TOP WORKPLACES
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TOP WORKPLACES LARGE COMPANY
Dudek believes employee autonomy is key to growth
Consulting firm’s relaxed approach to environmental and planning work has helped it earn recognition
By Jennifer Van Grove UNION-TRIBUNE
Afew blocks from the beach, consulting firm Dudek’s new 17,000-square-foot headquarters in the heart of Encinitas is low-key, California cool, a reflection of the employee-owned company’s attitude when it comes to work life.
Employees aren’t required to come into the office. But Dudek CEO Joe Monaco says that if he has done his job, they’ll want to.
“We’ve always been flexible,” Monaco said. “What we tried to do is make this place enticing, so that when people came in, they had a good experience. … The whole objective here is to create that energy where people just want to be here.”
There is an open-concept layout with unreserved desks, plus small nooks and rooms for private calls or meetings. The design is in stark contrast to two of the company’s previous leased spaces where individual offices were the norm.
The most inviting space, by design, is the office’s roomy kitchen area, which features free coffee and snacks, as well as sliding doors that open to an outdoor patio.
The area doubles as an occasional happy hour spot, further incentivizing the firm’s engineers, planners and scientists to socialize with one another. There’s also surfboard storage for those who prefer to spend their lunch breaks in the Pacific Ocean.
The relaxed approach to buttoned-up environmental and planning work has, in part, helped earned Dudek recognition as one of San Diego’s Top Workplaces in the large company category.
Founded in Encinitas in 1980, Dudek started out as a small engineering consulting practice. Today, the firm employs roughly 800 people in offices around the world. Dudek specializes in working with developers to secure land-use entitlements, and preparing state- or federal-mandated environmental
impact reports on behalf of government agencies.
In San Diego County, the company has 264 workers, most of whom are based out of the Encinitas office. Dudek has also has an office at Liberty Station.
Dudek performs the kind of consequential work that makes possible massive projects like the Carlsbad Desalination Plant or the Mid-Coast extension of the Blue Line trolley.
Currently, Dudek is working on a number of environmental impact reports of local significance, including an analysis of the city of San Diego’s Ocean Beach Pier replacement project.
“Our motto is, find good people and give them the right tools, and they’ll do the right thing,” Monaco said.
The maxim was reflected in statements by many Dudek employees, who participated in an anonymous survey.
“I love the people I work with.
Dudek hires the right people who are motivated for the right reasons,” one person said. “We do not hire individuals with egos or (who) cannot work in a team environment.”
Others agreed and said that Dudek’s focus on hiring good
people, when combined with the flexible office policy, creates a culture of happiness.
“I have never experienced micromanaging at Dudek because we trust one another to get the job done. I also feel like I get treated as an equal here. Even though I know
I have supervisors, they never treat anyone like they are above them,” an employee said. “The flexibility to work from home has helped me create a perfect work-life balance (being able to cook at home and exercise before work). The work culture creates happy co-workers and everyone I work with has always been so nice to me.”
Although Dudek has grown substantially over the decades, Monaco earlier this year reorganized the firm around geography — as opposed to disciplines — to allow for additional expansion, particularly in markets outside of California.
That means each office will focus on projects from surrounding areas, with local staff working together across their various specialties.
“What we were finding was, as we were growing, we did very well in the California market, but we were a victim of our own success. We had clients that brought us outside of California, and it was just difficult to staff projects from California,” Monaco said.
The growth comes as the company seeks to simultaneously empower workers to participate in its success.
In 2021, Dudek transitioned from partial to 100% employee ownership. The structure involves an employee stock ownership plan. Each year, Dudek contributes a portion of its profits to a separate retirement account for all eligible employees, with contributions based on hours worked, years of service and pay.
The contributions vest incrementally over five years.
The end goal of the employee stock ownership plan is to promote two of the company’s most important values: trust and autonomy. The structure also insulates Dudek from potential takeover bids from private equity firms.
“We can sustain this business model in perpetuity,” Monaco said. “So the employee stock ownership plan gives us a vehicle that we can regenerate ownership internally and not have to rely on selling out.”
Dudek employees gather in a kitchen area at their new offices in October.
Joe Monaco is the president and chief executive officer at Dudek in Encinitas. K.C. ALFRED / U-T PHOTOS
TOP WORKPLACES TOP-RANKED COMPANIES
LARGE COMPANIES
500+ employees in the region
1. American Systems
Founded: 1975
Sector: managed services and outsourcing
Description: American Systems is a privately held, employee-owned, professional, technical and IT services provider.
Local employees: 55
2. Mission Federal Credit Union
Founded: 1961
Sector: credit union
Description: Mission is a memberowned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution exclusively serving San Diego County.
Local employees: 600
3. Housecall Pro
Founded: 2013
Sector: mass market apps/software
Description: Helps home service professionals with scheduling, dispatching and payments.
Housecall services more than 25,000 HVAC, plumbing, electrical, cleaning and other field service businesses.
Local employees: 186
4. Lundbeck
Founded: 1915
Sector: pharmaceuticals
Description: Lundbeck is a global biopharmaceutical company focusing exclusively on brain health.
Local employees: 81
5. Noblis
Founded: 1996
Sector: research
Description: Works with government customers in the defense, homeland security, intelligence, law enforcement and federal civil sectors in areas like national security, critical infrastructure, health and space.
Local employees: 120
6. Marsh McLennan Agency
Founded: 2008
Sector: insurance consultants and brokers
Description: Provides business insurance, employee health and benefits, retirement, private client insurance solutions to organizations and individuals.
Local employees: 558
7. Montage International
Founded: 2002
Sector: resort
Description: Montage International encompasses the ultra-luxury brand Montage Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hospitality brand Pendry Hotels & Resorts, Montage Residences, Pendry Residences and the management of some of the country’s premier golf courses and clubs.
Local employees: 449
8. Main Electric Supply
Founded: 1946
Sector: wholesale distribution
Description: Main Electric is an electrical materials distributor that has been in operation for more than 75 years.
Local employees: 61
9. Charles Schwab Founded: 1973
Sector: investment management
Description: Provides brokerage, banking, and financial advisory services through its operating subsidiaries.
Local employees: 823
10. Jack Henry
Founded: 1976
Sector: vertical industry software products and services
Description: Strengthens the connections between people and their financial institutions through technology and services that reduce barriers to financial health.
Local employees: 297
11. Duane Morris
Founded: 1904
Sector: law
Description: The firm has more than 800 attorneys across 29 domestic and international offices and represents clients across an array of industries that include startups and Fortune 500 companies.
Local employees: 67
12. Aya Healthcare Founded: 2001
Sector: staffing
Description: Aya Healthcare is a health care staffing and talent software company.
Local employees: 1,158
13. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Founded: 1989
Sector: pharmaceuticals
Description: Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases.
Local employees: 275
14. Booz Allen Hamilton
Founded: 1914
Sector: consulting
Description: It builds technology solutions using AI, cyber and other cutting-edge technologies to advance and protect the nation and its citizens.
Local employees: 1,425
15. Loews Hotels & Co.
Founded: 1960
Sector: hotels
Description: Loews Hotels & Co. owns and/or operates hotels and resorts across the U.S.
Local employees: 325
16. Hologic Inc.
Founded: 1985
Sector: medical devices and products
Description: It develops lifechanging medical technologies that deliver results essential to effectively detect, diagnose and treat health conditions that affect women.
Local employees: 1,185
17. Springs Charter Schools
Founded: 2000
Sector: primary and secondary schools
Description: It’s a network of tuition-free, public charter schools based in Southern California, dedicated to personalized learning and innovative educational approaches.
Local employees: 50
18. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Founded: 1996
Sector: restaurants
Description: Has more than 900 restaurants in 42 states and five countries.
Local employees: 783
19. Seabreeze Management Company Inc.
Founded: 1987
Sector: property management
Description: Manages homeowners associations throughout California and Nevada.
Local employees: 50
20. CGI
Founded: 1976
Sector: consulting
Description: The technology and professional services firm has more than 91,000 CGI partners worldwide.
Local employees: 50
21. Freeman
Founded: 1927
Sector: hospitality, entertainment,
recreation and travel
Description: Freeman makes moments that create loyalty and trust between the world’s top brands and audiences through events, exhibits and trade shows.
Local employees: 75
22. CBIZ
Founded: 1996
Sector: financial services and insurance
Description: Provides clients financial services including accounting, tax, risk advisory, government health care and real estate consulting, and valuation services.
Local employees: 50
23. Sonesta International Hotel Corp.
Founded: 1937
Sector: hotels
Description: Sonesta has 1,100 properties across 13 brands in nine countries.
Local employees: 50
24. Sycuan Casino Resort
Founded: 1983
Sector: casino
Description: Sycuan includes a 12-story luxury hotel tower with about 300 guest rooms and 57 suites, restaurants from fast-casual to fine dining, a full-service spa, a fitness center, a pool and 2,400 slot machines and 54 table games.
Local employees: 2,523
25. Wintrust Financial Corp.
Founded: 1991
Sector: investment management
Description: Operates more than 200 retail banking locations through 16 community bank subsidiaries.
Local employees: 57
26. Guild Mortgage Co.
Founded: 1960
Sector: mortgage lending
Description: Guild is an independent mortgage lender, specializing in residential home loans.
Local employees: 570
27. American Specialty Health Inc.
Founded: 1987
Sector: vendor serving health care industry
Description: Administers benefit programs for more than 59 million Americans and provides access to consumer self-pay fitness programs.
Local employees: 436
28. EisnerAmper
Founded: 1965
Sector: certified public accountants and consultants
Description: The accounting firm has 4,500 employees and more than 450 partners across the country.
Local employees: 90
29. Dudek
Founded: 1980
Sector: consulting
Description: It helps clients deliver energy, transportation, water and land-use projects that improve and protect the nation’s built and natural environments.
Local employees: 264
30. Panda Restaurant Group
Founded: 1973
Sector: restaurants
Description: It’s the parent company of Panda Express, Panda Inn and Hibachi-San. The familyowned business has about 2,500 locations worldwide.
Local employees: 1,465
31. Jamul Casino Resort
Founded: 2016
Sector: casino
Description: It offers about 1,700 slot machines, 46 live-table games, a poker room, bars and lounges, and a 200-room luxury hotel.
Local employees: 1,447
32. Cajon Valley Union School District
Founded: 1870
Sector: primary/secondary schools
Description: Its schools offer students personalized programs and opportunities to further develop their strengths and interests into concrete goals, ideas and eventually careers.
Local employees: 2,826
33. Viejas Casino & Resort
Founded: 1991
Sector: casino
Description: Owned and operated by the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the resort offers a casino, luxurious resort accommodations, dining, shopping and entertainment.
Local employees: 1,580
34. Vitas Healthcare
Founded: 1978
Sector: hospice
Description: It offers medical care, emotional and spiritual support and goal-focused comfort care plans that honor each patient’s wishes and values.
Local employees: 175
TOP WORKPLACES MID-SIZE COMPANY
Brain Corp uses perks to create company culture, collaboration
Planned social activities help employees get to know each other, which helps foster better workplace relations
By Hang Nguyen
Collaboration. Transparency. Support.
Those are some key elements of the company culture Brain Corp works hard to foster for its 200 workers in San Diego County and even extends to its interns.
Brain, founded in 2009, is an artificial intelligence software company in San Diego that powers mobile robots to perform labor-intensive tasks such as cleaning floors and tracking inventory at places like grocery stores, malls, airports, health care facilities and warehouses.
It is named as a top workplace in the medium-size company category this year.
Like many other tech companies, Brain offers an on-site gym, pool, tennis and basketball courts, taco and ice cream trucks, and video games in the game room.
Also, Brain organizes pingpong and pool tournaments, hiking groups and bowling nights.
But when it comes to attracting and retaining tech workers, CEO David Pinn said: “It’s not about the perks. It’s about how the perks unlock the culture. That really matters and that really makes Brain Corp a very special place to work and to stay to build a career.”
The following is an excerpt from a chat with Pinn, who joined Brain Corp in 2017 and was chief strategy officer and chief financial officer before becoming CEO in 2022.
He goes into detail about why the company offers perks, work-life balance, the importance of a supportive manager and transparency. The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Q: Why offer these perks and social events?
A: We’re in robotics. It’s a multidisciplinary field. There’s a lot of different kinds of engineers who have to work together in order to realize a product. Extend that beyond engineering. You need product managers, salespeople, marketing people, and accounting people.
Everyone needs to work together as one in order to change the world. A lot of that takes place not (only) in a meeting but at the lunchroom table or at a Padres game or at the pickleball court or at the game room. That’s why we focus very heavily on these collaborative experiences for our people. Collaboration is foundational to our success as a business. In order for collaboration to take place in a meeting, people have to have a level of trust amongst each other. So you want to bring down barriers. You want people to get to know each other on a personal level in order to maximize the collaboration in their work setting. One of the ways we do that is through all these social activities.
Q: How does the company approach work-life balance?
A: We offer unlimited vacation for our salary employees. That’s fairly common in our industry. We go a step further. We actively encourage our managers to make sure that they’re paying attention to their team members. What kind of vacation are they taking? Are they taking enough vacation? Are they coming back refreshed and ready to take on the next challenge?
It’s a balance, of course. As in many businesses, there’s
going to be peak times where we expect all hands on deck. But in order for us to be effective in those times, we need people to have the opportunity to rest and recharge. It’s about fostering the right culture around vacation.
Q: What portion of your workers come into the office vs. work from home?
A: The vast majority of employees work at least three days a week in the office. The other two days they can work from wherever they are most productive. Maybe 40% choose to come in every day. We offer a free lunch. But people can make a sandwich at home. It’s that opportunity to connect with your team, connect with people at Brain Corp in the cafeteria for lunch. Even though we don’t demand that people come in on Mondays and Fridays, they do because we have a really collaborative environment.
Q: Tech workers often value growth opportunities to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving field. How do you address that?
A: It’s very important to give everyone in the company growth opportunities for their careers. That’s one of the key differentiators for us on the recruiting side, but
also on the retention side. To make sure people have the opportunity to work on a variety of things. To be able to change teams, for example, and work on something different.
To make sure we have promotion opportunities for people who are showing promise to get to the next
level. To make sure we’ve got training in place to allow people to learn new skills. A lot of programs that we have in place make sure that we’re fostering teaching and learning within the company. It’s fairly formalized. We have in our company something called a quarterly check-in. It’s a conversation between a manager and an employee, one on one. We ask the manager to ask the employee four questions and one of the four questions is “What areas for development do you and your manager commit to focus on in the next quarter?”
Q: What else is an important part of your company culture?
A: All employees are given stock options. We’re going to treat you like an owner. We’re going to tell you what’s going on in the business that normally only owners would talk about amongst themselves. So every employee is an employee-owner, and every month we have an employee-owners meeting, not an all-hands meeting, in which we discuss matters of importance to the owners. So this relates to the collaboration in the company. This relates to the transparency in the company.
But it also goes in the other direction. We value transparency in the other direction. We expect employees to tell us what’s going right, what’s going wrong from their perspective, really to give their feedback in a very honest and candid way. People in our company know their opinion is valued. So that’s the transparency, communication, and collaboration in both directions that we’re extremely proud of. Nguyen is a freelance writer.
Brain Corp CEO David Pinn in the Sorrento Valley office. ADRIANA DREHSLER / FOR THE U-T
The BrainOS device, right, in a mock grocery store helps manage inventory, tours store aisles and keeps floors clean.
TOP WORKPLACES SMALL COMPANY
Health insurance agency makes its workers part of the mission
Company lets employees bring pets to work, sip kombucha and hang out at Padres games and FC matches
By Roxana Popescu UNION-TRIBUNE
It’s not surprising that National Senior Benefit Advisors, an insurance company, earned the No. 1 ranking in this year’s San Diego Top Workplaces among small businesses.
Treating employees well is baked into its mission statement.
“Improve the lives of our customers, enrich the lives of our team members,” said Mitch Swersky, the company’s co-founder.
“I think very few organizations out there really explain to their new hires or to their team, why do you even exist?” he added.
The answer: sell insurance. But, Swersky continued, “What is the real reason we exist? We’re improving our customers’ lives by finding them plans and different options that are better for them, and by doing so, we’re enriching our team members’ lives.”
That first why — improve the lives of customers — took root around 2010, when Swersky and the company’s co-founder, Shaun Hunsaker, were friends and co-workers at another insurance agency. After the Affordable Care Act became policy, they branched out in 2013 and started their own agency.
“We wanted to take (our) expertise in insurance, and help people, and start something on our own,” Hunsaker said. Eventually they focused on seniors, working with clients to establish Medicare coverage or find better coverage based on their health needs. “Helping seniors was something that we’re both really passionate about.”
NSBA is growing fast. It has licenses to sell insurance in close to 40 states. In 2018 it employed seven agents.
Now it has 81 full-time employees, and about 65 of those are sales agents. “We really hope to double that by next year,” Hunsaker said. Policy volume is up 80% year over year, Swersky added.
The second why — enrich the lives of team members — means a
few things, both said. Yes, a job is a paycheck, but they also want to give people a reason to want to come in to work, beyond compensation. They host quarterly outings that include Padres season open-
ers and a San Diego FC match. They provide kombucha and cold brew on tap. People can bring their dogs to work.
One sign they’re doing things right — beyond this ranking — is
that their employees have a longer than average tenure for their industry. Salespeople stay an average of more than two years.
Others have celebrated fourand five-year milestones, Hunsaker said. (The industry average tenure for a call center agent is 13 to 15 months, according to Insignia Resources, a staffing company.)
Both know what it’s like to work as sales agents and use that to guide them.
These are some other things National Senior Benefit Advisors does to make it an award-worthy San Diego workplace:
Hire people, not merely workers:
When they evaluate candidates and employees, they look not just at performance, but also whether someone shares the organization’s core values. These include practicing integrity, having a good work ethic, having a good attitude and being committed to customers. This is important, Swersky said,
because it can help people find new roles within the company and keep developing their careers if they’re well aligned on values.
Support workers as whole people: In an anonymous Top Workplaces survey, employees said they appreciate that the company has helped them through tough times, including health concerns. It is not just kind to do this. It fosters loyalty and trust, the co-founders said.
Welcome career changers: “There’s a significant upfront investment, and we have the most success with folks who come in and don’t actually have experience with Medicare or insurance, and come from different backgrounds,” Hunsaker said. “Through our training process and support, we teach them the NSBA way, as we call it, and get them really well versed in helping seniors enroll and plan.” Training keeps coming, as workers are kept up to speed about rapidly changing regulations.
Be transparent about performance: The company tells workers useful metrics about their performance, so they understand where they are relative to their goals.
Seriously care about feedback: At a weekly Friday meeting, everyone gathers together and talks. “The feedback we get from our agents really affects the decisions we make as leaders,” Hunsaker said. One example is compensation. The leaders might ask: “Here’s what we’re thinking in terms of compensation for X. What do you think? And then we take their feedback and make adjustments potentially to their livelihood, which I think is very, very unique.”
Swersky added that building a company where workers feel appreciated is a reward in itself.
“I think Shaun and I feel really blessed many times to look at what we have, and say it’s really, really cool that we’ve created a company where people can thrive, and are having the ability to live their best life,” he said.
Mitch Swersky and Shaun Hunsaker co-founded National Senior Benefit Advisors.
Sales representative Keoni Steiner works at National Senior Benefit Advisors in San Diego. K.C. ALFRED / U-T PHOTOS
EVERT SCHIMMELPENNINK
Lenz Therapeutics CEO gives people autonomy, responsibility
Biopharmaceutical’s leader believes that employees should not be boxed in, they should be helped to grow
By Rob Nikolewski UNION-TRIBUNE
Evert “Eef” Schimmelpennink is a busy guy. He’s the president and CEO of Lenz Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company in Solana Beach that recently rolled out a new product to treat the millions of people who have presbyopia.
A normal part of aging and common in people after the age of 40, presbyopia is when your eyes gradually lose the ability to see things clearly up close. Patients typically find they need to hold reading materials farther away to see them clearly.
The product, called Vizz, is the first and only FDA-approved aceclidine-based eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia in adults.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Schimmelpennink has held leadership positions at multiple companies in countries that include the United States, Iceland, Australia and the United Kingdom.
The married 53-year-old father of three is recognized for leadership in this year’s Top Workplaces special awards in the midsize company category. This interview has been condensed for space and clarity.
Q: What’s your leadership philosophy?
A: Wherever you are in the company, everyone runs their own little business — your own little kingdom or queendom, so to speak, and that means that’s what you’re responsible for. So a lot of autonomy in whatever you do.
But the second thing is responsibility comes with accountability. It’s very easy to be accountable when things go well, but if it’s not going well, you also need to stand up and say how I’m going to fix it. Always think about what you want to do from a solution point of view. Don’t go spreading problems around, but start with spreading solutions around.
“It’s very easy to be accountable when things go well, but if it’s not going well, you also need to stand up and say how I’m going to fix it. Always think about what you want to do from a solution point of view.”
Q: You take a very analytical approach?
A: A super analytical approach. I’m a process engineer by background. The third piece I look for is the 80-20 rule — it takes 20% of the time to get to 80% of the information that will take another 80% of your time to get to 100%.
I believe very strongly that you can make good decisions on 80% of the time, which means that you can go quick. It’s fine if weeks or months later, when you have that last bit of info, and realize, “Ah, maybe we made the wrong choice.” That’s OK — you backtrack and coursecorrect. That time is never wasted
because you usually learn something new and you’ve figured out what’s the best way forward. But most importantly, you keep moving rather than sit on your hands and wait until everything is perfectly clear.
Q: What’s your theory on what motivates employees?
A: I think the key is you want to give people autonomy to do their best and succeed. Don’t box them in. Help them grow.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who has aspirations to be a CEO?
A: The most difficult step to make is actually going from a senior director to a VP.
That’s where most people stall out. It’s no longer, “How do I make sure that the trains are running on time?” Instead, it’s, “My trains are running on time, where am I going to go next with my trains?” And that requires a different skill set. That’s also less easy to learn.
Also, consider if this is really what you want. Think about that because it looks real nice from the outside, but it’s not always that fun. A bit of luck, hard work, know your stuff — that is sort of what it all comes down to.
Lenz Therapeutics CEO Evert Schimmelpennink at the company’s office in Solana Beach. HAYNE PALMOUR IV / FOR THE U-T
Sponsored content by TrellisWareTechnologies
TrellisWare Technologies Named aSan Diego Union-TribuneTop Workplace for 2025
TrellisWare Technologies has been namedone of The SanDiego Union-Tribune TopWorkplaces for2025 forthe 6thtime.
ForTrellisWare, this honordirectly reflectstheir commitmenttodeliveringexcellence, empowering people,and pushing boundaries.
THE CORE OF THE CULTURE: FEARLESS INNOVATION
What makesTrellisWare consistently standout in SanDiego’s technolog ycommunity?Theanswer lies in aculture designedspecifically to tackle thehardestcommunication challenges.
“Toprovide reliable communications in harsh environments, youhaveto push boundaries andinventsomething new,”explainsMetin Bayram, Presidentand CEO.This means fosteringanenvironment wheretrue innovationisprioritizedand thefear of failureiseliminated.Bayramnotes that if acompany punishesfailure, people won’ttakethe necessar y riskstodiscovergroundbreaking solutions.
TrellisWareattracts andretains the industry’s brightestminds by offering aunique intellectual challenge Insteadofbeingconstrained by existingcommercialstandards (like Wi-Fi or 5G), TrellisWareprovides itsengineers with a“whiteboard” opportunity andthe freedomto developresilientcommunication solutions from scratch. Thisapproach contrastssharply with that of larger organizations. At TrellisWare, ever y team member has theopportunity
to make agenuineand measurable impact.This supportive environment contributestoahighaverage tenure of 6.7 yearsand fuelsastrong employee referral network.
TECHNOLOGYTHAT EMPOWERS THE MISSION
The cultureofpushingboundaries beganwithafoundationalchallenge: significantlyimproving theability to receive signalsand enable communicationsinareas whereit waspreviouslyimpossible. Military andpublic safety operationscannot rely on towers or commercial-grade signals, often facinginterference from othersignals,highmobility (suchasavehicle traveling80mph) andterrain challenges(like tall buildings or mountains).
The solution is TrellisWare’s TSM® andKatana™ waveforms. BasedonTrellisWare’s patented core technolog y, Barrage™ Relay, thesewaveforms allow hundreds of radios—like an Army battalionwith over 800 devices—toautomatically form arobust, secure Mobile Ad HocNetwork (MANET). These devices talk directlytoeachother andworktogether, eliminatingthe
“
Unwavering dedication to both technological innovation andhuman capital ensures TrellisWare continues to lead theindustry ”
—Metin Bayram, President and CEO
need forinfrastructureand providing reliable voice, videoand data communications ‘WhenNothing Else Works™’.This platform approach, whichisnow standard across multiple U.S. military branches, includingthe U.S. Army,the U.S. Marine Corpsand theU.S. Special Operations, as well as numerous internationalallies,showcases thedirectlife-savingimpactof TrellisWare’stechnological excellence.
INTENTIONAL ARCHITECTURE AND VISIONARYLEADERSHIP
TrellisWare’sSan Diegolocation furtherenhances itsappealfor prospectiveemployees. The city’s unique blendoflarge-city opportunities andoutdoor lifestyle attracts people who“tend to work hard,playhard, andenjoy their lives,” notesBayram. Thislifestyle createsa happier,moreengaged workforce.
Anna Kochka, Vice President
of People andCulture,describes thecompany’s cultureasaliving architecture:“Each oneofusisan architectofour corporateculture. We must be mindful andintentional aboutmakingitauthentic.”The enduring impact of this culture is proven by former employees who–aftertesting their fit at other companies –havechosentoreturn to TrellisWare, highlightingthe deep,enduringconnections built on trustand respect. This“speaks volumesabout theworkenvironment, managers that they have,and career opportunities,”saysKochka.
ForBayram, hisgreatestdaily satisfaction is sittingwithhis team andbrainstormingthe next product or technology, pushinghis expertise outside hiscomfort zone.This “unwaveringdedicationtoboth technological innovationand human capitalensures TrellisWarecontinues to lead theindustry,”hesays.
THE TRELLISWARE TEAM GATHERS FOR AN ANNIVERSARYEVENT ON THEIR SANDIEGO CAMPUSIN2025
CAROLINA BRAVO-KARIMI
Wilson Turner Kosmo law firm values personal connections
Get to know the people you work with and what makes them tick, what excites them, says the managing partner TOP WORKPLACES LEADERSHIP
By Rob Nikolewski
UNION-TRIBUNE
Founded in 1991, Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP is the largest certified womenowned law firm in San Diego, and one of the biggest in California.
Managing partner Carolina Bravo-Karimi directs a staff of about 120, including 65 attorneys, at the firm’s downtown headquarters.
Married to a man from Italy, Bravo-Karimi is multilingual. As a child, English was her third language as her mother is from Chile and her father grew up in Iran.
An Irvine native and graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law, the 45-year-old mother of two is recognized for leadership in this year’s Top Workplaces special awards in the small company category.
She said leadership roles tend to come to her naturally. “I think my executive coach once joked, ‘Have you ever joined an organization and not become its top leader?’ And I don’t think it’s happened,” BravoKarimi said with a laugh.
The following interview has been condensed for space and clarity.
Q: Do you have a leadership philosophy that you follow?
A: I truly value connection, and connection at all levels. What I mean by connection is getting to know the people that I work with, getting to know what makes them tick, what gets them excited and what motivates them. One of the most important things we can do as leaders is open doors for opportunities.
Without that connection, you don’t know what opportunities your co-workers or your colleagues might be looking for or might be excited about.
Q: Is there somebody you modeled yourself after when you got
“I truly value connection, and connection at all levels. What I mean by connection is getting to know the people that I work with, getting to know what makes them tick, what gets them excited and what motivates them.”
— CAROLINA BRAVO-KARIMI
this managing partner’s job?
A: The Wilson and Turner in our name are two of our founding mothers of the law firm — Claudette Wilson and Vickie Turner. They were both excellent attorneys and excellent leaders, but each very different.
Claudette was the master of collaboration and building consensus. She had a gift for that and I really admired it so I tried to emulate that. Vickie was the master of conviction, making sure that our priorities are spot on. So I’ve tried to marry the consensus and the conviction that I saw from the two of them and make them my own.
Q: What kind of advice would you give to someone who may be on the cusp of becoming the leader of a company, or has that ambition?
A: Listen and observe as much as possible to determine how you want to lead. There is no one way to lead, and it has to be authentic and sincere in order for you to be effective. But you can learn so much from the people around you. Emulating doesn’t mean that you’re not sincere, but picking and choosing what’s going to work for you and what’s going to work for an organization as well, because my leadership style here at the
firm might not mirror my leadership style at home, or my leadership style on the boards that I’m on. It’s also understanding the culture of an organization and ensuring that your leadership style is effective in that culture.
Q: Anything else you want bring up?
A: I think when you get to work with like-minded, value-driven individuals, like I get to here at Wilson Turner Kosmo — we call it WTK — it’s pretty easy to lead. I work with kind, intelligent, motivated people so it’s a pleasure and it makes it a lot easier.
Carolina Bravo-Karimi is the managing partner of Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP, a women-owned law firm in San Diego. ALEJANDRO TAMAYO / U-T
Top Workplaces special awards
Top Workplaces recognizes the following companies with special awards:
Leadership Award criteria: I have confidence in the leadership team of this company.
Winners: Carolina Bravo-Karimi, Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP; Evert “Eef” Schimmelpennink, Lenz Therapeutics; Alan J. Fuerstman, Montage International
Direction Award criteria: I believe this company is going in the right direction.
Winner: Main Electric Supply Managers Award criteria: My manager helps me learn and grow. My manager cares about my concerns.
Winner: Housecall Pro
New Ideas Award criteria: New ideas are encouraged at this company.
Winner: Red Door Interactive
Doers Award criteria: At this company, we do things efficiently and well.
Winner: Raymond
Meaningfulness Award criteria: My job makes me feel like I am part of something meaningful.
Winner: Lundbeck LLC
Values Award criteria: This company operates by strong values.
Winner: American Systems
Clued-in Senior Management Award criteria: Senior managers understand what is really happening at this company.
Winner: RWM Home Loans
Communication Award criteria: I feel well-informed about important decisions at this company.
Winner: Windward Life Care
Appreciation Award criteria: I feel genuinely appreciated at this company.
Winner: Mission Federal Credit Union
Work/Life Flexibility Award criteria: I have the flexibility I need to balance my work and personal life.
Winner: RECON Environmental
Training Award criteria: I get the formal training I want for my career.
Winner: NSBA Group
Benefits Award criteria: My benefits package is good compared to others in this industry.
Winner: Dr. Bronner’s
Well-being Award criteria: This company does a great job of prioritizing employee well-being.
Winner: Community Interface Services
Newcomers to Top Workplaces rankings
There are 22 newcomers to San Diego’s Top Workplace rankings in 2025. We highlight six of these companies and some of their perks below.
FREEMAN
Company size: large
Sector: hospitality, entertainment, recreation and travel
Perk: Free breastmilk shipping to all nursing mothers. With many employees being on the road, this program allows mothers to ship their breastmilk home from wherever they are in the U.S.
VITAS HEALTHCARE
Company size: large Sector: hospice
Perks: A Good Sam Club membership provides 24/7 emergency services, including towing, lockout/key help, jump starts, gasoline/fluid delivery and tire repair. Also, the company offers a discount of 25% on RotoRooter Services with a maximum discount of $250 per service call.
AVALONBAY COMMUNITIES
Company size: large
Sector: real estate investment
Perks: Beginning in 2026, it will offer a $10,000 lifetime benefit that covers fertility (including fertility preservation), adoption and surrogacy expenses.
VISTAGE WORLDWIDE
Company size: midsize
Sector: consulting
Perks: Cold brew on tap with free snacks, and weekly complementary lunches from a rotating selection of food trucks.
HELIX ELECTRIC
Company size: midsize
Sector: electrical
Perks: Helix University, a professional development program provides advanced learning and leadership training, offering resources for career growth and internal promotions. In addition to Helix University, it offers tuition reimbursement and scholarships, encouraging continuous education and skill enhancement.
GAFCON PM CM
Company size: small
Sector: construction
Perks: The corporate office has a full gym, and site staff receive reimbursement for gym memberships. Fitness classes have also been offered, including yoga, barre and selfdefense.
TOP WORKPLACES TOP-RANKED COMPANIES
from Page 4
35. Perficient
Founded: 1997
Sector: information technology
Description: It’s a global digital consultancy with thousands of strategists and technologists in the U.S., Latin America, India and around the world.
Local employees: 50
36. NorthSar Memorial Group
Founded: 2004
Sector: funerals
Description: It has more than 85 funeral, cremation and cemetery locations serving thousands of families across the U.S.
Local employees: 68
37. Generali Global Assistance
Founded: 1991
Sector: financial services and insurance
Description: Its identity protection is a powerful combination of advanced monitoring technology and awardwinning customer service.
Local employees: 278
38. AvalonBay Communications
Founded: 1993
Sector: real estate investment
Description: AvalonBay, an equity REIT, develops, redevelops, acquires and manages distinctive apartment homes in some of the best U.S. markets.
Local employees: 51
39. San Diego Humane Society
Founded: 1880
Sector: nonprofit
Description: With campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona and San Diego, it provides animal services for 13 cities within San Diego County.
Local employees: 635
MID-SIZE COMPANIES
150 to 499 employees in the region
1. Lenz Therapeutics
Founded: 2020
Sector: pharmaceuticals
Description: Lenz is committed to delivering the first and only, aceclidine-based eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia.
Local employees: 50
2. The Raymond Group
Founded: 1936
Sector: construction
Description: Commercial union subcontractor specializing in drywall, framing and high-end custom finishes
Local employees: 54
3. RWM Home Loans
Founded: 1994
Sector: mortgage lending
Description: A family-owned mortgage bank with more than 30 years of experience.
Local employees: 68
4. Evotek Inc.
Founded: 2014
Sector: value added reseller
Description: It aligns business initiatives with emerging technologies, blending the latest security, automation and AI advancements with legacy infrastructure, both on-premises and in the cloud.
Local employees: 206
5. Community Interface Services
Founded: 1983
Sector: human and social services
Description: To assist people with developmental disabilities, Community Interface Services provides individualized, communitybased support and training in employment, housing, community living and other related services.
Local employees: 181
6. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Founded: 2004
Sector: hospitality, entertainment, recreation and travel
Description: This AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel and 2022
Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award winner features 10 acres of gardens, courtyards and adobe fireplaces.
Local employees: 275
7. Kura Oncology
Founded: 2014
Sector: biotechnology
Description: Kura is committed to realizing the promise of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer.
Local employees: 84
8. Ro Health LLC
Founded: 2013
Sector: Health care staffing
Description: Ro Health is a medical staffing and home health agency.
Local employees: 84
9. Coyne & Associates
Education Corp.
Founded: 1999
Sector: behavioral and mental health
Description: Coyne provides ABA-based intervention services to young children with autism or other developmental delays.
Local employees: 79
10. Toward Maximum Independence
Founded: 1981
Sector: human and social services
Description: The nonprofit organization is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, people who are deaf and hard of hearing and veterans with disabilities.
Local employees: 190
11. Harris & Associates
Founded: 1974
Sector: engineering
Description: Improves communities and creates better places to live through sustainable planning, design and construction solutions.
Local employees: 69
12. Fit Athletic Club
Founded: 2008
Sector: fitness
Description: It has three locations in East Village, Little Italy and Mission Beach.
Local employees: 250
13. Crest Beverage LLC
Founded: 2009
Sector: distribution, logistics and freight
Description: Reyes Holdings has four business units: Reyes Beer Division, Martin Brower, Great Lakes CocaCola Bottling and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling. Crest Beverage is a part of Reyes Beer Division.
Local employees: 398
14. Edward Jones
Founded: 1922
Sector: financial advisers
Description: The firm’s more than 20,000 financial advisers serve more than 9 million clients.
Local employees: 191
15. MD7
Founded: 2003
Sector: wireless communications
Description: MD7 combines expertise and technology to help operators develop and optimize their networks, preparing them for every innovation. Industries MD7 serves are mobile, electric vehicle charging and satellite earth stations.
Local employees: 50
16. Vistage Worldwide
Founded: 1957
Sector: consulting
Description: Vistage is a CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize business leaders.
Local employees: 212
17. Options For All
Founded: 1985
Sector: human and social services
Description: Its mission is to create opportunities for adults with disabilities to live, work and belong in their communities.
Local employees: 220
18. Symons Fire Protection Inc.
Founded: 1993
Sector: security and protection
Description: Specializes in the design, installation and repair of fire sprinkler systems for residential and commercial properties.
Local employees: 187
19. TrellisWare Technologies
Founded: 2000
Sector: wireless communication
Description: Is a global leader in advanced algorithms, waveforms and communications systems that range from small form factor radio products to fully integrated solutions.
Local employees: 230
20. Vividion Therapeutics
Founded: 2014
Sector: biotechnology
Description: The company is advancing a broad, diversified pipeline of multiple, selective small molecule therapeutics for sought-after disease-causing target proteins in oncology and immunology.
Local employees: 275
21. Dr. Bronner’s Founded: 1948
Sector: consumer goods
Description: Founded by Emanuel Bronner, who brought his family’s German-Jewish soapmaking tradition to America, it produces eco-friendly liquid and bar soaps.
Local employees: 365
22. Rock West Composites
Founded: 2006
Sector: aerospace, defense
Description: It services multiple markets including aerospace, defense, science, research, energy, marine, medical devices, sporting and consumer goods, and industrial applications.
Local employees: 244
23. Blanchard
Founded: 1979
Sector: business services
Description: It delivers leadership and management development training.
Local employees: 250
24. Brain Corp
Founded: 2009
Sector: enterprise software
Description: A global leader in artificial intelligence software, powering autonomous mobile robots that perform labor-intensive tasks such as cleaning floors and tracking inventory in places like grocery stores, malls, airports, health care facilities and warehouses.
Local employees: 200
25. Rivo Holdings LLC
Founded: 2008
Sector: conglomerate
Description: Its services include sales, marketing, customer care, customer re-engagement, compliance, analytics, underwriting, administrative support, recruiting, training, quality assurance, asset recovery, software development and contract negotiations.
Local employees: 225
26. PriceSmart Inc.
Founded: 1996
Sector: warehouse club/supercenter
Description: Serves more than 50 clubs across 12 countries and one U.S. territory.
Local employees: 448
27. Erickson-Hall Construction Co.
Founded: 1998
Sector: building construction
Description: Its services include preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, design build, design assist-build and program management for educational, fire, essential services, civic, parks, recreation, faith-based, office and health care facilities.
Local employees: 109
28. Helix Electric
Founded: 1985
Sector: electrical
Description: It’s an electrical contractor specializing in designbuild and complex electrical projects throughout the U.S.
Local employees: 215
29. Lorian Health
Founded: 2001
Sector: home health care services
Description: Lorian offers home health and hospice care.
Local employees: 126
30. Buffini & Co.
Founded: 1996 Sector: consulting
Description: It’s a real estate coaching and training company in North America.
Local employees: 211
Continued on Page 14
Why these companies offer college academic aid to workers’ children
Assistance includes financial, scholarship and application counseling TOP WORKPLACES
By Hang Nguyen
It’s not uncommon for companies to offer employees child care services. Now, more businesses are providing academic aid to their workers’ children as well.
Companies recognize these services can help alleviate employee stress and improve productivity. So more firms, including several in this year’s Top Workplaces survey, offer their workers’ children academic tutoring or college application services that include SAT and ACT prep and help writing application essays.
One popular outfit companies use is Bright Horizons. Just last year, Duane Morris, a Philadelphia law firm with nearly 70 employees in San Diego County, began offering in-person academic tutoring through Bright Horizons. Duane Morris employees’ teens also have access to SAT or ACT test prep for a $15 copay. And while the Duane Morris benefit does not currently include the college application and essay help, employees can take advantage of these Bright Horizons services at a discounted rate.
“As a global law firm, we have a collegial, collaborative and performance-based culture while at the same time building and sustaining initiatives that promote well-being at home and work,” said Edward M. Cramp, managing partner of the Duane Morris San Diego office. “And, in today’s busy times, we strive to create opportunities to enhance that culture and improve productivity by reducing parent stress. Programs like Bright Horizons, we feel, offer a competitive advantage for our firm.”
Duane Morris first began offering Bright Horizons’ online tutoring in 2022.
Bright Horizons, a 35-year-old company with $2.7 billion in sales last year, is mostly known for its child care centers. It has sought to expand beyond that. Nearly two decades ago, Bright Horizons bought College Coach to broaden its scope to serve families with college-bound teens.
Roughly three years later in 2009,
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a Boston company with 275 employees in San Diego County, began providing Bright Horizons College Coach at no cost to employees.
“This program was introduced to mitigate the financial, logistical and emotional challenges employees may encounter as they support their children’s educational journeys,” said Kathleen M. Quirk, senior director of global benefits and mobility for Vertex.
High school counselors have limited time to help because they are assigned many students. The national student to school counselor ratio for the 2023-24 school year was 376 to 1, according to the American School Counselor Association. That’s 50% more than the association’s recommended ratio of 250 to 1.
Therefore, many families pay for private counselors. The average total cost of services per student was $5,838 in 2024, up 11% from the previous year, according to a CollegePlannerPro pricing survey this year of more than 600 independent educational consultants. So it’s a nice perk for employees when their companies offer college counseling services.
At Vertex, employees can also use Bright Horizons College Coach for private consultations with admis-
Methodology: How a company earns a Top Workplaces honor
By Bob Helbig
If you want to really know what’s happening at work, ask the people on the front lines.
That’s the foundation of the Top Workplaces award. For the 13th year, employee survey company Energage has partnered with the Union-Tribune to honor the best places to work in San Diego County.
This award can’t be bought; it has to be earned, based on employee feedback. Winners are chosen through a scientific survey process. Positive employee feedback equals recognition. Workplaces that don’t have strong feedback are excluded from the winners list.
Energage crunches the data based on a 26-question survey that takes just a few minutes to complete. The survey asks employees for their feedback on such factors as pay and benefits, direction, leadership, meaningfulness, and appreciation. Energage scores companies based on the responses. Organizations do not pay any fees to survey employees or to earn a Top Workplaces designation. If they choose, organizations can purchase the survey data. There is no obligation for winners to purchase any product or service.
sions experts to develop high school academic plans, curate custom college lists and get feedback on college essays. Its consultants include former application readers from Brown University and Boston College as well as a former admissions officer from Yale University.
Vertex said Bright Horizons also offers guidance on selecting a college savings plan and financing higher education, including help with the financial aid process and scholarship applications.
Its college finance consultants include a former director of financial aid at Harvard Graduate School of Education and a former vice president of education finance for Citizens Bank.
According to Bright Horizons’ website, “College admissions and college finance experts make this a truly unique resource that many can’t afford on their own.”
Also, Vertex has been offering access to discounted tutoring services for about a decade through Bright Horizons. The vetted tutors help with math, language or other homework.
The goal, Quirk said, is to “alleviate stress, save time and support the overall wellbeing of our employees and their families.”
Nguyen is a freelance writer.
For the 2025 winners list, 3,951 organizations were asked to survey their employees, and 127 agreed to do so. Based on the survey feedback, 105 have earned recognition as Top Workplaces in San Diego County.
“Top Workplaces awards are a celebration of good news,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “They exemplify the significance of a people-first workplace experience, reminding us that employees are the heart of any thriving organization.”
To qualify for Top Workplaces recognition, employers must have at least 50 workers in San Diego County. Beginning this year, employers are grouped by the overall size of their organization, and the number of employees invited to survey, which might include employees outside San Diego County. Employers are grouped into similar sizes to best compare similar employee experiences. They are ranked within those groups based on the strength of the survey feedback.
Employers earn Top Workplaces recognition if their aggregated employees feedback score exceeds national benchmarks. Energage has established those benchmarks based on feedback from about 30 million employees over 19 years. Survey results are valid only if 35% or more employees respond; employers with fewer than 85 employees have a higher response threshold, requiring responses from at least 30 employees.
Why might a particular employer not be on the list? Perhaps it chose not to participate, or perhaps it did and employee feedback scores were not strong enough. Energage also runs tests on survey feedback and in some cases may disqualify an organization if, for example, a high number of employees said they felt pressured to answer positively.
To participate in the 2026 Top Workplaces awards, or for more information, go to the nomination page at sandiegouniontribune.com/nominate.
Helbig is the media partnerships director for Energage, an employee survey company based in suburban Philadelphia.
JACOB LUND / ADOBE STOCK
TOP WORKPLACES TOP-RANKED COMPANIES
SMALL COMPANIES
149 or fewer employees in the region
1. NSBA Group
Founded: 2018
Sector: health insurance
Description: NSBA, which stands for National Senior Benefit Advisors, was formed out of a clear need for Americans to have a trusted team they can rely on to help with understanding Medicare.
Local employees: 75
2. Cage & Miles LLP
Founded: 2015
Sector: law
Description: Its attorneys focus exclusively on family law and familyrelated issues.
Local employees: 69
3. Red Door Interactive
Founded: 2002
Sector: marketing and branding
Description: Red Door is a full-service marketing and advertising agency.
Local employees: 68
4. Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP
Founded: 1991
Sector: law
Description: Its primary practice areas include product liability defense and warranty litigation, employment law, business litigation and class actions.
Local employees: 129
5. Recon Environmental
Founded: 1972
Sector: consulting
Description: Provides environmental planning and habitat restoration services to public- and private-sector clients.
Local employees: 52
6. Raken
Founded: 2014
Sector: information technology
Description: Its mission is to create easy-to-use field management solutions for construction companies.
Local employees: 111
7. San Diego Foundation
Founded: 1975
Sector: nonprofit
Description: It has granted more than $2 billion to help San Diegans.
Local employees: 96
8. C3 Risk & Insurance Services
Founded: 2017
Sector: insurance consultants and brokers
Description: Risk management services for startups to multinational corporations.
Local employees: 110
9. PenChecks Inc.
Founded: 1994
Sector: third-party benefits administrator
Description: A fintech service company that provides a suite of retirement distribution services to institutions, administrators, advisers and plan sponsors.
Local employees: 113
10. TEAM Risk Management Strategies
Founded: 2003
Sector: services
Description: Provides a solution that manages all aspects of household employment, including payroll, taxes, insurance, human resources, employment law compliance and employee lawsuits.
Local employees: 90
11. Downtown San Diego Partnership
Founded: 1993
Sector: nonprofit
Description: The partnership serves as the principal voice and driving force behind the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of downtown San Diego.
Local employees: 138
12. Windward Life Care
Founded: 2004
Sector: home health care services
Description: Clients facing various health and mental health challenges, including Alzheimer’s, other dementias and Parkinson’s, benefit from its staff expertise and care.
Local employees: 115
13. Coffman Engineers Inc.
Founded: 1979
Sector: building construction
Description: Its engineering services include civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection and corrosion control.
Local employees: 107
14. San Diego Seals Lacrosse Founded: 2018
Sector: spectator sports Description: It’s a professional sports team.
Local employees: 50
15. Rainbow Municipal Water District Founded: 1953
Sector: local government
Description: Provides water distribution and wastewater collection services to the unincorporated communities of North County, including Rainbow, Bonsall and parts of Vista, Oceanside and Fallbrook.
Local employees: 59
16. Cognella Inc.
Founded: 1997
Sector: printing
Description: Creates higher education course materials in print and digital formats under three imprints: Cognella Academic Publishing, Cognella Custom and Cognella Active Learning.
Local employees: 92
17. Same Day Heating, Cooling, Plumbing
Founded: 2020
Sector: heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration
Description: The family-owned business offers AC repair and installation, heater repair and installation and plumbing services in San Diego County.
Local employees: 79
18. Sharp Electronics
Founded: 1956
Sector: electronics manufacturing services
Description: Sharp Electronics is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan’s Sharp Corp., which is a leader in home appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, professional displays and smart office technologies.
Local employees: 77
19. TCWGlobal
Founded: 2010
Sector: staffing
Description: Offers payrolling, staffing, international services, 1099 compliance and audit solutions for temporary workers and contractors. Local employees: 100
20. Northwestern Mutual — San Diego
Founded: 1952
Sector: financial services and insurance
Description: Creates personalized plans with insurance and investment strategies.
Local employees: 70
21. Robert Half
Founded: 1948
Sector: staffing Description: Offers contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.
Local employees: 58
22. Gafcon
Founded: 1987
Sector: construction
Description: Gives program, project and construction manage-ment services with a collaborative approach that prioritizes long-term value.
Local employees: 117
23. Flores Financial Services
Founded: 1982
Sector: back-office services
Description: Provides accounting, human resources, payroll and consulting solutions.
Local employees: 74
24. Procede Software
Founded: 2001
Sector: enterprise software
Description: Its enterprise dealer management system called Excede is used by hundreds of dealerships across the U.S. and Canada to improve their operational efficiency and drive performance across all areas of their business.
Local employees: 146
25. Alpha Mechanical
Founded: 1991
Sector: heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration
Description: Alpha Mechanical’s mechanical capabilities include HVAC, plumbing and specialty piping.
Local employees: 84
26. Professional Community Management
Founded: 1972
Sector: property management
Description: Specializes in metropolitan condominiums, family-oriented master-planned communities and active adult communities in Southern California.
Local employees: 50
27. La Jolla Music Society / The Conrad Founded: 1969
Sector: arts
Description: At its performing arts center The Conrad, La Jolla Music Society offers presentations in classical, jazz, global roots and contemporary music and dance.
Local employees: 56
28. National Conflict Resolution Center
Founded: 1983
Sector: nonprofit
Description: Its mission is to resolve issues with the highest possible degree of civility and equitability to all parties involved.
Local employees: 65
29. Sun Diego Charter
Founded: 1997
Sector: bus and limousine
Description: Employs drivers who operate deluxe motor coaches that include amenities like WiFi, power outlets, reclining seats and restrooms.
Local employees: 71
30. Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Founded: 2000
Sector: hotels
Description: It’s located at the gateway to the historic Gaslamp Quarter, across from the Convention Center, and just three blocks from Petco Park.
Local employees: 85
31. Corinthian Title Co.
Founded: 2008
Sector: title and closing services
Description: Provides title and escrow services.
Local employees: 50
32. The Santaluz Club
Founded: 2001
Sector: hospitality, entertainment, recreation and travel
Description: Members of Santaluz have access to 18-hole Rees Jones golf course, a spa, racquet program, tennis courts, a fitness center that offers classes and private training, a basketball gym, several dining options and Camp Santaluz for children ages 4 to 12.
Local employees: 50
33. Serving Seniors
Founded: 1970
Sector: human and social services
Description: Helps San Diego County’s at-risk older adults overcome poverty by providing meals, housing, health and social services, and enrichment activities.
Local employees: 110
34. PeopleConnect People Search
Founded: 2012
Sector: information technology
Description: It’s a digital identity company, and its products include TruthFinder, Instant Checkmate and US Search.
Local employees: 100
35. Archer Health Inc.
Founded: 2021
Sector: home health care services
Description: Its team of registered nurses, medical social workers, dietitians, home health aides, and physical, occupational and speech therapists deliver post-operative rehab, chronic disease management and palliative services.
Local employees: 100
36. SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy
Founded: 2005
Sector: health care
Description: Specializes in child-led, play-based speech and occupational therapy that meets each child where they are and supports them in building the skills they need for everyday life.
Local employees: 69
