonuses and the laid-back atmosphere.”

DOERS: At this company, we do things efficiently and well.

› Large employer: Hyland Software,

2013 FIRST PLACES

APPRECIATION: I feel genuinely appreciated at this company. Union Home Mortgage in Strongsville earned special recognition in Top Workplaces 2021 for leadership. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

2015 FIRST PLACES

TRAINING: I get the formal training I want for my career. Independence Excavating: “I think the most important training I have received is safety training. I didn’t realize how dangerous everything can be but thanks to the safety training I feel well equipped to keep myself safe as well as others.” BENEFITS: My benefits package is good compared to others in this industry. The Cleveland Foundation: “Health and dental care are fantastic. Love the incentives to participate in the wellness programming — I have never hiked more in my life — getting to know the National Park much better than I ever have. PTO is very valuable and helpful for balancing the priorities of my personal life.”

Realty , Greater Cleveland, multiple locations › Midsize employer: Quicken Loans, Cleveland › Small employer: American Income Life, Surace-Smith Agency, North Royalton 2012 FIRST PLACES

› Large employer: Keller Williams

Realty , Greater Cleveland, multiple locations › Midsize employer: Quicken Loans, Cleveland › Small employer: Skylight Financial Group, Cleveland 2011 FIRST PLACES

› Large employer: Keller Williams

Realty, Greater Cleveland, multiple locations › Midsize employer: Tucker Ellis LLP, Cleveland › Small employer: Skylight Financial Group, Cleveland 2010 FIRST PLACES

› Large employer: Third Federal Savings & Loan, Cleveland

› Midsize employer: Gardiner, Solon › Small employer: Skylight Financial Group, Cleveland

Proud to be a top workplace. Our biggest asset is our people. Learn more about what makes Ulmer a Top Workplace at www.ulmer.com. ®

Our business begins with you. C9998733-01

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NO. 1 LARGE BUSINESS CATEGORY

Collaboration and overcommunicating: Union Home Mortgage earns top honors Cameron Fields cfields@cleveland.com

Union Home Mortgage refers to its employees as “partners.” “It’s a partnership,” said Chrishawna Cunningham, the company’s chief diversity and inclusion officer. “We really value everyone’s contribution at any level within the company. And we really feel like you’re my partner. You’re not someone that reports to me. We’re working in partnership together.” That emphasis on collaboration, layered with communication that helps maintain transparency, is a key facet of Union Home Mortgage’s culture. The company is the No. 1 large firm for Top Workplaces 2021, earning a spot on the list for a seventh straight year. Bill Cosgrove, Union Home’s president and CEO, wants good loan officers who can bring in money for the company, but it’s equally important they are good people, said Don Griffiths, vice president of national operations. “It’s the only thing that I ever heard Bill say where he said, ‘I wouldn’t get rid of this company, but if the culture of this company ever changed, I’m out,’” Griffiths said. “It’s that important to him that he wants a great culture.” Each morning, Union Home’s senior management hops onto a conference call to discuss what the company did well the day before and what it needs to improve on, Cosgrove said. The senior leaders talk about corporate decisions, making for cohesion that breeds success. Before the pandemic, the meetings were in-person for partners at the headquarters and on a conference call for those in other states. “So when you have that level of collaboration, I think you’re able to score touchdowns,” Cosgrove said. “A lot of times in business, companies end up — I use the term — kicking field goals because when you have a complex problem or even a complex opportunity, the first 80 yards of the field is easy to get. But once you’re in that red zone it’s hard to score a touchdown. So when you don’t have the continuity, you end up kicking a lot of field goals. But I think our meetings and our

A 2011

level of communication, once we get into that red zone we’re able to score a lot of touchdowns.” Before the shutdowns last March, Union Home thought about whether the company could run virtually. The firm ultimately decided that its partners would work remote, Cosgrove said. The company switched to its current hybrid model in early May. Though the pandemic has changed the way work is done, Union Home Mortgage has remained successful in part because of its communication. Communication doesn’t start and end with senior management, though. The company’s higher-ups make sure they’re transparent with their partners. “We communicate with our partners, we coach our employee partners, we train our employee partners,“ Cosgrove said. “And truly technology matters, advertising matters. Everything matters. But at the end of the day, I think we invest more in people than anybody else in our sector, and if you invest more in people and you have the right people, you’ll win every day.” To increase communication, Cosgrove creates opportunities for partners to provide feedback, including virtually. Before the pandemic, Cosgrove took in-person tours to branches in other parts of the country to provide updates and talk with partners about what they feel the company can do better. Those tours are now done over Zoom, Cunningham said. Despite the firm’s continued success during the pandemic, Union Home has had to make some adjustments. Customers who want to close mortgage loans to buy a home, refinance or sell must sign final papers in ink. To help keep people safe while signing paperwork, Union Home had customers stay in their cars and sign papers in the company parking lot, Cosgrove said. Training has gone virtual as well, with new hires learning about Union Home’s code of conduct, the company’s departments and mortgage industry basics.

Union Home Mortgage in Strongsville is the top finisher in The Plain Dealer 2021 Top Workplaces Large Company category. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

New hires are exposed to the importance of the code of conduct, learning about the company’s key tenet of communication. New partners are also expected to be engaged and passionate, said Latasha Branch, training instructor for the new hire class. “I have not met one person that I can honestly say that is not passionate and engaged about their role,” Branch said. “A nd then passionate a nd engaged about you learning your role and making sure that you have the resources that you need to make sure that you are successful so that you can continue to be engaged and passionate about what you do every day.” Br a nch h a s worke d i n t r a i n i n g throughout her career, but mostly in the hospitality and banking industries

before. She was nervous about having limited knowledge of the mortgage industry and thought she’d be overwhelmed. It’s been the opposite, though. She has been with the company since February, and she has had a rewarding and fulfilling experience. “For a new career field and path for me, in an entirely new industry, it was like something that was written for me,” Branch said. “And I honestly believe that. I feel with talking from everybody from the higher-ups to just my partners that I meet with every day, this has been the first company that I can honestly say in a long time that it was actually meant to be for me. It was meant for the pandemic to happen for me to find my place here.”

emarkable Lineup. 2012

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Reminger Co., LPA is honored to be a Top Workplace for the eleventh consecutive year. We attribute our success to our talented attorneys and staff who make Reminger a great law firm, and an even better place to work.

Join our team and find a career that you’ll love. www.reminger.com/careers

101 W. Prospect Avenue, Suite 1400 Cleveland, OH 44115 216.687.1311 www.Reminger.com C9986963-01

AKRON CINCINNATI CLEVELAND COLUMBUS SANDUSKY TOLEDO YOUNGSTOWN INDIANAPOLIS FT. WAYNE NORTHWEST INDIANA EVANSVILLE FT. MITCHELL LEXINGTON LOUISVILLE

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NO. 2 LARGE BUSINESS CATEGORY

“I LOVE MY JOB BECAUSE ...”

Ability to experiment with one’s career path helps Progressive Insurance retain talent

LARGE COMPANY

“You can feel how each of our partners care for each other and that really motivates me to do my job knowing that I am working for a company that values their employees.” Union Home Mortgage Corp. employee

“What I do matters. I disburse funds and borrowers are happy to get their keys to their new home! Every day is busy, and I have never had down time looking for work. The hours are flexible so you can conform to family life outside of work.”

Brenda Cain bcain@cleveland.com

Love your current employer, but look across the office and wish you had a different position within it? At Progressive Insurance, if employees see something else they’d like to try, they’re encouraged to make a move. Having the chance to experiment with one’s career path has worked well at retaining talent. The average Progressive employee has been with the company nine years, while more than 15,000 employees — or roughly one-third — have more than a decade of tenure. Progressive grabbed second-place honors among large Northeast Ohio workplaces for 2021. The publicly traded company has more than 42,000 employees across the country, with more than 12,000 of them stationed at the company headquarters in Mayfield. The insurance giant has been named as one of Northeast Ohio’s Top Workplaces for 12 consecutive years. It ranked fourth in 2020. Lori Niederst, chief human resources officer for Progressive, says internal promotions have “been a fabric of the company for decades,” with about 80% of promotions made from within the organization. In fact, Niederst began her career with Progressive 23 years ago as an analyst in the finance department, but has transitioned through the ranks as a process manager, audit director, business leader of compensation and benefits, to her current position in HR. “I was midway through a career when I was encouraged to apply for the HR department,” she said. “This was never a role I saw for myself, but managers and other employees may see something in someone and push them in the direction they may not see in themselves,” she said. So, when hiring from the outside, Niederst now looks for “smart, good leaders who have the basic skills, but more importantly for people who can grow a career, are not just looking for a job.” Progressive values personal drive and recognizes translatable skills. Because of that, in 2019 about 5,000 Progressive

employees changed positions within the company. “Often, we want someone to try new roles because the more sides of the company you see, the more capable you are for making long-term strides for the company, as a whole. It really rounds someone to be the very best they can be.” Hamilton Bohanan, a claims management associate with 15 years at Progressive, has held various leadership roles at the company, thanks to Progressive’s open-door networking approach. Bohanan sees his career path as the same as a professional athlete: the more positions you can play, the more valuable you are to the team. “I have completely taken advantage of the chance to own my career here,” he said. “I have always been encouraged to spread my wings and keep advancing. The opportunity to grow isn’t just empty promises, they provide you with all the tools you need to prepare to make a successful jump.” Progressive provides its employees with an internal database which lists job descriptions; required core competencies and skills; and training suggestions — things to read and do to acquire the skills you need to be competitive when you apply for a new position. “You can approach anyone, who is in the position you desire, and find out what you need to be successful in the new path you wish to pursue,” Bohanan said. “I have never found anyone who is not ready to help you out any way they can.” Neiderst is confident that when she finds a candidate with basic leadership qualities, the team at Progressive can teach the technical skills needed to excel at any position. “Anytime you promote someone you are taking a risk, but when we see the leadership potential in one of our employees, that is much less a risk than taking on someone who doesn’t know the company, our systems or the culture. We prefer to give someone the chance who already gets us,” she said.

Union Home Mortgage Corp. employee

“Everyone is here for the right reason. They love their jobs, want to do well and are genuinely interested in the success of the company.” Nations Lending employee

“I love that I can ask a question and not feel bad or dumb for asking it.” Nations Lending employee

“I can make my own schedule; I am not micromanaged. My new ideas are encouraged. There are plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement.” LeafFilter North, Inc. employee

“The work is different every day and allows me to interact with team members from a variety of other departments on a regular basis. I am always learning something new and made to feel I am contributing to Progressive’s success.”

“I have the freedom to be myself, share my ideas, motivate and lead my team. I know that I have growth opportunity with the company, and I am looking forward to following that path. Our team makes the impossible, possible, every day.”

“The environment is such that I’m able to be myself and still be celebrated for my contributions to the company without a lot of focus on the small stuff.”

“Every day is very challenging and on most days are rewarding.”

Progressive Insurance employee

LeafFilter North, Inc. employee

Medical Mutual employee

“I can work from home and continue to have a personal life. This helps me want to work more and be a benefit to myself, my family, and the company.”

“I am able to effect change. My ideas are heard, considered and in many cases, implemented. I am allowed the flexibility to find work/life balance. I am encouraged to grow and am recognized for my accomplishments.”

“The work/life balance is excellent. Family life is just as important as work life and recognizing and respecting that balance makes it easier to come in to work and give it my all.”

“There are open lines of communication with leadership. I feel that my work is important. I feel valued and respected. My career is my passion.”

“I feel valued as a person and an employee. I get to grow and learn in my role. I love collaborating with my fellow coworkers.”

“What I do matters, the people I do my job with support and care about me, my manager is an amazing leader, and I am incredibly honored to have the privilege to work with her. And JOANN isn’t just a company that sells stuff. We’re a company that’s integral to the lives of so many people who do things that are motivated by compassion, creativity, love, caring, and individuation.”

Progressive Insurance employee

Rocket Mortgage employee

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. employee

“I have always been encouraged to do my best and when I did I was rewarded.” Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. employee

“I am able to take my business as far and high as I want to go!” CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC

“I am doing what I love to do and my employer makes it very easy for me by working remotely, paying me very well and providing me all of the resources to do my job efficiently and accurately. My team that I manage and my manager are wonderful and very talented, too. I am very happy.” CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC

Medical Mutual employee

JOANN employee

“Every day is different. Every challenge helps me improve my craft. I can call my RVP at any time if needed.” Fifth Third Bank employee

“I feel respected and valued, while providing me the flexibility to still be the mom I want to be.” Fifth Third Bank employee

Proud of the people that made us a top workplace again this year

As one of Cleveland’s Top Workplaces 4 years in a row, JACK Entertainment is a great place to begin or recharge your career. We currently have openings across many departments and are offering signing bonuses for new team members!

We’ve always known our team’s commitment, enthusiasm, and talent make this a special place to work. And once again, everybody else knows, too.

Take your game to the next level, visit jackentertainment.com/careers to see our latest openings.

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WORKSPACES

Companies working to keep their employees safe Alexis Oatman aoatman@cleveland.com

Rocket Mortgage is the No. 3 finisher in The Plain Dealer 2021 Top Workplaces-Large Company category. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

NO. 3 LARGE BUSINESS CATEGORY

Rocket Mortgage secures third place Yadi Rodriguez yrodriguez@cleveland.com

Name: Rocket Mortgage Senior Vice President of Mortgage Banking, Leader of the Cleveland Office: John Wargo Address of local operation: 100 Public Square, Cleveland What the company does: Rocket Mortgage is the nation’s largest mortgage lender. In 2015, the company released the Rocket Mortgage app and website — the first fully online and on-demand mortgage experience. Since that pivotal moment, the company has been driving massive change in finance by reimagining how mortgages are done, empowering consumers and leveraging technology to drive radical simplicity. Rocket Mortgage is a part of Rocket Companies, the parent company of several FinTech businesses, such as Rocket Homes, Rocket Auto and Rocket Loans. Years in business: Founded in 1985 Why they won: “Rocket Mortgage and Rocket Companies have a steadfast commitment to both our team members and the culture that guides them. In the last year, it was more important than ever to stand behind our people with additional resources to support our team — and we did that on many fronts,” said Wargo. “When our team members know they are fully taken care of — even during a pan-

John Wargo, senior vice president of mortgage banking, is the leader of the Cleveland office of Rocket Mortgage.

demic — they have the peace of mind needed to help our clients. We have a saying, ‘Love your people, love your client.’ We know you can’t do one without the other.” This past year, due to the pandemic Rocket Mortgage, like many other companies, shut its offices and adapted a work-from-home environment to safeguard employees. “We ensured our team members had a smooth transition to work from home by quickly mailing technology equipment, and anything team members left in the office, to their homes,” said Wargo. “Beyond making sure our team members are set up to work remotely, their well-being is more important than ever during a pandemic. We provided virtual access to healthcare and offered rest and relaxation days to decompress and take some time away from our screens. Our COVID-19 response follows our philosophy with everything else, take care of your team members first and they will take of your clients.” Said one employee: “I feel personally connected to our company culture, values and mission. We are encouraged to be creative and use our voice and I believe the organization genuinely cares about each team member.”

Before the pandemic, offices were trending toward open spaces where workers could mingle. But after the coronavirus forced everyone apart, are companies putting up walls to make their employees safer? Since the 1990s, offices had been migrating toward hoteling, in which employees have no set desks or cubicles, under the belief it increased worker mobility and productivity. The method also allowed companies to make use of empty office space while employees were away, according to SiteReady. Now, along with hand sanitizer and temperature checks, many businesses are adding clear plastic dividers and more to keep their workplace from becoming a COVID hot spot. Adding dividers is just one way Fifth Third Bank is fighting back the spread along with following the guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and government regulations, said Laura Passerallo, vice president and regional marketing director. The bank will continue to promote safe sanitation practices as well as social distancing. “We have added Plexiglas in certain areas, for example, at our financial center counters and desks,” Passerallo said. “Additionally, we continue to promote sanitation practices, social distancing, encouraging sick workers to stay home, and providing personal protective equipment as needed.” Marcus Thomas, the Cleveland-based ma rk ing a nd adver t ising a genc y, has made several health and safety upgrades, said Heidi Modarelli-Frank, partner and senior vice president of public relations. “From a policy perspective, we’ve given people the permanent option to work from home, from the office, or hybrid. Many of our staff members are choosing a hybrid option, which should reduce the number of people in the office most days,” Frank said. The upgrades include everything from touchless entry doors that operate with an electric eye, better air filtration and dividers in shared workspaces. Conference rooms are getting new technology that will better serve audio and video so people can conference in from home. In Beachwood, Eaton Corp. has developed a wide array of protections at each of its locations, including social distancing, mask-wearing, hoteling, temperature checks, and dividers between desks. “Our focus throughout the pandemic has been on the safety, health, and wellbeing of our employees and communities,” said Eaton spokeswoman Margaret Hagan.

Marcus Thomas in Warrensville Heights employs a combination of open offices and hoteling in its building. Employees can choose to work remotely, as well. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

The power management company has developed various protections at each of its locations, including temperature checks and clear plastic dividers between desks. “With these controls, combined with ongoing employee communications, we have been managing successfully through the pandemic,” Hagan said. Hyland Software in Westlake plans to continue offering flexibility to its employees, extending the ability to work the way they choose, whether from home, the office, or a combination of both, said Kathleen Vegh, assistant vice president of Global Employee Experience. While reconfiguration plans are still being finalized, Hyland will likely include a hoteling option for those employees who opt for a flexible work arrangement. Will this temporary safety measure become permanent? Jacob Morgan, a workplace expert, speaker, author, and founder of The Future of Work University, doesn’t think companies will see a one-size-fits-all approach. Morgan said the future of work will become more flexible, giving employees a wide variety of options for when, where, and how they can work. “Some employees may prefer to work in more walled-off environments like a cubicle or an office, other employees may want to return to a more open environment, and some may want to just work from home with the option of occasional hoteling or hot-desking,” said Morgan. “Organizations are going to have to develop a menu of flexible work options in order to create a great experience for their employees.”

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Because it's our caregivers that make our culture stand out We all play a part in what matters most. Find out how at jobs.clevelandclinic.org

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Top workplaces 2021 When will business travel rebound?

Illustration by JoAnne Coughlin Walsh, Advance Local

Cameron Fields cfields@cleveland.com

As the COVID-19 pandemic trails off, when will business travel return? The return of conferences, conventions and meetings depends on vaccines, state rules and people’s comfort levels. But the pandemic may have so changed the business world that remote meetings become part of the norm. Ashley Qualls, director of human resources at Embrace Pet Insurance, believes travel could return toward the end of the year. “Think about it even this way, like pro sporting events. They’re now starting to fill up stadiums to full capacity, which wasn’t an option three months ago,” Qualls said. “I think as we see how the vaccine works and how it impacts people’s ability to get together, that will open things up more. I would like to say by the end of the year we start to see some normalcy, but I would think until next year

really we’ll start to see those conferences come back or annual conferences that we’re used to attending.” Cleveland-based Embrace Pet Insurance, the No. 6 midsize firm in Top Workplaces 2021, typically attends conferences such as the American Veterinary Medical Association Convention, the Midwest Veterinary Conference and the Veterinary Meeting and Expo. But travel may no longer feel as necessary. “I think that being remote is more acceptable than ever. There’s (Microsoft) Teams, there’s Zooms, there’s different ways to connect, and people are used to connecting that way now. So I don’t think it’s going to be as required as it was before,” she said. “I think there’s a benefit of people being together, but I don’t think it’s going to be required.” Union Home Mortgage, the No. 1 large company for Top Workplaces, hasn’t had any business travel for 14 months, said president and CEO Bill Cosgrove.

Cosgrove said conferences seem to be returning in September for the mortgage lending industry. One fall conference will be held by the Mortgage Bankers Association in San Diego. The annual convention happened virtually last year. Union Home has recently approved some executives to travel via plane. Executives are required to be vaccinated in order to fly and stay in hotels, Cosgrove said. But employees do not need to be vaccinated if they are not traveling. “We’re not requiring our employee partners to be vaccinated or (show) proof of vaccination,” Cosgrove said. “Although we are highly recommending it, and we’re promoting vaccinations within the company. As long as your doctor approves.” The summer is serving as a transitional period from the vise grip of the pandemic to loosened policies. O s w a ld C omp a n ie s , t he C le ve -

land-based insurance broker, is the No. 8 midsize firm for Top Workplaces. Business travel is making a gradual return for the company, said Deborah Cooper, chief human resources officer. “I think companies are ta king it slow,” Cooper said. “All of us are navigating vaccinations and how we manage employees who are vaccinated versus those that choose not to get vaccinated. “And our approach is being cautious.” Cooper said the company is starting to see in-person business meetings return. Some clients have come into the office, and the account team has also done some on-site customer visits, Cooper said. She added that conferences and trainings, though, are beginning more slowly and plans are starting to form for in-person events around the fall. “That’s why I step back, and I say I think a lot of us are taking a wait-and-see approach through the summer months,” Cooper said.

THANK YOU

TO ALL OUR EMPLOYEES

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FOR MAKING MEADEN & MOORE ONE OF NORTHEAST OHIO’S BEST PLACES TO WORK.

WHEN EVERYTHING MATTERS

MEADENMOORE.COM

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As the consumer credit division of Bridgestone Americas, CFNA is committed to our mission of empowering families with trustworthy payment solutions that enable them to conﬁdently care for their automotive needs. We are honored to be recognized as a Top Workplace and are proud of our teammates’ commitment to each other, our customers, and our community.

Join the team at BeBridgestone.com

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Top Workplaces Midsize Northeast Ohio’s Top Workplaces 2021 “I love my job because ...”

MIDSIZE 499 OR FEWER LOCAL EMPLOYEES Rank Company 1

Liberty Home Mortgage Corporation

Regional Local locations employees

Founded

Ownership

2014

Private

Sector Mortgage Lending

196

Marcus Thomas

1937

Private

Integrated Marketing Communications

186

The NRP Group

1994

Private

Real Estate

212

Independence Excavating

1956

Private

Heavy Construction & Civil Engineering

292

Group Management Services, Inc.

1996

Private

Professional Employer Organization

168

Embrace Pet Insurance

2003

Private

Specialty Insurance

220

GEMCORE

1992

Private

Healthcare

261

Oswald Companies

1893

Private

General Insurance

325

Reminger Co., LPA

1958

Private

Law

180

Foundation Wellness

1934

Private

Health and Wellness — Footwear and Foot care Pr...

162

Fleet Response

1986

Private

Fleet Management

181

Redwood Living

1991

Private

Property Management

228

Home Instead Cleveland

1995

Private

Home Healthcare Services

300

Dealer Tire, LLC

1918

Private

Tire and Tube Merchant Wholesalers

388

Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP

1938

Private

Law

264

Schumacher Homes

1992

Private

Construction

181

Westfield Bank

2001

Private

Banks

184

Saint Ignatius High School

1886

Nonprofit

Education — Primary / Secondary School

240

The K Company, Inc.

1972

Private

HVACR, Energy Management Controls and Construction

225

GARDINER Service Company

1962

Private

Services

204 309

Famous Enterprises

1933

Private

Wholesale Distribution

IRG Realty Advisors

2001

Private

Commercial Real Estate

177

Leppo Rents

1945

Private

Construction Equipment Rental and Sales

163

Ulmer & Berne LLP

1908

Partnership

Law

164

Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland

1875

Nonprofit

Human and Social Services

261

Pleasant Lake Villa

1987

Private

Rehabilitation

150 320

Foundation Software / Payroll4Construction.com

1985

Private

Technology / Software / Service

OnShift

2007

Private

Software

191

Q-Lab

1956

Private

Material durability testing products

162

Incept

1993

Private

Conversational Marketing Firm

483

Credit First National Association

1975

Private

Private label consumer credit

274

CBIZ

1996

Public

Business Services

286 482

ExactCare Pharmacy

2009

Private

Pharmacy

University School

1890

Private

Education — Primary / Secondary School

242

National Interstate Insurance Company

1989

Private

Specialty Property and Casualty Insurance

442

Hawken School

1915

Nonprofit

Private Education

337

Budget Dumpster

2009

Private

Waste Removal Dumpster Rental

246

Beech Brook

1852

Private

Mental and Behavioral Health Agency

203

CLAMPCO PRODUCTS, INC

1971

Private

Metal Products

214

40 First National Bank

1864

Public

Banks

183

BDO

1910

Partnership

Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

153

Enerco Group

1984

Private

Consumer Goods

172

Panda Restaurant Group

1973

Private

Restaurant

195

44 Precision Environmental

1988

Private

Environmental

193

Park Place Technologies

1991

Private

Information Technology

475

CHN Housing Partners

1981

Nonprofit

Housing Stability and Home Ownershiphip Programs

183

World Group

1960

Private

Transportation

191

Majestic Steel USA, Inc.

1979

Private

Metal Products

236

MIDSIZE COMPANY “When you come to work at Liberty, they make you feel accepted right away. They care about you and your well-being, we have fun, but we all work extremely hard to keep the company going in the right direction but it’s fun while doing it.” Liberty Home Mortgage Corp. employee “They have faith in my abilities and support me in my role and as a person.” Marcus Thomas employee “I am encouraged to learn new things and am given incentives to achieve goals I am already pursuing.” The NRP Group employee “It allows me to think outside the box. It gives me more hands-on experience to deal with all aspects of construction. It helps me develop more public relations and social skills.” Independence Excavating employee “I am given the autonomy to manage my own time and work to my full potential.” Group Management Services Inc. employee “What Embrace stands for, but also each person that works here. From the president to the CCE’s everyone treats each other with kindness, respect, and patience. Everyone just wants everyone to succeed, which blows my mind. I have never experienced such compassion and camaraderie at a job.” Embrace Pet Insurance employee “I can grow in my position; I never feel apprehensive to come to work each day.” GEMCORE employee “The core workforce of this place is an AllStar team as good as any in the industry.” Oswald Companies employee “I get to do what I love with great people with a great purpose.” Remington Products employee

Chart source: Energage

There’s place There’s no There’s no place place likelike Southwest! work. like work.

SouthwestGeneral Generalisisproud proudto toagain againbe benamed named Southwest Southwest General is proud to again be named oneof ofThe ThePlain PlainDealer’s Dealer’sTop TopWorkplaces. Workplaces. one one of The Plain Dealer’s Top Workplaces.

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Thank you to all of the doctors, nurses and staff who helped Thankyou youto toall allof ofthe thedoctors, doctors,nurses nursesand andstaff staffwho whohelped helped Thank Southwest General to be named one of The Plain Dealer’s Southwest General to be named one of The Plain Dealer’s Southwest General to be named one of The Plain Dealer’s Top TopWorkplaces WorkplacesininNortheast NortheastOhio Ohiofor for2019. 2021.We Weare aretruly trulyhonored Top Workplaces in Northeast Ohio for 2019. We are truly honored honored to know that our caring, dedicated stafflook members to know that our caring, dedicated staff members forward to to know that our caring, dedicated staffday members look forward look forward to coming to work every to help make such to coming to work every day to help make a such a positive difference coming to difference work everyinday helpofmake a such a positive difference positive thetolives our patients. in the lives ofaour patients. in the lives of our patients. IfIf you’d you’dlike liketo tojoin jointhe theSouthwest SouthwestGeneral Generalteam teamand andfind findaajob jobthat thatyou’ll you’ll love, If you’d like to join the Southwest General team and find a job that you’ll love, love, visit swgeneral.com/careers. visit swgeneral.com/careers. visit swgeneral.com/careers.

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NO. 1. MIDSIZE BUSINESS CATEGORY

Nerf gun fights and free meals: Liberty Home Mortgage takes top honors Cameron Fields cfields@cleveland.com

Michelle Massucci and Melissa Smith were in Massucci’s office one day, pillows covering them as they shielded each other from foam Nerf bullets. Massucci, the underwriting manager at Liberty Home Mortgage, had teamed up with Smith, the company’s vice president, for an ambush on the sales team. The attack was emblematic of the fun the Liberty employees have at their headquarters in Independence. Smith said sometimes the Nerf gun battles are planned, particularly if company leaders see people need a boost. But sometimes they’re completely spontaneous. Whether it’s the occasional Nerf gun battles, listening to music or playing movies in the office, Liberty Home Mortgage prides itself on its employee experience. The company is the No. 1 midsize firm for Top Workplaces 2021, and this year marks the second straight year it’s been on the list. With the high stress of the mortgage lending industry, fun activities help create a balanced environment. “It creates a sense of morale that pretty much I don’t think anybody can compete with,” Massucci said. “You’re not going to go to a bank and have two higher-ups in your company come shoot you with a Nerf gun. It just doesn’t happen. So it creates that sense of morale, like ‘We’re all human, we’re all on the same team. We’re all on the same playing field.’ And we get the job done, and we work very, very hard but there’s also a sense of the atmosphere of what Khash (Saghafi) has created.” Saghafi, the president of Liberty Home Mortgage, started the company in 2014. But he didn’t implement the laid-back culture at first. With a bachelor’s degree in biology from Oklahoma State University, Saghafi didn’t have a business background when he graduated in 1996. Saghafi has a regimented mindset, so he doesn’t like music playing or any other distractions while he works. After about 15 years in the mortgage lending business, though, he realized he couldn’t continue to run a business the way he had been. His current philosophy of focusing on the employees is inspired by Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group. “He said that he does not put the customer first,” Saghafi said. “He believes in putting the employees first because if you put your employees first, they take care of your customers. And quite honestly, I’ve learned that so much because when you show the employees that they’re cared about and they matter, they then take pride in the company. Which means when they take pride in the company, they don’t want customers complaining or saying things that are disparaging of the company because they take personal offense to that, too.” Though the Nerf gun wars are a perk, employees also can eat free breakfasts and lunches, courtesy of the company’s cook. No dress code is enforced, and employees are allowed to work from home around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Smith, who started Liberty Home Mortgage with Saghafi, has seen how the company’s culture has developed over the years. She said that when the two started

Liberty Home Mortgage is the No. 1 finisher in The Plain Dealer 2021 Top Workplaces-Midsize category. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

hiring, she talked with Saghafi about how happy employees work better. Improving the time-off policy was one facet of enhancing the employee experience. “We kind of put something in place where you’ve got vacation time, but if you decide not to take it, because we needed everyone all hands on deck all the time,” Smith said. “So if you didn’t take your vacation time you got paid out time-and-a-half on all those hours rather than you lose it or just paid straight time.” Sonny Lucas, an employee in the marketing department, has been with Liberty Home Mortgage since December. He has a Nerf basketball hoop in his office, along with a popcorn machine. Lucas has enjoyed his time with the company. “It’s just super laid back,” Lucas said of Liberty Home’s style. “Everyone’s super friendly. Everyone goes out of their way to help you. If I have a question and no one around me can answer, I can go ask anybody in this office a question and they’re going to help me find the answer.” The laid-back, flexible style helped Liberty Home transition into the COVID-19 pandemic. Saghafi said with his industry, working from home was already feasible. When COVID started to creep into the U.S., employees were sent home about a week and a half before the shutdowns. Saghafi believes that working from home made his employees better at performing their jobs, as they had no other choice but to work remotely. Still, working from home has been an adjustment, Massucci said.

“Your atmosphere, especially because of how Liberty has such a very different and unique atmosphere, it’s different when you’re just then sitting at home,” Massucci said. “It then amplifies the need for the communication to even be the next step I guess you want to say. The effort has to even be more so because you don’t have all of your resources at your fingertips like you would sitting in the office.” Now, as the pandemic trails off, Liberty Home is in a hybrid setup. About 125 employees are back in the office, with about 20-40 working from home and the rest working at branches in other states, Saghafi said. The pandemic added another layer to Liberty Home’s culture, as Saghafi saw how people could work from home effectively. For example, Saghafi will now allow an employee to work from home after her maternity leave. “If you would have talked to me before the pandemic, I would have said no way can that many people work remotely and independently isolated on islands by themselves. No way,” Saghafi said. “So being forced into this situation showed me, no, it is possible.” Though Saghafi has focused on creating a fulfilling employee experience, he’s still striving to do the best he can. “Running a business is like playing an instrument,” Saghafi said. “It’s real easy to get bad real fast. It takes a lot of time and a lot of practice to get it right. That’s reality. It doesn’t take long to screw it all up. It takes a long time to get it right. And I can’t say that I have it right, and I still don’t have it right.”

Risk & Insurance Leadership Since 1893

EIGHT CONSECUTIVE YEARS! Celebrating

With Gratitude. To our dedicated family of employees for naming Ancora one of Northeast Ohio’s Top Workplaces for our seventh consecutive year.

OswaldCompanies.com/Careers 855.4OSWALD

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An employee-owned company

Thank You to Our Employees For Recognizing Us as a Top Workplace

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Discover your opportunity:

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216-825-4000 / www.ancora.net

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NO. 2 MIDSIZE BUSINESS CATEGORY

Marcus Thomas has focused on diversity for several years Brenda Cain bcain@cleveland.com

George Floyd’s death on a Minneapolis street corner in May 2020 was the impetus for thousands of businesses around the country to take a deep dive into their diversity policies. But for the 83-year-old Marcus Thomas, the “hard conversations” have been happening for years. The integrated marketing firm has had 82 years to craft a culture uniquely its own — one that goes deeper than a dog-friendly workspace and having a beer with colleagues. Marcus Thomas execs realized years ago that to be relevant, they needed to better understand diverse consumers. Marcus Thomas earned second-place honors among midsized Northeast Ohio workplaces for 2021. It has been recognized for 11 consecutive years. It ranked second in 2020, as well. The company’s intentional approach to creating a diverse and accepting culture is what drew 26-year-old Savanna McCartney to make the jump to Marcus Thomas in May 2020 — months after the pandemic shut down offices around the state. “For a lot of other places, George Floyd did have an impact, but Marcus Thomas had already done the work. They had already taken a deep dive into looking at the agency, the culture and how they could better serve the communities we work with, and for,” she explained. “I came from an environment where I was the only person of color in my department. And even though I was not going into an office when I was hired, I was encouraged to double down and look at where I stood on the issues.” McCartney’s hire was not her first encounter with Marcus Thomas’ efforts in diverse thinking. In 2017, she was part of a community event hosted by the agency to talk to consumers about how the marketing firm could do a better job of erasing racial boundaries in their product. In 2016, company officials stepped outside the walls of its offices to meet face to face with the community they serve, so they could produce more relevant content

in their clients’ messaging. “That was a huge piece of what drew me here — the intentional approach to being better citizens,” she said. Today, diversity, equity and inclusion are big parts of the Marcus Thomas culture. “We all benefit when everyone feels empowered to bring their whole selves to work — and creating an environment where that is possible comes first,” said Marcus Thomas CEO Jim Nash. “We are dedicated to creating a space where people from under-represented communities feel seen.” Nash began as an account manager at the Ira Thomas firm in Youngstown 32 years ago. He took the helm of the company 11 years ago. According to Nash “respect and collaboration and accountability” have always been important hallmarks of the company — “do what you say you will do.” He hopes everyone — from the top down — feels empowered to speak their truth to strengthen the community and make their work better. “Culture means more than flexible schedules and work-life balance to us. It means creating a space where unique experiences are sought out, welcomed and respected.” “This isn’t a ‘one and done’ effort,” said McCartney. “They are very intentional with the diversity training we receive and the support they give to us. This is a huge core of who this company is.” Employees are encouraged to participate in conversations about race, gender, sexual orientation and religion. Ninety-seven percent of the agency has gone through racial equity training to help give them the skills they need to engage in conversations that historically have not taken place in work environments. “It started as a thought, but the conversations we were part of were so important and so rich, we became better educated in what was truly important — not just to our clients — but to the community, as a whole,” Nash said. “Those events showed us we needed to

Marcus Thomas is the No. 2 finisher in The Plain Dealer 2021 Top Workplaces-Midsize category and has been recognized as a Top Workplace for 11 straight years. Photos by David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

be better informed, and gave us the tools we needed to have those difficult conversations in the workplace. “We are secure in the work we have already done, but also recognize we still have work to do,” said Nash.

It all adds up...

In principle and practice, IRG Realty Advisors is powered by unique and talented people. We embrace our differences and celebrate our combined strengths, recognizing our success depends on the diverse perspectives and backgrounds that each of us brings to the table.

Panda Express is honored to be recognized as one of the

Top Workplaces in

Cleveland

ohiorealtitle.com C9999319-01

www.pandacareers.com

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Panda family, visit us at

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To learn more about the

At IRG Realty Advisors, we listen, we coach, we mentor, we educate, and we succeed. Thank you to our employees for helping us become a Top Workplace this year!

Smooth closings with Ohio Real Title

www.irgra.com

We’re in the Business of Helping People But we couldn’t do it without the help of our own people.

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Thank you to our amazing team for another year of making GMS a Top Workplace in Northeast Ohio. Specializing in Human Resources, Payroll, Benefits, and Risk Management for 25 years.

6 Time Consecutive Winner

www.groupmgmt.com

T12 SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2021

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THANK YOU! People who make a difference….

We would like to thank our Team, Board, and Members for making Cardinal a TOP WORKPLACE.

People helping people.

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Anyone can join who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Summit, Portage, Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana Counties.

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WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE

Businesses working to help women return to the workforce Alexis Oatman aoatman@cleveland.com

The NRP Group is the third-place finisher in The Plain Dealer 2021 Top Workplaces-Midsize category. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

NO. 3 MIDSIZE BUSINESS CATEGORY

The NRP Group earns third-place honor Yadi Rodriguez yrodriguez@cleveland.com

Name: The NRP Group Principal, President and Chief Executive Officer: J. David Heller Address of local operation: 1228 Euclid Ave., 4th Floor, Cleveland What the company does: The NRP Group is a vertically integrated developer, owner, builder, and manager of multifamily housing, which operates across 14 states with over 850 NRP Associates. The NRP Group aims to create exceptional apartment communities for individuals and families, regardless of income. To accomplish this mission, they start with the development phase, staying involved through construction and property management. They are unique in that they are deeply involved in both market rate and affordable housing, and have become the No. 1 company in the United States to create both market-rate and affordable multifamily housing at national scale. Years in business: Founded in 1994 Why they won: “We believe NRP is a great workplace because of the culture we have built. Our mission includes making a sustained positive impact in the communities we serve. Our team is hard-working and

excels at collaborating and working with public and private partners to achieve common goals,” said President J. David Heller. “We have the advantage of an incredibly strong culture tied to our organization’s core values: integrity, teamwork, professionalism, high performance, open and approachable, diversity, sense of purpose and fun. We are also committed to hiring A+ players and then growing that talent from within, so the collective capabilities of the team is always growing. “Everyone at NRP has displayed tremendous resilience as we navigated through the pandemic. We had a strong culture going into the pandemic, which allowed us to thrive despite the challenges we faced. We are very proud of the way in which our mission and core values provided the framework, team cohesion and strength to navigate through the challenges of the past year.” Said one employee: “I have been given good leadership and encouraged to grow as a person and an employee. I have been put into a position that is very compatible with my personality, and I genuinely love what I do.”

Despite the half a million women who returned to the workforce in March, many women, particularly women of color, are still struggling. Child care shortages and schools teaching remotely played a significant role in what some call the first female recession, with nearly 1.4 million women leaving the workforce last spring, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Now that vaccines are available, COVID cases are falling, and schools and camps have reopened, women have seen a slight resurgence in the workplace. Out of the 916,000 net jobs gained in April, at least 500,000 went to women, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of the 158 companies and approximately 187,000 employees in Northeast Ohio, women made up 60% of the workforce, but only 38% of senior management and 33% of boards, according to the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s 2020 equity and inclusion assessment. Black women — who make up 13% of the region’s population — made up 11% of the overall workforce, 4% of senior management, and 6% of boards, Dena Cipriano, spokeswoman for the GCP, said. Hispanic women — who make up 4% of the region’s population — only made up 2% of the overall workforce, 1% of senior management, and 1% of boards. Julie Jones, career development specialist and instructor for the Institute for Women, Wellness & Work at Ursuline College, said there’s no doubt the pandemic has an immense impact on women. “Whether they have been displaced from their job or not, it’s made them stop and think about what they really want to do,” Jones said. Jones noted Ursuline created a course over the last academic year, Designing Your Career to Fit Your Life, to help Northeast Ohio women think about where they are in their career and possible options they can explore. WHAT ARE CLEVELAND COMPANIES DOING TO MAKE WORK EASIER FOR WOMEN?

Lisa Aurilio, chief operating officer at

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Akron Children’s Hospital, said as a health care organization, nearly 84% of the hospital’s 6,500 employees are women. So when the pandemic hit last spring, the hospital focused on handling the issue as sensitively as possible. She noted that women often bear a greater responsibility due to child care, sometimes also taking care of elderly pa rent s, a l l wh i le ba la ncing t heir careers. The hospital adopted a work-from-home strategy to help its female employees balance their home life while maintaining their work. “One of the things we learned from work from home is that we needed to be more flexible in how we think about the work that gets done at home,” Aurilio said. Aurilio said Akron Children’s is working to support women by normalizing the need for mental health care and providing resources for women to support their families without getting overlooked for leadership or promotion opportunities. “We’re being very intentional,” Aurilio said. For Hyland Software, creating a culture where working mothers could balance complex home situations while maintaining their work has always been a point of focus, even before the pandemic, said Kathleen Vegh, associate vice president of global employee experience. She said very few female employees leave the company due to child care-related concerns, in part because the Westlake-based software company views flexibility as a vital piece of its employee recruitment and retention activity. The company has its own child care center on-site. “Once COVID intensified in the spring, we re-emphasized that flexibility (is vital) to all our employees — especially those facing unique situations at home,” Vegh said. “Coupled with our core values and other accommodations we instituted for our employees, we feel we’ve created a culture where our working mothers could balance their new, more complex home situations and their meaningful, impactful work at Hyland.”

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Working from home likely here to stay Cameron Fields cfields@cleveland.com

Christy Breiding is a health services recruiter. She never thought she’d be able to work from home — not until the COVID19 pandemic, at least. “The pandemic has been terrible in many ways, but I really feel like I have a good work-life balance now and able to do my job more efficiently just because of stuff like commutes, and just being able to have all of the things I need at home to address any situation,” said Breiding, who works at Twinsburg-based PSI. “Not worrying about it. If I can’t sleep, I can get up at 2 in the morning and shoot off some emails or resume mine. I like having that ability to do that. It’s peace of mind for me.” Breiding is a self-proclaimed Type A personality, wanting to clear tasks off her plate as best she can. Before the pandemic, she often woke up early to get into the office, after a 35-minute commute. Add the rush-hour trip back home, and that gets to be a lot of work. PSI, the No. 20 large company in Top Workplaces, provides educational and health care services for schools. The company is taking a path it appears most firms are doing for the foreseeable future: a hybrid model, giving employees the option to work from home or the office. At PSI, employees in May talked to their supervisors about their plans. Breiding has chosen to go into the office once a week, to enjoy camaraderie with her colleagues. Still, working from home has worked wonders for her. “I don’t get as much work done when I’m in the office, and that’s being truthful,” Breiding said. “I am more productive because I don’t have interruptions during my day. I like being in there, I like touching base. I like all of that, but I feel that I am more productive working from home because I’m not taking breaks really. And you are sitting there, and you’re eating at your desk at home.” Fred Johnson, an internal project manager at Westlake-based Hyland, agreed. Hyland, the No. 12 large firm in Top Workplaces, is a software company that helps organizations do business more efficiently. Before the pandemic, Hyland already had working from home in its DNA —

Johnson said he’d been working remotely two or three days a week. “So speaking from my own personal experience, I don’t have kids. I don’t have any pets,” Johnson said. “The biggest benefit for me working remotely is just like there are minimal distractions when I’m remote. It’s easy to focus.” Though working from home has its perks, it also has its drawbacks. For firms like Marcus Thomas, a Cleveland-based advertising and marketing agency, a downside has been not experiencing the company’s culture in-person. Before the pandemic, dogs roamed the office at Marcus Thomas, and the company had cookouts every other week. Staff meetings were held in person once a week as well, said CEO and owner Jim Nash. Marcus Thomas still found ways to incorporate those facets while employees were remote, but it wasn’t the same. Packages were provided to employees for virtual cookouts, and the company also sent takeout certificates for food delivery services. “So you don’t have that interaction with each other,” Nash said. “The random, ‘Hey, just checking in with you, you doing OK?’ And you really have to be very planful in being virtual and making sure you’re reaching out and checking with people.” Marcus Thomas plans to officially reopen July 1, and the company will provide multiple options. Employees can choose to work completely from home, completely from the office or split the time with a hybrid option, Nash said. Employees will make their choices come July 1, but if their preferences change, then Marcus Thomas will allow for that flexibility. “We’re going to allow people to manage their schedule not only from a daily standpoint in terms of the hours to work around,” Nash said. “Some people are morning people, some people are evening people. But then from a weekly standpoint, so that maybe every quarter or so just look at your schedule and see if working from home three days out of the week or two days out of the week still makes sense. So we’re going to continue to

Many people have gotten used to working from home, and would like to keep doing it — or least have the option. Dreamstime/TNS

just allow folks to decide where they work from providing it works well for their team and the agency.” A few workplaces are not following the trend. Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, for example, expects to have all employees back in-person near the beginning of July, said spokeswoman Jeannie Smith. Breiding is grateful for her company’s flexibility. “No, I did not think that I would be in this position that I’m in now, but I’m fortunate for it,” Breiding said. “And I’m thankful that PSI was able to recognize that I am doing everything that they want me to do, and I’m sure that they feel I’ve provided them with as good or better than what I already was providing. My work speaks for itself.”

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Top Workplaces Small Northeast Ohio’s Top Workplaces 2021 SMALL 149 OR FEWER LOCAL EMPLOYEES Rank Company

Founded

Ownership

Sector

Regional Local locations employees

Tendon Manufacturing

1988

Private

Metal Fabrication & Machining

Saint Albert the Great School

1961

Private

Primary / Secondary School

Saint Albert the Great At Assumption Academy

1957

Private

Education

MAGNET

1984

Nonprofit

Economic Development

Search Discovery

2004

Private

Advertising and Marketing — Other

Fully Accountable

2015

Private

Outsourced Accounting and Financial Services

Proformex

2016

Private

Life Insurance Technology

Integrity Staffing Services

1992

Private

Staffing

Education — Primary / Secondary School

Advertising, Marketing, & Publishing

Professional Services

St. Mark School

1949

Nonprofit

WTWH Media LLC

2006

Private

Plante Moran

1924

Partnership

Ancora

2003

Private

Financial Advisors

Marketplace Strategy

2017

Private

Advertising & Marketing

Homecision/PSI Lending

2019

Private

Home Finance

Peoples Bank

1902

Public

Banks

Valley Christian Academy

1979

Private

Education — Primary / Secondary School

42 59

Motorcars Group

1995

Private

Auto Dealership

Conveyer & Caster — Equipment for Industry

1961

Private

Material handling equipment supplier

Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP

1867

Partnership

Legal Services

BoxCast

2009

Private

Live Video Streaming

Buckeye State Credit Union

1933

Vizion360

2002

Private

Information Technology

RDL Architects

1995

Private

Architecture

The Cleveland Foundation

1914

Nonprofit

Microsoft

1975

Public

Technology product sales and service

ACU-Serve Corp

1993

Private

Business Services

Saint Edward High School

1949

Private

Primary / Secondary School

143

Cooperative/Mutual Credit Union

Falls & Co.

1989

Private

Marketing, Communications, Advertising and Digital

Colliers International

2012

Private

Agents / Brokers

First Interstate Properties, Ltd.

1989

Private

Property Development & Management

37 44

Western Reserve Land Conservancy

2006

Nonprofit

Nonprofit — Other

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School

1988

Nonprofit

Education — Primary / Secondary School

RVshare

2013

Private

RV Rental Marketplace

Hurst Design Build Remodel

1997

Private

Residential Remodeling

Direct Recruiters, Inc.

1983

Private

Executive Search & Staffing Services

Hasenstab Architects, Inc.

1982

Private

Architecture

53 107

FRANTZ WARD LLP

2000

Partnership

Law

Crossroads Group

2005

Private

Real Estate Investment

Valmark Financial Group

1963

Private

Financial Services & Insurance — Conglomerate

100

Improving

2007

Private

IT Services

Meaden & Moore

1919

Partnership

Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

132

Lake Catholic High School

1970

Nonprofit

Primary / Secondary Schools

Rathbone Group, LLC.

2014

Partnership

Subrogation Law Firm

Medic Management Group

1999

Partnership

Healthcare

Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish

2010

Private

Religion

Julie Billiart Schools

1954

Private

Primary / Secondary Schools

Aircraft management and aircraft charter

Religious

58 43

Sky Quest

2001

Private

Saint Raphael Catholic School

1948

Nonprofit

Hobe & Lucas CPAs Inc

1978

Private

Public accounting

Ron Marhofer Chevrolet

1909

Private

Auto Dealerships

Bellwether Enterprise

2008

Private

Commercial Mortgage Banking Company

Amsdell Companies/Compass Self Storage

1928

Private

self-storage

Arborwear

1997

Private

Green Industry Uniform Solutions Provider

The Garland Company, Inc.

1895

Private

Manufacturing

126

Rock Medical Orthopedics, Inc.

2001

Private

Medical Device Sales

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

1885

Private

Law

106

Beaumont School

1850

Nonprofit

Primary / Secondary School

Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

2007

Nonprofit

Staffing

Nonprofit

Telecommunications & Cable

Robert Half

1948

Public

The Center for Health Affairs/CHAMPS Healthcare

1916

Nonprofit

Everstream

2014

Private

Bialosky Cleveland

1951

Partnership

Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering

HW&Co.

1990

Private

Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

The Ahola Corporation

1967

Private

HR & Payroll Services

W. F. Hann and Sons

1907

Private

Heating and Cooling

1-888-OHIOCOMP

1997

Private

Workers' compensation Managed Care Organization

101 97

Ohio Real Title Agency, LLC

2005

Private

Title & Closing Services

Metro Catholic School

1988

Private

Primary / Secondary Schools

Hylant

1935

Private

Insurance Consultants & Brokers

Apple Growth Partners

1943

Private

Accountancy

105 122

The Austin Company

1878

Parent company

Building Design, Engineering & Construction

Transport Services

1976

Private

Distribution, Logistics, & Freight

MarshBerry

1981

Private

Professional Services

Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co.

1957

Private

Plumbing

Cardinal Credit Union

1953

Nonprofit

Credit Union

Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School

1969

Nonprofit

Early Childhood — 8th grade School

Corrigan Krause

1989

Private

CPAs and Consultants

Silco Fire & Security

1959

Private

Fire Protection and Security

Environmental Design Group

1984

Private

Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture

Jackson Comfort Systems, Inc.

1922

Private

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refri...

Pallotta Ford Lincoln Mercury

1986

Private

Auto Dealerships

Ruffing Montessori School of Cleveland Heights

1959

Private

Montessori School for children, 18 mos-8th grade

Basement Waterproofing & Foundation Repair

Private Orthopedic Physician Practice

64 40

Ohio State Waterproofing

1978

Private

Precision Orthopaedic Specialties

1996

Partnership

St. Columbkille School

1956

Nonprofit

Education — Primary / Secondary School

Squirrels LLC

2008

Private

Mass Market Apps / Software

The Albert M. Higley Co.

1925

Private

Construction Manager / General Contractor

104

Gesu Catholic School

1926

Nonprofit

Primary / Secondary Schools

Kelley & Ferraro, LLP

1997

Private

Law

The Equity Engineering Group — E2G

2002

Private

Engineering

107

EOX Vantage

2004

Private

Vertical Industry Software Products & Services

Shook Construction

1926

Private

Education, Healthcare, Industrial, Water Resources

Etactics, Inc.

1999

Private

Revenue Cycle Management Solutions

YWCA Greater Cleveland

1868

Nonprofit

Nonprofit — Social Service/Advocacy

104 88

The SpyGlass Group, LLC

2001

Private

Consulting, Cost Reduction Strategies

Riley Hotel Group

2004

Private

Hospitality, Entertainment, Recreation, & Travel

Middough

1950

Private

Engineering

102

Sisters of Charity Health System

1982

Nonprofit

Health System

ChoiceLocal

2014

Private

Advertising and Marketing — Other

Nationwide mortgage lender & servicer Religion

117

100 NewRez

2008

Public

101 United Church of Christ, National Ministries

1957

Nonprofit

102 Meritech, Inc.

1978

Private

Business Technology

103 Blue Chip Consulting Group

2004

Private

IT Consulting

113

104 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

1995

Nonprofit

Museum

111

105 Universal Windows Direct

2002

Private

Windows, Doors, Siding, and Roofing

132 Source: Energage

“I love my job because ...” SMALL COMPANY “The owners know all of us by name and make it a fun workplace.” Tendon Manufacturing employee “The flexibility it gives me with work and family. Eric doesn’t care what shift I work as long as I hit my 40+ hours a week. I have young kids, so my family schedule is crazy. ... It’s nice to work for a company that doesn’t want me to miss my kids growing up!” Tendon Manufacturing employee “I am able to make choices in my classroom. I have the luxury of high-end technology to enhance my teaching.” St. Albert the Great School employee “I feel like part of a family. I know that I am appreciated and feel respected by my boss and coworkers.” St. Albert the Great School employee “I have creative flexibility and strong guidance to help my students grow to their fullest potential.” St. Albert the Great At Assumption Academy “The children are so unique, and no day is ever the same! I know I can count on my coworkers for help and support whenever I may need it.” St. Albert the Great At Assumption Academy “I am able to utilize and build upon my skill set while working with a team with a diverse background that are all focused on the same mission.” MAGNET employee “I get to do innovative work with amazing people — and that work helps grow prosperity in our region!” M AGNET employee “Everyone that is part of the Search Discovery team is incredibly smart and I find myself learning something new from people at EVERY level at SDI.” Search Discovery employee “I get to experience many different projects and clients, and the people I get to work with every day are so knowledgeable, inspiring, and willing to help me grow as well.” Search Discovery employee “I have the flexibility to work from home, using a schedule that fits my personal needs, and I am empowered to use all of my talent and intellect to serve my clients and my organization.” Fully Accountable employee “I have felt supported and encouraged from day one. Your opinion matters at Fully. Career goals are supported. And work/ family life is recognized and appreciated.” Fully Accountable employee “I am a part of a killer team that is changing an industry. Everyone has each other’s back and we are all working towards the goal of bettering the lives of those in the life insurance space.” Proformex employee “Everyone is committed to pushing the business forward and works hard to make that happen. Flexibility to chase down new problems and solve things in a new space is exciting.” Proformex employee “I feel valued and supported. I love that relationship that I have with my manager and team. And I know that our President values us and is there if we need to talk.” Integrity Staffing Services employee “I get to help people who need a second chance, every day is different, and I feel like I learn something new every day.” Integrity Staffing Services employee “My co-workers are helpful, considerate, and help me be a better teacher. The families are fantastic! The principal is straightforward in her responses and keeps everyone’s (teachers and families) best interests in mind when making decisions.” St. Mark School employee “I get to work with really good people who genuinely care about children and their faith-based educations.” St. Mark School employee “I am treated like a human, respected, cared for and appreciated. The encouragement of remembering to take care of our mental and physical self is always stressed. My day-to-day work varies and keeps me happy and busy. The people I work with are all wonderful. My ideas are always welcome and valued.” WTWH Media, LLC employee

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WORK ENVIRONMENT

Top workplaces gain positive lessons from tough pandemic year Cliff Pinckard cpinckard@cleveland.com

Andi Green, vice president and director of human resources for Richfield-based IRG Realty Advisors, said the commercial realty company was initially skeptical about adapting to the changes brought on by the pandemic. Green said employees responded well at IRG, which ranked at No. 22 among midsize companies. “We learned that while a remote work model isn’t perfect, it can and does work,” Green said. “Fortunately, we have always invested in technology and used Zoom to meet long before the pandemic. We found creative ways to ensure our stated values continued to manifest in actions consistent with our mission, realizing that our culture is anchored in our core values, not our hallways.” A challenge for Solon-based Gardiner Service Co., which offers services to commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities, was ensuring employees were safe while still working in the field, said Lisa DeBoe, human resource leader. She said having a clear vision for the company,

which ranked No. 20 for midsize companies, helped it get through the pandemic. “More than anything, we learned the real value of communication, continuity and consistency,” DeBoe said. “Our focus on those three areas with our associates and our clients helped weather the pandemic better than many in our industry. That gives us a good roadmap for any challenging time we face in the future.” The beg inning of t he pa ndemic was unnerving for Hurst Design-Build Remodel in Westlake, which ranked No. 34 among small businesses. Company owners Dan and Pat Hurst said the phone stopped ringing for a week or two, but as people began working from home, their business took off. The Hursts said they have found “countless” ways to make the company more efficient. “As a company we have really relied on each other to not only survive this past year, but to thrive,” the owners said. “We really believe there is nothing we can’t achieve if we continue to work together.”

Workers with Westlake-based Q-Lab Corp. are pictured volunteering at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Q-Lab Corp.

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Fifth Third Bank voted Top Workplace in Northeast Ohio. Behind every great vision, there's a great workplace filled with talented people.

Employees with home health care services company Home Instead Cleveland. General manager Margie Orth said the company’s workers went “above and beyond” at the pandemic’s outset. Home Instead Cleveland

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Adversity can bring out the best and worst in people. There has been plenty of adversity during the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down many offices and forced companies to figure out how to keep business going in an environment that quickly brought broad changes. But the top employers in Northeast Ohio were able to meet that challenge — and take away some positives. “Our entire global team showed incredible flexibility and positivity as we navigated the ever-changing situation,” said Emily Straffen, global marketing communications manager for Q-Lab Corp. The Westlake-based firm provides material durability testing products and finished 29th among midsize companies. “They quickly adapted to new protocols, social distancing, adjusted manufacturing schedules, and working from home,” Straffen said. “To see our team come together and support each other both personally and professionally during these tough times was certainly a bright spot in an otherwise extremely difficult time.” Praise of employees’ ability to adapt during the pandemic was a common theme. Home health care services company Home Instead Cleveland had to respond with greater attention to social distancing and sanitization measures, general manager Margie Orth said. She said the changing variables during the early stages of the pandemic meant the company had to make decisions quickly to ensure employees’ safety. She said the company’s workers went “above and beyond.” “Home Instead Cleveland East prides itself on having a supportive company culture, but seeing our team come together to assist each other during this especially great time of need made us realize how we could become an even stronger family and just how much each member of our team cares for our clients,” Orth said. “And most importantly, we were able to see firsthand how simply giving of oneself in a time of need is always its own reward.”

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Owebest. FdoO best. Different Different is what is what weFdo Different Different is what is what we dowebest. do best.

Thank you to our staff for making us a Top Workplace!

Thank you to all Fifth Third Bank employees for making our company a Top Workplace. Your commitment makes this award possible and makes banking a Fifth Third better®.

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NO. 1 SMALL BUSINESS COMPANY

Tendon Manufacturing offered stability during pandemic Alexis Oatman aoatman@cleveland.com

While COVID was ravaging the world, Tendon Manufacturing offered its employees stability. The Warrensville Heights metal fabricator wanted to make sure its employees knew that Tendon wasn’t going anywhere and their jobs were safe, offering time off, unlimited overtime, and face masks and hand sanitizer for families. “If they needed time off, take it,” said Michael Gordon Jr., Tendon’s sales manager. “If they weren’t comfortable working on a heavily populated shift, we moved people to other shifts. We wanted Tendon to be the last thing our employees were worried about.” Tendon ranked as the No. 1 workplace among small companies in Greater Cleveland for 2021, the fifth consecutive year it has made the list and the second consecutive year it has taken top honors. “It is very rewarding to see that our employees enjoy working at Tendon as much as they do,” Gordon said. “We take a lot of pride in making sure Tendon isn’t like every other company out there. To see that our employees feel the same way makes all of our efforts worth it.” The business was co-founded in 1988 by Michael Gordon Sr., the company president, and CEO and Gary Tench, vice president and COO. The name Tendon is derived from their last names. The manufacturing company specializes in sheet metal manufacturing and coatings, laser cutting parts, welding, machining, and assembling to prototype designing and 3D printing. The company hired employees last spring to keep up with customer demands during the pandemic, including for ultraviolet air purifiers for office buildings and restaurants and UV disinfectant machines for hospitals, police stations, and emergency vehicles.

Tendon Manufacturing has made the Top Workplaces list for five straight years and has taken top honors the past two.

Tendon Manufacturing is the No. 1 finisher in The Plain Dealer 2021 Top Workplaces-Small company category. Photos by David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

Gordon said what makes Tendon different from other companies is that it allows each employee to be responsible for their careers. “We’re not in the business of fitting a square peg into a round hole,” Gordon Jr. said. “If an employee doesn’t like working in one department, we have ten other departments for them to try.” He noted each employee has a skills matrix that allows them to see where they can make more money in different departments by learning new skills and said this

allows them to avoid set “work schedules” like normal companies. “Things come up in life. Kids get sick. Cars break down, etc. As long as each employee gets his or her 40 hours in, we don’t care when they show up,” Gordon Jr. said. Gordon Jr. said his definition of a “Top Workplace” is a company or business that puts work in the backseat while employees are in the driver’s seat. “When you take care of your employees, they take care of your customers,” he said.

Tendon Manufacturing specializes in sheet metal manufacturing and coatings, laser cutting parts, welding, machining, and assembling to prototype designing and 3D printing.

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To our Precision Orthopaedics team, congratulations and thank you for making us one of Northeast Ohio’s best places to work!

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‘Family’ atmosphere catapults Saint Albert into second place Brenda Cain bcain@cleveland.com

Rather than talking about a school community, most folks associated with Saint Albert the Great Roman Catholic School will use the term “family” when describing the daily life at the pre-K-8 parochial school. “It’s not just that many of the families and teachers are members of the parish, it is more the atmosphere of concern and having one another’s back,” said Gina Farinelli, who has served at Saint Albert’s for the past 22 years as everything from an administrative assistant to now registrar. “It’s my second home. There is just a unique bond among the co-workers here, and in my position, I have a wide view of the love and care all of our students receive on a daily basis, as well as the love and care the employees give to one another.” Happy employees equate to happy students, and ultimately happy parents — and it is that contented atmosphere that catapulted the private school into second place in the small business category of cleveland.com and the Plain Dealer’s 2021 Top Workplaces survey. This is the seventh consecutive year Saint Albert ranked as a Top Workplace; last year it ranked 13th. In December 2018, Assumption Academy, located three miles away, was in danger of closing due to low enrollment. Because Saint Albert the Great was thriving — with a waiting list — Saint Albert the Great Principal Ed Vittardi was asked to oversee Assumption Academy. He put into place the same operational model as Saint Albert, hired a new principal and has worked side by side to mirror the two schools. Assumption’s school name was officially changed to Saint Albert the Great at Assumption Academy. As a result of the partnership, Saint Albert the Great at Assumption Academy finished third in the 2021 Top Workplaces. Founded in 1961, Saint Albert the Great Roman Catholic School currently educates 900 students in preschool through eighth grade. It employs 83 teachers and staff. Farinelli, and other co-workers we spoke with, attribute much of the family atmosphere to Vittardi, who was drawn out of retirement eight years ago to shepherd the staff and students. Vittardi, who had retired as superintendent of North

Royalton schools, said he didn’t think twice about returning to work. “I was still young, and Saint Albert’s is my parish,” Vittardi explained. “Now I tell everyone that the Lord saved my best job for my last job. I have loved every job I have ever had, but this is the best, by far.” Vittardi’s late father, who was a building commissioner, taught him that a good boss doesn’t treat all of his employees the same, but gives each one what she or he needs to succeed. That is a lesson that stuck with him. And because of it, Vittardi is seldom found behind his desk. He often pops into a classroom or draws teachers into one-on-one conversations in hallways to find out how things are going, or what they need to make their job easier. “Ed makes the teachers and staff feel valued and included. It is his dedication and his ‘lead by example’ attitude that does not go unnoticed by everyone here. He always makes time to talk with anyone who wants or needs his attention,” said Farinelli. “It is his compassion that motivates each of the staff here.” Vittardi sees the staff — and the students — as an extension of his own family, even going so far as to include the students in his personal campaign to convince his wife, Jackie, to get a puppy. As a result, the dog often accompanies Vittardi on his rounds to visit classrooms. It was the family feel that attracted sixth-grade language arts teacher Melanie Miller to Saint Albert’s two years ago. She had taught 12 years in other schools, both public and private, prior to Saint Albert’s. “‘Family’ is the reputation this school has —not just in the diocese, but all around Greater Cleveland,” she said, “and that ‘family’ rang true from the first time we walked into the building. It is a beautiful thing.” Miller said the support and the “sense that you are valued by the administration” is “extremely vital” to daily atmosphere at the school. “This is — truly — a family, not just a team. We have daily discussions and we are always checking in on one another, supporting one another. It makes you want to do a great job,” she said. For Kelly Beskid, an alumna and fourthgrade teacher in her 22nd year at Saint Albert’s, the school truly is a family affair.

Saint Albert the Great Roman Catholic School is the No. 2 finisher in The Plain Dealer 2021 Top Workplaces-Small category. Photos by David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

Beskid’s husband serves as the athletic director for the school and their two children are Saint A alumni. “I knew I got a great education, but when I did my student teaching here, I got a wholly new perspective on the culture,” she explained. “I have never felt the need to look for another job because everything about Saint Albert’s aligns with my personal attitude about teaching: the day doesn’t end at 3:30 p.m. if one of your students needs you, and we do all we can to make certain each student has what they need to succeed — not just here, but in life. “The students know we care. The parents know we care. But more importantly, everyone who works here knows that we care about one another and will always have one another’s back. How can you not be grateful each morning when you get up and know that you have that kind of support? Why would you want to work anywhere else,” Beskid asked.

Saint Albert the Great has been named a Top Workplace for seven straight years.

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Saint Albert the Great at Assumption Academy comes in at No. 3 Yadi Rodriguez yrodriguez@cleveland.com

Name: Saint Albert the Great at Assumption Academy Principal: Rick Kaliszewski Address of local operation: 9183 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights What the company does: “Saint Albert the Great at Assumption Academy is a private, Catholic elementary school located in Broadview Heights. The school educates students from preschool to eighth grade and provides a solid academic education in a close-knit, faith-centered environment. Our students consistently score well above the national average on standardized tests, participate in daily religious instruction, weekly mass, and monthly service projects throughout the year. We maintain limits to class size. The smaller size of our school allows our teachers and staff to know each child personally. Consistent with the school’s mission statement, emphasis is placed on the whole child and we strive to develop each student’s potential and prepare them to be successful future leaders.” Years in business: Founded in 1957

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Why they won: Saint Albert the Great at Assumption Academy continued as an in-person education facility throughout this past year, with fewer than 1% of students opting to learn remotely. The school credits that to the dedication and hard

Saint Albert the Great at Assumption Academy is the third-place finisher in The Plain Dealer 2021 Top Workplaces-Small category. Photos by David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

“What makes our school a Top Workplace is the people. We are a school that is filled with people that love to educate children, and work as a team to do so,” says Principal Rick Kaliszewski.

work of their staff and teachers who have maintained a safe environment for all students. Though they aren’t blood related, the staff at Saint Albert’s are family who share the same mindset. There is a great blend of experienced teachers at this academy. “What makes our school a Top Workplace is the people. We are a school that is filled with people that love to educate children, and work as a team to do so. Our partner school Saint Albert the Great also is an integral part of our team since we share in

not until I came to Saint Albert the Great at Assumption Academy that I felt true genuineness and support from leadership and my colleagues. Many of the places I have worked for previously were very cliquey. I have never experienced that here. Everyone supports one another and leadership treats everyone with respect. He has no favorites, as I have experienced with other leaders. He’s there to do a job and that is to ensure that he and all of us are servicing our children, one another, the community, and parish.”

the same love of Catholic education. Try to imagine the feeling you get when you gather with family for the holidays; the happiness and warmth that washes over you. That is the feeling and atmosphere on our campus when we see our students succeed. This is enough to keep us happily sailing forward, no matter how rough the waters (even during a global pandemic),” said Principal Rick Kaliszewski. Said one employee: “I am where and doing what I love. I worked in several fields and for small and large companies. It was

TO OUR EMPLOYEES! You’ve made us an award-winning employer for 6 years and counting!

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