Best Workplaces 2019

THE GAZETTE CONGRATULATES THE 2019 BEST WORKPLACES HONOREES Colorado Springs is home to thousands of leading edge leaders, inspiring industrialists and exemplary companies. They operate with a clear mission, strong leadership and vision for success. Even better, they genuinely care about their employees, creating a positive experience and unique innovative company culture.

It is an honor to introduce you to many of these inspiring companies through this publication and our annual Best Workplace awards.

The Gazette is committed to shining a spotlight on the local people and businesses that strengthen our communities. Organizations like these set the bar for other workplaces seeking to retain and develop the next generation of leaders.

We hope you enjoy this publication, and thank you for joining us in celebrating the Best Workplaces.

CHRIS REEN, PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER THE GAZETTE

2 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

Thank you for voting Luisa Graff Jewelers

as Colorado Springs Best workplace.

Luisa Graff Mother

Andrew Graff Son

Where Colorado Gets Engaged!

Veteran Owned and Operated

| 719.260.0100 5901 N. Nevada | 719.260.0100 5901 N. Nevada AvenueAvenue

COLORADOBEST SPRINGSJEWELRY BEST WORKPLACE L U I S LUISAGRAFFJEWELERS.COM A G R A F F J E W - | VOTEDVOTED

BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 3

THANK YOU

2019 BEST WORKPLACES SPONSORS COMMUNITY SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

DIAMOND SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSORS

www.mtsi-va.com

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

aafcu.com

SURVEY SPONSOR

4 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

EVENT SPONSOR

TREAT SPONSOR

YOUNG SCHOLARS ACADEMY PAGE 22 CAUSE AND SOLUTION, INC. PAGE 16

ONCE UPON A CHILDCARE PAGE 14

SURVEY RESULTS AND METHODOLOGY PAGE 6 WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO WORKERS PAGE 6

EXIGO CORPORATION PAGE 24

THE TOP 106 COMPANIES PAGES 7 – 9

Ent Credit Union PAGE 10

T-Mobile PAGE 18

The Resource Exchange PAGE 26

The Cutting Edge, Realtors PAGE 12

Infinity Systems Engineering PAGE 20

Vanguard Skin Specialists PAGE 28

Once Upon A Childcare PAGE 14

Young Scholars Academy PAGE 22

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. PAGE 30

Cause and Solution, Inc. PAGE 16

Exigo Corporation PAGE 24

ServPro PAGE 32

BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 5

How the survey What’s important to workers was conducted WORKPLACE STATEMENTS

HOW PIKES PEAK REGION EMPLOYEES RATE THEIR WORKPLACE

My company operates by strong values and ethics.

91.16%

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

BY WAYNE HEILMAN

90.51%

wayneh@gazette.com

PUBLISHED BY THE GAZETTE December 8, 2019 PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Chris Reen EDITOR Vince Bzdek MANAGING EDITOR John Boogert BUSINESS REPORTER Wayne Heilman NIGHT CITY EDITOR Joel Millman CORRESPONDENTS William J. Dagendesh Robin Intemann Rachael Wright VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Jim Broyles DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING OPERATIONS Karen Hogan DIRECTOR OF LOCAL RETAIL SALES Traci Conrad DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL Danielle Newman COMMUNITY SALES MANAGER Trent Lage CLASSIFIED SUPERVISOR Sandy Arizmendis SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR Patty Tomsky LEAD DESIGNER Gina Pietramale GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Penny Belgrave Jeannie Sheeks Terry Swarbrick VIDEOGRAPHER Chris Malone ADVERTISING SALES TEAM Anita Riggle Bri Julo Jason McFarlane Jodi Matejczyk Julie Bland Ken Lepik Linda Famula Michael Garner Nikki Dirks Steve Carr Sue Spinosa Sue Williams Suzanne Deegan Tom McClung Trina Dyerly Virgil Quintana

6 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

The Gazette partnered with the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & EDC and DataJoe LLC, a Boulder-based data collection and analysis firm, to determine the top workplaces in the Colorado Springs area. Providing a program to help businesses better serve customers and employees — and recognize excellence — is a logical step for the local business community.

The Gazette sought nominations in July and August and by Aug. 25 received 344 from private, public, nonprofit and government organizations in the Pikes Peak Region, up nearly 30% from last year. Two-hundred fourteen rolled out online surveys to employees

by Sept. 7. Surveys had to be completed

by Sept. 25.

Employees were asked to answer 25 questions about organizational health, engagement and leadership plus other areas like work-life balance, training, pay, benefits and corporate social responsibility. They rate their employers with scores ranging from 1-7: a score of 1 represented “strongly disagree,” 4 was neutral and 7 was “strongly agree.”

Employees could also write comments on topics such as motivation, referrals of potential employees, retention, leadership, values and ethics, direction and cooperation.

Employers were required to have a response rate of at least 40% to be honored as a best workplace. Any employer with mostly negative responses was excluded. As a result of the increased participation, 106 employers were honored as best workplaces.

Employers were grouped into four categories by size — extra large with 300 or more employees; large with 76299 employees; midsize with 30-75 employees; and small with 10-29 employees. Smaller employers tend to score higher than larger employers. Employers with fewer than 10 workers weren’t eligible for the program.

The 106 employers selected as Best Workplaces in Colorado Springs were honored during a Dec. 5 reception at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. The Best Workplaces program is designed to be an annual free survey and workplace health analysis to identify companies that are creating strong, healthy workplace cultures.

Contact Wayne Heilman 636-0234 Facebook www.facebook.com/wayne.heilman Twitter twitter.com/wayneheilman

I believe my company is going in the right direction.

90.47%

My manager cares about my concerns.

89.79%

My company is socially responsible.

89.77%

I have confidence in the leader of my company.

89.40%

It matters to me that my company is socially responsible.

89.37%

My manager helps me learn and grow.

88.90%

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

88.83%

My company motivates me to give my very best at work.

88.79%

New ideas are encouraged at my company.

88.39%

My manager makes it easier to do my job well.

88.31%

My company enables me to work at my full potential.

87.60%

This job has met the expectations I had when I started.

87.60%

I feel genuinely appreciated at my company.

87.47%

My company encourages different points of view.

87.01%

There is good interdepartmental cooperation at this company.

85.73%

I get the formal training I want for my career.

85.70%

At my company, we do things efficiently and well.

84.89%

Senior managers understand what is really happening at my company.

84.84%

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

83.16%

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

82.41%

My pay is fair for the work I do.

80.23%

I have considered searching for a better job in the past month.

32.50%

There is a lot of negativity at my workplace.

17.74%

{ THE TOP 106 COMPANIES } SMALL COMPANIES | 10 – 29 EMPLOYEES COMPANY FOUNDED SECTOR EMPLOYEES Action Ready Mix, LLC 2017 Concrete Manufacturing 29 Alpine Contracting 2008 General Contractor 29 Axis Business Technologies 1981 Technology Services 25 Bank of the San Juans 1998 Banking 14 Bender Carey Group 2018 Management & Consulting 14 Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado 1980 Business Reviews 17 Bluestaq, LLC 2017 Technology 25 Briargate Boulevard Animal Hospital 1986 Veterinarian 12 Broadmoor Dental 2008 Dental Healthcare 15 Budget Blinds 2014 Window Treatments 10 Builder Funnel 2017 Marketing Services 12 Cause and Solution, Inc. 2017 Nonprofit Consultant 12 Century Communities 2002 Home Builder 15 Cordera Family Dentistry 2007 Dental Healthcare 12 Crossroads Family Dentistry 2005 Dental Healthcare 15 Diversified Association Management 2005 Property Management 20 Dynamic Physical Therapy 2006 Healthcare 25 Eden Oaks 2013 Custom Woodwork 10 Erickson, Brown & Kloster P.C. 1984 Accounting 27 Exigo Corporation 2008 Engineering Consultant 17 Fillmore Veterinary Hospital 1989 Veterinarian 11 Forbush Legal, PLLC 2003 Legal Services 10 Frontier IT 2016 IT Services/Computer Support 13 Good Company Restaurant and Bar 1998 Restaurant/Entertainment 16 Homefix 2007 Residential Remodeling 18 Icing On The Cake 2016 Bakery 10 Jason Daniels & Associates at RE/MAX Millennium 2008 Real Estate 11 JE Dunn Construction 1924 Construction 17 Job Store Staffing 1974 Temp Agency 10 Local Motive Events 2012 Transportation Entertainment Services 12 Luisa Graff Jewelers 1999 Jewelry Store 25 Maid to Shine 2004 House Cleaning Services 27 Mayfield Counseling Centers 2015 Counseling Services 26 Mulliken Weiner Berg & Jolivet P.C. 1991 Law Firm 18 Nelson & Company, P.C. 1991 Accounting 10 NFP Corporate Services (CO), Inc. 1998 Insurance Broker/Consultant, Wealth Management 18 Pikes Peak Association of REALTORS 1954 Business Association 22 Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity 1986 Nonprofit Organization 25 Pink Realty 2009 Real Estate 14 BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 7

{ THE TOP 106 COMPANIES } SMALL COMPANIES (CONTINUED) | 10 – 29 EMPLOYEES COMPANY PlayTime Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers Premier Roofing Company Rangewood Orthodontics Revolution Jewelry Works ServPro Thrivent Financial Treasure Davis Team Real Estate Unlimited Bodywork Xledger Inc

FOUNDED SECTOR 1997 Pet Services 2008 Roofing Contractor 2001 Dental Healthcare 2013 Jewelry Store 2018 Restoration Services 2007 Financial Services 2019 Real Estate 2010 Healthcare 2000 Business Management Systems

EMPLOYEES 11 12 18 10 20 21 16 10 28

MIDSIZE COMPANIES | 30 – 75 EMPLOYEES COMPANY Altia Inc

FOUNDED SECTOR EMPLOYEES 1991 Engineering 40 1984 Electrical Distributors 64 1978 Construction Manageent/General Contractor 60

Blazer Electric Supply Bryan Construction Inc Centauri Corp.

Colorado Health and Rehab (Strive Physical Therapy) Davidson Technologies, Inc. Flow Right Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Formstack

2019 2014 1996 2008 2006 FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers 2016 GLOBE Charter School 1995 Melody Living Colorado Springs 2016 Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) 1993 Navy Federal Credit Union 1933 New Summit Charter Academy 2016 Once Upon A Childcare 2018 Pikes Peak Workforce Center Pima Medical Institute 1972 Skyline Vision Clinic & Laser Center 1985 Space Foundation 1983 TCA, Inc. 1982 The Family Care Center, LLC 2016 The Shafer Group 2001 The Warren Management Group 1992 The WireNut 2004 Wilson & Company 1932 Young Scholars Academy 1995

8 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

Engineering Healthcare Consulting HVAC Data Management Services Healthcare Education Retirement Community Engineering Services/Technology Solutions Credit Union Education Childcare Employment Search Service Education Eyecare Aerospace Educational Nonprofit Consulting Mental Healthcare Accounting Property Management Electrical Contacting Engineering Education

58 30 58 58 35 33 30 50 65 50 63 57 41 50 55 65 31 60 30 30 51 32 40

{ THE TOP 106 COMPANIES } LARGE COMPANIES | 76 – 299 EMPLOYEES

COMPANY FOUNDED SECTOR a360inc. Firm Solutions 2007 Technology Solutions Air Academy Federal Credit Union 1955 Credit Union Apogee Engineering, LLC 2004 Engineering Classic Homes 1989 Home Builder Colorado Behavior and Learning Group 2018 Mental Healthcare Colorado Structures Inc., dba. CSI Construction Co. 1978 Construction Cosmic Advanced Engineered Solutions 2001 Engineering Consultant Envision Radiology 2000 Healthcare Imaging Griffis/Blessing, Inc 1985 Real Estate/Property Management HDR 1917 Engineering Infinity Systems Engineering 1996 Engineering MGA Homecare 2018 Home Healthcare Outreach Inc 1996 Media & Marketing Peak Structural Inc 2002 Structural Contractor REMAX Advantage 1997 Real Estate Shandy Clinic 2007 Healthcare SocialSEO 2008 Internet Marketing Services The Cutting Edge, Realtors 2016 Real Estate The Faricy Boys Chrysler Jeep 1942 Automotive Dealership The Platinum Group Realtors 2005 Real Estate USA Triathlon 1982 Sports Governing Body Vanguard Skin Specialists 2009 Healthcare

EXTRA LARGE COMPANIES | 300+ EMPLOYEES

COMPANY Colorado Springs School District 11 Ent Credit Union Harrison School District 2 Peak Vista Community Health Centers Pikes Peak Community College Pikes Peak Library District T-Mobile The Resource Exchange University of Colorado – Colorado Springs YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region

FOUNDED SECTOR 1873 Education 1957 Credit Union 1874 Education 1971 Nonprofit Healthcare 1968 Education 1963 Public Library 1994 Telecommunications 1964 Nonprofit Organization 1965 Education 1878 Nonprofit Organization

EMPLOYEES 85 134 98 170 98 78 150 200 298 109 208 90 120 80 100 150 91 100 76 100 76 77

EMPLOYEES 3700 965 1300 1000 1300 450 850 405 1600 1000

BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 9

No.1 EXTRA LARGE

company ENT

THE GAZETTE FILE

Caring employees make Ent best in its class

BY RACHAEL WRIGHT

Special to The Gazette

What excites me most is how much we’re growing.

It allows for more room for everyone to broaden their horizons.

— ENT EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY

SCAN TO SEE VIDEO 10 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

Since its founding in 1957, chartered to meet the needs of Ent Air Force Base personnel, Ent Credit Union has become a pillar of the Colorado Springs community. The credit union has grown to 965 employees who serve members at more than 35 locations.

Ent Credit Union has made it its mission to create an atmosphere, not only for its members, but for the employees as well, that is approachable and friendly. Both members of the leadership team have 15-plus years of experience at Ent Credit Union and work to maintain a policy of transparency and an open door policy.

In addition to best in class work benefits and compensation packages for their employees, Ent Credit Union offers volunteering time off, up to eight hours per quarter.

“Employees are our greatest asset and they’re the ones that make us and give us the face and the terrific reputation that we have today. We are an advocate for training, education and promotion from within,” Sara Holland, senior Human Resources manager, said. “What sets us apart is that employees have

valuable and rewarding work to do.”

Holland said the culture of Ent, its mission, is to make things right for its members and to take the next step to make sure that their members are served. Holland said it’s unusual for its field and employees don’t always have the flexibility to go above and beyond.

“Because we are a not-for-profit credit union we can concentrate on what’s important to us,” said Nancy Lonergan, Ent’s marketing manager, “Which is making sure we give the best possible support to our members.”

In July 2017, an elderly credit union member came into one of the branches with a man. The member said she needed $2,500 in cash to pay the man behind her for repairs that were made to her vehicle in the parking lot. Two employees, Cindy A. and Lacey G., spotted what was clearly an instance of elder abuse and denied the man the funds without an itemized receipt. In the parking lot, the Lexus was spray painted blue, which the man had said would take out the dents in the vehicle.

Both employees testified at a later trial in which the man was found guilty.

“It made a huge difference in her life to know that someone cares for her,”

said Cindy A. “She even said that she considers us family. That’s why we are doing this. That’s why we care here.”

“I love the people I work with. I like our organization mission and values,” said Lonergan. “I find myself making a difference and making an impact. Employees get a lot of fast action from working at Ent — they feel they can concentrate on what is important to them and the employees really feel that.”

Beyond benefit packages, competitive salaries and volunteering time off, is Ent Credit Union’s commitment to sound financial planning which will ensure that they are able to serve members for decades to come. For two consecutive years, Ent has been ranked Colorado’s Best-In-State credit union

by Forbes.

“During our 60-plus years, Ent’s conservative financial operating philosophy has served us well during both strong and weaker economies,” said Holland. “The soundness of our approach was validated this summer when S & P Global ranked Ent #11 nationally for financial performance in its Best-Performing Credit Unions of 2018 list.”

OUR MEMBERS MAKE AMAZING THINGS HAPPEN We're proud to partner with The Gazette to recognize the businesses that drive our region forward, including these 60 members. Congratulations on being named a Best Workplace!

Action Ready Mix, LLC • Air Academy Federal Credit Union • Altia Inc. • Apogee • Axis Business Technologies Bank of the San Juans • Bender Carey Group • Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado Blazer Electric Supply • Bluestaq • Bryan Construction Inc. • Budget Blinds • Century Communities Classic Homes • Colorado Behavior & Learning Group • Colorado Springs School District 11 CSI Construction Company • Davidson Technologies, Inc. • Eden Oaks • Ent Credit Union Erickson, Brown & Kloster PC • Flow Right Plumbing, Heating & Cooling • Formstack • Frontier IT Griffis/Blessing, Inc. • Harrison School District Two • HDR • JE Dunn Construction • Luisa Graff Jewelers Mayfield Counseling Centers • Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) • Mulliken Weiner Berg & Jolivet P.C. Navy Federal Credit Union • NFP Corporate Services Inc. (CO) • Peak Structural Inc. Peak Vista Community Health Centers • Pikes Peak Assoc. of REALTORS • Pikes Peak Community College Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity • Pikes Peak Library District • Pikes Peak Workforce Center Pima Medical Institute • Pink Realty • Rangewood Orthodontics • SERVPRO • Space Foundation • T-Mobile The Cutting Edge Realtors • The Family Care Center • The Faricy Boys Chrysler Jeep The Platinum Group Realtors • The Resource Exchange • The Shafer Group The Warren Management Group, Inc. AAMC • The Wirenut • Thrivent Financial University of Colorado Colorado Springs • Wilson & Company • Xledger Inc. • YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region

Join the Chamber & EDC and access the resources and network you need to grow your business at ColoradoSpringsChamberEDC.com BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 11

No.1 LARGE

company THE CUTTING EDGE REALTORS COURTESY PHOTOS

Realtor committed to being on the cutting edge

BY ROBIN INTEMANN

Special to The Gazette

My company holds ethical standards in the highest regard. They do not compromise their ethics or standards for money or industry pressure.

— THE CUTTING EDGE REALTORS EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY

SCAN TO SEE VIDEO 12 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

With a name like The Cutting Edge, Realtors, broker owners Amy Kunce-Martinez and her husband, Gary Martinez, knew they would have to live up to the name.

“Before we started, we were debating what to name the company.

A friend mentioned the NAR (National Association of Realtors) was doing some cutting-edge things. We thought that was it, that was the name,” Kunce-Martinez said. “Being at the forefront in the industry and with technology without losing the personal touch is what we are.”

Bringing in speakers, participating in local and national organizations and mentorships contribute to the company’s ability to be on the frontline of real estate-related trends and issues.

“We just had a national speaker come in,” said Kunce-Martinez. “They said they could feel the energy of our agents and that’s something that you can’t fake. We feel like we’re a family.

We work as a family and try to create a place where people are accepted for who they are.”

Although it’s been rare, a few occasions have surfaced where an agent wasn’t the right fit. “We have had to let people go, but you can figure out pretty

quickly if someone isn’t going to be the right fit. It’s very important for us to have a great (office) culture where people are supportive of one another and care about each other.”

Among the core values listed on the company’s website is the concept of being positive: “Camaraderie in and outside of the office is imperative. Agents live it, clients feel it.”

The independent brokerage firm opened its doors two and a half years ago and recently hired its 100th agent.

“We have really taken off. Most of the recruiting comes from our (current) agents,” Kunce-Martinez said.

She added, “As a business we do put clients first because we believe you should put people first. Often in this

industry the concern is about the paycheck. We believe if you put people first, the paycheck will follow.”

Ranking in the top 1% of Realtors in the area, Kunce-Martinez credits her success in the industry with the support she received when she first started out. “Gary and I both had incredible mentors. We are trying to give back by teaching people, making sure our agents get the right training to learn right.”

The Cutting Edge serves all areas in the Pikes Peak region and has agents in Denver. The Martinezes partner with Rod Edgin and Chris Cowles.

All are Colorado Springs natives with long-standing ties throughout the community.

BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 13

No.1 MIDSIZE

company ONCE UPON A CHILDCARE

PHOTO BY CHRIS MALONE

Children, employees No. 1 at Once Upon a Childcare

BY WILLIAM J. DAGENDESH

Special to The Gazette

Working with kids is so rewarding, knowing you are helping little ones grow each day. And at the same time it is rewarding to help a small business grow.

— ONCE UPON A CHILDCARE EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY

SCAN TO SEE VIDEO 14 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

As owner of Once Upon a Childcare, Robin Sedillo ensures her business offers quality child care and preK services for children ages 6 weeks to 7 years, all in a family-oriented environment.

“We work hard to build personal relationships with all of the families and students in our care,” Sedillo said.

“Getting to know each of our families individually allows us the opportunity to meet their children’s social, emotional, and academic needs.”

As a licensed in-home child care provider, it disturbed Sedillo to turn families away who were seeking quality child care. Launching Once Upon a Childcare allowed Sedillo to extend her philosophies and love for teaching into a larger space.

Once Upon a Childcare also gave the businesswoman the opportunity to help mentor other educators, she said.

“I have always felt strongly that we can be empathetic, loving and appreciate individualism while still having strong academic expectations,” Sedillo said.

The company’s biggest reward, Sedil-

lo said, is watching children develop and grow into critical thinkers, confident youngsters and loving individuals who can express their emotions and assert their independence.

Quality child care starts with a quality staff. Once Upon a Childcare listens to its employees’ suggestions, respects their personal lives and works to accommodate schedule changes, appointments and required personal time, Sedillo said. This approach results in happier, healthier employees and quality service.

“As far as why we were voted one of the best workplaces, I would hope it’s because all of my staff feels loved, valued and heard. Being a child care provider and an early educator is a privilege and comes with a huge amount of responsibility.”

Regarded as a medium-sized business, Once Upon a Childcare employs 57 people, most of them college graduates, and several studying for degrees in early childhood education, psychology or family relations.

Everyone is bonded by their love of children.

“I think the biggest benefit is hav-

ing management that truly wants you to love your working environment, that supports you both personally and professionally, respects you as an individual and encourages your creativity,” Sedillo said.

“We make sure our employees can enjoy the holidays and have paid time off with their families. We make sure that our employees know that they are important and valued. All of my staff and clients have my personal cellphone number and are able to reach me anytime for any reason.”

Looking ahead, Sedillo says the company will continue on its path of proven child care excellence, employing dedicated people and operating more locations.

“We pride ourselves in offering an environment where your child feels safe, loved and truly enjoys being a part of. It is only with positive encouragement that a child can reach their full potential and we look forward to being a part of your child’s journey.”

Once Upon a Childcare is at 625 Popes Bluff Trail and 2110 Vickers Drive. To learn more, visit www. onceuponachildcare.com.

Improving Lives T H R O U G H U N M I S TA KA B L E Q U A L I T Y & S P E C TA C U L A R S E R V I C E

Envision Radiology is proud to be employee-owned where every employee has the potential to take part in our ESOP (employee stock ownership program).

We’re so thankful for all our talented and hardworking employees who embody our values of humility, hunger, honor, and collaboration.

Join our team and help revolutionize diagnostic imaging

M R I • C T • U LT R A S O U N D • X - R AY • M A M M O G R A P H Y

careers.envrad.com BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 15

No.1 SMALL

company CAUSE AND SOLUTIONS

COURTESY PHOTO

Measuring success starts with clients’ success

BY RACAEL WRIGHT

Special to The Gazette

They are amazing when it comes to motivation.

Training, company outings, celebrations, they do all of these things.

— CAUSE AND SOLUTION, INC. EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY

SCAN TO SEE VIDEO 16 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

In 2017, Cause and Solutions was founded with only one client and no guarantees that the venture would work.

Jim Bocian, Tami Batchelor and Jamie Lundien decided to leave the corporate world behind and create a company that would be both laid back and family focused.

Instead of focusing solely on health care philanthropy, Cause and Solutions diversified, working with nonprofits all over the country. They provide back office and administrative support along with data management.

“There are a lot of wonderful causes out there and we want to be a part of that solution and help those nonprofits … that’s where the name comes from,” said Bocian. “Every foundation is the community it supports and the causes it supports.

“We are able to personalize our support to every organization no matter the cause it supports or its mission.”

Cause and Solutions supports Summit Foundation in Breckenridge, Catholic Charities, St. John’s Cathedral in Denver, UC Health, and Ur-

ban Peak among others.

“There are 1.5 million nonprofits across the country and we are working with 0.001%,” Bocian said. “We’re one of three companies in the nation that do this work. We’ve demonstrated that providing management services to nonprofits works.”

“We go the extra mile to make sure that our clients get what they need,” Jim Bocian, Cause and Solution’s CEO, said. “Ultimately we want to make sure they are successful because then we are successful.”

Data management is critical to the success of nonprofits. If the data is “clean” as Bocian puts it, clients are able to go about their work more efficiently and dedicate themselves to the work that is vital to their organizations and the people they serve.

Every member of Cause and Solutions’ staff is certified on the company’s data management software system, which Bocian says is not only beneficial to the company and its opportunities, but also builds his employees’ resumes.

Cause and Solutions now supports 35 nonprofits across the country and has grown from the original three

founders to 12 full-time employees.

“One of the things we’ve always aspired to do is surround ourselves with people who are way smarter than ourselves, and we help develop their careers, knowing that this may be the place they are working now, but its giving them the opportunities and to build their own skills,” Bocian said. “It’s always been us investing in our staff and investing in the opportunities they have and they bring back innovative thinking and creative solutions that maybe we hadn’t thought of before.”

The creative solutions are also encouraged by the company’s laid-back office atmosphere.

“We even have themed office spaces from areas of the country we would love to visit, like Kentucky room, a South Carolina area, and a Colorado area. It provides for more opportunity and to ebb and flow and come up with new solutions,” Bocian said.

“To be nominated for the Best Workplaces Award is quite the honor for a company that only started two years ago,” he said. “but one of the things that makes it a wonderful place to work is it’s family focused.”

We Value Relationships & Results Formstack is proud to be considered one of the best places to work in Colorado Springs!

Patrick Amburgey Inside Sales Specialist Qing Zheng Inside Sales Specialist

401k & Insurance Formstack provides 401K and excellent insurance plans for all full-time employees.

Technology We make sure you have the tools you need to succeed at your job.

Friday Lunch Every Friday we order lunch online and bring it into the office!

Work Remotely At Formstack, we’re agile. Work from anywhere, including our awesome office in Colorado Springs!

Conferences & Travel Advance your career with conferences and travel while you work.

Flexibility Work early or work late if you need to. No need to race the clock.

Join a unique culture that thrives on transparency, communication, and fun.

See open positions at formstack.com/careers BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 17

No. 2 EXTRA LARGE

company T-MOBILE

PHOTO BY CHRIS MALONE

T-Mobile focuses on care for customers, employees

BY WILLIAM J. DAGENDESH

Special to The Gazette

T-Mobile genuinely cares about people and their lives. I am happy to see our company included in things like diversity and inclusion.

— T-MOBILE EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY

SCAN TO SEE VIDEO 18 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

Ask Rob Sisler why it’s cool to be a T-Mobile employee, and he will say the company passionately cares about its people.

“Our corporate values, diversity and inclusion initiatives aren’t just words on a wall. They’re a daily aspiration to make this the most positive, caring and exciting environment possible,” said Sisler, the customer care director for T-Mobile’s Colorado Springs Customer Care Center.

T-Mobile provides wireless communication services, including voice, messaging and data, to more than 84.2 million customers. The company also offers mobile devices and accessories across its flagship brands, T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile, through its own retail stores, and third-party distributors and websites.

T-Mobile’s 850-employee Colorado Springs operation off Chapel Hills Drive has been selected as as one of the

city’s Best Workplaces for 2019.

T-Mobile attributes its success to Chief Executive Officer John Legere who, in 2013, laid out an “un-carrier manifesto” highlighting the approach he wanted the company to pursue.

It led the company to build on “brash thinking and solving customer pain points.”

The theory is Americans love smartphones, but hated carriers due to costs, confusing contracts and data limits.

Legere summed up the formula behind T-Mobile’s success: “Listen to your employees, listen to your customers.”

In 2018 at the Colorado Springs center, and 16 centers nationwide, T-Mobile tackled the process of calling for customer care with a new approach called, “Team of Experts.”

Those teams are measured on two customer-focused outcomes: Did they fix a customer’s problem, and are customer’s happy?

With the teams, customers avoid confusing menus and don’t get bounced

between departments, the firm said.

Instead, customers each get the same team, of people dedicated to helping them every time they call.

T-Mobile’s leaders believe in transparency, zero hierarchy and executive availability, the company said. The process, they say, encourages open communication company-wide. Executives encourage employees and customers to email them directly with questions or concerns.

Colorado Springs workers support T-Mobile customers from markets from as far as California and as close as the Pikes Peak region.

With a positive atmosphere, easy lines of communication and an emphasis on team-building, the company says it wants to remain a top workplace for employees.

“As a company, we continue to invest in our people through benefits, development and challenging them every day to achieve their life goals,” Sisler said. “We want to be famous for careers as well as being famous for care.”

OV E R 1 4 , 0 0 0 H A P PY R E V I E W S !

1818 0 22019 20 2 0 20117 8 5X WINNER

Thank you to our our outstanding team for nominating and making us one of Colorado’s Best places to work!

JOIN OUR TEAM CALL (719) 623-2971 BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 19

No.2 LARGE

company INFINITY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

PHOTO BY CHRIS MALONE

The leadership truly cares about the employees, and it shows. I am constantly surprised at the lengths the President goes to in order to show appreciation and what they do for the employees.

— INFINITY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY

SCAN TO SEE VIDEO 20 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

Employee morale figures in ISE reputation

BY WILLIAM J. DAGENDESH

Special to The Gazette

When he was a young man, Andreas Wilfong worked for a local Department of Defense contractor that cared little for employee morale and job satisfaction.

So in 1996, when he launched Colorado Springs-based Infinity Systems Engineering, he had a basic goal: provide quality customer service and employ dedicated, highly motivated workers to provide that service.

Today, ISE employs 208 people who offer satellite engineering, computer programming, software testing, operations support, documentation, system and network administration expertise. Corporate Operations Assistant Cathie Whitted says employee morale is the No. 1 focus, which translates directly into ISE’s 100% customer satisfaction. “Our company is 100% focused on employee morale

and satisfaction. We offer an amazing benefits package to all employees to keep them happy, which, in turn, allows them to keep our customers happy,” Whitted said.

Above all, ISE listens to its employees, and adapts to changes in the workplace and changes in society, Whitted said. “We offer our employees a voice in how to make things better for them personally or for the company. We offer a benefits and perks package unparalleled in the industry.”

Even with more than 200 employees, Infinity still has “a family feel,” Whitted said.“We have operated this way for over 23 years, and have a great recruitment rate and an excellent retention rate.’’

Whitted touts the company as “very agile.”

“We can respond to customer requests within hours whereas most companies take days or weeks. By

keeping our employees happy and our customers satisfied, we continue to have great successes because the customers simply want ‘more Infinity.’”

ISE benefits the community in that it supports multiple community charitable organizations. It provides support to Operation Homefront and a local mindfulness-based social and emotional learning non-profit known as Empowering Education.

“In the past, we have supported Wounded Warrior and other charitable efforts with monetary donations or volunteer hours,” Whitted said.

To get new work, ISE has to compete against many DoD contractors. ” DoD work comes in hills and valleys; we are constantly trying to win new work or submitting bids to retain existing workshare,” Whitted said.

ISE is at 13560 Northgate Estates Drive. To learn more visit www. infinity.aero/.

BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 21

No.2 MIDSIZE

company YOUNG SCHOLARS ACADEMY

PHOTO BY CHRIS MALONE

Classroom freedom sets childhood center apart

BY RACHAEL WRIGHT

Special to The Gazette

We are a family-run business. It makes a huge difference in how we are treated as staff and how the children are cared for.

— YOUNG SCHOLARS ACADEMY EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY

SCAN TO SEE VIDEO 22 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

Jennifer Winters, the Young Scholars Academy Director will never forget 2008 and how the business nearly went under after the death of its co-founder, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Jeff Germano.

“In 2008 there were 40 kids and the business almost went under,” said Winters. “When Jeff died, Jane, his wife, walked away, and I was trying to do everything. I had the realization that if we were going to fix it, I had to let go as a control freak.”

Given a year to turn the business around, Winters’ husband and daughter both joined the Young Scholars team. Winters revamped the entire structure of the organization, which began with letting teachers have more freedom in their classrooms.

“Early childhood education has rules for rules,” Winters said. “We have an 800-page rulebook from the state of Colorado, but even though we have those rules we allow so much freedom within those rules, so they can have an opinion, create lesson plans.

“We even have a Facebook group for our staff, it’s peer-to-peer so the ideas aren’t coming from the boss.”

Winters said the new attitude toward staff development and the freedom Young Scholars allows its teachers is what’s set it apart from other early childhood centers.

“Our company culture was not good in 2008. We’ve changed that so that even when it’s a drag day we still laugh and we’re able to see the big picture,” Winters said. “Our staff are all really supportive of each other and we try to have fun and realize that tomorrow is another day.”

On top of changing the work environment, Winters was also keen to support her teachers and staff beyond what other companies are doing.

“We provide free child care for our teachers,” said Winters. “No one else does this. It’s just one way that we found that our teachers are more invested in the school, because it’s their child’s school as well and they have a different view about it.”

She’s keen to emphasize that beyond a well-stocked breakroom that acts as a retreat for staff and teachers, Young Scholars Academy also gives staff 18 paid days off per year, even those who’ve just started with the company.

The passion for children is something that is exceptionally close to

Winters’ heart. She served as president of the Colorado Springs chapter of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for a few years.

“Ninety percent of brain development happens before the age of 5,” she said.

With this in mind, Young Scholars Academy hosts many events throughout the year for parents, including love and logic training, infant massage and car-seat safety.

Changes such as parental involvement and sound financial planning that Winters has implemented will see Young Scholars Academy through whatever trials come, she believes.

“We still act like we are broke,” Winters explains, although the company has no debt other than its mortgage.

“You never forget that. We live way under our means.

“But it’s not just a savings account or low debt, it’s the relationships our teachers have built over the years within the community that makes economic resiliency happen.”

Before he passed, Winters promised Jeff Germano that she would take care of his wife. “She’s OK and we made it,” Winters said.

THE GAZETTE CONGRATULATES ALL OF THE 2019 BEST WORKPLACES SMALL COMPANIES

Action Ready Mix, LLC Alpine Contracting Axis Business Technologies Bank of the San Juans Bender Carey Group Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado Bluestaq Briargate Boulevard Animal Hospital Broadmoor Dental Budget Blinds Builder Funnel Cause and Solution, Inc. Century Communities Cordera Family Dentistry Crossroads Family Dentistry Diversified Association Management Dynamic Physical Therapy Eden Oaks Erickson, Brown & Kloster, P.C. Exigo Corporation Fillmore Veterinary Hospital Forbush Legal, PLLC Frontier IT Good Company Restaurant and Bar Homefix Icing On The Cake Jason Daniels & Associates at RE/MAX Millennium JE Dunn Construction Job Store Staffing Local Motive Events Luisa Graff Jewelers Maid to Shine Mayfield Counseling Centers Mulliken Weiner Berg & Jolivet P.C. Nelson & Company, P.C.

NFP Corporate Services (CO), Inc. Pikes Peak Association of REALTORS Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity Pink Realty PlayTime Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers Premier Roofing Company Rangewood Orthodontics Revolution Jewelry Works ServPro Thrivent Financial Treasure Davis Team Real Estate Unlimited Bodywork Xledger, Inc.

MIDSIZE COMPANIES

Altia Inc Blazer Electric Supply Bryan Construction Inc Centauri Corp Colorado Health and Rehab (Strive Physical Therapy) Davidson Technologies, Inc. Flow Right Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Formstack FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers GLOBE Charter School Melody Living Colorado Springs Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) Navy Federal Credit Union New Summit Charter Academy Once Upon A Childcare Pikes Peak Workforce Center Pima Medical Institute Skyline Vision Clinic & Laser Center Space Foundation TCA, Inc. The Family Care Center, LLC The Shafer Group The Warren Management Group, Inc. AAMC

The WireNut Wilson & Company Young Scholars Academy

LARGE COMPANIES

a360inc. Firm Solutions Air Academy Federal Credit Union Apogee Engineering LLC Classic Homes Colorado Behavior and Learning Group Colorado Structures Inc., dba.

CSI Construction Company Cosmic Advanced Engineered Solutions Envision Radiology Griffis/Blessing, Inc HDR Infinity Systems Engineering MGA Homecare Outreach Inc Peak Structural Inc REMAX Advantage Shandy Clinic SocialSEO The Cutting Edge, Realtors The Faricy Boys Chrysler Jeep The Platinum Group Realtors USA Triathlon Vanguard Skin Specialists

EXTRA-LARGE COMPANIES

Colorado Springs School District 11 Ent Credit Union Harrison School District 2 Peak Vista Community Health Centers Pikes Peak Community College Pikes Peak Library District T-Mobile The Resource Exchange University of Colorado Colorado Springs YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 23

No.2 SMALL

company EXIGO CORP.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MALONE

By taking care of employees, Exigo takes care of customers

BY ROBIN INTEMANN

Special to The Gazette

I’m motivated by our leadership’s transparency.

The entire company knows where we are heading.

— EXIGO CORP. EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY

SCAN TO SEE VIDEO 24 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

The CEO of the Exigo Corp. gets credit for the workplace culture he’s created for the 19 employees of the systems engineering/space systems consulting firm.

“The focus of our culture is the customer comes first,” explained Sharon Fitzsimmons, Human Resources director. “This is achieved by taking care of our employees with top-notch benefits, and caring for our employees and their families. This comes from our CEO. Our employees are valued. The result is that customers come to us because of our excellent reputation.”

Kelly Christner, CEO, founded the company in 2008 and was quick to note that he had nothing to do with Exigo’s Best Workplace nomination.

He said, “It was a bit of a surprise, but I’m glad they (employees) think it’s a great place to work.”

Fitzsimmons, one of six employees working remotely, said her background is in satellite engineering. “Our CEO is open-minded enough to take me on and give me the opportunity to learn a new career,” she said. “He wanted someone to give more personalized attention to our staff. He took a chance on me without me having HR as part of my skill set.”

This belief in individuals’ abilities and willingness to provide opportunities is also part of the workplace culture.

Her husband, Matt Fitzsimmons, an engineer with Exigo, echoed this, “His decision was based on character not a defined skill set.” He has been with the company two years and she has been with on staff since February 2018.

The company has 17 engineers and a support staff of two.

Exigo primarily contracts with the Department of Defense. Architecture, engineering and management are among its areas of expertise. The archi-

tecture component has nothing to do with building structures, rather the focus is on designing spacecraft systems.

The Exigo office is at 2 S. Nevada Ave. Fitzsimmons is based in Boulder, and other employees are in Aurora and Littleton so they are near Buckley Air Force Base, where much of their contracts are in place, according to Matt Fitzsimmons.

Exigo is registered in the Colorado as a veteran-owned small business.

Mayfield Counseling Centers is dedicated to offering clarity, hope, and purpose to our community. We believe that excellent client care starts with excellent therapist care, so we make sure to support, train, and encourage our therapists to fulfill this mission. In 2020 Mayfield Counseling is working towards starting their third center in the fastest growing area of our city; District 49. This new center will be the neighborhood counseling center for these new residents, to provide resources and services to help families and individuals live healthier inside and out.

Mayfield Counseling Centers is not only dedicated to offering resources to our community, but also to our staff. We have frequent trainings, consultation groups, and we believe that we offer greater support to our clients by creating a network within our staff. We are able to offer care to the community that is unparalleled.

6180 Lehman Dr. #100 or 12295 Oracle Blvd. #200 • 719-452-4803 • mayfieldcounseling.com

We are currently looking for water resources/stormwater professionals for our Colorado Springs office

Second year in a row!

wilsonco.com/careers

Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects discipline | intensity | collaboration | shared ownership | solutions

BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 25

No. 3 EXTRA LARGE

company THE RESOURCE EXCHANGE

PHOTO BY CHRIS MALONE

Caring culture carries over to employees at TRE

BY ROBIN INTEMANN

Special to The Gazette

I am motivated by the work we do for others. We make a huge difference by creating support for families. Our work lasts.

— RESOURCE EXCHANGE EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY

SCAN TO SEE VIDEO 26 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

Providing services to individuals and families facing the challenges associated with intellectual and physical disabilities in El Paso, Pueblo, Teller and Park counties is more than just a job for the 405 employees of The Resource Exchange (TRE).

“Those who work here have a passion for helping others,” said Jen DeFranco, human resources director While that passion includes the thousands served by TRE, it also carries over to employees supporting each other.

“We focus on flexibility and ensuring a work/life balance (for our employees),” De Franco said. “We have a culture of also helping those who work here.”

Camille Blakely, director of community engagement for TRE, added, “We are a human services organization with a very strong urge to make the world a better place. It’s heartwarming to see why people work here. They care so much about improving the world for those with disabilities.”

Citing her own experience, Blakely, who for many years ran a marketing and advertising agency with her hus-

band before joining TRE 15 months ago, said, “I found myself wanting to make a larger difference in the world.”

In addition to matching individuals and families to available services, a challenge TRE faces is informing people about the organization. “In simple terms, there is not enough awareness,” Blakely said.

An estimated 20% of those in the areas served by TRE have a disability.

“We work with 8,400 families and we aren’t even close to 20%.”

The number of TRE employees “grew dramatically this summer,” Blakely said, in large part because of need, and also because it assumed more responsibilities to reach more people.

Blakely explained that TRE provides two area of general assistance: early intervention for infants from birth to three years of age; and for children, teens, adults, seniors and their families who need information on what services are available, where and how to access them.

Physical, occupational and speech therapists, nutritionists, developmental interventionists, family and individual counselors and service coordi-

nators are among TRE staff. “We have geographical teams who meet regularly to work together,” Blakely said. “We have a navigation and quality department to help people determine their eligibility and enroll for services.”

The average tenure for employees in nonprofit organizations is two years, according to DeFranco. At TRE, the average is three years, with some employees who have been there much longer, including one who has been on staff for 27 years. “We do meaningful work and take care of each other,” DeFranco said.

TRE has more than 100 community partners to which it can refer those seeking aid.

As of July 1, 2019, TRE assumed Single Entry Point entry responsibilities and now administers all of Colorado’s Medicaid waivers. According to TRE’s 2016-17 Annual Report, 83% of its budget comes from federal and state funding; 15% is private pay and insurance; and 2% is philanthropy.

The nonprofit was incorporated in 1964 when it served 85 children and adults with one full-time coordinator and two bus drivers.

EXTRA-LARGE COMPANIES:

LARGE COMPANIES:

1ST: ENT CREDIT UNION

1ST: THE CUTTING EDGE, REALTORS

2ND: T-MOBILE

2ND: INFINITY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

3RD: THE RESOURCE EXCHANGE

3RD: VANGUARD SKIN SPECIALISTS

MIDSIZE COMPANIES:

SMALL COMPANIES:

1ST: ONCE UPON A CHILDCARE

1ST: CAUSE AND SOLUTION, INC.

2ND: YOUNG SCHOLARS ACADEMY

2ND: EXIGO CORPORATION

3RD: MODERN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. (MTSI)

3RD: SERVPRO

300+ EMPLOYEES

30 – 75 EMPLOYEES

76 – 299 EMPLOYEES

10 – 29 EMPLOYEES

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2019 BEST WORKPLACE AWARD WINNERS

BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 27

No. 3 LARGE

company VANGUARD SKIN SPECIALISTS

PHOTO BY CHRIS MALONE

Vanguard Skin Specialists out to make an impact

BY RACHAEL WRIGHT

Special to The Gazette

Vanguard lives its mission every day. This form of integrity is rare in companies both big and small. I am motivated by our constant drive to make a positive impact on our patients, our community and the world.

— VANGUARD SKIN SPECIALISTS EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY

SCAN TO SEE VIDEO

28 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

“Our mission is to make a positive impact on our patients, our community and the world,” said Leisle Chung, co-founder of Vanguard Skin Specialists. “Everyone here at our practice can recite this by heart. It comes up in every team meeting we have. It drives all of our decisions. It’s why we donate all of our profits from our skin-care shop, Clara, to charity.”

When Leisle and her husband, Vinh, founded Vanguard Skin Specialists it was a small solo practice and neither of the Chungs believed they would grow beyond that. However in 2010, the husband and wife team traveled to Cambodia to support a child protection project and in Leisle’s words, “It was a life changing journey for us.”

The Chungs decided that it was possible to expand their business to make a greater impact on the world and their community. After 10 years in business Vanguard Skin Specialists has grown to 77 employees with five offices; two in Colorado Springs, one in Cañon City and another in Woodland Park.

“In and of itself, with our medical practice, we feel like we fill a void and

we are able to go into underserved communities,” Chung said. “That’s why we have Woodland Park, Cañon City and Pueblo. We had patients who drove for hours to come and see us.”

The mission of making a positive impact extends also to their employees. Leisle and Vinh Chung hire college graduates into their Pre-Health Program. Those who take part in the two-year program are mentored by Vanguard’s doctors, are certified as medical assistants, and are even given a stipend to apply for graduate school.

It’s a significant investment on the part of Vanguard’s team members who often host their Pre-Health Program mentees in their home and provide dozens of hours of one-on-one coaching.

“It’s amazing to see folks who started with us in the Pre-Health program and see them come back to Colorado Springs,” Chung said. “We commit to help them live to their full potential in life. We have a continuing education fund, we also do things completely unrelated to what we do like offering stipends to take a (financial advisor) Dave Ramsey class or go to a marriage conference.”

Vanguard Skin Specialists has also

paid for several employees to go to Haiti and support a clinic there. Leisle Chung believes that when people live full and meaningful lives that it comes across in their work and that is what keeps bringing new employees with the same mindset to Vanguard.

“We have really amazing people, a lot of places say that, but what makes us really unique is our mission, the people who come in with that mission in mind, and it’s a team that’s focused on making that happen,” Leisle said. “I’ve had multiple people tell me what they’ve never worked somewhere where everyone got along.”

While Leisle and Vinh Chung support anti-human trafficking projects in Cambodia, organizations in Rwanda providing clean water and a medical clinic in Haiti, their mission is also for the world closer to home.

Vanguard’s specialty is in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers and the care of patients is the top priority.

“We treat thousands of skin cancers every year. We work really hard,” Chung said. “If we get a new melanoma patient, we get them in within two days and, if needed, we stay late.”

“The team feels really proud to be recognized.”

Healing with Impact Vanguard’s mission is to make a positive impact on our patients, our community, and our world. This transformative idea drives everything we do, whether it’s opening offices in underserved communities, serving humanitarian missions around the world, or simply providing patients with our cell phone numbers. This mission attracts team members who genuinely care about the impact they make.

Thanks to our Extraordinary Team for making us a great place to work!

Locations in Canon City, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Woodland Park www.vanguardskin.com

719-355-1585 BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 29

No. 3 MIDSIZE

company MODERN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC.

COURTESY PHOTO

‘Employees come first’ philosophy drives success at Modern Technology Solutions Inc.

BY ROBIN INTEMANN

Special to The Gazette

MTSI means what it says when it comes to its Core Values — it’s not just lip service. They mean it when they say ‘Employees Come First’ and ‘Own and Solve our Customer’s Problems.’

— MODERN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY

SCAN TO SEE VIDEO 30 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

Literally, the first among Modern Technology Solutions Inc.’s nine core values is “employees come first.”

This, according to Dale Moore, vice president of business development and Colorado Springs site leader, is what contributes to the company’s recognition for its best workplace environment at the national and local levels.

MTSI recently ranked second on Fortune’s top 100 best medium workplace list. The company has received similar accolades at several of its other locations including Huntsville, Ala., where it’s been on the list for at least 10 years, and in Dayton, Ohio, where it’s been recognized for the past five or six years, Moore said.

“We are a completely one-hundred percent employee owned,” he explained. “We treat the value of ‘employees come first’ as a mandate. Everyone is an owner and this creates a unique environment. It starts with our most junior employee all the way to our CEO and president.”

MTSI provides engineering services

and technology solutions for the Department of Defense, intelligence community and other federal and commercial clients. According to the MTSI website, it is an “engineering services and technology solutions company delivering first-choice capabilities to solve problems of global importance in the critical mission areas of missile defense, cyber security, intelligence, unmanned/autonomous systems, aviation, space, and homeland security.”

In other words, Moore said, “Primarily we develop solutions for the nation’s most challenging problems. Our vision has really been as a technical services company solving the hardest problems around security in our nation. All of our employees feel they are part of the solution.”

Locally, MTSI has 65 employees; nationally, the 26-year company has 1,150 employees. “We focus on people and our employees are at the center of our reputation,” Moore added. He has been with MTSI for 11 years — the last three in Colorado Springs.

“We make sure we hire the right people and give them all the tools and pro-

cesses they need to succeed,” he said.

This, along with excellent benefits, opportunities for career development and an understanding of employees’ needs and wants further demonstrates how MTSI values its workforce. “We focus on each and every individual. We’ve created an environment where they feel they have a home in the company and feel comfortable.”

MTSI has a retention rate of 92%, which Moore acknowledged is “extremely high” for the industry. “This speaks to the culture of the company.

People generally stick around. We do a pretty good job of keeping the people we have.”

Another of the MTSI core values is social responsibility. Moore said, “The company spends quite a bit of money nationally and locally on charitable causes. This is a priority for us.” The local veteran community is among MTSI’s local beneficiaries, he said. Nationally, 40% of its employees are veterans.

The values play a role in MTSI often being the first choice among the clients it serves, Moore said.

BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 31

No. 3 SMALL

company SERVPRO

PHOTO BY CHRIS MALONE

Work ethic abounds at ServPro I’m motivated by the dedication and passion of the owners. They believe in doing quality work and they are the most ethical people I have ever worked for.

— SERVPRO EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY

SCAN TO SEE VIDEO 32 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

BY WILLIAM J. DAGENDESH

Special to The Gazette

ServPro is a U.S. and Canadian water cleanup and restoration franchise known for providing top localized services and large-scale disaster recovery.

Having witnessed ServPro’s quality, customer-oriented service as an employee inspired Matthew Valdez to continue the company’s tradition of excellence as an operations manager.

“I started out as a helper on a truck at another ServPro franchise and worked my way up through the ranks to become operations manager. During this time I saw what a great service this company provided to the public in their time of need,” Valdez said.

According to Valdez, ServPro surrounds itself with like-minded, quality people who share this vision and are dedicated to providing only the best customer product delivery services. “We want employees who are prideful of their work and believe in each other, which will set us apart from other competitors for the right reasons,” Valdez said.

Valdez believes in a ServPro work ethic that includes integrity, ded-

ication and, of course, hard work.

“When the owners decided to sell their franchise, I knew immediately it was time to purchase my own franchise,” Valdez said.

Valdez attributes much of his company’s success to his employees who share his passion and vision for hard work. “We’re not afraid to get our hands dirty and do what it takes to get the job done right,” Valdez said.

ServPro provides a myriad of services ranging from water mitigation to mold remediation. With water mitigation, the company dries out a structure to industry standards after a customer has experienced water damage in their home or building.

ServPro also offers fire/smoke mitigation service. The company also packs up and stores contents until the reconstruction has been completed, and delivers the contents to the customer.

Other services include biohazard remediation; biohazard damage could be the result of suicide, homicide, trauma or animal infestation.

Cleaning vacant homes prior to re-renting or selling, commercial and residential carpet cleaning, commercial hood vent cleaning in restau-

rants, and residential air duct cleaning services also are provided.

ServPro of North Central Colorado Springs employs 10 production team members, four managers, three office staff and three marketers. Valdez and his management team boast a combined 43 years of experience.

“We offer a great work environment where the employees are like family, valued and treated with respect. We offer competitive pay and a generous benefit package,” Valdez said.

Making a difference in a customer’s life following a traumatic event is the most rewarding aspect of working for ServPro, Valdez said. “Both our company and technicians are Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration certified and we perform the work to industry standards,” je said.

Valdez hopes to one day have five franchises where he can continue providing ServPro’s standards of services excellence.

“We currently have two franchises and are in the process of purchasing our third,” Valdez said.

ServPro of North Central Colorado Springs is at 7917 Red Granite Loop #120. To learn more visit www. servpronorthcentralcoloradosprings.com.

Like it never even happened.速

Like it never even happened.速

速 速 SERVPRO ofNorth Franchise Here CentralName Colorado Springs SERVPROof of Franchise Name Here

& of East Colorado Springs/Black Forest

555-555-5555 555-555-5555

719-266-0881

servprofranchisename.com

servprofranchisename.com servpro10773.com

Independently Owned and Operated

Independently Owned and Operated BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 33

Under

One Umbrella

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• SOCIAL

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OUR SOLUTIONS

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CENTAURI IS PROUD TO BE A 2019 COLORADO SPRINGS BEST WORKPLACE

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CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION

719-444-JOBS (5627)

MEDIA

www.centauricorp.com/join-us 34 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.�

-Albert Einstein

Thanks to our amazing employees for voting us a Best Workplace! We value the experience and care you bring to the families that trust us with their children.

625 Popes Bluff Trail, CO Springs, CO 80907

(719) 465-1342

2110 Vickers Dr, CO Springs, CO 80918

(719) 375-3927

Rebuilding families and communities, one behavior at a time.

WWW.COLORADOBEHAVIOR.COM 719-466-4809 10807 New Allegiance, Suite 145 Colorado Springs, CO

JEDunn.com

Thank you Bryan Construction employees for naming us a 2019 Best Workplaces

BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 35

719-520-1234 Thank You To Our Employees For Voting Us One Of The Best Workplaces!

Are you a Great Motivator/Cheerleader?

Are you a Sales Superstar?

Are you a Utility Player?

Are you Mr./Ms. Fix It? Are you a bit of a Neat Freak?

Join Our Team! Apply Today! www.GriďŹƒsBlessing.com/Job-Application

info@gb85.com

It’s an honor to be a part of

The Gazette Best Workplaces.

We are thankful to our team members for this and for their passion to serve as trusted advisors to all of our clients in the local community!

Creating Revenue for Businesses Through Data.

719-900-2540 | www.datajoesoftware.com We serve our customers and fellow employees by living our core values of integrity, loyalty & love.

We just happen to sell & service cars too.

www.Faricy.com 36 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

Pikes Peek ssocietion of RE LTORS® thenks our M ZING steff for promoting end protecting the RE LTOR® brend in the Pikes Peek Region!

Thanks PPWFC Staff for making us a Best Workplace!

PPWFC.org

Century Communities is honored to be named one of the 2019 Best Workplaces in Colorado Springs.

Thank you to our employees for their vision, passion and dedication.

COMMITTED TO

Community

Thank you to our employees for providing exceptional care every day and making us one of the Best Workplaces for 2019!

See what Peak Vista has to offer!

Join our community at peakvista.org/careers. ©11/2019 Century Communities, Inc.

(719) 632-5700 | peakvista.org/careers BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 37

Thank you Shafer employees.

You are an amazing team!

Mischa Halberg owner

Our mission is to create an enjoyable work atmosphere where employees are encouraged to grow professionally and technically in their area of expertise.

Core Values = Excellence + Integrity +Timeliness + Accountability + Respect THE

SHAFER GROUP

Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors

13710 Struthers Road, Suite 220  Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Telephone: 719.487.1200  Fax: 719.487.1201 info@TheShaferGroup.net  TheShaferGroup.net Facebook.com/TheShaferGroup ..

Ideas transform communities At HDR, we’re helping our clients push open the doors to what’s possible, every day.

Proud sponsor of The Gazette's 2019 Best Workplaces in the Pikes Peak Region

hdrinc.com

38 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

• Over 40 combined years of experience in the industry • Wedding cakes with FREE tasting/consultation • Specialty cakes, cookies, pies & pastries • Corporate parties plus much more!

Place Your Holiday Orders with us by December 20.

15 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80909

719-633-5151

www.IcingOnTheCakeColoradoSprings.com

Colorado Springs School District 11 Is Hiring D11 has been recognized as one of the best workplaces in Colorado Springs!

Thank You… For Making Real Estate Relevant Again!

Apply today to start an exciting career at one of the best workplaces in Colorado Springs! Visit d11.org/jobs or contact D11’s Human Resources at 520-2169.

TheCuttingEdgeRealtors.com • 719-999-5067

Inspire every mind.

BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 39

Rapid Prototypes

for Rapid Response

Control your company’s costs with Flow Right’s Facility Care Program

Our signals and space-based solutions enable warfighters to stay ahead of emerging threats

Thanks to our staff for making Cosmic AES a best workplace!

Now selling packages of service hours at discounted rates for our business partners! Call and ask us about how we can help your business control its maintenance costs.

We’re hiring!

(Don’t worry we still fix home issues too.)

Engineers Software Developers System Analysts

Learn more at www.cosmicaes.com

.

13 20 . S IN CE RD ND

HA

Blazer Electric Service Team!

5928 Stetson Hills Blvd www.rjw.rocks 719.650.6000

Why is Blazer Electric Supply the BEST Place to work?

719-569-7604 | www.flowrightphi.com

KE

, D IA

MO

With an emphasis on customer service, employee happiness and community service, we are the BEST! Thank you to our employees who enjoy and thrive in this workplace every day!

6125 Omaha Blvd.

LI

Colorado Springs, CO 80915

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BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 41

A CLOSER LOOK INSIDE …

THE GAZETTE’S BEST WORKPLACES

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL GUIDE 42 | BEST WORKPLACES 2019

CLASSIC HOMES

Building on a legacy SPONSORED FEATURE

DOZENS OF VIBRANT RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS AND NEW HOME COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT EL PASO COUNTY stand as a testament to Classic Homes’ 30-year reputation as a quality homebuilder and land developer.

As early as 2004, the locally owned company led by Jeff Smith, Doug Stimple, and George Lenz was named “Best Large Company with a Promising Future” by local business voters. What a tremendous vote of confidence early on.

Today, the land development and homebuilding team at Classic Homes continues to earn customer loyalty and industry-wide recognition, locally and nationally. Earlier this year, for example, Classic Homes was named the “Best Homebuilder” and “Best Home Developer” by readers of The Gazette and the Colorado Springs Business Journal — the 12th such honor in as many years. In 2018 and again in 2019, Classic Homes

was recognized as one of Southern Colorado’s Best Workplaces. Year after year, the team also continues to earn a spot on the prestigious “Builder 100” list, published by industry leader, Builder Magazine.

Earning such accolades is wonderful. But Classic’s goals are deeper than winning awards and stars. It’s about setting realistic expectations and keeping quality, value, and customer satisfaction at the forefront of every home in every community. Classic understands that a new home often represents a path to help families achieve their dreams. Whether the neighborhood is in an established area like Flying Horse and Indigo Ranch or the urban-style Midtown Collection at Cottonwood Creek and the brand new Townhome Collection in North Fork at Briargate, the entire team is committed to partnering with each customer throughout the homebuilding experience.

Classic Homes currently builds in 14 communities located throughout Colorado Springs and Monument and offers five distinct home collections with square footage ranging from 1,300 sq. ft. to over 6,100 sq. ft.

Current Classic communities include: Sanctuary Pointe, Forest Lakes, Flying Horse, North Fork at Briargate, Wolf Ranch, Banning Lewis Ranch, Indigo Ranch, Hannah Ridge, Midtown at Cottonwood Creek, Homestead at Sterling Ranch, Jackson Creek North, and Bison Ranch. Home collections include: Classic Collection (ranch and two-story homes with full basements), Legends Collection (paired-patio ranch homes with full basements), Renaissance Collection (ranch and two-story homes built on crawlspaces), Midtown Collection (two- and threestory urban-style homes) and the new Townhome Collection (two-story attached townhomes). What’s new at Classic? The team continuously evaluates home designs, included

features, and new products. In fact, many of the available home designs you see today are the direct result of customer input and internal research and development. One of the most notable changes in 2019 occurred just earlier this month, on November 9, when Classic introduced its Smart Home Connections Package as a standard included feature on all new construction homes, across all product lines in every Classic community.

The package is the first of its kind to be added as an included new home feature in El Paso County.

So whether you are embarking on your first home, a larger home, or downsizing to a smaller home, Classic Homes is with you all the way. To learn more about Classic’s communities, floorplans, and new homes ready for quick move-in, please visit www.ClassicHomes. com. Classic’s online New Home Specialists are also available 7-days a week at 719-888-3445.

SERVPRO

Employees create a culture of caring SPONSORED FEATURE

SERVPRO NORTHCENTRAL COLORADO SPRINGS OPENED ITS FIRST COLORADO SPRINGS OFFICES IN 2018, but the three owners, Matthew and Andrew Valdez and Troy Simons, all worked as restoration project laborers to start out their respective careers in mitigation and remediation services.

“They’re roll up your sleeves kind of owners who work hard and their cando attitude is inspirational to all of us on the team,” said Sales and Marketing Manager Austin Green.

Each employee is given rigorous training to ensure the client experience remains unsurpassed in the Colorado Springs region for water and fire damage restoration. The teams also are commercial services professionals, with a 24/7 response team that will report to local businesses and homes and make any remediation seem “like it never even happened.”

“People who call us deserve fast, expert answers for one of the most difficult times of their lives. We make sure our employees feel good coming to work — so they can pass on this

optimism and can-do attitude to their customers,” said Co-owner and Franchisee Matthew Valdez.

“I am proud to lead the missiondriven team we have at ServPro Industries. The team spirit and service to one another are vital elements that make ServPro Industries a Top Workplace,” Co-owner and Franchisee Simons said. “If someone wants to work on a high-performance team with room for career advancement and with a great company culture, I’d invite them to give us a call.”

ServPro Industries also is a wellrespected brand in other regions and other franchisees have received similar awards many times over. The franchise prides itself on allowing local employees the opportunity to grow their careers no matter where the franchise opens its doors. The leaders at the corporate level and in Colorado Springs have continually supported employee development, believing that each person is critical to the whole company’s mission and culture.

Attracting, retaining and developing personnel is a top priority — the

nature of ServPro’s business requires employees to work with clients who have often experienced trauma, due to fire, flood and other unforeseen circumstances. The team prides itself on its ability to meet homeowners and business owners right where they are — bringing a sense of human warmth and compassion before the job even begins. The teams also travel throughout the United States as part of the larger ServPro family to respond to national disasters like the recent floods in Houston. Yet they are also committed to being integral community citizens and encourage employees to make connections with local customers and non-profits to further the company’s mission of being a great neighbor in times of need.

“As we meet prospective employees, this ability to empathize, whether it’s on the phone or out in the field, becomes one of our top attributes. It becomes clear as we all work together we feel like extended family and we want to extend that feeling to the people we serve,” said Co-owner and Franchisee Andrew Valdez.

ServPro Industries, LLC offers a variety of programs and benefits to their employees, including the following: • Personal and Professional Development • Culture of Wellness • Comprehensive Benefits Packages • 401K Retirement Matching • Profit Sharing Structure • Employee Appreciation Events • Opportunities for Community Engagement • Conduct Bi-Annual Employee/ Engagement Survey and implement Approved Recommendations ServPro specializes in the emergency cleanup and restoration of fire- and water-damaged homes and businesses, among other services. The Colorado Springs-based franchise company employs more than 20 dedicated people at their headquarters.

For more information, contact ServPro Industries, LLC at 719-266-0881 or visit www. servpronorthcentralcoloradosprings.com.

BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 43

DAVIDSON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Employees work on space exploration, national defense SPONSORED FEATURE

DAVIDSON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. HAS DISTINGUISHED ITSELF IN THE AEROSPACE AND MISSILE DEFENSE INDUSTRY with an outstanding reputation for excellence. Specifically, DTI is recognized for hiring noted experts, and experienced engineers and scientists who are dedicated to providing our customers with solutions to complex problems in a timely and uniquely responsive way. DTI is dedicated to our nation’s defense and our nation’s exploration of space.

Dr. Julian Davidson founded Davidson Technologies, Inc. in 1996, dedicating his company to providing high quality engineering and technical services to defense and aerospace customers. Dr. Davidson’s extensive experience in government and industry helped mold his business philosophy into one that has made Davidson Technologies, Inc. a premier company with reputation for excellence and integrity.

Dr. Davidson envisioned a company that would be customer focused and solution oriented, all within an

atmosphere that attracts and retains quality professionals and noted experts with extensive technical knowledge.

After Dr. Davidson’s death in 2013, Dorothy Davidson stepped in to run the company as a woman-owned small business. Her

business acumen and engineering background provides a seamless transition and offers a new and exciting vision for growth.

Davidson Technologies’ wide range of proven capabilities, flexible and responsive work ethic and ability to tailor and build teams to address specific requirements provides a commitment to the customer that is second to none.

Davidson Technologies, Inc. strives to be the premiere technical partner in support of our customers’ needs. It is our mission to be an innovative company responding to our customers by providing solutions to complex technical challenges with a focus on delivering products and services at the best value.

FORMSTACK

Formstack values relationships and results SPONSORED FEATURE

CALLING ALL INNOVATORS, CREATORS, AND TEAM PLAYERS! Formstack is looking for YOU. If you thrive on solving problems, working with diverse teams, and want to make an impact throughout the world, Formstack is the place for you.

We’re a 13-year-old Software as a Service (SaaS) company focused on helping businesses improve the way they collect, share, and store data.

Our products are used by leaders in their industries, like the YMCA, Cleveland Clinic, CU Denver, and the NHL. We provide a platform of workplace productivity tools that help companies around the world transform the way they collect data and put it to work. From online forms and surveys to automated document generation and electronic signatures, our employees are creating products that revolutionize how companies get work done.

Our Colorado Springs office is an

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inviting, exciting, and welcoming environment located in the heart of downtown. Our recently updated office offers everything our employees need to work hard and play hard, including cutting edge technology, riveting games of ping pong, beer on tap, and team lunches every Friday. When you walk through our doors, you’ll instantly see and feel that we’re more than just coworkers, we’re family. “It’s like a bunch of friends who can handle balancing having fun and working passionately on a product they believe in,” said Creative Director Matt Ritter.

Because Formstack’s core values focus on the importance of relationships and results, we’ve developed a unique culture that thrives on transparency, communication, and fun. This enables us to hit major goals and continue to grow, while creating deep and authentic relationships. “If you want a place that

you can grow with people, that you enjoy coming to work with every day, but also enjoy being challenged as a professional, this is where to be,” said Talent Management Lead Justin Flynn.

As we rapidly expand, we are looking for driven and passionate people to add to our diverse team that live and work across the globe. As a remote-first company, all of our employees have the opportunity to work from anywhere in the world, any time they want. Whether you work best from home, in the office, or from a tropical paradise, the world is your workspace as a “Stacker.” We offer plenty of fun and engaging activities for remote and office employees alike, such as online trivia contests, chili cook-offs, and our annual allteam meeting, which will be hosted in Cancun, Mexico in 2020.

We know that our industry-leading products only exist thanks to our

dedicated employees. We pride ourselves on offering top-tier benefits, such as unlimited PTO, a 401K match of up to 5%, flexible work hours, a technology stipend, and much more.

“Formstack offers flexibility that you can’t find many places. We get unlimited PTO and aren’t restricted to any one work location. Although we have physical offices, employees often work from their house, a coffee shop, a co-working space, or even a remote travel location,” said Content Team Lead Abby Neiten.

If you’re looking for the next step in your career, please visit formstack.com/careers to see open positions and learn more about joining the team at Formstack.

MODERN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC.

Employee-owned technology solutions provider SPONSORED FEATURE

MODERN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. (MTSI), IS A 100% EMPLOYEE-OWNED ENGINEERING SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PROVIDER for the defense industry, intelligence community, and commercial markets. In 2019, MTSI’s Colorado Springs team added 11 new employees, bringing the total employee count to 63. Heading into 2020, MTSI expects annual revenue exceeding $270 million, while expanding its overall employee count over 1,150 and maintaining a retention rate above 92%. Fortune recently named MTSI as #2 on the 2019 100 Best Medium Workplaces list.

Co-founders Phil Soucy and Tom McMahan shared a long-term vision of MTSI as an enduring company solving problems of global importance built upon a foundation of core values that drives all aspects of operations and decision making. The transition to 100% employee owned (ESOP) provided

MTSI a stable, independent foundation used to reward its employees. Having completed the 100% ESOP process allowed us to not only maintain, but also improve upon a package of employee benefits which is significantly better than the industry average. Having a workforce of employees “who think and act like owners” is a key driver of our operational efficiency and overall business success.

MTSI delivers significant value in the rapid acquisition, engineering, test and delivery of critical capabilities (often highly classified) to the country’s warfighters and first responders. As a company, we stay focused on delivering high-end services, subject matter expert support, and integrated technology solutions with maximum mission impact. Read more at www.mtsi-va. com. For more information on career opportunities and benefits with MTSI, please visit www.mtsi-va.com/careers.

LUISA GRAFF JEWLERS

Where Colorado gets engaged SPONSORED FEATURE

LUISA GRAFF JEWELERS IS A FAMILY AND VETERAN-OWNED AND OPERATED JEWELRY STORE that focuses on quality, education and service. Luisa and her son Andrew are partners in this full-service jewelry store that believes in serving Colorado Springs. We love to get involved with other organizations and want to make a difference in Colorado Springs, where our families live. We also believe that serving with love means getting very involved in our community and giving back. That is why we donate to over 50 local organizations per year. We can do this and keep our prices low because we have kept our overhead very low.

Our team consists of 28 individuals, with a core staff of three experienced jewelers, two members who are gemologists and five gemological students.

All of our new associates receive mentoring, and study with our own Luisa Graff University. Luisa Graff University consists of learning the background of how Luisa Graff Jewelers originated and includes the study of diamonds and natural gemstones. Our guests will speak with knowledgeable and passionate team members who love jewelry and are educated about the jewelry we sell. If we don’t know the answer to a question, we won’t guess, we’ll find out.

Being honest and straightforward is how we do what we do. Because of our knowledge and talent, we can cover the range of needs in the community, from jewelry repair and maintenance to custom modifications and original design. We take what we do very seriously, while having fun doing it!

The employees at Luisa Graff Jewelers are people who are motivated and love to be educated every day. Luisa Graff Jewelers was developed with one simple thought, to serve with love. We found that serving with love begets love. For us that means to serve you with respect, honesty and integrity. That’s why we say we are your advocate.

And our concept must be working as we have earned “The Best Jewelry Store” in Colorado Springs since 1999.

Branding our store as “Where Colorado Gets Engaged,” we hand-select every diamond sold while also taking the time to educate our guests.

We also buy diamonds direct from selected mines in Canada and Russia, with prices as fabulous as the gemstones they value.

As an Antwerp Diamond Broker, we enjoy being able to find the finest diamonds available on the market. Our diamond buyers will sort through more than a hundred gems before finding a diamond we will be proud to show you. We have an extensive inventory with more than 12,000 items of fine jewelry to share with you. From gorgeous engagement and wedding sets in our exclusive bridal area, to a vault filled with loose diamonds of all sizes, shapes, colors and grades, we have just what you are looking for. We are unique in that we sell a full array of natural colored gemstones, in an increasingly synthetic marketplace.

To learn more, call 719-260-0100 or visit LuisaGraffJewelers.com.

BEST WORKPLACES 2019 | 45

VANGUARD SKIN SPECIALISTS

Healing with impact SPONSORED FEATURE

ONLY A SELECT FEW HAVE THE POWER AND INFLUENCE TO CHANGE THE WORLD WITH A SINGLE ACT; the rest of us must rely on a lifetime of smaller, everyday actions to change the world for the better.

Vanguard’s mission is to make a positive impact on our patients, our community, and our world. This transformative idea drives everything we do. Whether it’s opening offices in underserved communities, donating 100% of the proceeds from our Clara skincare shop to charity, serving humanitarian missions around the world, or simply providing patients with our cell phone numbers, we genuinely care about the impact we make.

Vanguard’s mission attracts a different breed of doctor and medical professional. It’s never just a “job” — it’s a calling — and when you pursue a mission greater than yourself, your patients notice. When you come to Vanguard, you will be seen by a highly trained medical professional with a passion for helping people.

That’s our promise to our patients and the greater community. We can fulfill that promise because our team is truly one of a kind.

We are dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and team members who believe in changing the world for the better — one patient at a time.

Vanguard Skin Specialists has five offices in Briargate, Broadmoor, Canon City, Pueblo, and Woodland Park.

www.vanguardskin.com

THE WIRENUT

Focusing on customer service, high quality products, value SPONSORED FEATURE

FOUNDED IN 2004, THE WIRENUT HAS ALWAYS FOCUSED ON THE QUALITIES THAT SEPARATE THEM FROM THE REST: great customer service, excellent products and terrific value. They believe that by providing these three things, their customers will appreciate them and

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recommend them to their friends and family.

The WireNut conducts weekly onsite training and regularly sends team members out of state for specialized training. They are proud to invest and take care of the team that takes care of their customers.

They believe this is a winning formula, proven by their 92% employee retention rate.

They are a family-owned and operated business, and are proud to employ honest, hard-working Coloradans. Whether it’s their expert electricians, plumbers or

their skilled HVAC technicians, you can trust that when The WireNut arrives, they are there to take great care of you.

The WireNut is located at 6395 E. Platte Ave. in Colorado Springs. For more information, visit them online at thewirenut.com.

ClassicHomes.com

Our people are our greatest asset.

Join us.

Learn more at Ent.com/Careers today.

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Ent is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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