NORTHCOAST 99 · 2023
LEGACY AWARD
| 10 -TI M E W I N N E R S
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
Equity Trust EQUITY TRUST APPRECIATES — AND FOLLOWS — EMPLOYEE SUGGESTIONS. WHEN INFLATION WAS HITTING ITS HARDEST, Equity Trust management found a way to help their employees weather the storm: The firm adjusted its hybrid work policy, which helped reduce commuting expenses. “One of our core values is to keep an opendoor policy with our employees,” says Beth Jerdonek, the company’s chief legal officer and chief administrative officer. “We make sure we meet with them to really discuss their needs — and, more importantly, follow through and deliver on what they’re asking for.” Recently, Equity Trust enhanced benefit offerings to provide fully paid maternity leave and parental leave, which includes adoption. Other appreciated advantages include incentive plans, which give the majority of employees the chance to triple the bonus opportunities they would have typically received, which is paid out monthly rather than annually; tickets to Lake Erie Crushers games; summer patio parties and ice cream socials. In addition to a coveted Employee of the Month parking spot, the firm’s leadership team releases public shout-outs to the organization that celebrate successes. Employee suggestions have also led to a variety of opportunities designed to help them give back to causes they believe
“ It’s fine to conduct an employee survey. But you also have to listen to your employees — and talk to them.” BETH JERDONEK
CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
in, including the company-sponsored American Heart Association’s Greater Cleveland Heart Walk. Employees also spent several days helping Cleveland Public School and Junior Achievement students explore financial literacy and college goals, hosted a Boys and Girls Club holiday party complete with gifts and participated in the Pride in the CLE parade. “Although we like to have fun, we also make it a point to give our employees the opportunity to develop their skills and grow within the organization,” Jerdonek says. “We partner with local universities
LOCATION: Westlake EMPLOYEES: 369 in Westlake; 91 others nationwide WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: The financial services firm serves as a self-directed IRA custodian. Founded 50 years ago, it assists clients who want to use retirement funds to invest in alternative assets, including real estate, private equity, precious metals and cryptocurrencies.
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N O RT H COA S T 9 9 .O RG / YO U R E RC .CO M
KEN BLAZE
WHY IT’S A GREAT PLACE TO WORK: The company prides itself on listening to the needs of employees and delivering on those needs.
and ERC to provide leadership skills training and job-specific training for those who might need development or who’ve been identified within our organization as top talent. “We have formal and informal mentoring programs, and we definitely favor promoting from within, and encourage upward and lateral movement,” she adds. Like many organizations, Equity Trust hasn’t been immune to changes in the way the workforce wants to perform tasks. “We’ve always valued efficient, highlyproductive people,” Jerdonek says. “COVID has demonstrated that we need to allow flexible work arrangements based on our needs as a business. But we also enjoy collaborating in person and feel there is value to that as well.” An on-site gym, free fitness classes and massages, and mental-health programs continue to make the office a popular place to congregate. “We’re dedicated,” Jerdonek says, “to focusing on the whole employee.” — LF