SUPPLEMENT TO THE OKLAHOMAN
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
Oklahoma’s a’s
FINISH LINE
TOP WORKP WORKPLACES TEAM TEAM A WORK WORK WO RK
ETHICAL ETH AL
OPPORTUNITY OP OPP ORTUNIT OR RTUNI RT UN Y
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EQUALITY UALITY
IDEAS S
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
How the companies ranked
LARGE (350+ EMPLOYEES) Rank
Company
Founded
Ownership
Sector
Locations
Employees
1
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) 1946
Private
Biomedical Research
1
411
2
Life.Church
1996
Non-profit
Religion
20
492
3
Epic Charter Schools
2011
Non-profit
Education - Primary / Secondary School
4
496
4
Encompass Home Health-Hospice
1998
Private
Health Care
18
475
5
Paycom
1998
Public
Payroll and HR Technology
3
1,788
6
Devon Energy Corp
1971
Public
Oil & Gas
3
1,871
7
Ben E. Keith Company
1906
Private
Wholesale Foodservice Distribution
2
460
8
St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center
1915
Public
Hospitals
1
529
9
Valir Health
2000
Private
Post Accute Care Rehabilitation, Hospice, and PT
22
542
10 US Cellular
1983
Public
Wireless Communication
1
698
11 Yukon Public Schools
1901
Government
Public Education
1
897
12 Carter Health Care & Hospice
1989
Private
Home Healthcare Services
21
361
13 Arvest Bank
1871
Private
banking/financial services
89
1,629
14 Locke Supply Co
1955
Private
Wholesale Distribution and Sales
38
700
15 Edmond Public Schools
1922
Government
Public School District
1
2,669
16 Southwestern Medical Center
1907
Parent company
Hospitals
1
558
17 Mustang Public Schools
1902
Public
Primary / Secondary School
1
1,408
18 OnCue Marketing, LLC
1966
Private
Convenience Store / Gas Station
76
879
19 LegalShield
1972
Private
Business Services
3
661
20 University of Central Oklahoma
1890
Government
Higher Education
5
2,000
Ownership
Sector
MIDSIZE (125-349 EMPLOYEES) Rank
Company
Founded
Locations
Employees
1
Meridian Technology Center
1973
Public
Education
1
130
2
Melton Truck Lines Inc
1954
Private
Distribution, Logistics, & Freight
1
285
3
Express Services, Inc.
1983
Private
Staffing
1
278
4
Nelson Auto Group
1988
Private
Auto Dealership
3
205
5
TBS Factoring Service
2004
Private
Financial Services & Insurance
1
166
6
CEC
1921
Private
Engineering
5
172
7
Central Technology Center
1970
Government
Education
2
179
8
Faith Technologies
1972
Private
Electrical
2
269
9
Santa Fe South Schools, Inc.
2001
Non-profit
Education - Primary / Secondary School
9
271
10 Explorer Pipeline Company
1967
Private
Common carrier liquid pipeline
2
131
11 Science Museum Oklahoma
1958
Non-profit
Museum
1
196
12 Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC
2000
Private
Financial Services
9
303
13 Canadian Valley Technology Center
1970
Public
Trade School
3
234
14 Hyatt Shared Service Center
1957
Public
Hotel Finance Center
1
237
15 Direct Energy
2006
Public
Electricity
1
263
16 Metro Technology Centers
1966
Public
Education
4
279
17 Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
1980
Non-profit
Human and social services
1
140
18 Jim Norton Auto Group
1937
Private
Auto Dealership
3
346
19 National American Insurance Company
1987
Private
Commercial Insurance Carrier
2
211
20 Aldi
1976
Cooperative/Mutual
Retail
10
249
Ownership
Sector
SMALL (FEWER THAN 125 EMPLOYEES) Rank
Company
Founded
Locations
Employees
1
Aviation Training Consulting (ATC)
2001
Private
Federal Government
2
44
2
Robert Half
1948
Public
Staffing
2
42
3
Cornerstone Home Lending
1988
Private
Mortgage
1
99
4
Russell-Murray Hospice, Inc.
1988
Non-profit
Non-profit
4
54
5
Boardman, LLC
1910
Private
Custom Steel Fabrication
1
76
6
The First State Bank
1902
Private
Community Commercial Bank
4
56
7
PPOk (Pharmacy Providers of Oklahoma)
1985
Private
Pharmacy - Technology
1
87
8
Kevo Properties
2010
Private
Agents / Brokers
2
82
9
Foundation Medical Staffing
1999
Private
Healthcare Staffing
1
35
10 Centek Inc.
2012
Private
Petroleum, Gas, & Petroleum Products
1
55
11 OptionOne
2011
Private
Alternate-Site Infusion Company & Specialty Pharma
1
66
12 Burns & McDonnell
1898
Private
Engineering/Architecture/Construction
1
38
13 Valiant Artificial Lift Solutions
2016
Private
Petroleum, Gas, & Petroleum Products
3
38
14 IMMY
1979
Private
Diagnostics, Imaging, & Laboratories
1
57
15 eXp Realty
2009
Public
Agents / Brokers
1
93
16 NextThought
2011
Private
Education Software Technology
1
53
17 Air Assurance Company
1985
Private
Heating, Ventilation, Air Cond, ,Plumbing
1
83
18 Ditch Witch of Oklahoma
1976
Private
Construction Equipment
2
49
19 Revenue Management Solutions, LLC
2006
Partnership
Custom Software Development & Consulting
1
94
20 OKIE811
1979
Non-profit
Utilities & Telecommunications
1
66
21 PHILLIPS MURRAH P.C.
1986
Partnership
Law
1
111
22 Western Plains Youth and Family Services
1978
Non-profit
Non-profit
4
60
23 Saxum
2003
Private
Integrated Marketing Communications
2
35
24 Noria
1998
Private
Engineering Consulting and Training
1
42
25 Standley Systems, LLC
1934
Private
Office Equipment Sales, Leasing and Services
8
121
26 Addison Group
1999
Private
Professional Services
2
56
27 Oklahoma Arthritis Center
2000
Private
Rheumatology Center
1
87
28 Bank2
2002
Private
Community Bank
1
74
29 Select Engineering Inc
1999
Private
Oil and Gas
1
58
30 Star Building Systems
1927
Public
Building Products
1
96
31 BKD CPAs & Advisors
1923
Partnership
Public Accounting
3
123
32 Anadarko Dozer & Trucking LLC
1984
Partnership
Oilfield Services
2
110
33 4 Corners Homes
2005
Private
Development & Construction/Sales
1
54
34 EOG Resources Inc
1985
Public
Exploration & Production
2
74
35 Oklahoma Water Resources Board
1957
Government
State Government
3
104
36 Kirkpatrick Bank
1970
Private
Commercial Bank
5
108
37 Autry Technology Center
1967
Public
Education - Technoloigy Center
1
107
38 Guernsey
1928
Private
Engineers, Architects and Consultants
1
122
39 Wireless Vision
2004
Partnership
Wireless
10
57
40 FTC Transportation, Inc.
1986
Parent company
Transportation / Trucking
1
40
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
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TOP WORKPLACES
Lessons from the top 5 keys to a better workplace What distinguishes a Top Workplace from an average one? The truth is, there’s no single practice, no one-sizefits-all solution for achieving great results. But there are common qualities of success you should be able to identify in every company. We know from our decade of research it’s not perks or “coolness” that makes the difference. The best employers carefully craft a positive workplace culture. We also know these organizations on The Oklahoman’s list of Top Workplaces for 2017 share a common foundation that supports a healthy culture — and employee engagement. Here are five key lessons: • People really are the greatest asset: It goes beyond lip service. It’s a core principle that’s brought to life every day, with leadership putting employees at the center of their thinking. Done right, the feeling is returned: Employ-
ees consistently tell us that a sense of appreciation and confidence in leadership are among the most important factors for their workplace Doug Claffey, CEO of Enersatisfacgage (formerly Workplace- tion. Dynamics) • Leaders listen: The best leaders listen to the feedback provided by employees both formally and informally. While some leaders might dwell on the inherent risks of giving employees a voice, leaders at Top Workplaces are clued in to their team’s challenges and use this knowledge in decision-making. This builds a sense of commitment and accountability. • Everyone is in the loop: It’s difficult
to be fully committed if you’re kept in the dark. Employees want to be wellinformed. Leaders in Top Workplaces recognize this. They’re committed to sharing information as much — and as often — as they can. And they don’t just share the happy news. Organizations that fail to communicate with staff on a regular basis, substantively, will leave an information void. That gap will be filled quickly with rumors and speculation. • Live with a purpose: Employees want to feel their work contributes to something meaningful. Effective leaders deliver an inspiring vision, which the entire team connects with day to day. In 2016, among the top 10 percent of companies we surveyed nationwide, 96 percent of employees reported feeling motivated. Compare that to the bottom 10 percent of organizations (which most closely represent a “typical” workforce), where just 62 percent of employees felt motivated. This 34 percentage-point gap represents a massive drop in productivity. Motivation matters. • Build community: Neuroscience
teaches us the importance people place on feeling accepted and safe in their “tribe.” It helps them stay focused and contributes to success. In forging productive employee experiences, Top Workplaces care about building community. They hold regular, purposeful events that foster a sense of belonging. That sense of appreciation also keeps employees connected. We see it in the Energage survey comments, like this one from an employee at Express Services, Inc.: “Employees are constantly valued, and the appreciation is obvious. I enjoy working for my boss.” The best workplaces always look to improve. After all, it’s a journey, not a destination. Even top-ranked companies will find things to work on in a process of continuous improvement. If done right, employees will know their workplace is special. Employers shouldn’t be shy asking for extra effort in return. Ensure staff remains active in the ongoing success of the organization — with all the necessary accountability. And remember to celebrate along the way.
When ‘top’ really means something Everyone likes a good list. This time of year, we see lists of the top films, books and TV shows of the year. But oftentimes those are simply one person’s opinion, or the rankings merely reflect what’s popular. Other lists, like those ranking the best places to live for millennials or retirees are compiled with guesswork using collections of real data combined in ways never intended by the data’s
Don Mecoy dmecoy@ opubco.com
BUSINESS EDITOR
creators. The best kind of list is a genuine one, compiled with real information. That’s what we strive to do with our annual rankings of Top Workplaces in Oklahoma. What’s the best way to
find out which Oklahoma companies provide the best workplaces? Ask the employees. That’s precisely what our partner at Energage (formerly Workplace Dynamics) does. Local companies choose to participate, and then Energage begins surveying the workers. Energage has done thousands of such surveys all across the nation. We’ve learned some interesting stuff over
the past five years about what makes a great Oklahoma workplace. For instance, pay and benefits are not near the top of what employees consider vital to creating a great workplace (although many of our winners are generous in those areas). Engagement, a feeling of being valued and great leadership are among the things most important in making great workplaces, the
employees tell us. I’ve also noticed over the past five years that creating a top workplace is a deliberate thing. Over and over again, we hear the leaders of companies that rise to the top say that employee satisfaction is a key component of their company’s success. And, as we see some firms make the rankings again and again, it has become clear that being a top workplace
is a good indicator of a successful business. Finally, I would mention that every company that made our list is a winner. There were companies that participated that didn’t make our list. While we are limited in the number of stories we can publish about individual companies, there is a reason that 80 companies are listed. The employees of all of them said they work in a great environment.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
TOP LARGE COMPANY
OMRF employees find meaning in their mission No. 1 large employer — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation BY PAULA BURKES Business Writer pburkes@oklahoman.com
When it came time for molecular biologist David Forsthoefel to decide where he’d develop his own lab, he narrowed his choices to a handful of research centers. Iowa State University and the University of Arizona were in the running, but Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) prevailed. “The grant-funding opportunities here are above and beyond anywhere else,” said Forsthoefel, 45, a native of western Ohio who trained for a decade at the University of Illinois before joining OMRF in August 2016. “Everything is so integrated,” he said. “We get to see patients and, as a result, may get our innovations to people faster.” Toward finding a cure or better treatments for colorectal and esophageal cancers and Celiac disease, Forsthoeful is studying the intestinal systems of millimeter- to centimetersized flatworms — which don’t get cancer and can regenerate completely, so they’re immortal as long as they’re fed. All of the worms in Forsthoefel’s lab came from a sole freshwater, southern European flatworm, which has fewer chromosomes than other flatworms so it’s easier to study their genetics. If he needs more specimens, he simply chops worms in half and they regenerate
From left, Carlisa Curry, Anne Zike and Kelie Ashley work out during a lunchtime fitness boot camp that Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation offers to all employees. [PHOTO PROVIDED]
themselves. “These animals have secrets to tell us,” he said. Forsthoeful is studying what genes are necessary for regeneration, and 50 percent of the flatworm’s genes are similar to human genes. “Everyone here feels they’re part of the OMRF mission, which ultimately is to make discoveries that make a difference,” he said. “That’s our culture and informs how we make all decisions," he said. Across campus, Courtney Griffin, a veteran OMRF cardiovascular biology researcher and Georgia native, feels similarly. She and her husband, a native Californian, fellow Harvard University undergraduate and osteoarthritis researcher, came to OMRF from the University of North Carolina nine years ago with their then 5-year-old fraternal twin daughters. “I’d trained hearing about OMRF and its research on blood clotting,“ Griffin said, “so OMRF wasn’t foreign to me, as a research institution in the middle of the country.” When Griffin and her husband were hired, science funding was tight. “We appreciated what we got, and dug in,” she said. “As we’ve matured as
scientists, we’ve become more aware of what a good thing we have here. Terrific colleagues in a small collegial environment makes science feel friendlier and supportive.” OMRF Senior Vice President Adam Cohen counts diversity among the private nonprofit’s major assets. “Our 411 employees bring new ideas and fresh approaches from 30 different countries, and ideas are really what we make here,” Cohen said. To help create spaces where associates bump into one another with serendipitous exchanges, OMRF every month holds a foundation-wide “First Thirstday,” where employees may gather for free food, beverages and general camaraderie over trivia, a band or another themed event. A favorite annual event is its courtyard spring fling, which features free food truck meals and a raffle of flat-screen TVs and other prizes. Another hub of activity, Cohen said, is the OMRF fitness center, which offers boot camps, yoga, fitness classes and more. OMRF President Steve Prescott recently donated a PingPong table, which sparked a newly formed OMRF table tennis team.
David Forsthoefel, foreground, Richard Delacruz and Imelda Sandoval study flatworms at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. [PHOTO BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN]
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
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TOP MIDSIZE COMPANY
Meridian employees applaud caring colleagues PAULA BURKES Business Writer pburkes@oklahoman.com
STILLWATER — When he relocated here two years ago, Brian James was shocked that a colleague at Meridian Technology Center showed up with his sons at his house to help him unload his moving van. Similarly, he was more than touched when his direct supervisor recently drove four hours to attend his mother’s funeral in Hugo. “What I like most about Meridian are the people,” said James, who teaches Algebra II in Meridian’s STEM Academy for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Established in 1975, Meridian employs 150 and serves some 800 morning and afternoon students from 10 area high schools, including Agra, Carney, Glencoe, Guthrie, Morrison, Mulhall-Orlando, Pawnee, Perkins-Tryon, Perry and Stillwater. “Not only do we have genuine friendships here, but we also have amazing administrators who empower us to do our job, whether that’s sending us to training or getting us the supplies we need,” James said. Dana Wallace, executive director of communications and marketing, said the personal care at Meridian is intentional. On employees’ first days, they’re matched with veteran staff members from separate departments, who lead tours of the campus, explain operational processes and answer questions,
Meridian Technology Center employees give back to their community each year through a variety of service opportunities. This year during the United Way Day of Caring, a team assisted two Mobile Meals clients with housework and yard work. [PHOTO PROVIDED]
Algebra II instructor Brian James speaks with student Devon McWilliams at Meridian Technology Center. [PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN]
Wallace said. The pairs meet weekly for the first two months, to ensure smooth transitions to Meridian, she said.
Meridian is all about driving the local economy, Wallace said, from preparing students for the workforce and
At the start of the school year, Meridian Technology Center instructors took part in a Chopped competition in the kitchen to help build a recipe for success for the new year. [PHOTO PROVIDED]
offering area companies leadership, safety, computer and other training, to serving as a business incubator for currently 13
startups. STEM Academy instructor Debbie Short knows both sides of the system. For six years,
she’s taught biomedical and pre-engineering classes. “The emphasis is on problem solving,” Short said, “and students are super creative in finding their own problems and processing them.” Meanwhile, Short’s two children attended Meridian. Her daughter, 24, now is a new nurse and son, 18, is a prepharmacy student. “When they were here, I was able to have lunch with them,” Short said. At the on-site cafeteria “Terraces,” Meridian culinary students prepare the entrees, which are available to the staff at a discounted $7 rate. A favorite is pecan chicken with waffles. Marcy Luter has worked at Meridian for a decade, coordinating staff and management development training for Ditch Witch and other area companies. “From our instructors to our culinary teams and groundskeepers, everybody here embraces our culture of education,” Luter said. “We’re encouraged to get sharper, and expected to get better and bring creative ideas to the table. “One of the things I like most is how much laughter we have,” Luter said. “We work hard, but we also play real hard and can pile in together to accomplish a goal.” Meridian’s participation in the United Way Day of Caring is a perfect example, Luter said. “We had so much fun that day,” she said, “painting, doing yard work and washing windows in towns with sending schools.”
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
TOP SMALL WORKPLACE — AVIATION TRAINING CONSULTING
Consultant’s grandson symbolizes company’s family-first philosophy BY PAULA BURKES Business Writer pburkes@oklahoman.com
It’s 11 a.m. on a Thursday morning at the Edmond offices of Altusbased Aviation Training Consulting (ATC) and President and CEO Robert Cox is taking a break from work to play ball with his 1-year-old grandson. “Ball” is one of young Sawyer’s first words. Cox knows that all too well, as the adorable blondheaded, blue-eyed cutie comes to work every day with his mother, who is Cox’s eldest daughter and ATC’s marketing director. Cox, a U.S. Air Force retiree who founded ATC 16 years ago in his hometown of Altus, drives to Oklahoma City at least one day a week, if only to see his first and, so far, only grandchild. ATC employs 30 at 3540 S Boulevard in Edmond; 20, mostly financial, professionals in Altus; and another roughly 117, who work just outside Washington, D.C., or in Kuwait where workers fly emirs in the CC-130J, the equivalent of Marine One, or train helicopter pilots to fly emirs. While in the Air Force, Cox, among other things, flew cargo planes out of Altus and developed training for the C-17. After he retired, a North Carolina marine recommended Cox to develop training for the V-22, based on his benchmark C-17 training. Along the way, Cox’s company took flight.
Today, ATC has training contracts for every plane in the Marine Corps, AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) planes at Tinker, the B-52 bomber in Shreveport and Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, and more. In Edmond, he employs software engineers who specialize in cyber security. ATC has $37.5 million in annual revenues, Cox said, and has doubled in employee size every two years for the past eight. The company provides many perks for its employees, including matching 401(k) contributions and 100 percentpaid health insurance premiums for its workers; 75 percent for dependents. But it’s Sawyer who symbolizes the family friendly atmosphere for which the company is best known. It’s not just the boss’ grandkid who gets to come to work, but the 9-year-old granddaughter of Executive Director Desirée Strong came every day this past summer and now, comes every weekday after school. “ATC isn’t typical ‘Corporate America,’” said Strong, who’s worked for the company 14 years, relocating from Altus to Edmond this past summer. Jerry Newton, a proposal manager who’s worked for ATC a little more than a year, attests that the family first philosophy also extends to him.
Terry Frabott holds Sawyer McDavid while letting him play with his autographed OSU football at the Edmond offices of Aviation Training Consulting.
“If my kids call sick from school, I’m told to go home and take care of my family,” Newton said. The same is true for Troy Harter, a Wichitabased business development specialist who’s worked for ATC since 2006. “We (employees) are a family,” Harter said. “If I call Jerry about a proposal, I’ll ask about the ‘51 Cadillac he’s refurbishing. Or if I call Robert, I’ll ask about his 1,374-acre conservation land in Altus on which he hunts and fishes.” Said Newton, “There are no swim lanes; everyone pitches in.” Cox confirmed that. “For our first seven years, there were no duty titles on our business cards,” he said. “Some days, Troy — or somebody else other than me — would be in charge. It’s called situational, agile leadership.”
Aviation Training Consulting employees include, from left, Troy Harter, Jerry Newton, Desirée Strong and President and CEO Robert Cox with his grandson. Sawyer. [PHOTOS BY DOUG HOKE, THE OKLAHOMAN]
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
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BEST OF THE REST — LARGE EMPLOYERS No. 2: Life.Church Life.Church is a multi-site church with 27 campuses across the U.S. and Church Online. Life.Church is the creator of YouVersion Bible App and Bible App for kids, and gives away all its resources for free for use by other churches through Open Network. The church offers a full and generous benefits package. Its 401(k) is designed to be a truly strong retirement program for the staff with generous matching that rewards long-term employees. Employee comment: “I love my job becauseI get to fulfill my purpose and use my strengths and gifts every single day. Not only doing what I love but also to help others do what they love and do it well.” No. 3: Epic Charter Schools Founded in 2011, EPIC Charter School is Oklahoma’s largest charter school. With more than 13,500 students and about 525employees, it is the state’s 11th largest public school system. EPIC students and employees are in all of Oklahoma’s 77 counties and the school offers a blended learning instructional model, pairing online curriculum with regular one-on-one instruction with an Oklahoma certified teacher. EPIC also operates two on-site early learning centers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa for prekindergarten through fifthgrade students. EPIC offers Oklahoma’s highest public teacher compensation and the only successful performance pay system for both faculty and
Employees have access to a full gym at Paycom’s campus in northwest Oklahoma City. [THE OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVES]
The newest Life.Church campus is in Norman. Life.Church is a multi-site church with 27 campuses across the U.S. and Church Online. [PHOTO BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN]
administrators. Because it invests more than 70 percent of all funding directly into instruction, EPIC’s average teacher compensation in 2016-2017 was $61,200, including performance pay, travel stipends and benefits. There’s also an annual performance bonus potential for every employee. Employee comment: “I love my job because I feel appreciated. I get professional development that is state of the art and up to date. This organization is open minded to my input to ideas. Everyone is very positive. They care about the students and hold them to high expectations. Teachers, students, and families are held accountable for students performance. Plus, I have flexibility with my schedule that I did not have in a brick and mortar school.” No. 4: Encompass Home Health A previous Top Workplaces large company winner, Encompass was
runner-up in this category last year. Encompass is one of the largest Medicare-certified home health and hospice services providers in the nation, with more than 232 branch offices across the United States. Employees are equipped with a state-of-theart electronic medical records system, extensive training and development, career advancement opportunities. Encompass Cares Foundation provides financial resources to employees to go on medical mission trips. It also has a company car program and scholarships for employees, their children and grandchildren. No. 5: Paycom Last year, Paycom was the No. 1 large company in The Oklahoman’s Top Workplaces contest and runner-up the three previous years. Paycom’s cloud-based software provides businesses with technology that effectively manages the complete employment
life cycle, from recruitment to retirement. Its technology is based on a core system of records
maintained within a single database. The company offers health insurance to employees for only $1 per pay period. Long-term disability protection is provided free of charge to all employees. Paycom provides a $25,000 life insurance policy to all employees and allows
them to take out additional coverage or accidental death and dismemberment for themselves and their families. With a free, onsite gym and an employee cafeteria that features $4 lunches catered daily from area restaurants, Paycom sets the perks bar high for the Oklahoma City metro area.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
BEST OF THE REST — MIDSIZE No. 2: Melton Truck Lines Melton Truck Lines was the No. 1 mid-size Top Workplace for the past two years. The more than 60-yearold company provides over-the-road flatbed transportation services across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Melton offers a great benefits package and competitive pay; not to mention its stateof-the-art gym with on-site personal trainer, health focused cafe, and on-site doctor and dentist. Employee comment: “I am empowered to make decisions, my opinions matter, and my job is so much fun. I am so lucky to work with such fine people — we laugh together, we cry together — but we are all pulling on the same rope in the same direction.” No. 3: Express Employment Professionals Express Employment Professionals employs 510,000 people across nearly 800 franchise locations in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. The company started with a $150,000 loan in 1983, the height of the oil bust in Oklahoma, and has grown to more than $3 billion in annual sales. Express offers rich employee benefits and retirement packages. In June 2014, it partnered with the Surgery Center of Oklahoma to provide employees with free surgical benefits. Express also boasts a robust wellness program, which includes screenings, flu shots and annual on-site
Ashley Wendorff rides a bike inside the new location of TBS Factoring in Oklahoma City in September. [PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN]
Each month, employees and leaders of Tulsa-based Melton Truck Lines gather to celebrate the achievements and anniversaries of their colleagues. [PHOTO BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN]
mammograms. In 2017, Express added two unique employee benefits: free annual body scans and reimbursement of child care expenses up to $5,000 per eligible child. Employee comment:
“Express is an extended family. I work in a great department, have an amazing team and leader. We are given a voice to speak out if we have ideas, questions, or even an issue. We are shown appreciation for a job well done. If someone is in need of help or assistance due to personal issues outside of work, we all come together to support them. We PRAY together. I believe in the power of prayer and love this about Express. It is a wonderful part of working here.” No. 4: Nelson Auto Group The company has dealerships in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Norman. Its sales teams
are noncommissioned, and master technicians and Nissan and Mazda certified technicians are on staff. Every year, Nelson Auto Group donates 10 percent of its net profit to charities, and annually offers employees 32 hours of paid volunteer time off. The company provides an on-site wellness coach and subsidizes gym memberships. It caters Saturday lunches and monthly employee appreciation luncheons to mark service anniversaries and more. Employee comment: “I feel a part of something bigger than my job title. I feel a part of a family, a community with a goal and purpose that has the same kind of values I love. I love that we donate to charity, and give back to the community. I love that I feel valued and appreciated, like I matter as much as anyone.” No. 5: TBS Factoring Service TBS Factoring Service
LLC provides simple and flexible financial solutions largely for the
transportation industry. TBS offers competitive pay, performance bonuses, a rich benefits package, paid time off for charity work, and frequent employee engagement events including an annual
employee gala. Employee comment:
“Every day is different so I never feel stagnant. Our team thrives with high support and high challenge and as a result we accomplish amazing things together.”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
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BEST OF THE REST — SMALL COMPANIES No. 2: Robert Half
steel plate fabricator, manufacturing small buckets, feeders, cotton gins, silos, oil mill equipment and more. It currently can weld more than 1,200 different procedures and a variety of material including, carbon, stainless, nickel alloys, Duplex, and Clad. Boardman is an open book management company and has distributed profits to all employees for the past five years.
Robert Half pioneered the idea of professional staffing nearly 70 years ago and helps companies solve staffing needs in the fields of accounting and finance, technology, administrative, legal, creative and marketing. Robert Half offers employees a matchinggifts program; it also matches the totals of what employees raise for charitable runs, walks, bike rides, bowl-a-thons and other functions.
Employee comment:
Employee comment:
“I get to help others improve their lives on a daily basis. I work with people who genuinely care about the clients and candidates we work with. It is an enjoyable place to be. I don’t wake up in the morning wishing I didn’t have to come in.”
The Oklahoma City staff of the Robert Half team. [PHOTO PROVIDED]
fulfillment out of being a support system for my patients and their families.”
No. 3: Cornerstone Home Lending Last year’s No. 1 small employer, Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc. is a Houston-based residential mortgage banker. Its loan officers have an average tenure of 12.3 years. To show employee appreciation, the local office hosts Halloween costume contests, holiday luncheons and employee talent shows. Cornerstone also pays for 91 percent of employee basic medical coverage, 100 percent of basic life and accidental death and 100 percent long-term disability, and matches 50 percent of employees’ first 2 percent contribution to their 401(k) plans. A “Cornerstone Cares” program, funded by employees, provides
Employees in this Oklahoma City office at Cornerstone Home Lending have the option of sitting at their desks or standing on a platform that also serves as a treadmill when it’s turned on. [PHOTO BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN]
monetary assistance to fellow employees in need. Employee comment: “We close mortgage loans on time. We take care of our team members.” No. 4: Russell-Murray Hospice Russell-Murray Hospice takes care of terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, in their home, whether their home is ina private home, nursing home, assisted living facility or hospital.
RMH offers health/ dental/vision insurance, retirement package along with AFLAC and employer paid life insurance policy. Also RMH owns/operates a day care for employees with children. Employee comment: “I feel like I’m putting my education to good use. I feel supported every day. I love my team at Russell Murray. The managers are patient with me and encourage me to ask questions as well as educate me anytime I’m unsure of something. I also love it because I get
No. 5: Boardman LLC Founded in 1910, Boardman is a custom
“Boardman operates with strong values, and the managers/owners still make the time to check in with all of their employees. They do truly care about everyone’s well-being here and it is like a family. Boardman also pushes employees to always learn, grow, and be able to stand by their work.”
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LEADERSHIP AWARD — LARGE EMPLOYERS Life.Church invites employees to contribute to its culture Q: How do you recruit Millennial employees? A: At Life.Church, we
are intentional about creating an engaging environment that gives our team the opportunity to truly make a difference. We believe it’s the kind of environment that draws in people who are called
Craig Groeschel, senior pastor and co-founder of Life.Church
to live out our mission each day. Q: How do you manage Millennial employees? A: Because we know
we’re stronger together, we intentionally coach each team member to maximize their unique gifts so they're able to make a broader contribution than they
could on their own. We believe it’s important to give our team clear direction while empowering them with freedom and trust. Q: How do you retain Millennial employees? A: Our values have
helped build a strong culture that gives each team member a clear
understanding of who we are as an organization. Beyond that, we invite every person to contribute to our culture so they can own it themselves. We work to give our team as much freedom to lead and create as possible, and in doing so we’re able to
demonstrate our trust in them and communicate how much we value them. Along the way, we offer lots of feedback, encouragement, coaching, and opportunities to advance. PAULA BURKES, BUSINESS WRITER
LEADERSHIP AWARD — MIDSIZED EMPLOYERS
Melton Truck Lines works to attract Millennials Q: How do you attract millennial workers? A: At Melton, we strive
to build a culture that's attractive to all generations. When it comes to attracting Millennials specifically, we use social media, our talent community, and our awardwinning culture. Furthermore, we know it's important for people to see themselves in the advertising when looking for a job, so we showcase our diverse population in our advertising.
Bob Peterson, CEO of Tulsabased Melton Truck Lines Q: How do you retain and manage them? A: Retaining Millenni-
als goes back to culture.
We have created a fun, productive, wellnessand community-driven environment. We have a great gym and cafe, and we encourage our employees to participate in community service activities. We also make it a point to recognize people for performance and we offer competitive pay and benefits. We manage Millennials by managing to the individual and not doing things one way just because that's
Melton Truck Lines employees sport their team colors, to celebrate the kickoff of football season. [PHOTO PROVIDED]
how we have always done it. We’re always looking for opportunities
to be better, which is a requirement to attract the best and brightest.
PAULA BURKES, BUSINESS WRITER
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Workers talk about their employers’ strong points These comments from employees are related to special awards won by their employers. All of the special award winners are listed on Page 19. Employee at IMMY, which won an award for meaningfulness: Everyone cares
about everyone. I think that it’s important to have a work environment that is like a family. We all depend on one another and respect one another. It makes people want to stay with the company if everyone is valued. Employee at Epic Charter Schools, which won an award for managers: My
principal will always listen to my concerns. She has conducted meetings with the sole purpose of letting her teachers express concerns and helping us brainstorm ways to make things better. Employee at Centek Inc., which won an awards for new ideas: There is truly no
stupid idea, all ideas are heard and considered even from vendors and visitors. Employee at Central Technology Center, which won an award for work/life flexibility: They know that family and
life is important and encourage each of us to never take that for granted. As long as our work gets done, we get to enjoy the best of both worlds. Employee at Cornerstone Home Lending, awarded a “doers” award for efficiency: Others respond and get back
to you in a short amount of time. Employee at Aviation Training Consulting (ATC), which won an award for appreciation of workers: I feel appre-
ciated by the recognition of my abilities and my mind. Employee at Life.Church, whose Craig Groeschel won an award for leadership: He is a man of integrity, pas-
sion, heart, and strong leader-
ship. He drives our culture with everything in him. He authentically loves the Lord and that is his guiding force for how he shapes the church. Employee at Melton Truck Lines Inc., whose Bob Peterson won an award for leadership: He’s very welcoming to
any and all ideas as well as treats everyone the same. The fact he walks around and interacts with employees on a daily basis speaks volumes. Employee at TPS Factoring Service, honored for direction: For some
time, TBS has been broadening our horizons. We have dabbled in many different facets of the transportation industry for a long time, and have now started to branch out into different areas altogether. It is a very exciting time at TBS and I am proud to be a part of it!
Everyone cares about everyone. I think that it’s important to have a work environment that is like a family. We all depend on one another and respect one another. It makes people want to stay with the company if everyone is valued. Employee at IMMY
IMMY, a Norman company honored by Top Workplaces for providing meaningfulness to employees, produces diagnostic tests that are shipped all over the world. [PHOTO PROVIDED]
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LEADERSHIP AWARD — SMALL COMPANIES Ditch Witch inspires employees of all ages Q: How do you recruit, manage and retain Millennial employees? A: Recruiting, managing
and retaining Millennial employees is truly the same method for all of our “non-Millennials.” We hire based on talent (realized and potential) and drive; we can train anyone who wants to be successful and believes in our brand. Our average tenure is eight years and we have more than 21 employees who have been with us for 10 years or more. We have a family atmosphere that appeals to all generations, because everyone likes to feel included and part of a great team. We offer
Gary Bridwell, CEO of Ditch Witch of Oklahoma
competitive salaries, growth opportunities, tremendous training and an open communication environment that inspires Baby Boomers to Millennials to feel a commitment and loyalty to the brand and team. PAULA BURKES, BUSINESS WRITER
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TOP WORKPLACES
How the rankings were determined Strong senior leaders set the tone for highperforming companies. But when it comes to judging whether an organization is a terrific place to work, there’s only one audience that matters: the employees. For the fifth year, The Oklahoman partnered with Philadelphia-based Energage, formerly WorkplaceDynamics, the employee research and consulting firm, to determine Oklahoma’s Top Workplaces through employee surveys. In June, The Oklahoman started running articles and advertisements encouraging people to nominate companies as Top Workplaces. Energage invited those companies and other organizations in the region — 1,464 companies in all — to take the employee survey. Any organization was welcome, as long as it had at least 35 employees in Oklahoma. Organizations could be public, private, nonprofit, or governmental. Energage surveyed 111 organizations that agreed to participate in the survey process. Those surveyed firms employ 33,251 people in Oklahoma. Of those employees who received questionnaires, 20,271 responded, either on paper or online. This year, 80 Oklahoma employers scored high enough to earn Top Workplaces honors. The employee survey seeks responses from
“Fundamentally, we believe engaged employees drive productivity and results. We urge more Oklahoma employers to measure what’s really happening within their organizations.” Doug Claffey CEO of Energage
24 statements covering seven areas, including organizational health factors that measure how well employees are working together toward a common cause: • Alignment — where the company is headed, its values, cooperation • Effectiveness — doing things well, sharing different viewpoints, encouraging new ideas • Connection — employees feel appreciated, their work is meaningful • My Manager — cares about concerns, helps learn and grow In addition, the survey asks employees about other factors: • Employee Engagement — loyalty, motivation, and referral • Leader — confidence in company leadership • The Basics — pay, benefits, flexibility Statements relating to “Connection” and “Alignment” were among the most important to employees, while statements about pay and benefits rated among the least important. “Obviously, you have to treat people fairly and pay people well, but we find pay and benefits correlate least with employee engagement,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage.
To ensure organizations are playing fair, Energage runs statistical tests to look for questionable results. It sometimes disqualifies employers based on those tests. For the rankings, employers are placed into groups of similar size, because smaller employers tend to score higher than midsize employers, and midsize employers tend to score higher than large employers. Based on scores determined from the employee survey feedback, employers within those size bands that score high enough are recognized as Top Workplaces. Energage also determined a list of special awards based on standout scores on specific survey topics. If you’re wondering why a particular employer isn’t on this year’s list, it could be because the company either chose not to participate in the program or did not score high enough based on the survey results. “Fundamentally, we believe engaged employees drive productivity and results,” Claffey said. “We urge more Oklahoma employers to measure what’s really happening within their organizations.”
Each year Arvest Bank associates donate countless hours of their time in community service work—from volunteering in local schools to fundraising events; serving on nonprofit boards and committees to disaster relief.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
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TOP WORKPLACES 3 small employers make biggest improvements in areas workers want most BY PAULA BURKES Five years, five wins for Canadian Valley Technology Center. It’s the only midsize Oklahoma employer to earn a spot in the Top Workplaces rankings each of its five years. [PHOTO PROVIDED]
Top Workplaces list includes 27 newcomers, 12 five-time winners From Staff Reports
The list of The Oklahoman's Top Workplace winners keeps getting a little longer nearly every year during the five years it has existed. Twelve Oklahoma companies have made the rankings every one of those five years. This year, there also were 27 firms that made the list for the first time. Newcomers claimed eight of the 20 spots on the large company list, includingSt. Mary's Regional Medical Center, Arvest Bank, Locke Supply Co., Mustang Public Schools and LegalShield. Among the 20 midsize company winners were 7 newcomers, including Faith Technologies, Explorer Pipeline Co., Direct Energy and Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Nearly one-third of the 40 small companies designated as Top Workplaces were firsttimers. That included Pharmacy Providers of Oklahoma, Kevo Properties, Foundation Medical Staffing and Ditch Witch of Oklahoma. Other newcomers included IMMY, Western Plains Youth and Family Services, Anadarko Dozer and Trucking LLC, and
Kirkpatrick Bank. Meanwhile, veteran winners took five of the 20 spots for large companies, including two of the top five. Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation was No. 1 among large companies, Paycom was ranked fifth. Other large, five-time winners included Ben E. Keith Co., Valir Health, and Southwestern Medical Center. On the list of 20 midsize employers, Canadian Valley Technology Center was the only five-time winner. Among small employers, six companies have made the list all five years: Saxum, Oklahoma Arthritis Center, Bank2, BKD CPAs & Advisors, EOGResources Inc., and Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The companies on the list operate in a variety of places, from Oklahoma City and Tulsa to Miami, Idabel, Woodward and Lawton. Not only do the companies provide a variety of goods and services, they range from nonprofits and government entities to small private firms and some of the state's largest, most recognizable corporations.
Business Writer pburkes@oklahoman.com
Among companies of all sizes named Top Workplaces this year and last, three small employers stand out for making the biggest improvements in areas that Oklahoma employees say are most important. Noria Corporation, a 20-year-old Tulsa firm that employs 42 and helps energy companies and others manage industrial lubricants, soared 13 notches on the top small employers’ list— to No. 24 from No. 37. Noria had the greatest gain— 13 percent— in the statement area, “This company enables me to work at my full potential.” Phillips Murrah, an Oklahoma City law firm that employs 111, rose to No. 21 from No. 29 last year. The firm led improvements in the statement area, “I feel genuinely appreciated at this company,” up by 7 percent. Wireless Vision, T-Mobile’s No. 1 branded retailer, slipped to No. 39 from No. 38 in the top small employer category, which has grown every year in number of competitors. Still, the Michigan-based company, which employs 57 across 10 Oklahoma locations, had the best improvements— 11 percent and 15 percent— in two respective statement areas:
Mike Ramsey
“My job makes me feel like I am part of something meaningful” and “I believe this company is going in the right direction.” Phillips Murrah spokesman David Rhea attributes his law firm’s gains to the company’s continued
responsiveness to requests and issues as they arise. “Congeniality was literally one of the firm’s founding principles when we started in 1986,” Rhea said. “So that type of culture/atmosphere is just sort of baked into the cake.” Conversely, Noria CEO Mike Ramsey said his company has taken several initiatives that his leadership believes sparked improvements, including a no-gossip policy, daily departmental huddles and weekly companywide meetings, and flexible work schedules.
“With a nurturing culture where we have each other’s backs versus stab each other in the back, our employees are able to thrive,” Ramsey said. Ramsey and others on his leadership team read a different business book every quarter and meet monthly over lunch to discuss chapters and how they might apply to Noria. The company also has a Leaders Are Readers library, where employees can check out books to read and earn a half day of paid leave every quarter— or up to two extra days a year of paid time off.
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I LOVE MY JOB BECAUSE... 4 Corners Homes
My team is strong and not ego driven, and we build a beautiful product. Addison Group
I can be comfortable at work, and the people are largely to credit. Air Assurance Co.
I have the freedom and tools to do my job well and efficiently. Aldi
I’m empowered to make a difference in my role. Arvest Bank
All of the support and team work surrounding me. Autry Technology Center
I am on the front line making a positive difference in students lives. Bank2
Every day we are encouraged to live our faith through our work. Ben E. Keith Co.
Because I feel appreciated, and it is always changing. BKD CPAs & Advisors
I feel like I am a part of something bigger than just one office. Boardman LLC
We have a good family atmosphere, good benefits and are encouraged to run our departments as we believe they should be run. Burns & McDonnell
I am trusted to do my job without micro management from senior management. Canadian Valley Technology Center
I am making a difference. Carter Health Care & Hospice
I am able to discuss my needs and concerns with my supervisor. CEC
I am able to express my views without fear. Centek Inc.
It’s my home away from home and second family.
Central Technology Center
Culture, location, students, co-workers, pay. Devon Energy Corp.
The company invests money in IT, I can play with new technology. Direct Energy
Everyone encourages each other and is willing to assist one another in order to help our customers and meet their needs. Ditch Witch of Oklahoma
It has very good values. Edmond Public Schools
I have a place to grow and learn. Epic Charter Schools
Our leaders are up to new ideas and help you to cater educational experiences for families. eXp Realty
I am free to work at my pace and am rewarded directly for the personal investments I make. Explorer Pipeline Co.
It has the friendliest bunch of people. Express Services Inc.
I believe in our mission of putting people to work and making a difference in the lives of others. Faith Technologies
Faith, values, safety. FTC Transportation Inc.
We provide a great service to those without life’s essentials and to those devastated by disasters. Gateway Mortgage Group
I am doing something that changes lives and families. Guernsey
I am allowed to do a full gamut of projects, and I am actively involved in securing new projects. Hyatt Shared Service Center
I can work from home. IMMY
The work is interesting, challenging, and meaningful. Jim Norton Auto Group
Because of all the wonderful customers. Kathleen White
I feel like I add value at
the end of the day. Kevo Properties
Flexibility and the income per hour worked is higher than anywhere else. Kirkpatrick Bank
There’s always more to learn and room for improvement. LegalShield
I am empowered to make decisions. Life.Church
Because I am furthering the kingdom, by identifying and empowering leaders to fulfill our mission. Locke Supply Co.
I can have a life. Melton Truck Lines Inc.
I feel respected and part of a huge team that works well together. Metro Technology Centers
I feel this is what I’m led to do. Mustang Public Schools
Everyone is super nice and encouraging. National American Insurance Co.
I have wonderful coworkers and the job itself is interesting and intriguing. Nelson Auto Group
I believe in what we do and how we do it. NextThought
I love the people; the open, welcoming office; the quality resources; the stocked pantries and refrigerators; the meals. OKIE811
I receive very good feedback, letting me know if I’m doing well and where I can improve. Oklahoma Arthritis Center
Everyone is professional and gets along. Oklahoma Water Resources Board
I’m helping the citizens of the state. OnCue Marketing LLC
I am able to balance work and family life; Flex Fridays, being able to come in earlier and leave earlier as long as all eight hours are worked.
OptionOne
I’m able to end each day with a smile on my face knowing I’ve done what I’ve been hired to do and have filled my God-given purpose. Pharmacy Providers of Oklahoma
I am able to grow in my skills. Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
merit and not immediately rejected. Saxum
I feel invested in, respected and trusted. Science Museum of Oklahoma
My boss understands and encourages breaks, which makes it easier to work hard. Select Engineering Inc.
Being here feeds my soul.
The workplace is positive and everyone is extremely kind.
Revenue Management Solutions
Southwestern Medical Center
Management makes me part of the team.
I feel like I belong to a family that supports me and works together as a team to provide quality patient care.
Robert Half
I am able to be myself and build my own brand within RHT. Russell-Murray Hospice Inc.
Working for hospice is such a worthwhile job. Santa Fe South Schools Inc.
My thoughts and ideas are considered for their
St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center
I am supported to challenge others to be their best. Standley Systems LLC
My job challenges me!
Star Building Systems
I love the trust that the management gives me to perform my job. TBS Factoring Service
I am able to give the client good strategies they can do to save money. The First State Bank
I am surrounded by people who want to grow this business with integrity. University of Central Oklahoma
I am able to follow my dream. U.S. Cellular
I can be myself. Valir Health
It is a fun environment. Western Plains Youth and Family Services
The people I work with are caring and helpful. Yukon Public Schools
Children’s needs and assets are identified and addressed.
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TOP WORKPLACES
Interesting facts about some of the 80 winners Okie811 is the company you must call before you start doing any serious digging. In fact, Oklahoma state law requires you notify the One-Call at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) before you turn any dirt. Aldi is the common brand of twoGermanbasedglobal discount supermarket chains with more than 10,000 stores in 18 countries. In addition to the Aldi stores, the company also owns Trader Joe’s.
Oklahoma City library patrons. OnCue plans to add100 new jobs each year in Oklahoma as it grows its convenience store chain. Bank2, owned by the Chickasaw Nation,specializes in making home loans to Native Americans nationwide. The CEO meets individually with each new employee andtakes employees to lunch in a weekly event labeled “Burgers with the Boss.” Explorer Pipeline Co. began
Nearly 70 percent of new hires at Foundation Medical Staffing come from employee referrals. Employees who refer a friend who is hired receive a $350 bonus. If they refer a leader who is hired, they get $1,000. All of Kirkpatrick Bank’s locations have significant art on display and no two locations look alike. Locke Supply Co. began as a mom & pop single location in 1955. The company now has 168 branches across five states. Boardman LLC is a custom steel fabrication firm founded in 1910. Over the decades, the company has fabricated a variety of items including bridges, antisubmarine net floats, destroyer escort smoke stacks and ventilators for the Liberty Ships, and huge bomb tail and fin assemblies during the Korean conflict. Boardman developed the first “Auto-Page” driveup book returns for
as a joint venture by Apco Oil Co., Cities Service Co., Continental Oil Co., Gulf Oil Co., Phillips Petroleum Co., Shell Oil Co., Sun Oil Co. and Texaco Inc. to create a pipeline to get their oil to market.
EOG Resources Inc., based in Houston, last year was a Top Workplace in Houston, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City. Autrey Technology Center operates a fire training
tower available for training district fire fighters, a business incubator that provides training and resources for new startup businesses. Its Safety Training Team provided over 17,000 safety training enrollments last year.
Ben E. Keith Co. started in 1906 as a produce distributor. During Prohibition the company delivered Anhueser Busch nonalcoholic product and eventually developed into one of the largest AB distributors in Texas. Ben E. Keith is the eighth-largest food service distributor in the nation and the Oklahoma Division is the company’s second largest. The Oklahoma Division has never had a lay off, choosing instead to manage head count via attrition.
Russell-Murray Hospice provides care to
terminally ill patients whether they have a payment source or not. Southwestern Medical Center opened its doors in
Lawton in October 1907. Devon Energy Corp. was
founded in 1971 with 4.5 employees. Today, it employs about 3,500 people in the U.S. and Canada. Graduates of Central Technology Center earn 29 percent more per hour than the average person entering the same occupation in the area.
Hyatt Shared Service Center
selected Moore for its financial center because of the high rate of college graduates in the area, and “the warm, hospitable Oklahoma culture.”
Nelson Auto Group gives 10 percent of its net profit to charity every month. The company provides lunch to employees every Saturday for each dealership.
Employees of Centek, a producer of oil-field products,design their own work areas, lead plant tours, and participate in problem solving, root cause analysis and implementation of solutions. The company transports employees to random drug screens in a limousine and has never had an employee test positive. Employees have contributed more than 2,100 continuous improvement suggestions with a 94 percent implementation rate. The Metro Technology Centers Springlake Campus is at the site of what used to be an Oklahoma City landmark— Springlake Amusement Park. In 1982, Vo-Tech District No. 22 purchased the 95-acre park for $1.1 million.
The First State Bank
isOklahoma’s oldest active state-chartered bank, being founded in 1902 in Canute, where it still has a branch.
After six months of consecutive employment with the University of Central Oklahoma, the school offers a tuition waiver of $750 per semester, up to $1,500 per year, to benefited employees and their dependents. Ditch Witch of Oklahoma
is the very first Ditch Witch Dealer worldwide. The Bridwell family purchased the dealership in 1976 and it remains a family-owned business that brings over three generations and 50 years of experience. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board has facilitated more than $3.2 billion in finan-
cial assistance to cities, towns, and rural water districts for water and wastewater improvements while saving those groups more than $1 billion over conventional financing options. The agency manages about 13,000 stream water and groundwater permits that allocate approximately 6.2 million acrefeet of water per year. Standley Systems debuted in1934 as the Fred Standley Typewriter Co. in Chickasha. The company now offers technology services, including things likeIT and printing solutions. SEE FACTS, 16S
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FACTS
more than 40 countries worldwide.
FROM PAGE 15S
Normanbased NextThought is a learning solutions company that develops online course technology. Founded in 2011, NextThought works with a number of leading universities and professional education organizations around the world. The company employs about 50 developers, course designers, content specialists and video production professionals.
Encompass Home HealthHospice last year filled 74
percentof supervisory positions with existing employees. Encompass created a professional development/ educational facility called the Encompass Development Center at the home office, which conducts new employee orientation courses, supervisory/ leadership training and development courses. Kevo Properties was founded seven years ago and is the seventh-largest brokerage in Oklahoma City. The company encourages employees to start out part time to learn the business. The average attrition rate in the real estate industry is 80 percent per year; Kevo Properties claims an attrition rate of less than20 percent.
In 2016, Express Services Inc. franchises generated $3.05 billion in sales. The company started with a $150,000 loan in 1983, the height of the oil bust in Oklahoma. Express has more than 780 franchise locations in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Guernsey, an
engineering, architectural and consulting firm, started in a Cherokee, Oklahoma, garage in 1928 as a one-man civil engineering firm providing support to rural Oklahoma municipalities. Jim Norton Auto Group was
Revenue Management Solutions LLC awards
employees with company-sponsored travel for every five years of service. Recipients have used the awards to travel to Ireland, Norway, Indonesia, Hawaii, Alaska, numerous locations in the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as Las Vegas, St. Louis, Walt Disney World and the New England Coast. Paycom recently was recognized as one of Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces, which honors businesses that display leadership and innovation in engaging their workforce. Faith Technologies is one of the largest privately held contractors in the United States. The electrical contracting company based in Menasha, Wisconsin, operates regional offices throughout Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
founded in 1937 byJim Norton’s father, Chick Norton.
BKD CPAs & Advisors employs an OK
Noria, an engineering, consulting and training firm,offerstraining courses in 12 languages in
Employee Engagement Council, a representative body evaluating and developing improvements to policies and programs.
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
Among its results are a Fitbit wellness program; candid discussion time with the managing partner; co-worker “thank you” recognition and rewards; an anonymous feedback channel; and a firmwide initiative to emphasize and strengthen diversity that initially focuses on attracting, retaining and developing women leaders for the sustainable growth of BKD. Burns & McDonnell, an engineering, architecture and construction firm, says itis committed to connecting the company to partnerships with a diverse supplier base, including firms that are disadvantaged, minority-owned, women-owned, veteranowned, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone certified or locally recommended. “We often say Burns & Mac isn’t the easiest place to work, but it’s the best place to work — and the fact that more than 63,150 people applied for positions here in the last 12 months speaks to our thriving culture.” Cornerstone Home Lending
periodically provides a Building Champions Life Plan Coaching session to employees. Throughout the year, Cornerstone holds a number of events to show appreciation for its employees, such as a Halloween costume contest, holiday luncheon and a talent show featuring entertainment provided by employees. OptionOne is the state’s only independently owned infusion provider,delivering alternative-site, outof-hospital therapies directly to patients, and has gone from 5 to 52 full-time employees in six years.
PROFILES OF THE WINNERS Edmond-based 4Corners Homes is a
nationally recognized homebuilder, and is Oklahoma’s fastest growing homebuilder. Dusty Boren and Tracy Williams have put together a team based on the core values they center their homebuilding business around. 4Corners Homes’ success is built around a clear vision: we provide more land, more home, more choices, and more value. Addison Group, which has two Oklahoma locations, specializes in the contract and direct hire placement of finance and accounting, information technology, administrative & human resources, health care, and engineering professionals. Addison’s value-added staffing solutions enable clients to address key organizational issues such as meeting fluctuating personnel needs, better controlling variable costs and focusing resources on their core businesses. Typical client situations in which Addison’s services have proved highly effective include: temporary projects, providing professionals for seasonal demand, high turnover positions, backfills during a leave of absence, difficulties in the hiring of permanent employees, and employment environments with a need for a flexible workforce component.
Broken Arrow-based Air Assurance Co. offers
commercial and residential heating, cooling, ventilation and plumbing repair, service, and replacement. Air Assurance provides comfort,
indoor environmental solutions, and plumbing service throughout the Tulsa metro area. Aldi is a German discount grocery company with its U.S. operations are based in Batavia, Illinois. It operates 10 stores in Oklahoma. Aldi has more than 1,600 stores across 35 states, employs over 25,000 people and has been steadily growing since opening its first U.S. store in Iowa in 1976. Over the past decade, the company has nearly doubled in size and by 2018, Aldi will bring its total number of U.S. stores to nearly 2,000. Anadarko Dozer & Trucking LLC is based in
Elk City.The firmhas provided oil field earthmoving and trucking, principally in western Oklahoma, for more than 30 years. The company is bonded and performs contract utility construction. Arkansas-based Arvest Bank is one of the largest banks in Oklahoma. It operates 89 locations in the state and employs more than 1,600 people in Oklahoma. Enid-based Autry Technology Center was established in 1967 and now serves more than 16,000 individuals annually and has earned the Oklahoma Association of Technology Center’s Gold Star Award 12 times. Autry’s mission is to provide a productive and prepared workforce for employers in Oklahoma. Many young adult students attend Autry tuitionfree for up to three years following high school graduation thanks to
the Autry Scholarship. Secondary students P living in the district are eligible to attend c tuition-free. Autry pro- t vides training to over d 500 business partners f and plays a significant t role in area economic c development through r collaborative efforts p with the Chamber of f Commerce, Economic m Development Alliance, local government and area businesses to further increase job opportunities for students. Oklahoma City-based Bank2 is a community
i e bank owned by the Chickasaw Nation. Its e stated mission is to a m “Build Better Lives.” The bank specializes in e home loans to Native 2 Americans nationwide, T but also aims to serve t the loan needs of small c businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals. i o Texas-based Ben E. Keith Foods has a major a distribution center in t Oklahoma. The com- C pany provides wholesale distribution of food A service products. Ben c E. Keith is a broadline distributor, meaning it distributes dry, refrigerated and frozen food products, paper goods, chemicals, equipment and small wares. M BKD CPAs & Advisors and d
its subsidiaries offer a variety of services in accounting, audit and assurance, tax, risk management, technology, corporate finance, forensic and valuation services and wealth management to a wide range of industries, including health care, manufacturing, distribution, financial SEE WINNERS, 18S
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PROFILES OF THE WINNERS Tulsa-based Explorer Pipeline Co. operates a 1,830-mile common carrier pipeline that transports gasoline, diesel, fuel oil and jet fuel from the Gulf Coast to the Midwest. Through connections with other refined petroleum products pipelines, the firm serves more than 70 major cities in 16 states.
Faith Technologies Inc.
is a national leader in electrical planning, engineering, design and installation. With more than 2,400 employees, including 269 in Oklahoma, Faith Technologies is one of the largest privately held contractors in the United States. Established in 1972, Faith Technologies is committed to safety on and off the job site, and in 2016 was awarded the Associated General Contractors of America’s Safety Excellence Award in the specialty contractor division.
Since 1999, Foundation Medical Staffing has placed dialysis professionals in treatment centers, clinics, and hospitals across the nation. A leader and expert in the field of dialysis staffing, FMS places nephrology nurses, renal social workers, dietitians, patient care technicians, and facility managers in temporary or permanent placement jobs. Oklahoma City-based FTC
Transportation isthe core
carrier for Feed the Children. Employees work with those in need, personally putting boxes of food and personal care items into the hands of those who need it most. FTC Trucking also works with thirdparty customers and brokers to haul general commodities nationwide. Third-party freight is used for backhauls and in between Feed the Children loads. This freight helps to cover costs associated with doing business. Gateway Mortgage Group is an end-to-end
mortgage banking firm that specializes in mortgage origination, loan servicing and correspondent lending. Founded in 2000, the company maintains two corporate locations with headquarters in Jenks and an operations facility in Irving, Texas. Gateway conducts business in over 38 states and employs more than 1200 people throughout 100+ offices. Oklahoma City’s Guernsey is a mosaic of engineering, architectural and consulting services. The company is a unique, cohesive, employee-owned firm, capable of handling an array of projects, private or public. It is a multi-discipline firm, employing engineers, architects, planners, consultants, environmental scientists, designers, analysts, accountants and managers. Our clients include federal, state and local government; military entities; utilities; Native American tribes;
universities; Fortune 500 companies; oil and gas companies; and more. The Hyatt Shared Service Center, which includes an operation in Moore, provides accounting support for more than 150 Hyatt Hotels in North America and Latin America. Support includes customer service, accounts payable, accounts receivable, event billing, payroll, workforce management, sales, tax, treasury, human resources, and other accounting services. IMMY, based in Norman, has the goal of drastically reducing mortality caused by infectious diseases through increased use of affordable diagnostics. Valiant Artificial Lift Solutions provides
systems for downhole well production. A service-oriented company with industry expertise, Valiant aims to helpoperators increase and maintain reliable production while controlling operating costs. The firm’s approach begins at well design and continues through the entire life cycle of a well, allowing it to deliver solutions tailored to each customer’s needs. Valiant’s solutions include installation, well testing, and operations analysis, and we only install quality products with proven designs and track records of reliable operation in thousands of wells. Kevo Properties, based in Oklahoma City, is an organization that trains its employees to run successful businesses in
Meridian Technology Center
the real estate industry.
Kirkpatrick Bank, based in Edmond, is a business bank serving Oklahoma and Colorado. Chartered in 1970, the bank was acquired by the Kirkpatrick Family in 1988. Community partnership is an essential premise in the Kirkpatrick family, and a value encouraged by them as part of the Bank’s strategy for growth and development.
Established in 1972, Ada-based LegalShield is aimed at giving people access to justice and equal access to the law through its products and services. One of the first companies in the United States organized solely to design, underwrite and market legal expense plans to consumers, LegalShield also markets an identity theft monitoring and restoration service through its partnership with Kroll Inc. and provides legal services to over 1.6 million families across the U.S. and Canada. Oklahoma Citybased Locke Supply Co. distributesplumbing, electrical, heat and air supplies primarily to licensed contractors. The companyoperates168 branches in approximately 70 locations across five states.
in Stillwater is part of a network of 29 career technology centers across the state. Since 1975, Meridian has been training individuals for success in the workplace. The Meridian Technology Center district covers parts of Lincoln, Logan, Noble, Pawnee and Payne counties, encompassing more than 900 square miles. Metro Technology Centers is
a career and technology education district with four campuses serving the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The center offers training and career programs to high school students, adults and business and industry. Over 80 full-time programs and hundreds of short-term and online courses are available, as well as customized training for business and industry. National American
Insurance Co., based in Chandler,offers automobile, general liability, property, inland marine, umbrella and workers’ compensation insurance. Most classes of business are considered, but the focus includes companies in the oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, service, retail, and wholesale industries. NextThought is a learning solutions company that develops online course technology designed for connected learning. The company also provides a full suite of learning design
and video production services. Founded in 2011, NextThought works with a number of leading universities and professional education organizations around the world. The Norman company employs some 50 developers, course designers, content specialists, and video production professionals. Tulsa’s Noria, an engineering, consulting and training company, helps other businesses enable reliability through better lubrication processes. Over the past 18 years, Noria has helped organizations manage and monitor lubricants for maintaining optimum reliability and safety. Okie811, based in Oklahoma City, provides a safety and damage prevention program designed to promote public awareness, provide a communication link between excavators and operators of underground facilities, and to eliminate potential hazards posed to excavators, the general public, vital underground facilities and the environment whenever excavation is done.
Founded in 2000 by Craig W. Carson MD, Oklahoma Arthritis Center
specializes in patients with arthritis and related conditions such as lupus, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis. The Edmond-based business stresses the importance of quality patient care by utilizing technology, innovation and leadership to provide the best service, education, and care possible. SEE PROFILES, 18S
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WINNERS FROM PAGE 16S
services, construction and real estate, as well as government entities, higher education institutions and not-for-profit organizations. BKD’s Oklahoma practice is led by Managing Partner Todd Lisle. Kansas Citybased Burns & McDonnell is an employee-owned company made up of nearly 5,500 engineers, architects, construction professionals, scientists, consultants and entrepreneurs with offices across the country and throughout the world. Its Oklahoma City office offers the full breadth of Burns & McDonnell services, serving clients with facilities, electrical transmission and distribution, oil and gas, process and industrial, and environmental projects. Canadian Valley Technology Center was the sixth “area
vocational school” to open in Oklahoma in 1970 with main campuses in El Reno and Chickasha. The school added a third campus near Yukon in 2008 and has since embarked upon a major rebuilding project in El Reno in the wake of a tornado, which destroyed nearly all of that campus. The goal is to continue our school’s mission of preparing people to succeed through quality career and technical education programs and services. Oklahoma City-based CEC is a privately held engineering firm, serving public entities and private developers. The firm offers extensive services, which allow us to be involved with projects from conception, to design, to construction.
The company specializes in transportation design and planning, mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering, power delivery design and inspection, surveying and mapping services, construction management and supervision, materials testing, airport planning and design, environmental services, and bridge design and inspections. Centek designs, markets and manufactures oil field centralizers and stop collars and began operations in Oklahoma City in 2012. When drilling oil and gas wells it is vitally important to ensure that no contamination of ground water occurs through good zonal isolation of the casing string. Centek’s products provide the best centralization in the industry resulting in an excellent cement sheath in the borehole, helping to protect the environment and optimize well production.
Drumright-based Central Technology Center,
part of the Oklahoma CareerTech system, provides technical education. Central Tech achieved 93 percent placement for students entering the workforce or continuing their education. Of those in the workforce, 87 percent of working graduates are employed in jobs related to their career major. Last year CTC had more than 25,000 enrollments and provided customized business and industry training to 400 companies. Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy Corp. is a leading independent energy company engaged in finding and producing oil and natural gas. Included in the S&P 500, Devon operates in some of the most prolific oil and
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natural gas plays in the U.S. and Canada, with an emphasis on a balanced portfolio. Devon has about 3,500 employees companywide, including about 1,900 in Oklahoma. The company has about $26 billion in total assets and more than 2 billion oil-equivalent barrels in proved reserves. Ditch Witch of Oklahoma is a full-service construction equipment dealership servicing all underground construction and utility equipment needs. The firm offers genuine Ditch Witch service, an extensive line of parts, a wide variety of used equipment and what it describes as the best rental equipment throughout the state of Oklahoma.
Houston-based EOG Resources Inc. is one of the largest independent crude oil and natural gas companies in the United States. It has 74 employees in Oklahoma. EOG’s strategy is to generate the best rates of return by controlling operating and capital costs while maximizing oil and natural gas reserve recoveries. EOG strives to maintain the lowest possible operating cost structure that is consistent with prudent and safe operations. The company focuses on integrating technology such as 3-D seismic, core analysis, and microseismic to develop proprietary petro-physical models. Washington-based eXp Realty aims to be is on the forefront of change in dealing with the paradigm shift in the real estate industry. Completely paperless, 3-D immersive cloud office and some of the best tools, support for our agents make eXp a highly desirable place to work. The firm has 93 employees in Oklahoma.
PROFILES OF THE WINNERS OnCue is a growing innovator in the Oklahoma convenience store market. The business is designed to be more than the average gas station, with services and products that surpass expectations while providing the ultimate customer experience. OnCue has embraced compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative domestic fuel. OptionOne Pharmacy is a medical infusion provider delivering alternativesite, out-of-hospital therapies directly to patients in eight states and growing. Run by an award-winning team of health care professionals focused on individualized attention, OptionOne Pharmacy ensures that its patients consistently have dependable access to life-enhancing infusions in their own continuum of care. Independently owned and operated since 2011 by a third-generation pharmacy family, OptionOne Pharmacy is committed to evidence-based medicine, proven advanced technology, and a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the total patient experience. Phillips Murrah P.C. has
grown from a four-lawyer startup into one of the largest full-service law firms in Oklahoma. The firm, located in the heart of Oklahoma City's busi-
PROFILES FROM PAGE 17S
The mission of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board is to protect and
enhance the quality of
ness district, provides a comprehensive line of business and litigation solutions.
— health care providers, banks, billing companies, and affordable care organizations.
Pharmacy Providers of Oklahoma is committed to
Santa Fe South Schools Inc. is a fully accredited
cost containment strategies and information management. The company, based in Edmond, provides RxSelect Third Party Contracting Services, Central Payment, Claims Reconciliation, RxLinc Claims Transmission, Contract Compliance Monitoring, MAC Evaluations, RxProtect Audit Services and Buying Group Programs for over 3800 pharmacies nationwide.
public charter school district serving students from Pre-K through 12th grades. Operational since 2001, Santa Fe South Schools serves students from the Oklahoma City Public School District attendance area.
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, an Oklahoma
City-based nonprofit organization, operates on the principle of "fighting hunger, feeding hope." Revenue Management Systems is founded on
Saxum is a full-service integrated marketing communications agency with offerings in advertising, public relations and digital areas of expertise. The firm offers a specialized energy communications practice while also serving other industries including health care, consumer, and philanthropy among others.
the goal of bringing new efficiencies to the complex back-end of the health care revenue cycle. To answer this need, the company has built a proprietary suite of software, called MED RX. This SaaS platform simplifies some of the most complicated areas of the revenue cycle, specifically around remittance processing. The in-house software solution delivers an efficient workflow across all touchpoints in the health care revenue cycle
Science Museum Oklahoma, located in Oklahoma City, is a private, nonprofit, educational and cultural resource center with a mission of enriching people's lives by revealing the wonder and relevance of science.
life for Oklahomans by managing and improving the state’s water resources to ensure clean and reliable water supplies, a strong economy, and a safe and healthy environment. As the state’s water agency, the agency aims to resolve
Oklahoma’s increasingly complex water issues through leadership, innovation, and sound science. The entity partners with citizens and other stakeholders in planning and balancing multifaceted, long-range water needs.
Select Engineering Inc., based in Tulsa,is an engineering, procurement, and construction management company providing professional services to the oil and gas industry.
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SPECIAL AWARDS Leadership
Leadership
Leadership
I have confidence in the leader of this company.
I have confidence in the leader of this company.
I have confidence in the leader of this company.
Large
Midsize
Craig Groeschel, Life.Church
Bob Peterson, Melton Truck Lines Inc
Gary Bridwell, Ditch Witch of Oklahoma
Managers
New ideas
My manager helps me learn and grow.
New ideas are encouraged at this company.
Direction I believe this company is going in the right direction.
TBS Factoring Service
Doers At this company, we do things efficiently and well.
Cornerstone Home Lending
Clued in senior management Senior managers understand what is really happening at this company.
Nelson Auto Group
Work/life flexibility I have the flexibility I need to balance my work and personal life.
Central Technology
Small
Epic Charter Schools
Centek Inc.
Meaningfulness
Ethics This company operates by strong values and ethics.
My job makes me feel like I am part of something meaningful.
Encompass Home Health-Hospice
IMMY
Communication I feel well-informed about important decisions at this company.
1st
I get the formal training I want for my career.
Oklahoman Medical Research Center (OMRF)
I feel genuinely appreciated at this company.
Aviation Training Consulting (ATC)
eXp Realty
Training
Appreciation
$
Benefits My benefits package is good compared to others in this industry.
Paycom
20
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