LOCAL BUSINESS

BEST LARGE COMPANY TO WORK FOR (50 +) BEST MORTGAGE FIRM BEST JEWELER

WIMMER’S DIAMONDS

Bell Bank Bell Bank Mortgage

Location: Fargo Location: Fargo

How does it feel to win?

“To be voted as the area’s Best Jeweler for the fourth consecutive year is truly amazing!” Owner Aaron Wimmer said.

Have you made changes lately?

“We’ve recently consolidated our two Fargo locations into one beautiful new showroom at 4582 32nd Avenue South,” Wimmer said. “This allows us to provide a better level of service to our customers by having all of our departments under one roof — our showroom, custom jewelry, appraisal and repair departments, along with our marketing and finance offices. The new space is great for events as well. We just had our grand opening celebration which was a lot of fun!” honorable mentions

SECOND PLACE: SCHMIDT’S GEMS & FINE JEWELRY

THIRD PLACE: GUNDERSON’S JEWELERS

FOURTH PLACE: RIDDLE’S JEWELRY - FARGO

FIFTH PLACE: CROWN JEWELS

Location: Fargo

What stands out about your work culture?

“We hire team members who fit our core values of family atmosphere, unequaled service and giving back to the community,” Chief Culture Officer Julie Peterson Klein said. “Encouraging our employees to lead with ‘pay it forward hearts’ in making our communities even better, especially through volunteering and service. Our unique Pay It Forward initiative, which has empowered our employees to give more than $18 million since 2008 to individuals, families and organizations in need.”

What’s the key to your success?

“Our team members know when they join Bell, they become part of the Bell family. We take care of each other and our customers, and we recognize that service,” Peterson Klein said. “We encourage and inspire our employees to “catch each other” going the extra mile to help others, and nominate each other for recognition known as “How Bell of You” when they see someone embodying our core values.” honorable mentions

SECOND PLACE: ESSENTIA HEALTH

THIRD PLACE: SANFORD HEALTH

FOURTH PLACE: GATE CITY BANK

FIFTH PLACE: BETHANY RETIREMENT LIVING

What stands out about your business?

“We are in such a complex business in mortgage and finance, and it’s unusual to see a culture like Bell’s in this field,” President Tony Weick said. “Our bottom-line mission and our values are remembered and shared by every team member, and that is reflected every day in the service people see us deliver.” honorable mentions

What’s the key to your success?

“We know when we put our employees in an engaging, high-performing and fun environment, with all the support they need to take care of customers, that allows our teams to succeed,” Weick said. “It may seem simple, but it’s proven time and time again at Bell. A strong internal support system provides the framework to continue to grow and succeed externally.

SECOND PLACE: VISIONBANK

THIRD PLACE: GATE CITY BANK

FOURTH PLACE: FORWARD MORTGAGE

FIFTH PLACE: VALLEY MORTGAGE INC.