2014
30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
2014 Most Admired Companies
PHOTO BY MIKE MERTES/AZ BIG MEDIA
KEITH MAIO: When you’re a small business with eight people, the workplace
culture is defined by the person running the company,” said the president and CEO of National Bank of Arizona. “As organizations become larger, it becomes more challenging to cast a consistent corporate culture.” 52 AB | September-October 2014
Culture club Creating a healthy work environment defines the 40 Arizona firms who Most Admired Companies awards for 2014 By MICHAEL GOSSIE
P
erhaps even more than its product or service, a company’s internal culture can have a huge impact on the bottom line. “It’s important because it’s a way for all employees in an organization to have an identity as to what they’re about,” said Keith Maio, president and CEO of National Bank of Arizona, which has earned a spot on the Most Admired Companies list in each of the program’s five years. “More than mission, it really defines how we do business and what we are about. If people don’t have that baseline understanding, then no matter what the business or what strategically they’re trying to do, it’s difficult to carry out a mission.” In a nutshell, experts said workplace culture consists of the shared values, expectations and behavioral norms that impact how employees interact with each other, within the industry, within the community it serves and with its customers. Besides impacting a business’ bottom line, having a positive workplace culture also helped Az Business magazine and BestCompaniesAZ decide which 40 companies to honor as 2014 winners of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies Awards. With nearly 300 nominations representing the most innovative and successful companies in Arizona, being one of 40 winners selected by the juding panel shows that the companies profiled on the pages that follow truly represent the best in Arizona. When developing the Most Admired Companies program, the primary goal of Az Business magazine and BestCompaniesAZ was to recognize those companies that excel in workplace culture, leadership, social responsibility, customer opinion and innovation. But creating an environment that fosters effective leadership, customer interaction and innovation boils down to establishing a solid workplace culture, experts said. “It is so important in today’s high-tech, 24/7 world that companies create a workplace culture that intertwines multi-department interactions and fun while getting the job done,” said Dillan Micus, executive vice president of AXA Advisors Southwest, which also earned a spot on the 2014 Most Admired Companies list. “When employees know they are cared for, they are more committed, motivated, loyal and productive. They start to see each other as part of a tight-knit community that has shared a lot of laughs and common experiences. Out stems a workforce that begins to strive for a common goal of success that engages everyone. In the long run, this equates to less turnover, more teamwork (and) an increase in sales.” So how do you establish an effective workplace culture? Maio said the leadership at of NB|AZ sat down about 12 years ago and defined the company’s core values and a general proposition for workplace AB | September-October 2014
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2014 Most Admired Companies culture, using it as an exercise for a branding launch. “We actually brought definition to a culture by defining our core values,” Maio said. “You have to be able to look in the mirror and say, ‘What really defines us?’ Once you have a clear definition of that, that allows the culture to remain consistent through different transitions in management and over a long period of time.” Once NB|AZ defined its values and culture, leadership put it in writing and placed it on placards in offices because, “It was important for people to see that,” Maio said. “It’s become less important over time that employees see it and more important that they feel it and weave it into the companies day-to-day activities,” Maio said. “The thing that really seemed to take hold and have longevity in the organization was that definition of culture. It’s important to make sure everyone understands that and make it part of their indoctrination. Every kind of communication we have with employees, we make sure to weave in elements that supported our corporate culture.”
Desirae Outcalt, vice president and client relations officer at Biltmore Bank, said there are three major components to making a healthier work environment. “First is communication,” she said. “Employees like to be in the know. When they are left in the dark, imagination runs wild. Second is recognition. Most employees want to be acknowledged for a job well done, especially by peers. Third is keeping it fun and light. Having toys at your desk, as a manager, so staff will come in and play. Wearing silly hats ... pot lucks ... having a doctor come in to give B-12 shots all can make for a pleasant work environment.”
DILLAN MICUS
DESIRAE OUTCALT
2014
Most Admired Companies Adolfson & Peterson Construction Alliance Residential Company American Express Arizona Diamondbacks AXA Advisors Banner Casa Grande Medical Center Cancer Treatment Centers of America CBRE, Inc. Charles Schwab Cresa Phoenix Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment DIRTT Environmental Solutions
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Fennemore Craig GoDaddy Goodmans Interior Structurs Grant Thornton Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort Homeowners Financial Group Hyatt Regency Phoenix Infusionsoft International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. Kitchell LaneTerralever Laser Spine Institute Mayo Clinic Miller Russell Associates National Bank of Arizona
Phoenix Children’s Hospital Quarles & Brady Rider Levett Bucknall Ryan, LLC Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network Shutterfly, Inc. Sonora Quest Laboratories Sundt Construction The CORE Institute Telesphere UnitedHealthcare of Arizona University of Advancing Technology Vanguard
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2014 Most Admired Companies American Express
Years in Arizona: 53 Employees: 7,388 Learn more:
americanexpress.com Admirable qualities:
American Express’ Wellness Centers in Phoenix feature an on-site nurse practitioner, health coach and registered nurses. Offerings include blood draws, mammography and prostate screenings, well woman exams, flu and allergy shots, immunizations, emergency medical care, dental services, CPR training and one-toone health and nutrition coaching ... Ranked No. 1 by J.D. Power and Associates for seven consecutive years for highest customer satisfaction among credit card issuers. Fun fact: American Express has been named a Most Admired Company every year since the program started five years ago.
Adolfson & Peterson Construction
Alliance Residential Company
aspects of Adolfson & Peterson’s workplace culture include a fully stocked kitchen with free healthy food for employees for all meals of the day, paid workout facility membership, A&P sponsored sports teams, dogs and other pets allowed at the office, flexibility to bring children to work and the annual “Queens for the Day” event for all women in the office, which includes spa visits, lunch or other activities. Fun fact: Adolfson & Peterson has been named a Most Admired Company every year since the program started five years ago.
Under the leadership of President Bruce Ward, Alliance has acquired or developed 74,000 apartment homes across 27 markets and currently manages a $9 billion portfolio. The executive team has worked together for more than 25 years and each is active in the community through board memberships, teaching and volunteering. Alliance community teams donate time and energy to support many causes and events, including Toys for Tots, Souls4Souls, The BuddyWalk and shoreline clean-ups. Fun fact: Ranked No. 1 on the Multifamily Executive 2014 Top 25 Developers list.
Years in Arizona: 23 Employees: 42 Learn more: a-p.com Admirable qualities: Unique
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Years in Arizona: 14 Employees: 537 Learn more: allresco.com Admirable qualities:
Talk about doing something. Do something worth talking about. Choose a career that gives back: careersatdignityhealth.com/AZBIZ At Dignity Health, we believe in doing work that’s worth talking about. As proud sponsors and supporters of “Arizona’s Most Admired Companies,” we congratulate all the companies selected this year. As an organization recognized both locally and nationally as a “Best Place to Work,” we are truly honored to be a part of this prestigious award ceremony. Throughout each of our Arizona facilities – Chandler Regional Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center – we strive to promote an atmosphere of teamwork, dedication, and inclusion, where employees are given the opportunity for growth and advancement. We join in celebrating the achievements of other companies that share that same dedication, and we are confident of your continued success. From everyone at Dignity Health, congratulations! To learn more about Dignity Health and our current opportunities, please visit careersatdignityhealth.com/AZBIZ Follow us on Twitter at @dignityhealthaz. EOE.
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2014 Most Admired Companies
Arizona Diamondbacks
Years in Arizona: 16 Employees: 262 Learn more: dbacks.mlb.com Admirable qualities: Started as an innovation
project in 2012, the D-backs’ $150,000 School Challenge has awarded $400,000 in grants to local educators who made the best “pitch” for a $5,000 grant for their classroom or school. Since forming the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation in 1997,
the D-backs and the foundation have made charitable contributions totaling $37.5 million. Fun fact: Since 2000, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation has built or refurbished 33 baseball fields as part of the “Diamonds Back” Field Building Program with a charitable impact of more than $10 million.
AXA Advisors Southwest Years in Arizona: 39 Employees: 96 Learn more:
axaadvisorssouthwest.com Admirable qualities:
When Dillan Micus took the position as executive vice president of AXA Advisors Southwest in August 2005 – at just 29 – he became the youngest ever executive vice president in the region’s history. Micus has grown the firm from approximately $4 million to nearly $18 million per year in revenue. In 2013, Micus innovated a proprietary Retirement Income Distribution Strategy process, designed to directly protect against several risk factors that threaten a successful retirement. Fun fact: In 2014, AXA was honored with the University of Arizona Eller College Corporate Partnership Award.
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Banner Casa Grande Medical Center
Years in Arizona: 30 Employees: 819 Learn more: bannerhealth.com Admirable qualities:
Under the leadership of President and CEO Rona Curphy, who took over in 2009 during a time of economic strain, the hospital has achieved economic stability, improved its image in the community and inspired employees to realize BCGMC’s mission of providing excellent patient care. Through her leadership and mentoring, BCGMC has achieved best place to work status on local, state and national levels. Fun fact: BCGMC is the 11th hospital in the nation to partner with Mayo Clinic in telemedicine, bringing the expert to the patient.
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2014 Most Admired Companies Cancer Treatment Centers of America
at Western Regional Medical Center Years in Arizona: 5 Employees: 750 Learn more: cancercenter.com Admirable qualities: Inspired
by his own experience with cancer in his family, President and CEO Matt McGuire’s overriding goal is to reduce fear and bring new hope to cancer patients by way of innovative treatments and world-class physicians. Under McGuire’s guidance, the leadership team’s vision includes propelling Western to the forefront in delivering innovative cancer care through research, genomics, genetics and newly developed immunotherapies. Fun fact: Employee benefits include free on-site massage services and on-site yoga, aerobics and Zumba classes.
Charles Schwab
Years in Arizona: 62 Employees: 3,300 Learn more: schwab.com Admirable qualities:
Charles Schwab Foundation focuses a significant portion of its resources on building financial literacy and capability. The foundation has had a national relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs of America since 2003 through which it provides personal finance education to teens. To date, more than 500,000 Boys & Girls Club teens have completed the program through 1,700 Boys & Girls Clubs across the U.S. and on military bases. Fun fact: Under the Schwab Accountability Guarantee, clients can request a refund of their program fees from the prior quarter if, for any reason, they are not happy. 60 AB | September-October 2014
CBRE, Inc.
Years in Arizona: 62 Employees: 599 Learn more: cbre.com/phoenix Admirable qualities: CBRE’s workplace culture stems from its RISE
values—Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence —which are the foundation upon which the company is built. Diversity and inclusion are woven into CBRE’s business. One example of this commitment is its corporate support for African-Americans, Hispanics, women and LGBT networking groups ... Phoenix employees have hand-delivered nearly 700 cakes to children celebrating birthdays at Sojourner Center, a local domestic violence shelter. Fun fact: CBRE, Inc. has been named a Most Admired Company every year since the program started five years ago.
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2014 Most Admired Companies Cresa Phoenix
Years in Arizona: 13 Employees: 17 Learn more: cresa.com/phoenix Admirable qualities: Cresa
is guided by the motto, “Do the right thing,” which is not only important for its clients, but how employees treat others within the office. Cresa’s people maintain the flexibility to create their own work schedule with the ability to have full access to the partners managing the business. Mentor programs help grow the attributes of Cresa’s people in order to provide the credibility and impact they need to win business. Fun fact: Cresa allows its team members to participate in philanthropic activity with no limit on time away from the office.
DIRTT Environmental Solutions
Years in Arizona: 3 Employees: 70 Learn more: dirtt.net Admirable qualities: Mogens Smed, founder and
Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment
Years in Arizona: 30 Employees: 1,230 Learn more: ddcaz.com Admirable qualities: Through
its Leadership Development and Tribal Development programs, Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment (DDCE) provides professional, educational and personal growth opportunities for its full- or part-time Tohono O’odham tribal member team members. The programs drive DDCE’s mission vision, and values as an enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation. As a result, DDCE has designed and implemented one of the most aggressive and forward-thinking career-development programs in existence. Fun fact: DDCE earned the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Arizona Corporation of the Year Award. 62 AB | September-October 2014
CEO, had a vision that he could design, manufacture and install prefabricated interior wall systems that would mitigate the need for drywall as a solution to the problem of environmental hazards related to traditional construction. DIRTT, Doing It Right This Time, was founded 10 years ago and has grown into a $140 million company that went public in November 2013. Fun fact: Instead of being laid off, DIRTT’s factory workers are put to work at local food banks when there is a downturn in the manufacturing cycle.
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2014 Most Admired Companies
GoDaddy
Years in Arizona: 17 Employees: 3,050 Learn more: godaddy.com Admirable qualities: Employees can donate two
paid-volunteer days per year to their charities of choice with GoDaddy’s GoVolunteer program. Through GoDaddy Inspires, every employee can earn one $500 grant per year,
for their charity of choice. Since October 2013, employees have volunteered more than 4,121 hours and impacted more than 212 organizations. GoDaddy has donated more than $13 million to organizations with missions related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education and entrepreneurship. Fun fact: GoDaddy Cares Advocates was launched in the spring of 2014 to focus on elevating GoDaddy’s social responsibility efforts.
Fennemore Craig
Years in Arizona: 129 Employees: 331 Learn more: fclaw.com Admirable qualities: Fennemore
Craig’s Management Committee recognizes that the firm’s success depends upon its ability to recruit, retain, develop and advance a diverse pool of talented lawyers and staff. Therefore, Fennemore Craig has appointed a Diversity Council to actively recruit, develop and retain a diverse mix of talented lawyers and staff. The best evidence of success of this strategy lies in the number of minority and women directors and in the number of leadership positions held by minorities and women. Fun fact: Fennemore Craig has been recognized for its groundbreaking use of Google Glass.
Goodmans Interior Structures
Years in Arizona: 60 Employees: 124 Learn more: goodmansinc.com Admirable qualities: Adam Goodman, president
and CEO, is the third generation to lead the family business. Following the tradition of innovation established by his father and grandfather, Goodman has used his leadership to help Goodmans adapt to changing markets and anticipate opportunities for growth. Goodmans is now challenging customers to understand the purpose of office space and to rethink traditional office planning paradigms. Goodman has also developed many innovative programs to give back to the community. Fun fact: In June, Goodmans was honored with the Better Business Bureau’s International Torch Award for Ethics.
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2014 Most Admired Companies Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort
Years in Arizona: 19 Employees: 755 Learn more: harrahsakchin.com Admirable qualities: HAC’s
mission, “We inspire grown-ups to play,” fully represents how it thinks of its business and culture. To help employees inspire grown-ups to play, HAC has random employee “play days,” including moustache day, Wii bowling competitions, pajama day, ugly sweater day, March Madness and free meals. Fun fact: HAC implemented “Wellness Rewards” to guide employees and eligible dependents to healthy life choices. Ninety-six percent of its associates completed the program, resulting in discounted benefits premiums ranging from $1,300 to $2,600 annually.
Grant Thornton
Years in Arizona: 10 Employees: 68 Learn more: grantthornton.com Admirable qualities: The Phoenix
office developed a national initiative called Women at Grant Thornton to enhance the recruitment, retention and advancement of client-serving women professionals
and offering female employees a choice of programs aimed at creating work/life balance. Audi partner Stella Shanovich and her team have also participated in, or sponsored, women in business panel discussions, negotiation skills training, work-life integration seminars and dress-for-success events. Fun fact: Grant Thornton’s Phoenix location was the first “made from scratch” office opened by the company in more than 50 years.
Homeowners Financial Group Years in Arizona: 10 Employees: 161 Learn more: homeownersfg.com Admirable qualities: Members of
HFG’s executive leadership team, Bill Rogers and Bob Kennedy, travel to Washington each year to lobby as part of the Mortgage Bankers Association Political Action Committee. They educate lawmakers and act as a voice to their constituents as they try to navigate through the real estate crisis. They pushed to implement new laws to help stabilize housing in Arizona to prevent the current problems from resurfacing in the future. Fun fact: HFG’s Care Fund helps support Arizona families who endure financial hardship while experiencing extended illness or injury of their children.
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2014 Most Admired Companies Infusionsoft
Years in Arizona: 13 Employees: 550 Learn more: infusionsoft.com Admirable qualities: The company
Hyatt Regency Phoenix
Years in Arizona: 38 Employees: 275 Learn more: phoenix.hyatt.com Admirable qualities: The Hyatt Regency Phoenix
is known for having a superb workplace, so it’s no surprise that competition to join its growing population is fierce. In 2013, the company received more than 4,600 applications for 168 job openings, resulting in a 3.7 percent acceptance rate. Harvard University’s acceptance rate was 6.1 percent in 2012. Infusionsoft received the Inc. Hire Power award for U.S. job creation, becoming the No. 4 job-creator in the software industry over the past 18 months. Fun fact: Infusionsoft has been named a Most Admired Company every year since the program started five years ago.
makes a continuous effort to recruit, retain and develop associates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The Hyatt Regency Phoenix was named one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality,” which reflects its efforts toward diversity and inclusion. It also has a local chapter of Women@ Hyatt, which supports the development and growth of women throughout Hyatt. Fun fact: Hyatt’s “Random Acts of Kindness Program” gives associates the ability to offer a complimentary item or service just to do something nice for a guest.
International Cruise & Excursions, Inc.
Years in Arizona: 17 Employees: 1,182 Learn more: iceenterprise.com Admirable qualities: An ICE
employee recently wrote on the company’s Facebook page: “Who knew coming to work could be this fun?” In addition to standard benefits such as medical, dental, 401(k) and vacations, employees receive unique benefits that are designed to keep them healthy and provide convenience. Those include an on-site café with a “take home” family dinner option for employees, on-site spa, on-site dry cleaning, on-site health clinic and on-site fitness center. Fun fact: Through Vacations-forVeterans, ICE donates vacations to wounded veterans and their families.
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www.uat.edu
Tech Respect for Our Community
Thank You! Students, Families, Alumni, Staff, Faculty and Community. UAT has been named among the Most Admired Companies for 2014 by AzBusiness Magazine and we share this award with you! Your passion to become and support the premier thinkers in advancing technology education fuels our mission and earns you tech respect. The result is innovation that advances global society for the greater good. Tempe, Arizona
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2014 Most Admired Companies Kitchell
Years in Arizona: 64 Employees: 330 Learn more: kitchell.com Admirable qualities: Kitchell
built its business by looking for the next big idea, innovation or solution that will bring value. It is how the company grew from a construction company and developer of Doubletree Hotels to
a commercial builder and developer that creates customized “apps” to keep clients apprised of progress on an iPad. To encourage this idea generation, the company created a “New Ventures Committee” that vets employees’ ideas. Fun fact: Last year, Kitchell produced its inaugural “Build Fore Good” golf tournament, which raised nearly $30,000 for the John C. Lincoln Breast Health & Research Center.
LaneTerralever
Years in Arizona: 52 Employees: 111 Learn more: laneterralever.com Admirable qualities:
As CEO, Beau Lane has spent the past several decades growing LaneTerralever into one of the largest and most successful agencies in the region. He helped oversee the merger of E.B. Lane and Terralever, a newly formed powerhouse that includes all aspects of the marketing mix. Lane was named 2013 Ad Person of the Year by Phoenix Ad Club and under his direction the agency has received national and local recognition for years of award-winning work. Fun fact: LaneTerralever was recognized as the 2013 Deal of the Year by the Association for Corporate Growth.
Laser Spine Institute
Years in Arizona: 6 Employees: 76 Learn more: laserspineinstitute.com Admirable qualities: Laser Spine
Institute’s emphasis toward fostering an environment of collaboration and employee satisfaction is a key aspect of the overall foundation and culture of the company. Laser Spine Institute polled employees to create its CHOICE (Care, Have fun, One team, Integrity, Commitment, Excellence) values, which allows the organization to determine what issues and principles matter to its personnel, and therefore create a foundation of values to adhere to every day. Fun fact: Laser Spine Institute was ranked 19th nationally as one of Modern Healthcare’s “Best Places to Work” in healthcare in 2013.
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2014 Most Admired Companies Miller Russell Associates
Years in Arizona: 23 Employees: 42 Learn more: miller-russell.com Admirable qualities: As a partner-
Mayo Clinic
Years in Arizona: 27 Employees: 5,583 Learn more:
mayoclinic.org Admirable qualities:
Mayo Clinic’s Center for Innovation fuses design principles with the scientific method to uncover human needs in the health care environment, which include empathy, creativity, systems thinking and a humancentered focus. The center’s
philosophy is “Think big. Start small. Move fast.” Design methods include ethnographic and observational techniques, visualization, prototyping, sketching, storytelling, brainstorming and more. The complement of design allows the center to think beyond what it normally does and serve as a translator for ideas and possibilities. Fun fact: Mayo offers free cognitive concussion testing to student athletes age 12 and older.
owned firm, Miller Russell Associates is able to attract talented investment, wealth management, and tax professionals, and each of its team members has the potential opportunity to become a future owner of the firm. Miller Russell Associates select its people based not only on their skills, accomplishments, and potential, but also on their principles and values. Fun fact: This year, the company changed its name from Miller/Russell & Associates to Miller Russell Associates to emphasize the fact that every team member at the firm is empowered to be a leader.
Phoenix Children’s Hospital
National Bank of Arizona
Years in Arizona: 30 Employees: 860 Learn more:
nbarizona.com Admirable qualities:
Rather than “give back,” NB|AZ prefers to “pay it forward,” taking a proactive approach to partnering with organizations through business
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development, sponsorships and service. NB|AZ employees are encouraged to find a way to get involved and make a difference locally. The bank has sponsored 230 volunteer activities that resulted in nearly 8,000 hours of service through the NB|AZ in Action program. Fun fact: NB|AZ was named the No. 1 Bank in Arizona in 2014 by Ranking Arizona. It was the bank’s sixth consecutive No. 1 ranking.
Years in Arizona: 30 Employees: 3,550 Learn more: phoenixchildrens.org Admirable qualities: PCH’s clinicians
regularly conduct a variety of research studies to advance medical and nursing knowledge. PCH is committed to discovering the treatments of tomorrow with a focus on clinical research. Its Research Strategic Plan calls to launch several laboratories within the first five years, among many other initiatives. Phoenix Children’s physicians opened 89 new research studies last year, more than half of which were initiated by its physicians and staff. There are 347 active research studies currently underway. Fun fact: PCH received perfect scores from the Leapfrog Group in the prevention of medical errors.
OUR MISSION, OUR VISION, OUR VALUES Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is, again, a proud recipient of the Most Admired Companies Award. We would like to thank the dedicated individuals who “Inspire Grown-Ups to Play” every day through outstanding customer service to our guests, each other, and our community! Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700 or 1-800-NEXT STEP. ©2014, Caesars License Company, LLC
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2014 Most Admired Companies Rider Levell Bucknall Years in Arizona: 16 Employees: 23 Learn more: rlb.com Admirable qualities:
Quarles & Brady
Years in Arizona: 27 Employees: 217 Learn more: quarles.com Admirable qualities: During their
RLB focuses on employees through three company initiatives: 1) soliciting input from employees about the company and its client services; 2) training and succession plans that help employees reach their development goals;
and 3) paying attention to the company’s overall culture and attitude. Every year, RLB uses an anonymous online survey to ask employees for input concerning factors that impact their job experience, including workplace culture and job satisfaction. Fun fact: A survey showed that 96 percent of clients would recommend RLB to a colleague or industry friend.
first two years with Quarles & Brady, new associates have their own personal mentor and the firm also has a formal Associate Development Curriculum that includes professional aspects of social networking, building client relationships, client interviewing, negotiation skills, brief writing for litigators, contract drafting, LinkedIn professional practicum, communicating with impact, negotiation skills, accounting, client pitches and cross-selling techniques. Fun fact: In 2014, Law360 named Quarles to its inaugural class of “Ceiling Smashers,” the 25 U.S.-based law firms out of nearly 400 surveyed, that have the highest percentage of female partners.
Shutterfly, Inc.
Years in Arizona: 5 Employees: 365 Learn more:
shutterfly.com Admirable qualities:
Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network
Years in Arizona: 52 Employees: 10,459 Learn more: jcl.com Admirable qualities: Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network provides
trauma training for military medical personnel by providing hands-on learning through high-tech human patient simulators, expert lectures and clinical rotations. Since its beginning in 2004, the Military Partnership has provided training to more than 2,000 military participants. In 2013, Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network employees provided preceptor and instructor time worth more than $1,926,382 in community outreach to our military medical community. Fun fact: Through Workforce Development, $3,106,422 in tuition assistance benefits was provided to more than 975 employees in 2013.
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Shutterfly’s company culture is encapsulated in its employee brand vision statement, “Memories every day. Create yours. Inspire others.” Shutterfly’s leadership wants its employees to be truly proud of the company they work for and see their workplace as a place to make impactful memories just as they do outside of work. In order to create this environment, Shutterfly’s leadership constantly strives to create an employee-focused culture. Fun fact: Shutterfly, Inc. has been named a Most Admired Company every year since the program started five years ago.
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2014 Most Admired Companies Ryan, LLC
Years in Arizona: 8 Employees: 92 Learn more: ryan.com Admirable qualities: In
1991, Chairman and CEO G. Brint Ryan founded Ryan with a credit card and an innovative business concept. Today, Ryan is a leading global tax services firm with the largest
indirect and property tax practice in North America and the sixth largest corporate tax practice in the United States. Ryan’s acquisition of Thomson Reuters PTS in 2013, almost doubled the firm’s size, strengthening Ryan’s market position and global reach. Fun fact: This year, Ryan launched RyanPRIDE, a new online peer- to-peer recognition program where employees recognize co-workers for their great work.
Sonora Quest Laboratories
Years in Arizona: 17 Employees: 2,806 Learn more: sonoraquest.com Admirable qualities:
Sonora Quest Laboratories, a privately held joint venture formed in 1997 between Banner Health and Quest Diagnostics, Inc., is the largest clinical laboratory network
in Arizona. In 2014, it will perform nearly 45 million laboratory tests for more than 6.3 million people. In 2013, Sonora Quest provided more than 75,000 meals to those in need. Sonora Quest was named a Business Ethics Award winner by the Better Business Bureau of Greater Arizona. Fun fact: Sonora Quest Laboratories has been named a Most Admired Company every year since the program started five years ago.
Sundt Construction
Years in Arizona: 85 Employees: 423 Learn more: sundt.com Admirable qualities: Sundt’s Leadership Excellence
Accelerates Performance (LEAP) program was developed in 2000 to ensure that the next generation of company leaders would be well trained for their future roles. With the assistance of a consultant and psychologist, the company designed and implemented a program that included intensive three-day training sessions every six months, psychological assessments, team projects and individual coaching. An impressive 47 percent of the top leaders within Sundt are graduates of the program. Fun fact: Sundt Construction has been named a Most Admired Company every year since the program started five years ago.
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The CORE Institute
Years in Arizona: 9 Employees: 427 Learn more: thecoreinstitute.com Admirable qualities: In nine
short years, The CORE Institute’s leadership has helped the organization expand from four providers to more than 100 in 14 Arizona locations. CORE also expanded its relationship with Phoenix area Bannerled hospitals and now leads orthopedics for many of the Valley’s leading hospitals, securing the highest market share for inpatient cases in Arizona. In 2014, The CORE Institute treated more than 43,000 new patients, growing more than 20 percent compared with 2012. Fun fact: The Greater Phoenix Chamber named The CORE Institute the 2014 IMPACT Award winner for Entrepreneurial Excellence.
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2014 Most Admired Companies Telesphere
Years in Arizona: 8 Employees: 80 Learn more: telesphere.com Admirable qualities:
Since 2010, Telesphere has grown more than 150 percent and has been recognized for three consecutive years on the Inc 500/5000 Fastest Growing Companies list. Telesphere was also ranked highest among Arizona companies on the
prestigious 2013 Deloitte Tech 500 List of Fastest Growing Technology companies. As a business, Telesphere has done an exceptional job of creating shareholder value and has maintained a 36.2 percent compounded annual growth rate since 2008. Fun fact: In 2013, the AZ Tech Council honored Telesphere founder Clark Peterson with the Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year award.
University of Advancing Technology
Years in Arizona: 31 Employees: 157 Learn more: uat.edu Admirable qualities: Before staff are even hired, they are issued a
DISC personality assessment. Having a personality profile for each staff member is beneficial for everyone within the organization and gives UAT a high level of emotional intelligence about its employees. The DISC assessment helps leaders at all levels work with their staff and determine what each employee needs, not only in terms of performance and development, but at a personal level. Fun fact: UAT had a virtual reality degree program in 1990 – long before most knew VR existed outside of sci-fi movies.
UnitedHealthcare of Arizona
Years in Arizona: 28 Employees: 5,000 Learn more: uhc.com Admirable qualities:
UnitedHealthcare’s myEasyBook, which was introduced last year as a pilot program in Phoenix, is an online healthcare shopping service that makes it easier and more affordable for consumers to make appointments with local healthcare professionals. So far, 50 percent of all users have utilized the service more than once. The service received an Editor’s Choice Award at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show held January 2014 in Las Vegas. Fun fact: UnitedHealthcare of Arizona has been named a Most Admired Company every year since the program started five years ago. 78 AB | September-October 2014
Vanguard
Years in Arizona: 20 Employees: 2,321 Learn more: vanguard.com Admirable qualities:
Vanguard’s Launch to Leadership program develops skill sets around a crew member’s current position and focuses on leadership philosophies, coaching and tips for transitioning to leadership. Since the program’s
inception in 2007, 61 percent of its participants are in leadership positions. Vanguard also offers several options available to crew members who wish to pursue an MBA or other graduate degree. Fun fact: During Vanguard’s annual All Cans on Deck food drive, crew members collect food items for local charities. In Arizona, Vanguard collected 161,000 pounds of food, or an average of 75 pounds per employee.
Ryan associates are making our workplace the industry gold standard.
Ryan is Proud to be Selected as One of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies for the Third Consecutive Year. At Ryan, we’re committed to the growth of our employees and the communities where they live. Our award-winning myRyan work environment is recognized internationally for giving employees the freedom and flexibility to achieve the highest level of success and productivity in all areas of their professional and personal lives. Our corporate training programs and commitment to employee development have earned the prestigious American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) BEST Award. And our community outreach efforts have raised millions of dollars since 2005. At Ryan, your talent is encouraged, your abilities are challenged, and your expertise is rewarded. Learn more about exciting career opportunities with Ryan at ryan.com/careers.
Congratulations to all our Arizona employees for this well-deserved recognition!
1.855.RYAN.TAX | www.ryan.com
© 2014 Ryan, LLC. All rights reserved.
79 AB | September-October 2014
Stepping up
2014
to recognize great Arizona businesses
Your contributions have made a positive impact in Arizona. UnitedHealthcare congratulates the winners of the AZ Business magazine 2014 “Arizona’s Most Admired Companies” Awards.
©2014 United HealthCare Services, Inc. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. Health Plan coverage provided by or through a UnitedHealthcare company. UHCAZ706716-000
80 AB | September-October 2014