165 companiesearn Top Workplaceshonors for2026
BYJUSTINEGRIFFIN |TimesStaffWriter
Forthefirsttimeinour 17 yearsofproducing Top Workplaces,the TampaBayTimesis honoring a recordnumberofemployers.
In thepast,theTimeslimited thenumber of workplaceswerecognizedtothetop100.But now, we’reshowcasing165 bay areacompanies Thereason behindthisdecision? Well,employeeshave toldus for years thattherearemorethan100top-tiercompaniestowork for here.Andwelistened.
We’re exploringhowthesecompaniesputtheir employees first byofferingsecurityandflexibility throughbenefitsandperks beyondthescopeoftheusual workdayorworkenvironment.
Also,thisyearwe’vecreated newcategories for ourwinners,breakingout tiers just for the ever-growingrealestatesector. Inside,you’ll find48winners inoursmall-businesscategory, 46winnersinthemidsizeand 57 winners in ourlargebusinesscategory. In addition,thereare 14 realestate firmshonored.
Eachyear, the TampaBay Timessurveysemployersinthe regiontogainanunderstanding ofwhatit’s liketoworkina varietyofindustries—andfrom a numberof companies—to come upwithourannual ranking.
Nearly110,000 ofthe area’s employeesagreedtotakepartin ratingtheirplacesofbusiness. We surveyed201companiestocome upwithourtop165. Forty-four companiesmadethelistforthe firsttimein 2026.Eightemployershavemadethelist everyyear sincewebegan.
Forthepast 17 years,theTimes hasconducteda Top Workplaces survey. TheTimesworkswith Energage,ourresearchpartner ontheproject. Theseemployeeswork at highly ratednonprofits, governmentagencies,smallbusinesses andlargecorporations. They were eagertosharetheir experiences withus.
Workers expressedgratitude andloyaltytotheiremployers, who madethem feel valuedand appreciated.
“Itallowsmetooperateinthe nichespecialtythatIknow. The companyandleadersalsoprovidegreatflexibilityforworklife balance,”wroteoneemployeeof Atkore,aglobalmanufacturing anddistributioncompany with anofficein Tampa. “Thepeoplearefriendlyandwillwork throughissueswithyoutoarrive at asolution.” Benefitswereatoptrend amongoursurveyresults.
“CapitalOnereallycaresabout worklifeintegrationandmakes sureassociatesareabletobring their ‘whole selves’ to work,” wroteoneemployeeabouttheir financialservicesemployer, whichemploysmorethanathousandworkersin Tampa. Benefits
at CapitalOneincludeadoption andsurrogacyreimbursement andfullfertilitycoverage,with generouspaidtimeoffforfamilies.
Companiesthatwentabove andbeyondtoprovideawork-life balanceintheirbenefitscontinuedto standoutamongthesurveyresultsthisyear
“Iloveworking at Leader Tech becauseitisaplacewhereyou caneasilytalktoHRormanagementaboutanyjob-relatedissues or even issues outside of the workplace,”wroteoneemployee ofthemanufacturer basedin Keystone. “We areallheretohelp eachother outinapositivemanner.”
At FrankCrum,an employer solutions firmin Clearwater,it’s morethanjustthebenefitsforthe staff. It’s aboutthecollaborative, friendly culture,too
“Itisalwaysgrowing,many opportunitieswithintogrowas well. It’s a familybusinessmeaningtheyknowfamilyis first andarealwayswillingtohelp ifneeded,”wroteone employee.
“It’s filledwithsomanywonderful,hardworkingemployees. They providegreatbenefits. They make suretohavea goodtimeaswell withtheiremployeesandinclude themonfun events.” Now, letustell you aboutsome ofthetop165 TampaBay Workplacesof2026.
Top Workplaces2026: Leadership Awards
SMALL
HEATHERMARISCAL,PRIORITY
ONEFINANCIALSERVICES
Comments:“Theycareaboutme asanindividualandencourageme todomybest.”
MIDSIZE ROBERTRITCHIE,AMERICAN INTEGRITYINSURANCEGROUP INC.
Comments:“Leadershipisengaging,present,andattentive.Itis refreshingtointeractwithleaders whodonotputthemselvesina highercategorythanothers,which isoftenthecase.”
LARGE
JOELIBERATORE,KFORCE
Comments:“Theexecutiveleadershipteaminspiresconfidence
throughtheirtransparencyand thoughtfulcommunication, especiallyduringtimesofmacro-economicuncertainty.Their cautiousyetforward-looking approachdemonstratesstrong stewardship.Ialsoappreciatetheir genuineandpragmaticstrategyfor AIadoption—balancinginnovation withresponsibility—whichreinforcestrustintheirvisionforthefirm’s future.”
DIRECTION AWARD
GuidePointSecurity
Sector:Large
Comments:“IthinkGuidePointis realisticinwhatthefutureholds forthecompanyanddecisionsare madetoensurethatwe’reworking towardmorebeneficialoutcomes. I’veneverseenanemailorhave beeninanallhandsmeetingwhere I’vethoughtthattheleadership teamwasunsureaboutthefuture orweretryingtotakebiggerrisks thanarenecessary.Ilikewherethe companyisgoingbecauseIbelieve thepeopleleadingustrulycare aboutthebusinessbutmoreimportantlycareaboutthepeoplewithin thebusiness.”
APPRECIATION AWARD
InsuranceOffice Of America
Sector:Large
Comments:“Informationaboutthe bigpictureisshared.Employees areaskedfortheiropinion,knowledge,feedback.Theopportunity forcontinuededucationaland personalgrowthissupported.Iam notmadetofeelbadifIamoutsick orneedtobeoutforanimportant appointment.Thecompliments andrecognitionofthanksalong withthewonderfulbenefits,pay andbonusesareallvalueadded.”
BENEFITS AWARD
Vantor
Sector:Small
CLUEDINSENIOR
MANAGEMENT AWARD
PostcardMania
Sector:Midsize
Comments.“IhaveweeklymeetingsIlearnoftheotherareas. EvenifIfeellikeI’msurprising(my manager)withsomethingshewill alreadyhaveanideaaboutit.”
COMMUNICATION AWARD
NES|Submeter.com
Sector:Small
Comments:“Upgrades,eventsand tipsfromcolleaguesthatmakeyour workrunsmoother.”
DOERS AWARD
SunriseIrrigation
Sector:Small
Comments:“Weareclearlyaleaderinourindustryanditshowsin howwedothingsonadailybasis andovercomechallenges.”
MANAGERS AWARD
StansellProperties & Development
Sector:Midsize
Comments:“Mysupervisorconsistentlydemonstratesgenuinecare formyconcernsbymaintainingan open-doorpolicy,activelylistening, andworkingalongsidemetofind solutions.”
MEANINGFULNESS AWARD
ChaptersHealth
System
Sector:Large Comments:“Ifeelthelove betweenourstaffandourpatients andtheirfamilies.Interactionisbig andIenjoyhavingtheopportunity todosoinpersonoronthephones asIhavehadmanyopportunities onthephone.”
TECOEMPOWERED AWARD
Allied TrustInsurance
Sector:Small
Comments:“Newideasare encouragedthroughopencommunicationandcollaboration.Team membersareinvitedtosharesuggestionsduringmeetings,brainstormingsessions,orone-on-one discussions,andallcontributions arevaluedandconsideredwhen makingdecisions.”
VALUES AWARD
American Landmark
Apartments
Sector:LargeRealEstate
Comments:“The360promiseisa greatexampleofshowingourdedicationtostrongvalues.Wewant ourresidentstolovewheretheylive andthewayswedothatencourage retentionthroughtimelymaintenancecompletionrates,ALtransfersforwhenlifetakesourresidents tonewplaces,andthe2weeksatisfactionclausethatencouragesus toalwaysprovideourmoveinswith aturnkeyapartmentwitheverysinglemovein.”
WELL-BEING AWARD
PulteGroup
Sector:Midsize
Comments:“Theyprioritizecommunicationandhaveawonderful work-lifebalance.Veryrealistic whenitcomesdowntosupportat workandoutsideofwork.”
WORK/LIFEFLEXIBILITY AWARD
Dayforce
Sector:Midsize
Comments:“Dayforcefocuseson workhard/playhard.Mymanagementteamprotectsemployees fromdemandingclients.Irarely hearamanagercontradictapayroll reptoaclient.Ifeelmanagement supportstheemployees.”
ContactJustine Griffinat 727-893-8467 or jgriffin@tampabay.com. Follow @SunBizGriffin.
Work-lifebalanceisa toppriority for Tampa Bayemployees
BYREBECCALIEBSON
TimesStaffWriter
Whatqualifiesas a“dreamjob”? We oftenthink ofpositions thatarefastpacedandglamorous,likeactor pilotorprofessional athlete.
Butformanymodernworkers, themeasureofagreatjobisnotso muchabouttheday-to-daytasks theyperform,butthewaytheir jobs complementtheirpersonal
lives. In thewake oftheCOVID19pandemic,moreAmericansare seekingcareersthatenablethem to“worktolive” ratherthan“live towork.”
In responsetothisyear’s Top Workplacessurvey, hundredsof workersacrossthe TampaBay areasaidqualityhealthinsurance, flexiblework-from-homepoliciesandcompetitivecompensationwerewhat madetheircompaniesgreatplacestowork. They alsoemphasizedtheimportance
ofhavingapositiveworkplace cultureandmanagers whoseethem asindividuals,notjustemployees. Almost75%of survey respondentsagreedthattheircompaniesdidagreat job ofprioritizingemployeewell-being.Roughly 80%said they have the flexibility theyneedto balancetheirwork andpersonallives. KathleenSteffey isthefounder andCEOof NavigaRecruiting, an executivesearch firmbased in the Tampa Bay area.Shesaidin
recentyears,theabilitytowork from home has become a nonnegotiable formanyjobseekers. Thoughthisistrueacrossthe country, Steffey saidworkersin TampaBay havebeenmoreresistanttothereturntotheofficethan thosein othermajormetros.
As theregion’s population has exploded,“commutetimesin someplacesherehavetripled,” Steffey said. “Wedon’t have public transportationto getanywhere. Somelocalemployersare
embracingthechangeinsteadof fightingit. JaredBarr,chief experience officer at Grow Financial Federal Credit Union,saidrigidreturn-toofficepoliciesaresometimesused asacrutchforbadleadership. Athiscompany, employeesare encouraged to“workwherethey workbest.” “Ithinkitspeakstothespiritof accountabilityandtrustthatwe havehere,”hesaid.
Tampa Bay’s 165 Top Workplaces
Cristina Nazario,asenior humanresources generalistfor GrowFinancial,was specifically lookingforremoteworkwhen she joinedthecompanysevenyears ago.She’s basedinSouthCarolina,butmostofhercolleaguesare localto TampaBay.
Despitethis,“Itrulyfeellike I haven’tmissedabeat,”shesaid That’s becauseGrowFinancial hasmadeiteasyforhertoconnect withherteamvirtually.
Even at companiesthatdo requirein-personwork,alittle flexibilitycan go alongway.
Leah Tomlinisthe generalmanagerofthe Tampa Palmslocation of NothingBundtCakes,whichis ownedandoperated by CelebrationCakes.
Despitetheearly-morning
demandsofthebakery business, Tomlinsaidher bossis understandingduringthosemoments whenlife gets intheway. For instance,she’s beenallowedto carveouttimeto stopbyherson’s school.
“I’mamom myself,andtowork forpeoplewhoarealsoparents andhaveafamily,theycare—it meansalottome,”shesaid.
Joley Mastanduno,aregional seniorvicepresidentwith Tampa-based staffingagencyKForce, saidhavingatop-of-the-lineworkspacecanalsobeamajordraw for workerswhodohaveto go into the office. Theidealofficeisinawalkable,centrallylocatedneighborhoodwithplentyofamenitiesand entertainment.
“Convenienceis key,” Mastandunosaid.
ShepointedtoKForce’s new headquarters,locatedwithin the Midtown Tampamixed-usedevel-
opment,asagreat exampleofthis. There,employeescaneasilyaccess anumberofrestaurants,aWhole Foodsand tons ofretailshopping destinations.
Somecompaniesare experimentingwithnewbenefitsaimed at helpingemployeesimprove theirlivesoutside of the office. Thiscan includefree gymmemberships,paidfamily andmedicalleave,paidvolunteer days,and education stipends.
BayArea YouthServices in Tampahas expandeditsEmployee AssistancePlantoofferadditionalsessionswitha mental healthprofessional at nocharge. As soonasanemployeeishired, they get fivefreedaysoffthat don’t needtobeaccruedand don’t come outof vacationor sickdays.
“Theworkthatwedocanbe heavywork,”said ChimereBussey, supervisor of thenonprofit’s Youth
Screening Program,whichprovidesinterventionservices for minorswhohavebeenarrested.
“Asasupervisor, wearetolookfor that in our staff, to seeifthey’re gettingburnedoutoriftheyneed amoment.Andthenweliketo accommodate.” In additiontoofferingtangibleperks,Steffey saidemployers nowmust findwaystoincorporatehealthandwellnessintotheir management style.
“Howcanyouhelp (workers) tohave a very successfullifeso in turn,they aresuccessfulinbusiness?”shesaid.
Tampa-based Metropolitan Ministrieshasimplementedaformalsystem forcheckinginon workers’mentalwell-beingcalled “thesanctuarymodel.” Every staffmeeting at Metro startswithemployeessharinghow they’refeelingthatday.
Everyone carries a cardwith a
personalself-careplantheycan turntointimesof stress. This includesactivitieslikeprayer, takinga walkorlisteningtomusic. Themodelmakesitsoleadership and staff areintentional about supportingeachother, employeessaid.“It’slikea ‘seen, known,loved,’ type of culture,” said Ava Moreno,adevelopment coordinator at the nonprofit.
Thoughjobseekersareless willingtobudgeonwork-lifebalance, in some ways, they’ve become moreopen-minded whenitcomes to what kindsofworkthey’re willingtodo. “It’spromptedpeople,Ithink, to go intojobsthatthey’remaybe notasinterestedinordon’t have adegreeinbecausetheemployer offersthatwellnessaspect,”Steffeysaid.
ContactRebecca Liebsonat rliebson@tampabay.com.
AtGrowFinancial, workers strive to strengthentheir community
BYREBECCALIEBSON
TimesStaffWriter
When LaurynCottmanclocks outofworkeachday, shesaid she feels good knowing that shewas abletohelppeopleinhercommunityachievetheir financial goals.
Cottmanisarelationshipspecialist at GrowFinancial Federal Credit Union’s West Riverbranch in Tampa. There, she helpspeopleopen upnewaccounts,processtransactionsandanswerquestionsabout loanandretirementproducts.
Herbranchislocatedinthe West Riverhousingcomplex, whichincludes thousandsofsubsidizedapartments.Cottmansaid thisisanunderservedcommunity where customersmaynototherwisehaveaccesstobankingservices. That makestheworkshe doesallthemoreimportant.
“Myfavoritepartof eachdayis puttinga smileonpeople’s faces, shesaid.“Itmakesmewantto showupahundredtimesmore.”
Establishedin1955,Grow Financialisnot your typicalbank. Withnocorporateshareholders to appease,thecompanypledges toworksolelyforthebenefitofits 250,000-plusmembers,putting peoplebeforeprofits at everyturn.
Employees at GrowFinancialsay thismission-drivenoutlookinspiresthemtodotheirbest work everyday.
“Ifyou’rethekindofpersonthat doesn’t careabouthelpingyour neighbor,thisisn’t aplaceforyou towork,”saidchief experienceofficer JaredBarr. Hispositionwas createdalittleoverayearagoand isfocusedon findingwaystomake members’liveseasier.
Oneofhisfavoriteinitiatives he’s workedon sincejoining the
companyeightyearsago was a COVID-eraprogramcalledGrow On Us.
GrowFinancialpartnered with localbusinesseslike 3DaughtersBrewinginSt. Petersburg and New York New YorkPizzain Tampa,paying themthousands ofdollarstogive away their productsto customers at no charge. The goalwastodrumupbusiness duringaslowperiodandbrighten people’s daysintheprocess.
“Itwasanopportunityfor usto really,tangiblybeablessingtothe community,” Barrsaid.
Thecompanyplacesa strong emphasisongivingback. Every employee isgranted two paid volunteerdayseachyear.Grow Financialalsosupports a wide variety ofcharitable events and encouragesworkerstoparticipate.
Monica Ayoub, vicepresident ofthecompany’speopledevelopmentgroup,saidGrowFinancial’s commitmenttoinvesting inthecommunity extendstoits ownworkers. Thismeansproviding extensivecareerdevelopment coaching,offeringtuitionreimbursementandcreatingopportunitiestopromotepeoplefrom within.
Ayoub startedoutasarecruiter forthecompany. Overthecourse ofhernearly12yearsthere,she’s taken part in two different leadershipprograms,whichshesaid gaveherthetoolssheneededto moveupthroughthe ranks.
Thebestpartofherjobhasbeen seeingpeopleshehelpedrecruit yearsago excelintheirowncareer journeys.
“ThatshowIknowI’m doing workthatismeaningful,” shesaid.
Evenas GrowFinancialhas expanded,leaders therehave
Employees at GrowFinancialget twopaid volunteerdaysa yearas part of the company’semphasison givingback.GrowFinancialalsosupportsawide variety of charitableevents and encourages workers toparticipateinthem.
GrowFinancialembracesa“people overprofits”businessmodel. “If you’rethe kind of personthatdoesn’tcareabouthelping your neighbor,thisisn’taplace for youto work,”sayschief experience officerJaredBarr.
triedto maintainacollaborative approachtodecision-making
The company’spresident and CEO Thomas Feindt,hosts a weekly town halltoupdateits563 employeesonwherethecompany stands,what’s goingwellandwhere thereisroomforimprovement.
AlexGilbert,aninformation
andsecuritymanagerforGrow Financial,saidthisleveloftransparencyhelps everyone at the company feellikethey can trust eachother.
“You’renever stuck in yourown silo,”hesaid. “There’s alwaysthat openlineofcommunicationand informationsharing.”
GrowFinancial Federal
CreditUnion
Location:HeadquarteredinTampa Employees:563
Website:growfinancial.org
Employeecomments:“Theunrelentingsenseofpositivity,camaraderie,andteamworkacrossall branchesanddivisionsisinspiring. Everyoneissogenuinelyhappy tobehereandwillingtohelp,it’s reallyunlikeanythingI’veeverseen before.”
“Ialwaysfeelwelcomehere,andI knowthatmyopinionsandinsights arevalued.Onmorethanoneoccasion,I’veseenmyideasorcommentsgoupthechainandleadto actualorganizationalchange.”
“IfeelasifI’mmakingapositive impactinthelivesofourmembers everydaywhichinturnmakesa positiveimpactonmylife.”
ContactRebecca Liebsonat rliebson@tampabay.com.
(Photoscourtesy of DanialSweidan)
Tampa Bay’s 165 Top Workplaces
Thejob is sweet at these Nothing BundtCakeshopsin TampaBay
BYEMILYL.MAHONEY
TimesStaffWriter
Therearealotofperksto Kayte Sumowski’sjobasadistrictleader overseeingfour NothingBundt Cakesbakeriesinthe TampaBay area.
Oneofherfavorites:thewayher hairissweetlyperfumedlikedessert whenshecomeshomefromwork.
Despitebeingpartofanationwidechain,each NothingBundt Cakesbakerymakesitscakesby handonlocation,shesaid.Strict rulesandtraining keepthemall tastingthesame,butit’s thatcare andtrustthathas keptSumowski happy at herjobforthepast10 years.
“Myfavoritepartofworking for NothingBundtCakesistruly howmuchwe’reabletocelebrate withourguests everyday,”shesaid “Birthdays, babyshowers,weddings —wewanttobepartofallofthem.” CelebrationCakes,afranchisee companythatownsandoperates dozensof NothingBundtCakes locationsintheSoutheast,was namedoneofthe Top Workplaces inthe TampaBay Times’ 2026 survey. TheTimespartnerswithEnergage,asoftwarecompany, to surveyworkersaround theregion eachyearabouttheiremployers. TenofCelebrationCakes’locations areinthegreater TampaBayarea, withbakeries stretchingfromSarasotatoBrooksville.
Michael Murry, presidentofCelebrationCakes,joinedthecompanyin2024afterworkingfor yearsinthecarwashbusiness. Buthesaidwhat attractedhim washowthecompany’ssuccess revolvedaroundjoy.
“That’sreallywhat wedo at the heartof NothingBundtCakesand CelebrationCakes,isbringing peoplejoythroughcake,” Murrysaid. “It’sreallyalotoffuntotakeacake tosomeoneyoudon’t knowand maketheirday.” Eachbakerypartnerswithlocal
charitablecausesororganizations, sotheshopcanholdspecial events todonatesomeofitsproceeds, Murrysaid. Tampa Bay shopshave partneredwiththe Moffitt Cancer Center,theBoys&Girls Clubsof Greater TampaBay, andthefoundationarmof Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital,for example.
“Itisan expectationthat allour bakeriesaregivingbacktothe community,” Murrysaid.
Thosecharitable events are something Leah Tomlinloves aboutherjobasthe generalmanagerforthe NothingBundtCakes in Tampa Palms.
The store’s daybeginswhenthe bakersarriveintheearlymorning. Throughouteachshift, Tomlin said,theworkers gettohelppeoplecelebratelifemilestones—or servethosewhoboughtthemselves atreatonaroughday.
Herfavorite customers,though, are expectingparentswho’ve orderedacaketorevealthe sexof theirbaby. Thecakewill be decoratedwitharibbon,which,when liftedup,revealsa rattle underneaththatdisclosesifit’s agirl, a boyor twins.
Sometimes, eventhe mothers wanttobesurprised.Sothey’llgive thebakeryasealedenvelopefrom their doctor containing the top-secretinformationfromtheirultrasound.
“Theycomein,and they’reso excited,” Tomlinsaid,addingthat theshopmakesnotesontheticket toensurenoworkersaccidentally sayanythingthatcouldtipthemoff.
“It’sfunfortheteam,it’s funfor me,”shesaid.
“We’rereallyinon thesecret.”
•••
CelebrationCakes
Location:PalmBeach (headquarters) Employees:615 Website:nothingbundtcakes.com
Employeecomments:
“Theenvironmentisverypositive, lowstress,andIfeelappreciated.The managementissuperhelpfulnever judgmentalmakingforagreatwork environment.Alltheemployeesseem togenuinelyenjoywhattheyare doing,anditshows.”
“It’sbeenadreamofminetobeabaker andtheenvironmentI’minmakesme feellikeI’mapartoftheteam.”
“Ilovetoconnectwithourguests, seeingtheirsmiles,andbeingpartof theircelebrations.I’malsoanartist, soIreallyenjoythecreativitythat goesintomakingeverythinglookand feelspecial.”
ContactEmilyL. Mahoney atemahoney@tampabay.com Follow@mahoneysthename.
Leah Tomlin,generalmanager forthe Tampa Palmslocation of Nothing BundtCakes,left, andKayte Sumowski,districtleader forCelebrationCakes,show offa variety of cakes at the bakery, 2458 FourthSt.N.inSt.
Ten of Celebration Cakes’locationsareinthegreater TampaBay area,withbakeries stretchingfromSarasotatoBrooksville.
Inachangingmarket, Keel Farms employeesshapethe businesstogether
BY LUCYMARQUES TimesStaffWriter
It’s lunchtime at Keel Farms,andserversarepouringglassesofblueberry wine. KatieBockweaves through the dining room chattingwiththehostesses andbartenders stacking cleandishes.Shepasses a motheranddaughter walkingoutsidetowardtheberry fieldsandpettingzoo.
Twoyearsago, Keel Farms gaveBockher firstfull-time jobaftercollegeasamarketingassistant.Shehadheard people say not to expect muchfromyour firstjob,to settleforwhatyou get.
Butit exceededher expectations.Bock,nowthe brandmanager,said there’s alwayssomethingnewto work on. “I’vejustlovedithere, shesaid.“Ispendmoretime
herethanIdo at home.” Bockisoneofover100 employees at Keel Farms, whichopenedabout40 yearsagoinPlantCity. Joe Keel starteditasatreefarm, buttransitionedtosell-
ingflowersandblueberry bushes,andthenwine. His son, Clay Keel,tookover thebusinessin2019and focusedonmaking it more family-friendly
SeeKEEL FARMS,11X
JoeKeelsaystherecentpopularity of healthmovementsthatencourage peopleto consumeless alcohol,along with high costs of living,are factorsthebusiness is keepinganeyeon. “Whatthatmeans forus is people not buyingtheextradrinkwhentheycomehere,”hesays. (Photosby LUISSANTANA|Times)
KEEL FARMS
continuedfrom10X
Like other businesses acrossthecountry, Keel Farmsisfeelingaslowdown inconsumerspendingas thecostoflivingincreases andpeoplearelessinterestedindrinking.But employeessay findingsolutionstogetherispartofwhy thebusinessisagreatplace towork.
“It’snotjust insidethese fourwallstheycareabout you,”Bocksaid. “Theycare abouttheemployeesoutsideofwork.”
Keelwasayearoldwhen his dad opened the business. He grewup on the farm,buildingtreehouses anddrivinghismotorized go-kart.
Hisfather keptthings organizedandwasahead ofthetrends, Keelsaid,but therewas still stressonhim andthefamily.
“It’sthe exceptionthat a smallbusinessdoesreally welland everything’s hunky dory, and everybody gets richandbuys vacation home,”hesaid.“Especially inagriculture,it’s a—it’s a toughbusiness.”
Keel struggledtomake cashflowduringthe COVID -19pandemic, becauseitwastrickyto get thebusiness’sproductsin thecommunity. Butsoonenough, Keel andhisteamwererushing toproduceallthewine Publixwas orderingandhiring staffasfastastheycould. Peoplehadmoremoneyin theirpockets, Keelsaid.
He saidtherecentpopularityofhealthmovements thatencouragepeopleto consumelessalcohol,along withhighcostsofliving,are factorsthebusinessis keepingan eyeon.
“Whatthatmeansfor usispeoplenotbuyingthe extradrinkwhentheycome here,”hesaid.
Wineriesareclosingin NapaandSonoma, Keel said.Whatchancedoes a Floridawineryhave?Luckily, Keel Farmsisn’t just aboutalcohol,hesaid.
Christy Wallen,thesales manager,saidthefarmis
Guests at Keel Farmscansoonexpect toseemoreanimals,abiggerplaygroundand newrecreationfields,Keelsays.
lookingtodomore“direct toconsumer” events,where thebusinesspopsupsomewhereandbecomes a mobilebar.
People are spending their moneyon experiences, she said. The goal isto createsomethingpeoplewill telltheirfriendsabout,said hospitalitydirectorAndrew Shafer.
“I myself am asingle mom,soIhavealimited budget —Idon’t go out to eat.Like,we don’tdothat,” Wallensaid.“So(Keel Farms staff) just kindofusesourselves as examples for like, wherewouldwewantto go?”
Guestscansoon expectto seemoreanimals,abigger playgroundandnewrecreation fields, Keelsaid. Wallen startedas a host five years ago.Sheworked herwayuptomanagingthe tastingroomandrunning thebusiness’s marketing andsocialmedia Whenshehadababy, Keel Farmscreatedaremote jobforher. From home, Wallendidthebusiness’s administrativeworkuntil shefeltreadyto come back inperson.
“Theysaysometimesthat you need to findajob that’s notjustajob.Like,itfeels likeyou’relivingyourlife. Andthat’show Keel Farms feelstome. It isverymuch likeapartof my lifestyle,” Wallensaid.
Thebusinessfeelslike
family,butherco-workers stillhold each other accountable, Wallensaid. Employeesare generally verycomfortable expressing howtheyfeelorbringingup issuestotheirbosses,Bock said.
“They’re justreallygreat people,”Shafersaid.“I wouldn’t cometoworkas muchasIdoifthepeoplethatIwasworkingwith weren’t great.”
Keel Farmsisafamily businessinmorethan one way.
Bothof Wallen’s brothers, her cousinand her aunthave worked at Keel Farms. TwoofShafer’s staff membersmettherein high school workingashosts, andnowthey’remarried with twokids.
Everytimethefarmhosts afestival,Shafer’s father a retiredDisneybartender comestoworkwithhim.
“Ithink thepeopleloveit somuchtheywanttobring intheother peoplethey love,”Shafersaid. •••
KeelFarms
Location:PlantCity Employees:138 Website:keelfarms.com
Employeecomments:
“Myfavoritethinghasbeen theyalwaysputmewhere theyneedmemost.Ifeel valuedandrespectedand myopinionhasalwaysbeen takenintoconsideration.”
“It’snotmundane,Igettodo alotofnewthingsandlearn alotofnewthings.”
“Wearesobigoncommunitythateveryoneistaking careofeachother.”
Lucy Marquesisa reporter coveringhighereducation Contact Marquesat lmarques@tampabay.com.
WhentheFloridaState Fair is your job,perksincludedeep-fried Oreos
JamesStephens,aneventsservicesupervisor,opensupan umbrella at the fairgrounds. He saysitfillshimwithpride to setup foramajoreventwithhissmallteamandthenseepeoplehave a greattime.
BYEMILYL.MAHONEY
TimesStaffWriter
For12days every February, the employeesoftheFloridaState Fair Authorityarrive at worktothe soundofscreams. Delightedfairgoersshriekfrom therides,asoundthatcarries almostasfarasthedecadentsmell offryingoil.
It’s abigjobmanaging337acres filledwithfood stalls eccentric performers,funhouses, Ferris wheels,livestockandneon-flashinggames,allofwhichmake Tampatheirtemporaryhome forlessthan twoweeks. Thefairgroundsserveasaplaceofritualfor many families who return everyyear. They alsobecome denseneighborhoodsofrecreationalvehicles,astheworkers whofollowthefaircircuitnestle intotheparkinglotsfor exhausted nightsofsleepafterlongdays.
TheFloridaState FairAuthority wasnamedoneofthe Top Workplacesinthe TampaBayTimes’ 2026surveyofemployeesacross theregion,whichtheTimesconductsthroughapartnershipwith software company Energage. The fairauthorityisquasi-governmentalbecausethefairgroundsare stateproperty,thoughitdoesnot receivetaxpayerdollarstooperate, itsleaderssaid.
“It’sveryrewardingbecausewe worktoprovidefunforpeople,” said CherylFlood,theauthority’s chief executiveofficer,whowas appointedbytheFloridacommissionerofagriculturein2016. “That’swhatlife’s about,isenjoyingandmakingmemorieswith peopleyoulove.” Aparticularpointofpridefor theFloridaState Fairisitsfood. That’s becauseit’s the firstofthe statefairsnationwide,so Tampa getstodebuteachyear’s new, zany creationsbythetravelingvendors. Flood(favoritefairfood:soft pretzels)saidotherfairmanagers flocktoFloridatocheckoutthe trendsfortheyear. But her favoritepartisdrivinga golfcartlate at nightto help visitors find their
cars when she gets to hear about howtheyenjoyedtheirtime.
Peyton Moritz(favoritefair food: deep-friedOreos)handles thefair’s socialmediapresenceas amarketingengagementspecialist.Onthelastdayofthefairthis February, sheaimedhercamera at a stack of applefriestopped with amountainoficecream,perched nexttoablue JollyRancher-flavoredslushy. Shesampledboth afterthepicturesweredone.
Moritzhaspersonal experiencein the family ritualsshaped around the fair: She first started attendingasakidin2002,when hermombeganworkingasaticket-taker. Nowthey both getto worktogether.
“Handlingoursocialmedia accounts,we getmessagesallthe timeabouttraditions,” shesaid. “Peopletalkabouthow it’s atraditionfortheirfamily. They share photosofthembringingtheirlittlekids,andnowthey’rebringing theirgrandkids. It’s funtohear their stories.”
Marcos Hernandez(favoritefair food: steaksundae)istheinventorysupervisor,whichmeanshe makessurethe fairgrounds are fully stockedwith everythingfrom umbrellastosignage. One day, hisjobentailed dashingto Publix tobuyemergencycookiesforan eatingcontestafterthesponsor droppedout.
“What’s awesomeisthere’s not a dullmoment,” Hernandezsaid “Peoplewillpopinandsay(they) needapartIhaven’t seenbeforein my life. There’s alwaysalittle curveballthat keepsitinteresting.”
As aneweremployee,this year washis firstfair. He wasshocked at thequantitiesofsuppliesrequired: About10,000zipties. Morethan 4,000rollsoftoiletpaper.
Buthe’s rarely stressedbecause ofthepositiveworkplace atmosphere, Hernandezsaid,where teamworkisthefocus.
“Everybodytakestheirjobs very seriously,butwe’rerelaxedinthe sensewhereweknowwhatwe’ve gottodo,”hesaid.
JamesStephens(favoritefair food:sirlointips)is an eventservices supervisor,whichmeans hisjobrevolvesaroundfacilities keepingthemclean,butalso transformingthefairgroundsfor different events. Many oftheFloridaState Fair Authority’semployees workyearround, keptbusyoutsideoffair seasonbyaconstantlyrotating scheduleof eventsontheproperty.
As soonasthefairwastaken downthisyear, staff startedsetting up foragun showand a reptile convention. Horse shows followed,plusafestivalcalledDream Asiathat attracted tensof thou-
sandsofpeopletosampledifferent Asian cuisines,beltoutkaraokeanddress up likeanime characters. Stephenssaid it fillshimwith pridetosetupforamajor event withhissmallteamandthensee peoplehaveagreattime.
“Iliketosee it go from somethingemptytosomethingamazing,” hesaid. ••• FloridaState Fair Authority Location:Tampa Employees:100
Website: floridastatefairgrounds.com Employeecomments:“Ifeel appreciatedandpartofsomething important.” “IfeellikeImakeadifferenceat theFairgrounds.Evenwhenothers disagreewithme,Ibelievemyinput isvalued.Ialwayslookforwardto myworkdayandfeelaccomplished whenIleavetogohome.”
“Ourmanagersaretheverybest andmyfellowteamislikefamily.”
ContactEmilyL. Mahoneyat emahoney@tampabay.com. Follow@mahoneysthename.
Tampa Bay’s 165 Top Workplaces
PremierCommunity Healthcare fills
gapforuninsuredand others inFlorida
BYCHRISTOPHERO’DONNELL
TimesStaffWriter
When Joey Resnicktookover asCEOof PremierCommunity Healthcarejustoveradecadeago, thenonprofitoperatedoutof five sites.
Standing stillwasn’t anoption asariseinthenumberoflowincomefamiliesneedinghealth careandthepandemicchallenged thenonprofittomeetthedemand formedicalservicesin Pascoand Hernandocounties.
Premiernowprovidescare at 12sitesacrossthe twocounties,in additiontoincreasingtelehealth optionsand operating at school sitesin Pasco. Thenonprofitis adesignatedfederallyqualified healthcarecenter,whichmeansit receivesfederalfundingtoprovide medical,dentalandbehavioral healthcaretofamiliesregardless ofwhetherapatienthasinsurance orcanaffordtopay.
“Thereisdefinitelyabigneed,” Resnicksaid. ‘’As we continueto expand,wewanttobesustainable intheservicesweoffer.”
Resnicksaidthereisamisconceptionthatthecentersonlyserve uninsuredpatients. In fact, Premier’s clientsincludepeopleon Medicaidandsomewithprivateor employerinsurance.
Themajorityofitspatientsare fromhouseholdsthatearn200% orlessofthefederalpoverty level, oraround $66,000 forafamilyof four.
Theclinicsthegroup hasadded havemademedicalcaremore accessibletoresidents,Resnick said.Abouthalfofthepatients who usedanolderclinicin Hudsonwerefrom New Port Richey andSpring Hill. Theclinicwastoo crampedtoaccommodateapharmacy.
Premierbuiltanew, largerclinic in New Port Richeyandanotherin Zephyrhills. The expansionswere fundedthroughborrowing and supportfromlocal government.
“Wedeterminewhichareas havethepocketsofneedandwhat servicesthey’relookingforinthat area,”Resnicksaid. Premierhasalsoworked to ensureit’s nolongerdependent onanyonesinglerevenuesource. WhenResnickjoined,around35% ofitsfundscamefromthe Health ResourcesandServicesAdministration,anagencywithinthe U.S. Departmentof Healthand Human Services. Now, that’sdowntoabout20%, whichmeansthenonprofitisbetterplacedtoweatherfuturefunding cuts.
The“OneBigBeautifulBillAct”
is expectedtoreducethenumber ofpeopleon Medicaid, whichcould impactfederallyqualifiedhealth carecentersnationwide. Thebill, however,doesincludegrantsfor technology, workforcedevelopmentandoperationalassistance forprovidersinruralareas.
Premier has a strong focus on providingalevelof care that is equal toor betterthan that providedbymarquee-namehealth care firms. That focusinpart comesfromthegroup’s governing board,ofwhom at least 51%must bepatientstocomplywithfederal law. Resnickisalsoapatient,which
provides himwithaunique insightintohowthegroup’s customersaretreated.
“Itake my IDoffandsitinthe waitingroom like everybodyelse becausethat’sthewayIwantus totreat everyone who walksinthe door,“hesaid. Premier’s expansionhasseenits workforcegrowfromabout125 a decadeago tomorethan250.
That includesphysicians,nurse practitioners,dentists,medical assistants,podiatrists,chiropractorsandanadministrativeteam.
Theworkplace cultureis designedsothatanyemployeecan bringforward ideas to improve
workingconditionsortheservicestheyprovide, said Jennifer Lineburg,chiefhumanresources officer. To makethat easier,thereis a “peoplecommittee”madeupof employeesfromdifferentlevels anddepartments,focusgroups, andanannualemployeesurvey.
“Wereally have aleadership thatwantsto gettoknowpeople onanindividualbasis,”shesaid. “We’realwaysasking forfeedback.”
To keepmorale high,thereis frequentcommunicationabout patientsuccess stories,areminder tothosewhosejobsdon’t include face-to-facepatientinteraction thatthey alsocontributetothe group’s mission. Arecent examplewastheearly detectionofbreastcancerinseveral women.
“Thosepatientssay we saved their life because they couldn’t affordamammogramandto go to aspecialist,”Lineburgsaid.
Premierpartnerswitheducationandcommunitygroupsto get thewordoutthatitsservicesare thereforthose strugglingtoaccess healthcare.
Patientswhohavenohealth insurancecanpayaslidingscale feebasedontheirincome.
“Thishasbeen life-changingformetoseethecompassion ofthesehealthcenters,”Resnick said. “When you walk through our doors, you get thathigh-quality, compassionatecarenomatter what.” •••
PremierCommunity Healthcare Location:DadeCity Employees:250 Website:premierhc.org ContactChristopherO’Donnellat codonnell@tampabay.com or 813-2263446 Follow@codonnell_Times.
Tampa Bay’s 165 Top Workplaces
‘I’mso excited to go to work’:BayArea
BYTEGHANSIMONTON TimesStaffWriter
It wasabusyweekend around10youthswerearrested and broughtto thePinellas Juvenile AssessmentCenter at once. Thedayroomwasbuzzing. But thismorning,itwasquiet.
ChimereBussey, supervisorof the YouthScreening Program, startsherdaybycheckinginwith the stragglingnight-shiftscreenersandthosejust starting at 7a.m. Sometimes,shesaid,they’llsee kidswhohavepassedthrough a fewtimesbefore. Part of theirjob is toalwaysoffer empathy and patienceforthekidstheymeet. Whenachildorteenisarrested, thescreenersaskquestions rangingfromthemedicallynecessary —Areyouinjured?Areyouhungry?—tothoseprobingforsignsof suicideriskorhumantrafficking.
Theirquestionshelpdetermine ifthechildwillbesenthomeorto adetentioncenter. They alsohelp buildacaseplanlateron,includingwhetherthechildmightbenefitfromtherapy,treatmentfor substanceabuseorotherservices.
Thescreeningisoneofseveral programsoperatedbyBayArea YouthServices,anonprofitthat providesdelinquencyprevention andinterventionservicestocircuitsacrossFlorida.Employees toldthe TampaBayTimesthey weredrawntothenonprofitforits commitmenttohelpingkids find theirpath.
“I just reallywant to be a part ofmakingadifference,just being abletoleadyoungpeopleinthe rightdirection,”said Bussey,who spentoveradecadeworkingin nonprofitsthatcenteronchildren beforejoiningBayArea YouthServices.
Oneoftheorganization’s primaryservicesisthe Juvenile DiversionAlternative Program, whichguideskids at riskofjuveniledetentionthroughinterventionslikecommunityservice,edu-
cationalprograms,therapyor drugtreatment.Aftercompletingtheircaseplans,theyoften havetheoptionto getcharges expunged.
“Someofthemdon’t havepeoplethatactuallybelieveinthem,” saidAlisha Petit-Homme,asenior casemanagerfortheprogramin the13thCircuit. “Andjustbeing abletobethatpersonthatcanjust givethemthe pushthattheyneed isalwaysrewarding.”
Petit-Hommehelps kids throughorientationandreviews theirindividualcircumstancesto help findthebestcaseplan.She alsomanagesothercasemanagers—each onehandlingabout 30 youths at atimewhohavebeen chargedwithmisdemeanoror felonycrimes.
Servicesoften expandbeyond thechildandtoentirefamilies, employeessaid. BAYS employees havehelpedfamilies getsecondhandfurniture, connect tofood pantriesandotherresources.Delanie Ruggles,achildandfamily therapistin HillsboroughCounty, saidsheoncemadesureanaccessibility rampwasinstalled at aclient’s homeafterthechildwas struckbyadrunkdriver.
“We’re exhausting everything wecantohelpthem,”shesaid.
Foundedin1982,thenonprofit expandedinrecentyears,afterthe COVID-19pandemichighlighted aneedformorefamilyprogrammingandtherapyoptions. There arenowmorethanahundred employees injust the Tampa Bay region.
Rocio Lopez-Padilla,anHRspecialist,saidthenonprofitreceives hundredsofapplications forcase managementpositions every week.She’s oftendealing with10 to25applicants at atime,moving themthroughabackgrounding processthatcantake twotothree weeks.
“It’sreallyimportantforusto bereally deliberatethrough this
YouthScreeningSupervisorChimereBussey worksinthePinellasJuvenileAssessment Center’s “mastercontrol,”where youtharrested inPinellasCounty are broughtbylocal law enforcementagencies.Bussey andher staffassist withthescreeningprocess andensurethat youth are assessedwithin a six-hourwindow.
process,” shesaid. Theroles are demanding andrequire amindsetforinspiringyoungpeople. “Forus,missionalignmentisso important.”
Employeessaidoneofthecompany’s strengthsisthewayleadershipandcolleaguescometogether tohelpeach other,tosupporteach otherduringchallengingcases, andtocelebratethewins. They touteda generousEmployee Assistance Program,abundantpersonaldaysandleaderswhocare abouttheirpersonalgrowth.
“It’sareallyhard field,” Rugglessaid,“butIhavebeensosupported.”
Growingup, Rugglessaidher family struggled to putfoodon
Alisha Petit-Hommereviewsnotes for theBAYS JuvenileDelinquencyAlternative Programas part of her oversightdutiesasa seniorcase managerinthe 13th Circuit. Petit-Homme was the BAYS Employee of the Yearin2025. (BayArea YouthServicesphotos)
thetable. Herbrother gotinvolved withthejusticesystem,andin theirsmalltownneartheCanadianborder,there were few resourcestohelp.
Today, sheisarepositoryof storiesofkidswho motivateher— a teenchargedwith stealingacar who finallyopenedupintherapy, agirlwho’d droppedoutofschool who gotherGED. Watching these changes,fromtheincrementalto thelife-altering,iswhatshe finds mostrewarding, Rugglessaid.
“Whenyou go into thesehomes, you’retryingtobringhope and inspire them that there is a betterfuture,”shesaid.“Everysingle morningwhenIwake up,I’mso excitedto go towork.”
BayArea YouthServices
Location:Tampa
Employees: 121
Website:bayskids.org Companycomments:“Hereis alwaysanopportunityforgrowthand knowledge...nomatterthelengthof timesomeonehasbeenhere,BAYS willcontinuetoevolveassowould theknowledgeneededtomaintain thequalityofourservices.Inaddition, Imostdefinitelylovetheflexibility becauseitdoesnotfeellikeyouarein acookie-cutterjobaslifeisnotconductedinacookiecutterfashion.” “Myjobismeaningful.”
Contact TeghanSimontonat tsimonton@tampabay.com
MetropolitanMinistriesserves bothcommunity andits staff
BYTEGHANSIMONTON TimesStaffWriter
Light filtersthroughbluetissue paperintheartroom. Itswallsare decoratedwithconstructionpaper fish,theirscalessparklingwith glitter.
Downthehall,infantssnooze inaroomfullofcribs,whileoutside,childrenswingfromthe jungle gymand racearoundthe playground.Acrossthecomplex,there’s ashelf stockedwith non-perishables,nexttoa rack lined withonesies,sweatersand T-shirts.
Throughanotherpassageis ahallwaylinedwithbackpack hooks,eachlabeledwithadifferentchild’s name. Throughanother doorisachapelwith steepceilings anda stained glass window the “doveofhope”overlookingresidencesacrossthecourtyard.
When Ava Morenoentersthe stairwelltoheroffice,shepauses at ablack-and-whitephototaken in1972,showinga long line of menspillingovertheporchof a Tampa Heightshouse—theoriginalbuildingof Metropolitan Ministries,when13localchurches first cametogethertoaddresspoverty inthecommunity.
Nowthenonprofit’s sprawlingcampusholds a daycareand nursery, anafter-school program, afoodpantryandboutique, a communitygarden, acounseling office,jobtraining,andcountless otherservices.Acrossthe streetis the Patricia J. SullivanSchool,an elementaryschoolrunasapartnershipbetween Metroandthe county schooldistrict.Employees saidthey’reregularlyinspiredby thefar-reachingworkoftheirprogramsandtheircolleagues.
“Icanwalkaroundcampusand belike,‘Oh my gosh,whatagreat reminderofallofthethingsthat we get to dohereand that we get toserveourcommunitywith, said Moreno,wholearnedabout thenonprofitthroughaclassproj-
ectwhile stilla student at the UniversityofSouthFlorida.She’s now beenwith Metropolitan Ministries foreightmonths.
Employeessaidthenonprofit standsoutasaplacethatcares deeplyforitsclientsaswellasits staff.
DorcasSmith,seniordirector of community casemanagementservices, describedthe culture asone ofhelp,supportandcollaboration. Employeescometothecafeteria for hot meals. Some bring their childrentothedaycareon-site.
“I’veneverworkedinaplace where,ifouremployeeshave hardships,theycan experiencethe same typeofserviceandgracethat ourclientsdo,”saidSmith. Employeespointedtotheworkplace’s “sanctuary model,”anorganizationalframeworkdeveloped byPhiladelphiacliniciansinthe 1980sthataimstocreatecommunitiesthataretrauma-informed
andfocused on healing.
The model influences howleadershipandemployeestreateach other,aswellas howtheyinteract with clients.Amongother practicesintheday-to-day, every staffmeeting at Metro startswith employeessharinghowthey’re feeling— “Youcanchooseany wordoutsideof‘good’or ‘bad,’” said Moreno
Attachedtotheirname badges, eachemployeecarries a cardcontainingreminders of the nonprofit’s commitmentstodemocracy,emotionalintelligence,social responsibilityand otherprinciples. They alsoeach carry a card withtheirpersonalself-careplans toturntointimes of stress—with activitieslikeprayer,takingawalk orlisteningtomusic. It’s about makingsure everyone’s personal and professionalneedsare met, Morenosaid. Telva Rivera,seniordirector
of HillsboroughResidential Programs,wasdrawnto Metroafter hearingaboutitsuseofthemodel at aconference.Withabackground insocialworkandearlychildhood development,sherelocatedfrom New Yorkduringthepandemicand startedworking inintake forthe residentialprogram—processing applicationsfortheshelterand gettingresidentssettled. Now, sheoverseestheprogram. Familiesoftencomeinforhelp withhousing,andintheprocess arealsoconnectedwitheducation opportunities,child care and a hostof otherwraparoundservices.
“I gettoseethe entiregamutof supportthat’sprovided,”Rivera said.“I gettoseethefronttothe endofclientsandseethemgrow learn.”
This is what’s most rewarding, Riverasaid. Everyoneherehas“a callingforthework. Thenonprofitiscommittedto
helpingemployeesgrow.Rivera saidshewasabletocompletean internshipinthecounselingcenter while workingtowardher Floridalicensureinsocial work. Teams go onregularretreatseachyear, andtherearefrequenttraining opportunitiesacrossdepartments.
Allofthishasfosteredalongevitythat’shardto come byinthe nonprofitspace,saidSmith, who managesthreedifferent programs helpingclients addresshousing and financialinstability.
“Oneofthethingsthatreally caught my attention when I first cameonboardwasthenumber ofpeoplewhohavebeenworking forthiscompanyeightyears,nine years,10years,”Smithsaid. “That’s notreallycommonwhenyou go mostplaces,especiallywiththe kindoffatiguethathappens when you’reserving.”
Smithworkedinchildwelfareagenciesfor30yearsandhad startedvolunteeringwith Metro morethanadecadeago, whenshe broughtagroupofteenagersfrom her church to man a holiday tent. She’s now beenherethreeyears andhopestocontinuebeingpart of the organization’s growth and expansion.
“Thisisoneoftheplaces where the mission isso evident,” Smith said.“It’snotjusthowthey serve ourclients,buthow theyservethe staff, too.”
•••
MetropolitanMinistries
Location:Tampa
Employees:348
Website:metromin.org
Companycomments:“Ihavethe opportunitytoserveanunderservedpopulationintheareathat Igrewupin.Metroprovidesthe resourcestomyselfandtheteam thatallowustoserveclientsinthe mostdignifyingway.Thecommitmenttoservingothersisobvious fromthetopdownwithintheorganization.”
“Iworkwithareallygreatteamthat trulyinspiresme.Wearelikeafamilyalwaysreadytojumpinandhelp outwhereverneedednomatter whatourjobtitleandresponsibilitiesare.”
Contact TeghanSimontonat tsimonton@tampabay.com
Tampa Bay’s 165 Top Workplaces
Foremployees of RuthEckerdHall, it’sallaboutthemusic
BYNINAMOSKE TimesStaffWriter
As akid, Theo Josephlearned toplaytheflute at amusicschool in Port-au-Prince, Haiti,andlater workedasamusicteacher.
Decadeslater,andnowafather ofthree, Josephsayshispassion forartseducationispartofwhy he’s soproudtowork at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
“Whenwesaywe’rechanging lives through the performingarts andeducation,it’s notjustwords,” said Joseph,a databaseandprospectmanagerwhoseworkfocuses onthe organization’s donorsand members.“Ihave experiencedit asakid,asamusicteacher.And whenIcamehere,what Isawwas notjustwords. It’s action.”
Josephisn’t theonly RuthEckerd Hallemployeewithabackgroundinthearts—it’s athread thatseveralsaiddrewthemtothe organization.
Somegrewuponstage,donning costumesforcommunitytheater productionsandconcertblackfor youthrecitals.Othersaren’t performers,butsaytheyloveworking foracompanythathasplayedhost tothe likes of John Legendand Kristin Chenoweth,RobinWilliamsandBillyOcean.
“Thisorganizationiswell knownforbeingthebestperformingartscenterinthispartofthe country,” Josephsaid. “Working hereislikelivingthedream.”
For Emily Sinz,a careerin the entertainmentindustryfulfills a childhooddream.
Sinzistheoperationsmanager at theBilheimerCapitol Theatre, thedowntown Clearwatervenue managedby RuthEckerd staff. Shegrewupdoingdanceandtheaternearby,and firstinterned withtheorganizationnearly a decadeago.
“Iwashereforsixmonths,and I ateup everyday,”Sinzsaid.She keptthebadgesfrom everyshow sheworkedand wrotethedetails
ofeachdayinanotebook,eagerto sharewithhermomwhenshe got home.
Sinz studiedentertainment managementincollegeand quicklyreturnedto RuthEckerd Hall for a job in the memberservicesdepartment. Then ontoapositioninprogramming and lateroperations management.Shenowworksinthesame officewheresheinternedasahigh schooler.
The jobcanbe chaotic. But backstage,Sinzsaid,employees fostera cultureofsupport and respect.
“Ipaintitoutlikeit’s sunshine and rainbows,anditreallyisn’t,” shesaid. “Therearesituationsthat areveryhigh stress,andwe’reall high strung. Butit’s likeafamily, whereifsomeonebrings 30% one day, I’llbring70%.”
Theperksaregreat,too,shesaid Sinzhasworkedwitha rangeof performersshehaslongadmired, including Tony Award-winning actorSutton Foster
“Allof ourvenues attract differentacts,andIlovethatcontrast,” shesaid. “Youcanbringin podcasters,comedians—thelist is endless.” In onerecent weekend, RuthEckerd Hallhostedtherock bandStyx,the jazzfusionband SpyroGyra,comedian Jay Leno andaFleetwood Mactributeshow at itsvenuesacross Clearwater.
“Working in aperformingarts center,you getthechanceto see a lotofartists,” Josephechoed. “You wouldnever getthatchance even ifyouworked at theWhite House.”
John Wells,avideographerand editor, said everyday is different asheworkstohighlightslicesof theorganization. He edits social mediavideosand TV commercials,capturesfootageof events, andtellsthe storiesofbehind-thescenesteamslikethefoodand beverage staff.
LikeSinz,hegrewupinthearea andrecallsvisiting Ruth Eckerd
RuthEckerdHallinClearwaterhasplayedhosttoarange of stars,includingJohnLegend,Kristin Chenoweth,RobinWilliamsandBillyOcean. (Photosby
Apassion forartseducationdrewseveralemployeestoRuthEckerdHall. “Thisorganizationis well known forbeingthebestperformingartscenterinthis part of thecountry,” saysTheoJoseph, a databaseandprospect managerwhose work focuses on the organization’sdonorsandmembers. “Workinghereislikelivingthedream.”
Hallonchildhood fieldtrips.And like Joseph,hespentan earlier partofhiscareerworkingasan artseducator.
“Isawthemagicofartseducation,howit canhelppeopleopen up,”hesaid.“Iwantedto be part ofanorganizationthat offers that, too.”
Through its Marcia P. Hoffman School ofthe Arts, Ruth Eckerd Halloffersmusical theatercamps andpianolessons,kidsconcerts
andpuppetshows. Theprograms serve morethan 60,000 students eachyear. Andnow, Wellssaid,his 5-yearoldsonis oneof them.
“It’s beenafull-circle moment, gettingtotakehimtocamps here andthenworkasacreative professionalinthesamebuilding,” he said.“Ifollowed my gutintuition, my creativeside,to gethere,and I love that Ican give that to him at suchanearlyage.”
Ruth EckerdHall
Location:Clearwater
Employees:369 Website:rutheckerdhall.com
Comments:“I’mtreatedasan importantpartoftheRuthEckerd Hallteam,andmyinputissought byfellowemployees.” “Greatstaffandflexibility.”
ContactNina Moske atnmoske@tampabay.com.
LUISSANTANA | Times)
Tampa Bay’s 165 Top Workplaces
SeniorConnection Centerfinds a wayforFloridians toageathome
BYCHRISTOPHERO’DONNELL
TimesStaffWriter
TAMPA— Most childrenface thatmomentwhenone or bothof theirparentsbeginto struggleas a resultofoldage.
Typicalwarningsignsmight includea decline in personal hygiene,forgettingtopaybills, falls,andadisinterestinhobbies andfriends,leading to increased isolation,accordingtothe Mayo Clinic.
It’s usuallyaprecursortodifficultconversationsaboutnursing homesorhavingparents movein withtheirchildren.
Thereisanalternative.
SeniorConnectionCenteris one of11agencies acrossFloridathat receivefederaland statefunding tohelpolderadultsagesafely and independently at home.
That canincludehelpwith payingforlong-termcare,mealdelivery, helpnavigating Medicare,and healthandwellnessclassesand workshopsto keepseniorsactive. It canproviderespitecarefor adultswhoneedabreakfromcaringfortheirparents.
Thenonprofitgroupreceives around$35millionayeartoprovideandcoordinateagingservices in Hillsborough, Hardee, Highlands, Manateeand Polkcounties. Thefundingisprovidedthrough the1965OlderAmericansActthat mandates social, nutritionaland supportiveservicesforpeople60 andolder.
“Wearethecommunity’sfront doorforagingservices,”saidCEO Kim Northup Wright.
SeniorConnection provides someservicesdirectly,suchas a telephonehelplineforseniors who might qualifyforassistancewith transportationormeals at home.
Forotherservices,itcontracts withotheragencies,including county governmentsin Hillsboroughand Manatee,andwith other nonprofitssuchas You Thriveand SeniorsFirst.
In additiontoprovidingservices, thegroup keepsaclosewatchon howthepopulationischangingin ordertoplanforfutureneeds.
Theserviceareacoveredby SeniorConnectionisachallenging mixofurbanandruralareasthat canmakedeliveringservicesdifficult.Roughlyone-quarterofresidentsare60orolder,with1in 4 olderadultslivingalone. In Highlandsand Hardeecounties,older adultsmakeupmorethan40%of thepopulation.
“Theseareuniquechallengesin thosecommunitieswithseniors havingaccess to mental health careandfoodbecausethingsare justfurther away,” said Northup Wright.
Demographicchangescomingdownthepipewill mean moredemandfor services. That includesthebabyboomer generation,moreofwhomareinclinedto ageinplace.Staffersareincreasinglyinteractingwithmore Gen Xersandmillennialsjugglingthe dualchallengeofcaringforgrowingchildrenandagingparents at thesametime,agroupdubbedthe “sandwich generation.”
Oneofthegroup’s biggestchallengesisthatnotenoughpeople knowthatthissupportis available, Northup Wrightsaid. To counterthat,ithasorganizedmarketingand awarenesscampaigns.
SeniorConnectionCenterhealthand wellness coordinatorIrmarieVirella,center, leadsan exercise routine at theLutzSenior Center.The nonprofitisone of 11agenciesacrossFloridathat receive federaland state fundingtohelpseniorsagesafelyand independently at home. (PhotosbyDOUGLASR.CLIFFORD|Times)
Virellaexplainsexercisesduring a Bingocizeclass.Theclass combineslightphysicalactivitywithbingotohelp olderadults stay active,sociallyengagedand avoid falls.Whilesome of theSenior Connectionservices areonlyprovidedbasedonincome, others, likehealth, wellnessandactivitiesclasses,are availabletoall.
“Peoplejustdon’t knowwe are hereanddon’t knowhow we can supportpeople,”shesaid. “There’s alsoamisconceptionweonlyhave servicesforpeoplewhoarelow income.”
Whilesomeservicesareonly providedbased on income, others, likehealthandwellnessandactivityclasseslike Bingocize—amix ofbingoand exercisedesignedto helppeople avoidfalls are availabletoall.
SeniorConnectionemploys about90people. It’s ajobthat attractsthosewho findpurpose inhelping others, Northup Wright said.Somedescribetheworkas theircalling. Thenonprofitworkshardto makesurethat eventhosewho don’t havedirectcontactwiththe peopleitserves understandhow theycontributeto improvingthe livesofseniors.
There’s alsoarecognitionthat theworkcanbeemotionallytaxing,andmanagersareencouraged tobe compassionate in theirinteractionswiththosethey supervise.
“Theworkisdeeplymeaningfulfor our team,” Northup Wright said. “Everybody feels a sense of purposeandconnection to our mission.”
•••
SeniorConnection
Center
Location:Tampa
Employees:87 Website: seniorconnectioncenter.org
Comments:“Ilovemyjobbecause itallowsmetoserveandconnect withpeopleinthecommunity.It empowersmewithapurposeand remindsmeoftheimportanceof helpingolderadultswithdignity, compassionandrespect.” “IhaveafeelingofWORTH.Love thestresslessatmosphere!” ContactChristopherO’Donnell atcodonnell@tampabay.com or813-226-3446. Follow@codonnell_Times.
Cityof Pinellas Parkemployees cite workplace cultureas perk
BYDIVYAKUMAR TimesStaffWriter
Pinellas ParkCity Manager
BartDieboldsaiditwaseasyto describethetight-knitwork cultureofthecounty’s fourth-largest city:family
Thoughthe“family”has 530 employees,Dieboldsaid the cultureissomethingdeeplyimportanttoemployeeswhooftenspend moretimewitheachotherthan theiractualfamilies,workingto navigatecity crises from SWAT teamcallstohurricanes.
“We’renotafraidofhaving a cookout,”hesaid. “We’lljustdo acookouttogether,andyou got police, fire,public works, every department comes, and it’s just alinethroughthebuildingwith peoplecomingforprobablythe worsthamburgeryou everwantto eat.But everyone’s happybecause everybodycomestogether.”
Forthesecondyearinarow,the cityofPinellas Parkwas ranked amongthe TampaBayTimes’ Top Workplaces.Severalemployees saiditwasthe cultureandsenseof purposethat keptthem.
Dieboldarrived at thecity 13 yearsago,aftera15-yearcareer workingforPinellasCounty.
“Ihadagreatjob…andInever expectedtoleave,”hesaid. “And thisopportunitycameup,and Isawanopportunitytomake change.”
Employeessaidasenseof agencyandabilityto executeideas at everylevelissomething,human resourcesadministrator LaSharon Hampton said. It’s what keepsher drivingfrom Pasco County every dayaftera22-yearcareerwiththe military.
“Wehavea90%retention rate here,”shesaid.“SoIwouldsayit’s reallythe culturethattheleadershiphasbuilt,anditjustmakes iteasytoshow up everyday todo whatwedo.”
AmandaErgler,apublic works coordinatorandthecity’s first female Public WorksEmployee ofthe Year, startedworkingfor thecityin2020becauseshewas seekingajobwithhealthinsurancebenefits. Shequickly got promoted, working with transportation, stormwaterand construction.
“Iendedup reallyliking it,” shesaid. “They’vebeen a really goodenvironment. They giveyou opportunities. They kindofset youupforsuccess. They promote youfromwithin.IfeellikeImake adifference.…Youseepeople whenyou go out,andtheysay, ‘Oh, Isawyouwhenyou’rehere. You builtthisroad.Itoldyou my son neededasidewalkbecausehehas adisability, andnowhe gets to go totheparkbecausewecanwalk onthesidewalkthatyoubuiltfor us.’ Thingslikethat.”
Officer JeremyCopelandwith thePinellas Park PoliceDepartment,whodoescommunityoutreachandhomelessservices,also saidtheabilitytomakea differenceiswhatdriveshim.
“Doinghomelessoutreachis a verythanklessjob,”hesaid.“Not toomanyof my clientscomeback andsay, ‘Hey,I gotbetter’orwhatever,becauseyoukindoflose contactwiththem.Butitisvery rewardingwhen, you know, two yearslater,Irunintoaguy at Chipotle,andhe’s like, ‘Hey,I got my lifetogether.I’minanapartment.’
CodyWilliams,anautomotivespecialist, repairshydraulichoses on aMowerMaxmachine March12 in thefleet and maintenancegarage at thePinellas ParkPublic WorksOperationsCenter.
(PhotosbyDOUGLASR. CLIFFORD| Times)
SeniorautomechanicRichardZagatainspectsa Pinellas Park PoliceDepartmentSUV foranair-conditioningleak at thecity’s fleetandmaintenancegarage.
That’s what kindofdrivesmeto keepcomingbacktowork every day.”
Employeesspokeoftenofputtinginmorehoursthanrequired, but the abilityto take ample time offandanemphasis on takingcare ofemployeesmadeitworthit.
Chris Torello,publicrelations andmedia director, saidDiebold
warnedhim recentlyabout burningacandlefrombothends,but saidtheworkwasfunandemployeesfeel liketheirideas have an impact.
“It’s my candle,”hesaid.
Torellosaidpeopleoftenlook at city governmentasabuttoned-up workplace,but the Pinellas Parkworkplace culture allowed
employeestobringtheirpersonalities tothetable.
“Wehavehearts,”he said. “We havefamilies. We haveproblems. Youcanshowyourpersonality. Youcanletyourhairdownoccasionally,becauseitshowsyour residentsthatyoucare. It shows that we’re going throughthe samethingyou’re goingthrough, whetheritbeahurricane, whether itbeariseinutilitybills We go throughit withyou,because we’re real.”
Thecityof Pinellas Park
Location:PinellasPark
Employees:530
Website:pinellas-park.com
Comments:“Igettodosomething differentevery day.”
“Itletsmebethebestversionof myselfandcontinuetogrow.” “Mysupervisorscareabouttheir employeesbothprofessionally andpersonally.”
ContactDivya Kumarat dkumar@tampabay.com Follow@divyadivyadivya.
Tampa Bay’s 165 Top Workplaces
At Wade Trim,the employeesareall owners
BYALEXACOULTOFF TimesStaffWriter
TomBrzezinski’s nearly40-year career at Wade Trimbeganwith a newspaperad.
Freshoutofcollege,he got a job at thecivilengineering firm’s officeinBayCity, Michigan. He wasgratefulfortheopportunitybutknewhewantedtobe at theheadquartersinDetroit.One day, hewaspaintinginhismother’s houseandcaughtaglimpseof anadforajobinthatofficewhile usingnewspaper pages toprotect thewalls.
He neverleft thecompany.
Brzezinski workedin the Detroitofficeuntil2006,when hedecidedtomovedowntoFloridaandhelpbuildthe firm’s presenceina statesurroundedby water. Today, the Tampa office is the firm’s second-largestoutof23 acrossthecountry.
His firstprojectinvolvedan efforttoprotectthecoralreefsin Miamibychangingthesepticsystemtoasewersystem. Locally, he’s triedtotackleprojectsthat help TampaBaybestmanage waterduringdisastrous storms. Brzezinskisaidthe cityof St Petersburgtoldhimitturnedoff thewaterduring Hurricane Miltonbecauserootsfromfalling treescouldripupwaterpipes. He thought: Howcan we makeutilities stronger?
“Wedothethingsyoudon’t see,”hesaysofthe firm’s work. Someotherrecentprojects includehelpingbuildaseawall aroundShoreAcres—St. Petersburg’s lowestlyingneighborhood —andthinkingabouthowto managewastewateramidpopulationgrowthinsouth Hillsborough County. As chiefbusinessdevelopment officer,Brzezinskiworksclosely with staffandemphasizesthe firm’s employee-centricphilosophy.
Hisofficeinadowntown Tampa high-riseis flushwith Michigan StateSpartanmerchandiseand aredfuzzypillowonaleather couch. That pillowhasroots. The manwhobroughthim to theDetroitoffice37yearsago kept itinhisofficeuntilheretired. He maileditfrom MichigantoFlorida fiveyearsagosoBrzezinskicould continuethetraditionofmentoringemployees. Wade Trimis100%employee-ownedandhasaunique modelwhere every staffmember isencouragedtobuy stockinthe company.
Projectmanager Jacob Molner agrees.
“Inconstruction,itfeltlikeI was constantlydogpaddling,tryingto get my headabovewater,” Molner said.“Here,I getasked,‘Doyou havethebandwidthtotakeonthis project?’Beingabletosay‘no’and itnotbeaproblemisincredibly invaluable.”
Employeescallthemainarea oftheofficewheremostoftheir desksarethe“bullpen,”because everyoneisconstantlychatting andcheckinginononeanother.
ForSt. Patrick’sDay, office administratorKatherineKirby organizesathemed gameofminigolfthroughoutthebullpen. Every Wednesdayis“popcorn Wednesday,”whereshemakesfreshpopcornfortheoffice.
Kirby celebrated nine years at the firmin Januaryandsaysshe “doesn’t planto go anywhere.”
“We’reallempoweredtobemini entrepreneursinthiscompany, andifyouhavea goodideaand wanttopushthatforward,someonewilllistentoyou,”saidprocess improvementspecialistVictoria Picciani.
Thompsonsaidhe didn’t experiencethatkindofemployee empowerment at his lastjob.
“Everyonehere has an equal opportunityforadvancement,and that’ssomethingthatI’ve never haduntilhere,”hesaid. “Younever realize how goodsomethingcan beuntilyou experienceit.” •••
Wade Trim
Location:Tampa
Employees:58 Website:wadetrim.com
“They’re notjust words on the wall,”said Chris Thompson, a landscapearchitect who started at the firm twoyearsago.“It’samentality, andthat’ssomethingthat I didnothavebefore.”
“We’reallownersinthisplace,” Brzezinskisaid. Companysalesnearlytripled between2017 andnow,which Brzezinski attributestoahardworking staffthatcares aboutthe worktheydo. Thecompany’score valuesarehungon aplaque in the breakroomnext toatablewhere employeessaytheygather every dayforlunchlikekidsinhigh school. The valuesincludeemployee safety, ethics,accountabilityand stewardship.
Comments:“Ihavetheability totakeonnewprojectsandam empoweredbymyleadertodoso.I amsupportedbymypeersandfrequentlythankedfortheworkIam doing.Ifeelblessedtobehere.” “Gettheopportunityeverydayto haveapositiveimpactoncommunities.”
ContactAlexaCoultoff atacoultoff@tampabay.com.
TomBrzezinski,thechiefbusinessdevelopment officer at Wade Trim,sitswith Nita Sharma, water arealead, at thedowntown Tampa office. (Wade Trimphotos)
JimGunther,seniorprojectmanager, standsby a tunnelboringmachineduringthe Harbour Island ForceMainreplacementproject.
Fromleft, CarlyErker, waterengineer, Derek Wride,seniorproject manager,andDennisPrevo, collaborativedeliverypracticelead,collaborate.
Howthe Tampa Bay Top Workplacesaredetermined
BYBOBHELBIG Energage
Topworkplacesdon’t happenbyaccident. They arecreated throughapeople-firstapproachto workplace excellence.
Forthe 17thyear,employeesurveycompanyEnergagehaspartneredwiththe TampaBayTimes tohonorthebestplacestoworkin the TampaBayarea. The awardisverifiedand earnedthrough an employeesurveyprocess. Workplaceswhere employeesofferpositivefeedback abouttheir experiencemakethe listofwinners.
Energage, an employee survey companybasedinsuburbanPhiladelphia,analyzesfeedbackbased onresponsesto26questions. The surveyasksemployeesfortheir
feedbackonsuch factors aspay andbenefits,direction,leadership, meaningfulness,andappreciation. Energagescorescompaniesbased ontheresponses. The awardcannotbe bought; itisearned. Thereisnocostto employerstosurvey theiremployees.Iftheychoose,organizations canpurchasethesurveydatafrom Energage. Thereisnoobligation forwinnersto purchase anyproductorservice.
Forthe 2026 list of winners, 3,412organizations wereasked tosurveytheiremployees,and 201agreedtodoso,marking thefourthconsecutiveyearthe numberofsurveyedemployers exceeded200.Apreviouscapof 100winnerswasremoved.Based onthesurvey feedback,165com-
panieshave earned Top Workplacesrecognitioninthe Tampa Bayareathisyear.
“Earninga Top Workplaces awardisacelebration of excellence,” EnergageCEOEric Rubino said.“Itservesasareminder of the vitalroleapeople-firstworkplace experienceplaysinachievingsuccess.” To qualify for Top Workplaces recognition,employersmusthave at least50workersintheregion. Beginningthisyear, employers aregroupedbytheoverallsizeof their organizationandthenumber ofemployeesinvitedtorespondto thesurvey, which mightinclude someemployeesoutsideofthe TampaBayregion. Alsonewthisyear,thelist breaksoutrealestatecompanies
intoaseparatecategory because oftheuniquenatureoftheir workforce. Most realestatesalescompaniesemployworkersasindependentcontractors,whichcreatesauniquework experience. Titlecompaniesandproperty managers also were included in thatsector. Employersaregroupedinto similarsizestobestcomparesimilaremployee experiences. They are ranked within those groups basedonthe strengthofthesurvey feedback;theyearnrecognitioniftheiraggregatedemployee feedbackscore exceedsnational benchmarks.Energage hasestablishedthosebenchmarksbasedon feedbackfromabout30 million employees over20years. Surveyresultsare validonly
if35%ormoreofemployees respond; employerswith fewer than85 employeeshaveahigher responsethreshold,requiringresponsesfrom at least30 employees.
Whymightaparticular employernotbeon thelist? Perhapsit chosenottoparticipate, orperhapsitdid,andemployee feedbackscoreswerenot strong enough.Energagealso runstests onsurveyfeedbackand,insome cases,maydisqualifyanorganizationif,for example,ahighnumber ofemployeessaidthey felt pressuredtoanswerpositively.
To participateinthe2027 Top Workplaces awardsnextyear,or formoreinformation, go to the nominationspage at tampabay. com/nominate.
Tampa Bay’s 165 Top Workplaces
Tampa Bay’s 165 Top Workplaces
