Best Companies to Work for in Colorado 2013: Medium

Michael Porter //August 1, 2013//

Best Companies to Work for in Colorado 2013: Medium

Michael Porter //August 1, 2013//

1. PCL Construction

You’re tired, you’re overworked, and you feel like your employer doesn’t care. Chances are, you aren’t crazy about your job. And chances are – you don’t work for PCL Construction.

At PCL, employees depend on one another. They know their employers look out for them, and the entire staff is willing to lend a helping hand. In the tough industry of construction, employees are engaged in their projects and feel privileged to work for a company that provides a balance between work and life while contributing to the community. 

PCL is 100 percent employee-owned, which keeps the team accountable for and invested in the company’s success. Group activities like bike rides and outings to the local bowling alley form bonds between PCL staff members that move beyond traditional co-worker boundaries and into the realm of genuine friendship. With trusted, dependable co-workers, PCL employees are granted scheduling flexibility and are able to step away from work when other duties call.

Ryan Odell is a project engineer at PCL and has worked with the company for the past six years. When Odell was confronted with a family emergency requiring his full attention, PCL granted him paid leave and encouraged him to take care of his family before returning to work. He says that since starting with PCL, “It’s easier to spend more time with my family.”

Community involvement is central to PCL’s company culture and values. Employees are encouraged to commit 30 hours or more to service each year. For many of the company’s employees, giving back is the most rewarding part of their jobs.

Gena Hannaway, a manager of finance and administration, has dedicated her efforts to PCL for 26 years. In that time she has enjoyed time volunteering, “that spills over into my personal life as well – getting involved in the community, with my church and with my son’s baseball team. Once you volunteer through work and you get that satisfaction, it instills in you a desire to keep giving.”

PCL recognizes the value of money spent on employees’ wellbeing. Fresh fruit is provided in company kitchenettes to encourage healthy eating and fitness allowance is allotted to employees to spend on expenses like yoga classes and gym memberships.

Mike Barela, a marketing manager and a new addition to the PCL team, quickly recognized the many benefits of working at PCL. “I’m just ecstatic to work for a company whose culture is completely real and I am very happy to be a part of this type of work environment.”

2. ReadyTalk

readytalk.com

Founded: 2001

Location: Denver

Leadership: CEO Dan King

In a Nutshell: ReadyTalk provides audio and Web-conferencing services that enable clients to focus on the content of their conferences without worrying about the technology. ReadyTalk has garnered a strong reputation for providing user-friendly products and excellent customer service. 

What’s Special: Employees receive 100 percent employer-paid health benefits for themselves and their families. The downtown office has a kitchen stocked with snacks and beer, a fitness center and video games.

2012 Rank: 1

 

3. Return Path

returnpath.com

Founded: 1999

Location: Broomfield

Leadership: CEO Matt Blumberg

In a Nutshell: Return Path is an email technology provider made up of expert consultants who ensure their clients are getting the most out of their email programs. The dedicated team at Return Path maximizes the performance of its clients’ digital messaging sytems by customizing solutions while increasing response rates and improving inbox placement.

What’s Special: Employers at Return Path put their employees first in order to retain the very best workers with minimal turnover. Employees at Return Path are given ample vacation time and flexible schedules. Happy employees are what keep Return Path delivering excellent results for clients and continually moving forward with innovation and passion. 

2012 Rank: 3

 

4. Datalogix

datalogix.com

Founded: 2002

Location: Westminster

Leadership: CEO Eric Roza

In a Nutshell: Datalogix strategically uses purchase-based consumer information so marketers may target specific audiences, driving sales on and offline.

What’s Special: Employees can focus on self-improvement personally and professionally at Datalogic by taking part in service work, education opportunities and fitness classes, like on-site yoga and CrossFit training.  

2012 Rank: 8

 

5. Bona USA  Inc.

bona.com

Founded:1919

Location: Aurora

Leadership: CEO Kerstin Lindell

In a Nutshell: Bona is an international company that provides wood floor maintenance for customers to keep surfaces in top condition year after year with environmentally sustainable products.

What’s Special: Bona employees are offered competitive salaries, 401(k) matches and opportunities for career advancement. Training programs – including leadership – are provided for employees as well as an on-site workout facility. Twice a year Bona offices are shut down so employees can collectively engage in service work such as cleaning and planting trees in protected habitats.

2012 Rank: 9

 

6. Simpson Housing LLLP

simpsonhousing.com

Founded: 1948

Location: Denver

Leadership: CEO J. Robert Love

In a Nutshell: Simpson Housing is a real estate operation that provides distinct, quality homes. Creating cultures of comfort for residents and employees is what keeps Simpson at the forefront of its industry.

What’s Special: Employees of Simpson describe their professional environment as one where personal and professional growth are consistently promoted. Simpson is committed to philanthropic endeavors, which employees are encouraged to partake in, and the corporate staff plans special events for employees year-round.

New to the list

 

7. Encompass Home Health of Colorado

ehhi.com/agencies_coloradosprings.asp

Founded 1998

Location: Colorado Springs

Leadership: CEO April Anthony

In a Nutshell: By providing first-class patient care and leading technology in patients’ homes, the team at Encompass Home Health of Colorado has established itself as a leader in home health services.  

What’s Special: Encompass employees have comprehensive health plans for themselves and their families as well as a generous “30 Paid Days Off” program. A nonprofit group, funded by employees called Encompass Cares, helps finance medical mission trips abroad and provides assistance for employee emergencies. When four Encompass employees lost their homes in recent fires, Encompass Cares donated $10,000 in aid to each.

2012 Rank: 7

 

8. Black Creek Group/Dividend Capital Group

blackcreekcapital.com

Founded: 1993

Location: Denver

Leadership: Co-founders John A. Blumberg, Jim R. Mulvihill, Evan H. Zucker

In a Nutshell: Black Creek Group is made up of real estate experts who purchase, operate, develop and sell commercial and residential properties. Focused involvement in every facet of development and investment is what keeps Black Creek Group consistently delivering strong returns to investors.

What’s Special: During the holidays, the company chooses charities to donate their time, efforts and financial assistance. Black Creek then matches donations from employees. It also encourages fitness by hosting group exercise challenges with a grand prize of a $3,500 donation made to a charity of the winner’s choice.

2012 Rank: 10

 

9. Long View Systems

longviewsystems.com

Location: Denver

Leadership: Founder and CEO Don Bialik

In a Nutshell: Long View Systems is an innovative technology company that focuses on data center infrastructure, user support, Cloud and IT outsourcing. Long View’s team-driven IT consulting style and commitment to customer satisfaction are what keeps its clients returning year after year.

What’s Special: Long View Systems keeps employees engaged with a fast-paced work environment, flexible schedules, holiday parties, charitable events and projects that involve the latest technology. The organization believes in promoting from within, so employees have ongoing opportunities for career growth.

New to the list

 

10. BluSky Restoration Contractors Inc.

goblusky.com

Founded: 2004

Location: Centennial

Leadership: President and CEO Terry L. Shadwick

In a Nutshell: BluSky Restoration Contractors provides clean-up and restoration services following natural and man-made disasters. The experienced professionals at BluSky have the skills to provide expert restoration services for their clients as well as the compassion to guide customers through though times and re-build projects.  

What’s Special: Benefits for BluSky employees include matching 401(k) plans, health insurance, vehicle allowances, gas cards and continuing education opportunities. BluSky employees are treated to Rockies baseball games and holiday parties and are encouraged to participate in charitable events.

Last Ranked 2011: 6