Most Admired Companies 2020
WaFd Bank Arizona
WaFd BANK ARIZONA
Most Admired Company: 2017-2020 Top Arizona executive: Mike Brown, regional president What it does: Bank that focuses on lending, real estate financing and business banking. Admirable trait: WaFd is working to improve financial literacy and has partnered with education technology company Everfi to develop and distribute a financial education curriculum. The BankFinancial Scholars program uses cutting-edge media to teach high school students about 401(k) plans, credit scores, stocks and other important concepts. The program is in six Arizona schools and has graduated over 1,500 local students. WaFd also leads financial education in elementary and middle schools with a platform that encourages saving.
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AB | September - October 2020
WAYMO
WAYMO
Most Admired Company: 2020 Top Arizona executive: John Krafcik, CEO What it does: Self-driving technology company. Admirable trait: Working to advance the capabilities of self-driving cars, Waymo is in uncharted territory. In Arizona in 2018, Waymo launched the world’s first commercial self-driving service, called Waymo One. Waymo One allows users to call a self-driving car to take them wherever they need to go in the East Valley. The vehicles have trained operators in them to serve as backup if necessary. Now, users can opt to hail a self-driving vehicle with no human operator. Waymo is also working to develop long-haul trucking and delivery systems.
WILLMENG CONSTRUCTION
WILLMENG CONSTRUCTION
Most Admired Company: 2018, 2020 Top Arizona executive: James Murphy, CEO What it does: Commercial general contractor specializing in ground-up and tenant improvement projects. Admirable trait: Providing an excellent workplace culture is one of Willmeng’s priorities. The firm’s leadership team values being good stewards to employees and their families. This is exemplified in its annual, all-expenses-paid, companywide retreat in northern Arizona. Staff is invited to bring their families for a few days of fun activities, from horseback riding to fishing to employee recognition. Beyond that, some employees participate in company sports teams or get together to volunteer.