THE GAZETTE CONGRATULATES THE 2022 BEST WORKPLACES HONOREES
What makes a great workplace? Ask any motivated employee, and their answer will likely include the words “reward” and “recognition.”
Employees valued by leadership will care for each other — and their clients. Those who feel inspired feel empowered. Additionally, they share and support — your corporate vision. The communication and input, feedback and growth opportunities that you offer is your greatest strength, as evidenced by the testimonials of your employees. They are a testament to your words, attitude and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
American author Robert Collier said, “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day-in and day-out.” Truth be told, the small things are, ultimately, the big things! We know this, based on the responses and results of the Best Workplaces since 2017. Each year, we learn about the organizational health, engagement, leadership, work-life balance, training, pay, benefits and corporate social responsibility of peak performing
private, public, nonprofit and government entities in the Pikes Peak region.
Each year, the importance of clear expectations for success, a purpose and transparency are underscored. The winning businesses extend people-first cultures that people want to work for and do business with. Employees are engaged, and customers’ expectations are met — or exceeded! The fact is, our local community is a desirable place to live, play and work. The affection and connectedness employees feel towards their “Best Workplaces” is a sign of great things to come. We are getting back to (a new) normal, including having a live, in-person, up-close and personal reception for the winners.
Thank you for living teamwork, safe in the knowledge that the strength of a team is linked to each member, and vice versa. Teams that work together trust each other, and teams that trust each other respect each other. Teamwork, trust and respect are the foundation of every successful business.
REEN, PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER THE GAZETTECORRESPONDENTS
CONGRATULATIONS
TO THE 2022 BEST WORKPLACE AWARD WINNERS
EXTRA-LARGE COMPANIES:
MIDSIZE
LARGE COMPANIES
SMALL
AND TO THESE COMPANIES FOR RECEIVING HONORABLE MENTION
A&Z Mechanical akaCRM, Inc. Altia
Basis Partners Bluestaq, LLC Cause and Solutions, Inc
Davidson Technologies, Inc. Family Care Center Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI)
How
BY WAYNE HEILMAN Special to The GazetteThe Gazette partnered with the Colo rado Springs Chamber of Commerce & EDC and DataJoe LLC, a Boul der-based data collection and analysis firm, to determine the top workplaces in the Colorado Springs area. Provid ing a program to better serve custom ers and employees — and recognize excellence — is a logical step for the local business community.
The Gazette sought nominations in July and by Aug. 1 received more than 600 for 223 private, public and nonprofit and government organizations in the Pikes Peak region. Nearly 160 rolled out on line surveys to their workers by Sept. 23, generating nearly 4000 responses.
Employees were asked to answer 27 questions about organizational health, engagement and leadership plus other areas like work-life balance, training, pay, benefits and corporate social re sponsibility. They rate their employ ers with scores ranging from 1-7; a 1 represented “strongly disagree,” 4 was “neutral” and 7 was “strongly agree.” Employees also could write comments on such topics as motivation, refer rals of potential employees, retention, leadership, values and ethics, direc tion and cooperation.
Employers were required to have a substantial number of responses from employees to be honored as a best workplace. Any employer with mostly negative responses was ex
cluded. Based on participation this year, 102 employers were honored as best workplaces.
Employers were grouped into four categories by size — extra large with 300 or more employees, large with 76299 employees, medium with 30-75 em ployees and small with 10-29 employ ees (because smaller employers tend to score higher than larger employers).
The 102 employers selected as Best Workplaces in Colorado Springs were honored Dec. 1 during a gala at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. The Best Workplaces program, now in its sixth year, is designed to be an annual free survey and workplace health analysis to identify companies that are creating strong, healthy workplace cultures.
SMALL COMPANIES | 10–29 EMPLOYEES
COMPANY FOUNDED SECTOR WEBSITE
A&Z Mechanical 2001 Heating & Cooling aandzmechanical.com
Adam & Son Auto Repair and Service 1999 Automotive adamautorepair.com
ADD STAFF, Inc. 1984 Staffing Service addstaffinc.com
Affordable Medical Supply 1984 Medical Supplies/Equipment affordablemedmart.com akaCRM Inc. 2007 Professional Services akacrm.com
All Native Group 2004 Government Contractor allnativegroup.com
Alpine Contracting 2008 General Contractor alpine-contracting.com
Berkshire Hathaway Synergy Realty Group 2004 Real Estate bhhssynergy.com
Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado 1980 Nonprofit bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-southern-colorado Budget Blinds 1992 Home Decor budgetblinds.com/greater-colorado-springs-co
Caliola Engineering LLC 2019 Communication Engineering caliola.com
Campbell Homes 1965 Home Builder campbellhomes.com
Cause and Solution, Inc. 2017 Fundraising Consultants causeandsolution.com
Century Communities 2002 Home Builder centurycommunities.com
CIVA Charter High School 1997 Education civacharterschool.org
Colorado Hi-Tech Solutions 1996 IT Support coloradohitechsolutions.com
Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy 1985 Education cimt.edu
Colorado Stoneworks Landscaping 2006 Residential/Commercial Landscaping springslandscaping.com
Cordera Family Dentistry 2007 Dental Care corderadental.com
Dart Wars 2019 Recreation dartwars.com
DCF CS West/East 2009 Gun Store / Indoor Range dcfguns.com
Diversified Association Management 2005 HOA Management diversifiedprop.com
Dynamic Physical Therapy 2006 Therapy Clinic dynamicptcos.com E2 Optics 2010 IT Solutions Provider e2optics.com
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 1925 Aviation/Aerospace Education erau.edu
Employers Council 1939 Legal Training/HR Resources employerscouncil.org
Finch & Gable Real Estate Co. 2020 Real Estate Property Management finchandgable.com
Hoff & Leigh 1987 Commercial Real Estate hoffleigh.com/colorado-springs
HOMEfix 2007 Residential Remodeling homefixcos.com
Kissing Camels Family Dentistry 2018 Dental Care
kissingcamelsfamilydentistry.com
Long Capture 2017 Government Technology longcapture.com
Luisa Graff Jewelers 1999 Jewelry Store luisagraffjewelers.com
Mayfield Counseling Centers 2015 Counseling Services mayfieldcounseling.com
Mulliken Weiner Berg & Jolivet P.C. 1991 Legal Services mullikenlaw.com
Palmer Land Conservancy 1977 Conservation palmerland.org
Pikes Peak United Way 1922 Nonprofit Organization ppunitedway.org Plant Engineering Consultants, Inc. 1993 Engineering planteci.com
{ THE TOP 102 COMPANIES
SMALL COMPANIES (CONTINUED) | 10–29 EMPLOYEES
COMPANY
FOUNDED SECTOR WEBSITE
PlayTime Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers of Colorado Springs 1997 Pet Services
playtimepetsitters.com
Revolution Jewelry Works 2013 Jewelry Store revolutionjewelryworks.com
Skin Cancer and Dermatology Center of Colorado Springs 1978 Healthcare
skincancerandderm.com
Springs Dentistry 1981 Dental Care springsdentistry.com
Springs Law Group 2017 Legal Services springslawgroup.com
StableStrides 1981 Nonprofit/Mental Health Service stablestrides.org
Treasure Davis Team 2005 Real Estate treasuredavis.com
Unlimited Bodywork 2010 Massage Therapy wrcolo.com
Workplace Resource 1986 Office Furniture/Workspace Solutions unlimitedbodywork.com Xledger, Inc. 2000 Accounting/Financial Software xledger.com
MIDSIZE COMPANIES | 30–75 EMPLOYEES
COMPANY
FOUNDED SECTOR WEBSITE
5Star Bank 1990 Banking five-starbank.com
AdPro 2012 Marketing adproresults.com
Altia 1991 Engineering altia.com
Aspen Auto Clinic 2001 Automotive Services aspenautoclinic.com
Basis Partners 2009 Engineering Consultants basisp.com
BlueHalo 2019 Space Technology/Defense/Intelligence bluehalo.com
Bristol Hospice 2006 Healthcare bristolhospice.com
Colorado Springs Therapy Center 2006 Therapeutic Services cstherapycenter.com
Davidson Technologies, Inc. 1996 Aerospace/Missile Defense davidson-tech.com
Ellicott Middle School 2001 Education ellicottschools.org
Erickson, Brown & Kloster, LLC 1984 Accounting Services ebkcpa.com
GOAL High School 2018 Education goalac.org
Griffith Centers for Children 1927 Behavioral Health, Nonprofit griffithcenters.org
HDR 1917 Engineering hdrinc.com
Heating & Plumbing Engineers, Inc. 1955 Mechanical Contractor hpeinc.com
Infinity Technology Services, LLC dba ITS, LLC 2006 Engineering/Advisory Services itsaerospace.com
McCloskey Motors 1989 Automotive bigjoeauto.com
Oakwood Homes 1991 New Home Construction oakwoodhomesco.com
Olive Real Estate Group, Inc. 1976 Commercial Real Estate olivereg.com
Pima Medical Institute 1972 Education pmi.edu
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association 1954 Entertainment prorodeo.com
Reliant Financial Services LLC 2018 Healthcare Accounts Receivable reliantfs.com
Strive Physical Therapy 2014 Healthcare strivept.net
The Independence Center 1987 Home Healthcare theindependencecenter.org
{ THE TOP 102 COMPANIES }
MIDSIZE COMPANIES (CONTINUED) | 30–75 EMPLOYEES
Vantage Homes Corp. 1983 Home Builder vantagehomescolorado.com
WishingUWell 2013 E-Commerce Business Partner wishinguwell.com
Young Scholars Academy 1995 Education youngscholarsacademycolorado.com
LARGE COMPANIES | 76–299 EMPLOYEES
COMPANY
FOUNDED SECTOR
WEBSITE
Air Academy Federal Credit Union 1955 Financial Products/Services aafcu.com
Apogee Engineering, LLC 2004 Engineering apogeeusa.com
Bluestaq 2018 Software Technology bluestaq.com
Bordner Home Solutions 1987 Home Remodeling Services bordnercolorado.com
Bryan Construction 1978 Construction / General Contractor bryanconstruction.com
Classic Homes 1989 Home Builder classichomes.com Comcor, Inc. 1984 Nonprofit Organization comcor.org
COS – Colorado Springs Airport 1994 Aviation/Transporation coloradosprings.gov/flycos Cripple Creek Victor School District 1949 Education ccvschools.com
Family Care Center 2016 Mental/Behavioral Health fccwellbeing.com
Farm Credit of Southern Colorado 1916 Financial Services aglending.com
Garden of the Gods Resort & Club 1951 Hospitality gardenofthegodsresort.com
Griffis/Blessing, Inc. 1985 Real Estate Property Management griffisblessing.com
Heartfelt Care at Home 2016 Healthcare heartfeltcareathome.com
Infinity Systems Engineering 1996 Defense Contractor infinity.aero Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) 1993 Engineering Services/Technology Solutions mtsi-va.com
Northwestern Mutual-Colorado Springs 1859 Financial Planning Insurance northwesternmutual.com Outreach, Inc. 1996 Media & Marketing outreach.com
PLS Mechanical 2008 HVAC/Plumbing Services plsmep.com
Quantum Research International 2007 Global Services and Technology quantum-intl.com
Rocky Mountain Classical Academy 2005 Education rmcacs.org Samtec 1976 Global Technology samtec.com
Silver Key Senior Services 1970 Social Services silverkey.org
Vanguard Skin Specialists 2009 Healthcare vanguardskin.com
WireNut Home Services 2004 Electrical Contracting thewirenut.com
EXTRA LARGE COMPANIES | 300+ EMPLOYEES
COMPANY FOUNDED SECTOR WEBSITE
Phil Long Dealerships Inc. 1945 Automotive phillong.com
Rocky Mountain Health Care Services 1976 Healthcare, Nonprofit Organization rmhp.org
The Resource Exchange 1964 Nonprofit Organization tre.org
Why Work With Us?
King Soopers/City Market offers its employees a great opportunity for advancement. There are several career paths one can take whether your passion is retail, customer service, or administrative management. Combined with our extensive training programs, mentor programs, and educational alliances, employees will be on the path to success from the very start. And, just as we believe in taking great care of our customers, we also believe in taking great care of our employees. All business decisions at King Soopers/City Market are based upon our core values: Honesty, Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, Safety, and Integrity. It’s a difference you can see in our stores, and through our employees.
No. 1 THE RESOURCE EXCHANGE
Great environment with amazing leadership and support. I love working with children and families and providing the support and resources they need.
Clients and teamwork highlight working at TRE
BY WAYNE HEILMAN Special to The GazetteThe Resource Exchange is no strang er to being recognized as a best work place in Colorado Springs — the local nonprofit has been honored for five consecutive years in The Gazette’s Best Workplaces program, including three times ranking in the top three extra large employers.
The organization employs more than 400 to support more than 9,000 res idents of El Paso, Park, Pueblo and Teller counties with intellectual and physical disabilities. Physical, occupa tional and speech therapists, nutrition ists, developmental interventionists, family and individual counselors and service coordinators provide assistance such as early intervention for children up to three years old and information for older children, teens, adults, seniors and their families on available services and how to access them.
Applicants want to work for The Resource Exchange not because of the pay or benefits, but instead are drawn by the clients and teamwork among their coworkers to meet the needs of those they serve, said Colleen Batche lor, the nonprofit’s CEO. She has spent more than 35 years supporting people with disabilities and their families, including the past 13 years with The
Resource Exchange. She was promoted to the organization’s top job in 2020.
“People come to work here because they care about people. They have a passion of wanting to improve the lives of those we serve and that comes across in (employee) engagement and staff morale,” Batchelor said. “The workload is really hard, but the team around you cares as much as you do, and you are in a place where you can make a difference.”
Much of the work done by staff fo cuses on coordinating care for clients, including long-term care, residential and employment support, activities and transportation and other help getting out in the community. All services are funded by Medicaid — Resource Exchange administers all waivers for the federal-state program — and are designed to help disabled persons remain their families and in the community.
The Resource Exchange puts a lot of effort into reinforcing its workplace cul ture, including a weekly email Batchelor sends to the entire staff that reinforces the organization’s mission of advocat ing for independence and inclusion and its values of putting clients first, having a collaborative spirit and holding them selves accountable. Resource Exchange also is sponsoring a documentary on
the lives of those who provide care to the organization’s clients.
Batchelor said compassion fatigue, which became a major issue during the COVID -19 pandemic, remains an issue with the nonprofit’s employees, especially with inflation increasing the cost of almost everything and the threat of a recession looming. She said Resource Exchange tries to keep pay at market rates but pay hasn’t kept up with inflation, so staff still get offers from other employers. Staff stay for the organization’s culture and flexible scheduling, she said.
While pay hasn’t kept up with in flation, benefits are comparable with many major employers, including health, dental and vision coverage, matching for employee contributions to a retirement account and a generous paid time off policy.
The Resource Exchange was started in 1964 and four years later was serving 85 children and adults with a $75,000 annual budget that supported one fulltime coordinator, a secretary and two bus drivers. The nonprofit has grown to a budget of more than $25 million. The organization will have to compete for the first time to win renewal of its Medicaid contract with a request for proposals expected by year’s end and a contract award next spring.
THE RESOURCE EXCHANGE EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY
Whether I’m working with a patient or working on a spreadsheet I know that the work I do matters and has an impact. The people around me hold each other to a high standard, and I trust that they’re going to do what they say and try their best.
VANGUARD SKIN SPECIALISTS EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY THE GAZETTE FILECharting a course for excellence
BY WILLIAM J. DAGENDESH Special to The GazetteDr. Vinh Chung and his wife, Leisle, never envisioned their careers would intersect until they relocated to Colo rado Springs to raise a family.
It was here in 2009 that the Chungs co-founded Vanguard Skin Specialists (VSS) and opened the solo practice with four team members. Since then, the facility has grown to include eight locations comprised of 115 team mem bers throughout Southern Colorado.
VSS serves patients by creating excep tional patient experiences and better outcomes. Its physician team spans der matology, dermatopathology, Mohs and plastic surgery, and aesthetic medicine.
According to Leisle Chung, “Vanguard” means to be at the forefront. VSS strives for this in terms of excellence in patient care, as well as an organization that makes a difference in the commu nity and world.
“Our mission is to serve and to make a difference for our patients, our commu nity and our world. What we do is not just a job, but it’s a calling,” said Leisle, a Harvard Business School graduate.
VSS is committed to early diagnosis, treatment and cure for skin cancer. VSS treats thousands of skin cancers in Southern Colorado and is commit
ted to providing patients with the best medical experience. Beyond patient care, VSS aspires to make a difference in the community and the world.
VSS believes in healing with impact, from opening offices in underserved communities, to serving in developing countries, donating all retail aesthetic skincare profits to charity and giving pa tients their personal cell phone numbers.
From providing comprehensive diag nosis and treatment of skin cancer to offering the full suite of plastic surgery and aesthetic services, Vanguard’s phy sicians collaborate closely to exemplify power in community.
Vanguard provides the full scope of dermatology and plastic surgery ser vices. Vanguard’s reputation was built on the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. Vanguard is the only practice in Southern Colorado that has an on site dermatopathology lab and Mohs surgery with same-day plastic recon struction. Patients can receive quick, accurate diagnosis, a high cure rate for skin cancer and the best cosmetic re sult all in one place.
“I believe everyone wants a higher calling in life. We live out our mission at Vanguard, and that has attracted a different breed of medical professionals. We pursue a higher purpose, and when
you’re motivated by something bigger and more significant than yourself, your patients notice,” said Dr. Chung, a Harvard Medical School graduate.
Because of its reputation for excel lence, VSS receives more than 1,000 referrals a month from community physicians and medical providers. As a result, VSS strives to be the medical practice of choice for all dermatology and plastic surgery needs.
Clara, Vanguard’s retail skincare store, is named after the Chung’s daughter. Clara means “light” and their hope is that the organization can be a light worldwide, Leisle said. All profits are donated to charities locally and worldwide. Last year, Clara gave away about $200,000 to charities serv ing women and children.
Also, VSS sponsors projects in Hai ti, Rwanda and Honduras. Locally, the company supports a variety of charities including CASA, Safe Family Kids, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, and Hope Lives Here.
VSS has branches in Briargate, Broad moor, Cañon City, Castle Rock, North gate, Parker, Pueblo and Woodland Park. The business hours are 7:30 a.m.5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The phone num ber is 719-355-1585 and the website is www.vanguardskin.com.
HOSPITALITY from the heart
At Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, we foster a best-in-class culture that upholds our company’s DNA and creates an environment that is Collaborative, Entrepreneurial, Bold, Gracious, and Fun! We believe our purpose is to create incredible memories that will stay with you, our guests, and our members for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect with the people and the world around us — Enriching Lives by Nature.
MIDSIZE company No. 1
YOUNG SCHOLARS ACADEMY
All of my coworkers and I are genuinely working towards the same goal together. I’m not doing it by myself or picking up other people’s slack. We are changing lives together as a family!
YOUNG SCHOLARS ACADEMY EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEYChildcare designed for positive impact
BY ROBIN INTEMANN Special to The GazetteAt Young Scholars Academy fami ly business means more than caring for children.
It says a lot when the offspring and rel atives of a day care facility are enrolled where their parents work. “It’s an unspo ken perk,” said Jordan Moylan, assistant director of YSA,” to have our children go here. We’re raising our kids together.”
Yet, that’s not the driving force, she ex plained, for what makes Young Scholars Academy a special place to work. “We’re a super small, family business. Our own ers know our families. It’s like the best extended family.”
The center was established more than 20 years ago.
YSA has 30 teachers and four adminis trators. Moylan has been with the com pany for more than a decade. However, she attended YSA as a child. As stated on the company’s website, “I have been here with Young Scholars Academy since I was 4 years old! I grew up here at the school, I did the Preschool, Pre-K pro gram, and Summer Camp. When I got
older and couldn’t attend anymore I took out the trash and even cleaned the toi lets. I’m one of those kids that just never left. Now my goal is to connect with fam ilies and their children so that they can have a great upbringing at Young Schol ars just like I did.”
The average tenure she said is 4.8 years. “This is pretty good for this field,” she added.
Much of the retention goes beyond the staff having their own children onsite. “Everybody actually cares about the work we do. We don’t just go to work to wipe noses and color every day. We want to change lives and shape brains,” Moylan said. “We want to make an im pact on young lives.”
Additionally, there is also the sense that everyone helps one another. “Our staff knows they’re not the only ones do ing everything,” according to Moylan. “Everyone has the same goals in mind. Toward that end, according to the daycare website, seven teachers serve as Team Leaders “to engage and pro mote learning beyond the classroom.” They coordinate activities with com
munity members and develop interac tive activities to further enrich the cen ter’s day-to-day routines. Each leader is responsible for one of the following ar eas: health and safety; parent connec tion; curriculum; social and emotional; literacy; and wellness.
Young Scholars Academy offers pro grams to address a number of daycare needs for children ages six weeks to 14 years. These include before and after school care as well as summer camps for children ages 4-14.
Each month one of the staff is cele brated as “Team Member of the Month.”
The relationships go beyond being colleagues. “People make best friends here,” Moylan said. “Our kids grow up together.”
Moylan’s daughter and niece are en rolled at YSA.
The center also received Best Work place recognition in 2018 1nd 2019. For several years it has consistently been a winner in The Gazette’s annual Best of The Springs. It is accredited with the National Association for Education of Young Children.
SMALL company No. 1
What impresses me most about our company is its very strong moral compass. They do what’s right … strong morals, ethics and values at all levels.
CONTRACTING EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEYCreating a culture of respect and family
BY RACHAEL WRIGHT Special to The GazetteMichael Pappas, who is quick to point out he is not “huge into titles,” is owner and CEO of Alpine Contracting, a com pany he founded in 2010 after working for his uncle, John Archer of Archer Construction. Pappas says his uncle taught him not only the practical skills of the trade, but also instilled in him a personal desire to create and nurture a family-oriented business of his own.
While Alpine Contracting has been a Best Workplace and Best of the Springs awardee for several years now, Pappas still feels the thrill of being nominated once again. Twelve years into his com pany’s success, Pappas employs 10 in-of fice staff and 56 trade partners who he proudly notes are some of the best craftsmen in their respective fields.
“We are a small company,” Pappas said, “but we are (also) very big. Having 56 guys out in the field is huge. At any given time, we have 25 jobs going on. Thank fully we have great guys in the field who know what they are doing, who have been with us for 12 years, which speaks highly of all of us in the office. They know they’re going to get a paycheck ev ery single week and they don’t have to go out and search for work.”
Pappas recognizes that his trade partners are a highly visible part of his company and treating them respectful ly and providing consistent year-round
“Our whole thing here is culture and family. We spend more time with each other than we do with anyone else, and we would take our shirts off our backs to help one another any day of the week.… It shows here and it shows with our clients.”
— Michael Pappas, Owner and CEO of Alpine Contractingwork is the reason these craftsmen stay. This is not the case in much of the construction industry, Pappas said.
“We fix the problems other compa nies leave behind all the time,” he said. “Here at Alpine Contracting, our trade partners are guaranteed to get paid every single week. They don’t have to worry about being treated right.”
Pappas credits the family culture that exists inside the four walls of Alpine Con tracting’s headquarters as the reason for his business’s success. From lunches to gether with the office staff, to popping in and out of each other’s welcoming offices to assist with problems, Pappas has en sured that every employee knows they are a valued member of this family.
“Our whole thing here is culture and family,” Pappas said. “We spend more time with each other than we do with anyone else, and we would take our shirts off our backs to help one anoth er any day of the week. That said: it shows. It shows here and it shows with our clients.”
Pappas has worked to ensure that the culture of respect and family reaches beyond the bounds of his company and into the wider community as well. He donates to non-profits and youth orga nizations on a regular basis.
“Those less fortunate than ourselves, who are not afforded the same oppor tunities which a lot of us are, if we are able to give them even a little bit of help, I think that moves mountains which is why we help out,” Pappas said. “On the youth side I think it’s important to help with funds for sports which helps young people grow and learn how to work to gether as a team and individually.”
At the end of the year, when the trade partners and in-office staff of Alpine Contracting gather for their annual hol iday parties, Pappas is reminded that his finest achievement is the sixty peo ple gathered in his business.
“I talked to my wife about this,” Pap pas said, “and the thing I am most proud of is bringing more people aboard and providing jobs and stability.”
No. 2
EXTRA LARGE company
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE SERVICES
Organization’s culture retains healthcare professionals
BY WAYNE HEILMAN Special to The GazetteI have witnessed the impact the PACE program has had on the elderly of our community and it is amazing! I am so grateful to be a part of such a caring company!
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE SERVICES EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEYThe management team at Rocky Mountain Health Care Services views the company’s 406 employees as “a big community” by putting them in posi tion to be at their best with the tools they need to do their job in work that is engaging, according to an executive with the nonprofit.
Last year, Rocky Mountain was se lected as the top workplace for em ployers with 300 or more employees in The Gazette’s Best Workplaces pro gram. The nonprofit also was selected in 2020 as one of 110 employers hon ored as best workplaces. The executive, Summer Galceran, Rocky Mountain’s director of marketing and communi ty engagement, said the organization used the feedback it received from em ployees during that year to “improve and become first” in its category.
The Colorado Springs-based non profit holds a $70 million with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ant the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance to operate the PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly) in the Colorado Springs area. Under the program, Rocky Mountain provides a wide range of medical and social services to 916 area clients that are 55 years and older that require nursing home care.
Rocky Mountain’s work force in cludes doctors, nurse practitioners,
nurses, behavioral health specialists, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, dietitians, home health care coordinators and employees in many other roles to offer care to its clients from its adult day care center at 2502 E. Pikes Peak Ave. and a sec ond center in the Briargate area next year. They provide services ranging from primary, specialty and emergen cy medical care to meals, transporta tion and prescription drugs.
The nonprofit also has been distrib uting tablet computers called Grand Pads to about two-thirds of its clients so far that connect to wireless net works at no cost and can be used for virtual doctor visits, to send and re ceive email, take photos, listen to mu sic and participate in virtual bingo.
Galceran cites three elements of the organization’s efforts to develop and retain employees as key to becoming a top workplace – a year-long leader ship development course, an employee recognition program with awards and generous paid time off. Rocky Moun tain’s benefit package also includes health, dental and vision coverage, a retirement savings program, shortand long-term disability coverage, ed ucation and licensing fee reimburse ment and a wellness program.
“Most of our team members could make more in the for-profit sector, but our culture keeps them here — they are engaged with the people we serve,” Galceran said. “Of all the jobs
I’ve had, this is probably my favorite because of the people we serve.”
Rocky Mountain’s leadership boot camp trains 12-15 employees a year with coaching to develop their tal ents and each participant develops a project or program that is pitched to the nonprofit’s executive leaders in a “Shark Tank”-like format.
The employee recognition program, called kudos, allows Rocky Mountain employees to recognize each other on a Facebook-like platform for “going above and beyond” in their job and living the organization’s core values. The recognition earns points for gift cards or cash donated to nonprofits.
The paid time off program gives em ployees in their first two years with Rocky Mountain up to 24 days of time off (which can be used on six federal holidays), based on hours worked in a pay period and those with four or more years’ experience get up to 34 days off.
Rocky Mountain was started in 1976 as Homemaker Services with four em ployees in a small office in Grace Epis copal Church to provide home health care. The organization merged in 1993 with the Diabetes Education and Sup port Agency and added programs for brain care and to assess clients to de termine if they qualify for long-term care. The nonprofit changed its name to Rocky Mountain Health Care Ser vices in 2003 and won its first PACE contract in 2008.
No. 2
LARGE company
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL –COLORADO SPRINGS
Everyone loves being at work because they love the work they do and the environment they do it in. Everyone is friends and supportive of one another.
MUTUALCOLORADO SPRINGS EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEYProviding clear financial strategies
BY WILLIAM J. DAGENDESH Special to The GazetteNorthwestern Mutual is a Fortune 500 company that provides a wide range of financial services to more than 4.9 million people.
These services include life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities and brokerage and adviso ry services. What began as a Wiscon sin-based insurance company, a “mu tual” established for the benefit of its policy owners in 1857, now is a corpo ration that manages more than $161 billion in investments owned by its cli ents and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses.
The corporation boasts an A++ fi nancial strength rating, the highest financial strength rating awarded to life insurers from all four major rating agencies. It is ranked 97 on the Fortune 500 list and leads the industry with the highest total dividend payout. In fact, $6.5 billion in dividends are expected to be paid in 2022.
Locally, Northwestern Mutual–Greater Colorado assists 70 advisors statewide and services nearly 25,000 individuals nationwide. Managing Partner Kevin Kaveney attributes pro
active and consistent communication with clients during challenging mar ket fluctuations for the business’ suc cess in 2022.
“We’re a calming voice reminding cli ents to stay the course, that down mar kets matter to long-term growth, and that their financial plans have been built to weather the storm. When peo ple feel good about their money, good things happen. You feel more confident and secure. It’s why we do what we’ve been doing in Colorado for over 150 years,” Kaveney said.
Kaveney cites comprehensive finan cial planning with a purposeful focus on generational planning as the com pany’s most popular service.
“When a financial representative is working with a family member, the couple also wants and needs to be assured their financial plan will ac commodate their children and future generations. Continuity planning has taken a front seat,” Kaveney said.
According to Kaveney, clients want to know where they are, what it’s going to take to achieve their financial goals, and have a clear strategy and plan to help them get there. “We provide a comprehensive, written financial plan that helps protect what clients have
and what they’ve worked hard to cre ate, and grow what’s needed for the fu ture,” Kaveney said.
Success-wise, Kaveney said the com pany believes in doing the right thing, making sure clients won’t have to wor ry about their finances so that they won’t have to wonder if the life they see for themselves, and their families, is possible — they will know it.
“The financial strategies we recom mend are based on each client’s life and priorities, and every financial plan is specifically designed to help them reach their unique goal. We believe in putting people first,” Kaveney said.
“For over 150 years, we have helped families and businesses with finan cial security planning in the Colorado Springs community and beyond. One of our firm’s values is altruism – our financial professionals have a passion to give back to this great community, and we endeavor to be involved corpo rate citizens.”
Northwestern Mutual has branch es in Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Grand Junction and Pueblo. It serves 76 major markets in the U.S. with a total of 295 offices (network and dis trict) nationwide. Call 719-578-4000 to learn more.
MIDSIZE company No. 2
CENTERS FOR CHILDREN
Griffith Centers for Children does a great job of trying to tie almost everything back to our mission. I find it very motivating because it really feels like we’re making an impact.
GRIFFITH CENTERS FOR CHILDREN EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEYCelebrating success in a challenging environment
BY ROBIN INTEMANN Special to The GazetteSince a large segment of those served at Griffith Centers for Children are young, it’s not unusual for human re source director Nicole Tefft to join a volleyball game or other activities.
“It’s important for the staff to main tain an element of fun,” she said. “We have to have fun with our clients. We make time to have fun and I know all of the employees feel the same. It’s the coolest place to work ever.”
Although it was no surprise to be nominated as a best place to work, Ta nia Sossi, president and CEO, said she is thrilled by the recognition because it celebrates the staff.
“For me there’s such purpose and meaning in the work we do here. We work with a challenging and under served population that requires a lot of teamwork and support. We work closely to make successful outcomes,” Sossi explained. “A lot has to do with our mission and core values, which we carry into our population.”
The nonprofit has served Colorado’s underserved populations, primarily children and youth, since 1927. Ser
vices are provided not only in Colorado Springs, but also Denver, Grand Junc tion, Greeley and Pueblo. The mission statement includes this explanation of what, among other things, the organi zation specializes in: “treating behav ioral and mental health issues through various programs, serving children, adults and families.”
Sossi added, “We impact 1,500 people a week among all of our programs.”
Employee engagement and diver sity are among the areas Tefft said she believes contribute to a positive work environment.
“Once a month a Lunch and Learn program celebrates diversity through out the organization,” she said. “Diver sity starts with our leadership team. There’s a lot of diversity among those we serve. It’s something we celebrate.”
The 12-member leadership team is comprised on five directors and five ex ecutives. There are 86 employees and 100 independent contractors.
“The average tenure among employ ees is between five and seven years, although some have been with Griffin Centers for 18 to 20 years,” according to Sossi. “We promote a lot from within.”
Sossi cited multiple components for what makes Griffith Centers for Chil dren a special place to work: “One. The passion for the work they do. We help children and families all over Colorado.
“Two. The internal relationships we build create a family-type environ ment. We’re working with trauma, so there’s a strong sense of support.
“And three. We always promote and grow from within our company.”
Additionally, Sossi said, “We do a lot of things to show appreciation. This is something we do really well in our com pany because we deal with trauma day in and day out. I think we try to do a lot in terms of employee engagement.”
This comes in the form of regular lunches, providing swag and a gener ous benefits package.
Tefft said, “Also, we have a lot of cele brations. We encourage people to share what’s going on in their lives.”
Communication is another compo nent, Sossi noted. “Nicole writes an in ternal newsletter to keep employees in the loop by highlighting the wonderful work done around the state.”
And, she said, “We also make sure to find humor.”
Bluestaq is on an incredible trajectory. Join our team at bluestaq.com/career.
Bluestaq is unifying data-driven communities by unifying data.SMALL company No. 2
TREASURE DAVIS TEAM
Our owners and leader go out of there way to make sure, as employee, you know that you are valued and appreciated. It’s amazing what a difference this has made for me when coming into work everyday!
TREASURE DAVIS TEAM EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEYFostering a clear vision and consistency
BY RACHAEL WRIGHT Special to The GazetteIn 2005, Treasure Davis began selling real estate in Colorado Springs. Working hard on her own, it wasn’t until 2011 that she partnered with another agent. Fast forward to today — 11 years later — her company has grown to one of the com munity’s most well-known firms hous ing 15 agents and employing 10 admin istrative staff members.
Nick Juhl, Business Development Man ager, said Davis’s vision wasn’t building a team in the beginning, but working her way through the 2008 recession. The company grew into what Juhl describes as a “Navy Seal team of Realtors” be cause of Davis’s leadership and training. From the outset, Davis was adamant that all the systems, processes and pro cedures be written down clearly so that every agent and staff member would be able to produce the same service and the same experience for every client.
While Juhl says that often it’s the name, Treasure Davis, that helps get deals done, the reality is clients can be assured of a level of expertise and care that is unmatched in the industry.
“One of the biggest differences be tween us and other Realtors,” Juhl said, “is that we run the company more like a structured business with standard operating procedures and there is accountability, and we follow rules and guidelines.”
It is this clear vision and consistency, Juhl says, that explains why the com pany has been nominated for a Best Workplaces Award.
“From my perspective, it’s the culture … humble, hungry and smart,” Juhl said. “People work really hard. You want to come into work because the people are incredible. We work cohe sively as a team, and we have the ca maraderie to share ideas. We want to know an employee feels appreciated and likes what they do and who they are working for.”
In 2021, the team closed sales on 413 homes. The sheer amount of work en tailed necessitates breaks. Davis and her leadership team make sure to cele brate with events, dinners and a team trip once a year.
Juhl has his own direct experience with the company’s flexibility and de
sire to place people in a position they can shine. When Juhl started at Trea sure Davis in December 2020, it was as an agent. As he was trying to absorb everything that Colorado has to offer the schedule of an agent was not con ducive to this desire for exploration. Juhl left the company and was job hunting when Davis’s staff approached him about a 9-5 office job. Since then, he’s gone from inside sales to agent de velopment to business development.
“They are amazing at taking care of their people,” Juhl said. “We have a leadership team of five people, and ev eryone has a voice in the company and no one gets shut down.”
Care for people extends from the com pany itself into the wider community. Volunteering is close to Davis’s heart.
“Once a month, or once a quarter,” Juhl said, “we get out into the commu nity. It’s about going out and helping people. Whether it’s packing 550 bags for Care and Share or stuffing back packs. We want to serve the commu nity and we believe in the community. We take any opportunity to give back because it fills our bucket.”
No. 3
EXTRA LARGE company
PHIL LONG DEALERSHIPS
Employee programs make the difference
PHIL LONG DEALERSHIPS EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEY BY WAYNE HEILMAN Special to The GazetteDave Campbell was surprised when Phil Long Dealerships CEO Jay Cimino told him nearly five years ago during a job interview that southern Colorado’s largest new vehicle dealership group wasn’t really in the car business.
The longtime Phil Long top execu tive said the company was in the peo ple business — if the dealership group treats its customers and employees well, profits will follow — a philosophy the organization has followed since World War II veteran Phil Long start ed the company. That philosophy has helped Phil Long grow from a single Ford dealership in Colorado Springs to 17 dealerships in Colorado and New Mexico that employ 1,200 people.
“We have been incredibly successful with that philosophy that people have to come first. We have invested heavi ly in making sure our culture matches our mission statement,” said Campbell, vice president of human resources and risk management for the dealership group. As a result, more than 10% of Phil Long’s work force has spent more than 20 years with the company in an industry known for its high employee turnover rate — 46% last year.
Phil Long demonstrated its commit ment to employees by keeping sales staff on the payroll even when they were furloughed for a month early during the COVID -19 pandemic when a statewide order forced auto dealers to close showrooms. Phil Long quickly came up with a way for employees to work remotely by selling cars entirely online and delivering them to buyers’ homes or allowing buyers to pick up vehicles at the dealership’s service de partment, which remained open.
Campbell credits the company’s pro gram of providing opportunities for employees to move into management for retaining staff. A parts delivery agent can easily be promoted into management and Phil Long’s corpo rate attorney, Tim Lamb, started with the company in sales and another at torney, Dustin Brooks, started with Phil Long as a service manager.
The company makes sure the commis sion structure for its sales staff is “the most competitive” and technicians are paid a standard hourly rate based on how long a repair or maintenance task should take, even if they finish the job early. As a result, technicians can re ceive pay for 100 hours of work during a standard 80-hour schedule for a two-
week pay period, boosting their pay by up to 20% for efficiency while main taining quality, Campbell said.
Phil Long offers common benefits such as medical, dental, vision cov erage, short- and long-term disabil ity insurance, company-paid life in surance, critical care coverage and company matching for employee contributions to retirement savings accounts. However, the company doesn’t charge employees deductibles or co-payments for insulin, prescrip tion drugs or doctor visits at Phil Long’s onsite clinic. The company also operates a wellness program with fitness centers at four locations.
The group also offers generous paid time off — up to 240 hours, or six weeks and employees also get up to eight additional hours a year for vol unteer work. They also can access a special employee assistance fund (from coworker contributions) if they are fac ing financial hardship.
The dealership supports numer ous nonprofits and fundraisers and Cimino, its CEO, started both the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs and the Mt. Carm el Wellness & Community Center in Trinidad, his hometown.
Our company spends a lot of time and effort helping the community, along with selling great products. On top of that the pay is great!THE GAZETTE FILE Jay cimino, Phil Long dealerships cEO, stands next to a 2021 Ford GT on display in his showroom.
No. 3
LARGE company
CLASSIC HOMES
The people are awesome. Everyone has a positive attitude and works as a team. The company gives you incentives like profit sharing so you always want to give your best. The managers don’t micromanage and treat you like an adult. You are expected to get things done but there is no pressure or bosses breathing down your neck.
CLASSIC HOMES EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEYClassic Homes continuing ‘sustained excellence’
BY WILLIAM J. DAGENDESH Special to The GazetteClassic Homes has been the leading local land developer and new home builder in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region since 1989.
Voted one of Colorado Springs’ Best Workplaces for 2022, Classic Homes is a homebuilder and community developer that has a reputation based on quality, value, and customer satisfaction. Its mission is “Sustained Excellence.”
Classic Homes was established in 1989 and is the largest homebuilder in El Paso County. It focuses exclusive ly on communities located in El Paso County, specifically Monument and Colorado Springs.
Its selection of building materials, trade partners, and the dedication of its employees is driven by Classic’s mis sion of sustained excellence. When cli ents are ready to begin building their dream home, a team will guide them every step of the way.
Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and a historical high demand for housing in 2020 and 2021, the Classic team dedicated the better part of 2022 navigating through a variety of product and labor shortages during a period of time of limited lot availability.
Doug Stimple, Classic Homes in 2022 successfully built and delivered more than 500 homes to families during an incredibly challenging time in the homebuilding industry.
“As we reflect on the past two years and look to the future as the market continues to stabilize, we believe our team is stronger and more efficient as a result of the ever changing market conditions,” Stimple said.
According to Stimple, home-build ing and community development is the most popular service. Classic of fers five distinct home collections with more than 50 available floor plans and home designs. “The team is in the process of finalizing details for two additional collections of homes to be introduced to the market in 2023,” Stimple said.
“We offer a wide array of home de signs to include: ranch-style, 2-story, 3-story, duplexes, townhomes and stacked flats,” Stimple said.
ter families close on their homes, the team at Classic is with homeowners every step of the way throughout their home-building and home ownership journey.
“Our entire team is keenly aware that a home is typically a family’s largest investment and our commitment is to build quality crafted homes that stand the test of time for many generations to come,” Stimple said.
The company builds in 10-12 Colora do Springs communities, each operat ing between one-four model homes in each community. “Creating communi ties and building homes that people are proud to call home is important to Classic. We strive to build in pre mier communities where people have the opportunity to live, worship, work and recreate,” Stimple said.
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According to Chief Executive Officer
Classic Homes attributes its 30-plus years of success to the dedication of its team members and trade partners. From the architectural and interi or design, the quality craftsmanship and construction of its homes to the 8-year limited warranty and attentive customer service it provides long af
“Classic gives back to the community through its philanthropic efforts that benefit hundreds of organizations lo cally and regionally. Our corporate giv ing combined with our Classic Family employee contribution match touches the lives of thousands of individuals and groups throughout Colorado.”
Classic Homes is open 10 a.m.5 p.m., Monday-Saturday and noon5 p.m., Sunday. The website is www.classichomes.com.
MIDSIZE company No. 3 BRISTOL HOSPICE
The thing that I find most motivational about Bristol is that the Director and other staff really have a passion for the job. Because of their passion leadership style it makes you want to be connected and be effective and productive in the position. I love working at Bristol Hospice and I love the team that I work with.
BRISTOL HOSPICE EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEYBristol Hospice staff supports patients and one another
BY ROBIN INTEMANN Special to The GazetteDeath is something the 44 employees at Bristol Hospice Colorado Springs deal with daily as part of their job, yet there is nothing routine in their ap proach or attitudes.
“We have a really solid team in place. Our caregivers who work in hospice are so supportive of their patients, families and each other,” said Debbie Buchanan, executive director. “There’s a lot of positivity. We celebrate each other here.”
Buchanan has been in her role for three years and said many staff mem bers have been on board for at least two to three years. “We have one em ployee who has been here since this office opened eight years ago this win ter,” she added. When people do leave it’s usually due to the transfer of a mil itary spouse.
In addition to the support provided to one another, regular social events, such as barbecues and attending soc cer games together, help build and maintain close bonds. “We really do try to have fun together,” Buchanan said.
Since many of Bristol’s patients have Alzheimer’s, most recently, staff mem
bers participated in the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Buchanan said COVID-19 was dis ruptive in numerous ways causing the staff to become resourceful in finding ways to not only maintain their mo rale but that of their patients and their families. This involved window visits, setting up technology for remote visits and creating posters.
“COVID hurt us,” she said, “but we were able to keep all of the staff. This is something we’ve celebrated.”
There’s no denying hospice care giv ing is a difficult job, but Bristol adheres to the hospice philosophy. “Death is not the traumatic idea people think of. Through hospice the approach is to make it a natural event by preparing the family and abiding by the wishes of the patient so they have control for a peaceful death.
“It’s a beautiful thing to celebrate,” Buchanan said, “even though it is sad.”
It’s common for the caregivers to re ceive notes of appreciation from fami lies, which also helps boost morale.
According to its website, “Bristol Ad vanced Illness Management is commit ted to caring for patients with serious illnesses and debilitating chronic med
ical conditions and their families, to help them live as fully and comfortably as possible. Bristol AIM affirms that all patients and families entrusted to our care will be treated with the highest level of compassion, respect, and qual ity of care.”
Services include pain and symptom management, counseling services, any necessary equipment/supplies and re quired medications, therapy, inpatient care and much more.
The company’s locations are repre sented in nine states. It is headquar tered in Utah.
“Bristol is a large company,” Bu chanan said, “But they’ve taken extra steps to ensure the best patient care.” This includes an increase in the num ber of CNA (Certified Nurse’s Assis tant) hours over what insurance will cover. “An extra program is Bright Moments for our Alzheimer’s and de mentia patients.”
These additions further assist staff. “This work can be very stressful,” Bu chanan said, “but our employees are so supportive of one another. This makes a difference.”
Bristol Hospice is located at 7660 Woodard St., Suite 100.
SMALL company No. 3 SPRINGS LAW GROUP
Leadership brings a lot of fun into the workplace. They come up with creative ideas on how to motivate us and foster a good team dynamic. I appreciate that they value a good work-life balance and encourage us to have lives outside of work. They are generous and care about the staff and I’m really grateful for that!
SPRINGS LAW GROUP EMPLOYEE, BEST WORKPLACES SURVEYA strong commitment to customer service
BY RACHAEL WRIGHT Special to The GazetteChristopher Nicolaysen of Springs Law Group took an unconventional route into law. Nicolaysen spent a decade in restaurants and retail establishments in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he learned customer service before transitioning into teaching elementary school.
A dedication to customer service is at the core of the law firm Nicolaysen and his partner, Jacob Kimble, have built.
“Most law firms and lawyers are pret ty terrible at customer service, a lot of attorneys feel that when people call us that they should feel blessed to hear all the magic words coming out of our mouths,” Nicolaysen said. “The reality for me is, having waited tables … we are blessed if a client picks up the phone to call us. We want to do a better job than what we have seen at other firms. We are constantly asking ourselves … what differentiates us and what makes us better not only from a customer service standpoint but as a team?”
Nicolaysen and Kimble have imple mented multiple strategies like text message communications with a client routing automatically into the client’s file, and a level of constant communi
cation that they believe sets them apart from other law firms.
The team is also equally determined to build a work environment that val ues its employees just as highly as the clients they serve.
Springs Law Group is where people are treated like people according to Nicolaysen. The work is stressful, as many of their clients have been severely injured in accidents, but the firm part ners make sure that their employees are also treated with respect and care and given the time away they need.
“We don’t micromanage, we are in tentional about honoring their time as humans and letting them step away when they need to,” Nicolaysen said. “I have no desire as an owner to go in and micromanage and do the job for every body else, we want people to become skilled and own their positions.”
A strong commitment to community activism has always been central to both partners.
“We could have been Kimble Nicolay sen Law Firm, like every other law firm,” said Nicolaysen, “but we wanted to be a community law firm in that sense.”
Springs Law Group gives out multiple awards and scholarships every year, hon
oring teachers, restaurant workers, first responders, safe drivers and providing funds for the Bikes for Kids program.
“No one loses when you give back,” Nicolaysen said. “With all the com munity marketing we’ve done, like the Santa Run, there’s never been a mo ment when we look back and think we shouldn’t have done it.”
Kimble and Nicolaysen bring the same attitude to the way they treat their employees: providing multiple av enues for their workers to have a voice and celebrating team monthly and quarterly goals with rewards the em ployees actually want.
“There are plenty of open positions, it’s an employee market right now,” Nicolaysen said. “They could choose to go anywhere. What we do ups the game a bit, not everyone does that, we are intentional about the culture we are creating.”
Nicolaysen calls Springs Law Group “the Island of Misfit Toys” and says the team that’s been created is his finest achievement as a business owner.
“There are spots in business where you end up in slow-down moments where things just click,” Nicolaysen said. “We’re in one of those now.”
Springs Law Group strives to make working at a law firm different. We not only care about our team, but we give them a voice. We believe we are better when we all are rowing in the same direction for our clients. We work hard for our clients and celebrate our wins together.
We are grateful for our team and all that they do!
Davidson Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama and co-located in Colorado Springs, was founded in 1996 with a mission to design and deliver advanced, intelligent technology solutions in defense of our nation.
Our objective is getting capabilities to the warfighter as soon as possible to ensure they have the tools necessary to execute the mission. We support critical programs such as Groundbased Midcourse Defense (GMD),
Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), Sentinel (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile [ICBM] Modernization Program), and many others through expertise in modeling and simulation, cybersecurity and systems engineering.
We are leveraging our core capabilities to address the evolving threat by infusing sophisticated Al and quantum-based solutions into our company strategy. davidson-tech.com | bd@davidson-tech.com
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PACE
Experts in skin care
SPONSORED FEATUREWe are honored to receive the Best Workplace 2022 recognition. Our team is humbled to continue to serve the community by specializing in skin cancers, diseases and other skin care concerns.
One interaction with our team and you will discover our exceptional difference through our patient-
focused approach and individualized treatments. Our outstanding team will provide hope and healing for your skin.
We have been proud to serve Southern Colorado for more than 20 years. To learn more, visit www.skincancerandderm.com or call 719-574-0310.
Providing ‘The Cadillac of Care’ to under-served seniors
SPONSORED FEATUREAt Rocky Mountain PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), their team is their greatest asset. Currently employing approximately 425 people, the organization’s goal is to be known as the best place to work in the Pikes Peak region, with a culture centered around service and the Rocky Mountain way. Their devoted employees help provide the utmost care to seniors in our community.
Rocky Mountain PACE promotes the health and well-being of its team members, offering exceptional wellness benefits, such as a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) plan, a wellness program for both financial and physical well-being, tuition reimbursement, and a Kudos program to recognize fellow co-workers for their extraordinary efforts. In 2021, they increased their average pay per employee (excluding Chief Executive Officer Nathan Olson) to $65,345, beating the national average by $9,035!
The coordinated care Rocky Mountain PACE provides is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to low-income
seniors. To treat the multiple chronic health issues of their participants, Rocky Mountain PACE health care professionals monitor changes in their
participants’ health status, providing appropriate care and encouraging self-determination. Medical, nursing and nutrition services; physical, occupational and recreational therapy; social work; and in-home support are provided along with medical specialty services.
The mission at Rocky Mountain PACE is to provide the highest-quality, cost-effective, person-centered services to improve lives, optimize wellness and promote independence for those under-served. Their team has worked diligently to deliver exceptional care to enrich the lives of our senior generations and empower them to live independent and vibrant lives since 1976. Rocky Mountain PACE strives to be the leading PACE provider in the nation through its authentic, relentless, and exceptional support and care coordination, thereby inspiring its participants and team members to live their best lives.
One size doesn’t fit all with most things in life, and we believe the same is true for banking. At Air Academy Federal Credit Union (AAFCU), we are committed to building custom, caring financial solutions to give members a banking experience that’s personal by design. We’re passionate about providing world-class member service, while holding ourselves accountable to do what is right, not what is easy. Our commitment to
service goes beyond the walls of our workplace. We continually seek opportunities to be involved and engaged in our communities.
We’re here to help our members maximize their money and achieve their goals! Our customizable products allow our members the freedom to choose the financial solutions that are not only flexible but are personal by design. AAFCU is the only “bank” you’ll ever need … and a whole lot more!
Established in 2004 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Apogee has aggressively grown since its inception, continuously investing locally to expand its talent pool of space, development operations and exercise/training professionals, while growing throughout the country.
The founders of Apogee — Wes Georges, Tom Hamel, and Jason Courtright built their company on three important priorities: the importance of retaining a company culture where people feel connected, inspiring family-oriented engagement, and a passion for
excellence. For nearly two decades, Apogee has sought out like-minded people to provide their customers with the same passion for delivering exceptional service and solutions.
We are continually seeking professionals in adaptive acquisitions, engineering, science & technology, digital transformation, mission operations and information warfare. If you have a reputation for providing innovative ideas and solutions, and are dedicated to client support, we are interested in meeting you!
Go to www.ApogeeUSA.com to learn more.
AdPro is honored and humbled to be chosen a Best Workplace for the second year in a row. Thank you to our employees for nominating us!
We believe in the power of collaboration and providing an inspiring, mind-expanding environment for anyone with a strong work ethic and a relentless desire to win. Our team is known for creating strategies that are innovative and results focused. We stay ahead of the curve to offer concrete solutions to every kind of marketing challenge.
AdPro was started in 2012 as the in-house advertising agency for Phil Long Dealerships. Ten years later we are 40 people strong, have experts in every marketing discipline under one roof, and work with a wide variety of clients, including Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, UCHealth, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, the Colorado State Fair, Pikes Peak United Way and Picnic Basket Catering Collective.
Phil Long’s history began in 1945 with Mr. Phil Long, a U.S. Navy WWII hero dedicated to protecting the rights, freedoms and values of his fellow Americans. The auto group started with one Ford dealership in Colorado Springs and has grown under President and CEO Jay Cimino to include 18 locations throughout Glenwood Springs, Denver, Colorado Springs, Trinidad and Raton, New Mexico, with more than 1,200 employees.
Mr. Long’s commitment to his country and community is a brand
Phil Long Dealerships has lived up to for 77 years. Mr. Cimino founded three nonprofits, one of them being the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center to support military members and their families.
Phil Long Dealerships is known throughout Colorado and the nation as a respected dealership group with philanthropy at its heart. Previously voted Gold for The Gazette’s 2021 Best of the Springs awards, Phil Long Dealerships is proud to be a 2022 Best Workplace.
Quantum is a small business dedicated to providing innovative solutions to our customers’ toughest challenges. We have been successfully supporting many U.S. Government and industry customers for over 35 years in support of national security missions and government transformation for Intelligence, Defense, and Federal Civilian sectors.
Quantum’s core competencies align with the current and future needs of our customers and address emerging global security challenges in the key areas of Cyber, Space, Air and
Land. Outstanding people are what makes Quantum successful, and our team of highly qualified and cleared professionals is our greatest strength. With experience at all levels of military/ civil service and commercial industry, our staff work as a team with one purpose in mind – to make a positive impact supporting our customers to meet and exceed their tactical and strategic goals.
Visit www.quantum-intl.com/ careers.html for more information about our benefits and exciting career opportunities currently available.
GARDEN OF THE GODS RESORT AND CLUB
A data-focused tech firm that stands apart
Bluestaq was founded in 2018 on the idea of community in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs at Catalyst Campus. It was within the historic train depot that our four founders created the prototype for the launched enterprise software solutions that we deliver today.
We specialize in data management systems and software, and build highly secure enterprise software solutions for storing, managing and sharing data. We look at things with
fresh perspectives on everything from our team-first culture to how we operate and execute. Bluestq’rs are passionate about technology — from old-school Atari games to data systems we haven’t even developed yet. We’ve pulled together the very best engineers and professionals to build enterprise software to benefit the communities we serve by unifying data.
Join the Bluestaq team — we’re just getting started!
Enriching lives by nature
SPONSORED FEATUREPerched atop a mesa in Colorado Springs, the AAA Four-Diamond Garden of the Gods Resort and Club is the premier retreat in the Rocky Mountain West, offering a worldclass resort and wellness experience.
At Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, we foster a best-inclass culture that upholds our company’s DNA and creates an environment that is Collaborative, Entrepreneurial, Bold, Gracious and Fun! Our core values create a foundation that makes us great as a property and a collective of passionate individuals. With service and support carefully crafted to meet the needs of each guest, our team of hospitality and health professionals guide guests through their stay with the utmost care and consideration. It is thanks to
our incredibly special team, who genuinely and consistently strive for excellence in caring for guests, members and our community, that we have been honored with prestigious accolades, including Yelp’s No. 1 Place to Stay in the U.S., TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, been named “Most Transformative Spa” for Organic Spa Magazine’s Wellness Travel Awards, and so much more.
We believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. It is our purpose to create incredible memories that stay with our guests and members for a lifetime, because life is richer when we truly connect with the people and the world around us.
WORKPLACE RESOURCE
Inspiration, possibilities, performance and partnership
For over 30 years, organizations have chosen Workplace Resource as a partner to create inspirational spaces reflecting their specific values and culture.
These spaces look great and help organizations solve their primary business objectives: attracting and retaining the best talent, promoting wellness, fostering collaboration and innovation, and delivering the agility needed to optimize their real
CLASSIC HOMES
estate to fit the needs of the work to be done.
We seek to understand and hear our customers’ needs, so that we can, in turn, use our experience, insight and creativity to tailor innovative interior solutions. Through this process, we create environments that comfort, inspire and sustain. From planning through execution, we are committed to providing the best products, service and solutions for your needs.
Your choice for new homes in Colorado Springs
Classic Homes, a locally owned Colorado Springs-based home builder, shows customers care and commitment — before, during and after they become residents of the communities we create.
Classic maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has been recognized as one of Southern Colorado’s Best Workplaces annually since 2018. Our reputation is built on a sincere and unwavering commitment to sustained excellence and the philosophy that we must always strive for quality, value and customer satisfaction.
Classic accomplishes this by:
• Utilizing the best available resources, blending timetested construction procedures with state-of-the-art technology and design.
• Creating a positive work environment of honest, ethical CLAAS business practices, and mutual trust and respect.
• Fostering teamwork and offering opportunities for professional growth among our employees and trade partners.
• Supporting community, social and educational programs.
Classic has been recognized by readers of The Gazette for various awards over a period of many years, including Best Homebuilder (15 consecutive years) and Best Home Developer (6 consecutive years).
INFINITY SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
We are MORE!
At Infinity Systems Engineering, we are more than an engineering company comprised of 9-5 jobs sustaining a single generational impact. We continually strive to recognize that everyone has their own dreams, talents and ideas that they wish to share with the world, helping them be heard. We focus on our team, developing their talents and inspiring new ideas by offering full education reimbursement, mentored
professional training and an annual reward trip.
Team retention remains above 93% since our founding in 1996, with several of our longest hires hitting their 25-year milestone this year. Our team success is proven in our genuine partner relations and exemplary customer satisfaction.
Infinity’s 2022 Best Workplace award is shared, with complete appreciation, for every person who makes our team MORE!
BRYAN CONSTRUCTION
Delivering
Bryan Construction has been a construction industry leader for over four decades. A locally owned business, Bryan Construction began as the dream of Founder and CEO Scott Bryan. Today, it has grown in projects, communities, employees (more than 150), clients, partnerships, and to three local locations — Colorado Springs, Denver and Fort Collins — and internationally to Istanbul. They have made it their mission to deliver performance excellence daily.
They know that their exceptional and dedicated employees, who
value and believe in the Bryan Construction mission and vision, are at the core of this growth and development and have helped make the company what it is today. To support this growth, Bryan Construction became a 100% employee-owned company. As the company progresses into this new milestone, they look forward to continuing to build premier construction projects across the U.S. and internationally, and delivering their mission with their employeeowners for years to come!
Small airport, big benefits!
The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is known as Colorado’s small airport. As such, we have the ability to treat each person as a friend and a neighbor; a person rather than a number. Our airport is more comfortable and less stressful, safe and welcoming. We offer many options for direct flights to major hubs, places to shop, eat, and enjoy the time before departure. We are proud to be Colorado’s small airport and help passengers connect to the world in a personal way.
Our purpose is to create an extraordinary experience for travelers. We are here to support the community, connect people, reduce stress and make the time people spend in the airport more enjoyable. We want to be people’s first choice for flying in and out of Colorado. We are here to make everything easy and friendly, and to give people a reason to say, “I love my small airport.”
Here’s what our team says:
“I love that every day is something new. There is never a dull moment and there is always a fair degree of excitement going on in everything we do. My coworkers are collaborative and supportive.”
MODERN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC.
“I love working at the Colorado Springs Airport. The fast-paced, dynamic and ever-changing environment challenges me and keeps me on my toes; but it’s the people who work here who are the heart and soul of it all.”
“I like working at the airport because I get to work with a multitude of companies and their employees. The rapport we have built has created a tightknit environment that is a joy to work in.”
People. Solutions. Value.
SPONSORED FEATUREModern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employeeowned engineering services and technology solutions provider for the defense industry, the intelligence community and commercial markets. In addition to regional recognition, MTSI has earned national awards as a top workplace for parents and millennials, consulting and professional services, and for its fast-growing success.
Co-founders Phil Soucy and Tom McMahan shared a long-term vision for MTSI as an enduring company solving problems of global importance built upon a foundation of core values that drives all aspects of operations and decisionmaking. Being 100% employee owned (ESOP) provided MTSI with
a stable, independent foundation to invest in and reward its employees. The benefits package of highlevel retirement accounts, health insurance, career progression and schedule flexibility options continue to adapt and improve through input from the employees.
MTSI delivers significant value in the rapid acquisition, engineering, testing and delivery of critical capabilities (often highly classified) to the country’s warfighters and first responders. As a company, we deliver high-end services, subject matter expert support and integrated technology solutions with maximum mission impact. Read more at www.mtsi-va.com. For more information on available career opportunities and benefits with MTSI, visit careers.mtsi-va.com/.
ALL NATIVE GROUP
Diversity of experience for a constantly innovating world.
All Native Group is a network of small businesses supporting the critical missions of various U.S. Government customers. Our capabilities include information technology (IT), telecommunications, health, cyber-security, logistics, specialized training and other professional services. Our Colorado Springs office contains a professional support services team for the Federal Contracts Division of All Native Group, including Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Recruiters, Federal Contractors, Program Engineers, and more. We are honored to be awarded “Best Workplaces 2022” and are extremely proud of our employees and the critical missions they support to the best warfighters in the world.
All Native Group is a division of Ho-Chunk, Inc., the award-winning economic development corporation owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. All Native Group invests back into the Winnebago
Indian Reservation to help provide jobs, housing and homeownership opportunities and internship programs for young tribal members, and continues to help the tribal community accomplish its goal of economic self-sufficiency. We are proud to be a Native American corporation with more than 20 years of proven performance helping the Federal Government accomplish their mission-critical goals. Reward yourself for your experience and join the All Native Group! In addition to dynamic career opportunities around the globe, you will receive a highly competitive salary, excellent benefits, professional development and a fully vested 401k. Advance your career without having to sacrifice work-life balance. We are always looking for hard-working, talented people to join our team. To learn more about careers in Colorado Springs or other opportunities around the world, visit allnativegroup.com.
HOFF & LEIGH
Engage our services and become part of our family
Hoff & Leigh, headquartered in Colorado Springs, is a full service commercial real estate company founded in 1987. Today, it operates a network of offices across the country dedicated to helping their clients list, lease, buy and sell commercial real estate properties. Hoff & Leigh holds its outstanding market position through strong business relationships, market expertise and professional knowledge. The company adds value for their partners by using the proprietary IMPACT Marketing process to increase occupancy, increase a property’s value and reduce property management burden. This proactive and aggressive approach gets more prospects in front of each listing. The marketing plan, individually developed for your business, takes advantage of today’s myriad marketing channels, including national and local commercial real estate search engines, social media
platforms and traditional advertising where appropriate.
In today’s competitive global economy, real financial freedom
only comes from individual entrepreneurial effort, self-reliance, hard-work and a deep, personal commitment to succeed. Together,
these are the values that make the Hoff & Leigh Network successful.
Our network is your edge
The Hoff & Leigh Network is made up of a select number of highly motivated individuals who dream of owning and operating their own commercial real estate brokerage business. At Hoff & Leigh Network we provide an opportunity in commercial real estate to individuals who fit with our business model and uphold our values and ideals. Our associates are interested in the commercial real estate industry, work hard, are reliable and stay true to their commitments. We are a company who is passionate about lifelong learning, and we believe in providing our teams with as much support as they need.
Visit www.hoffleigh.com to view current commercial real estate opportunities.
Leading community connections in Colorado
SPONSORED FEATUREOne thing is abundantly clear when you visit with the staff at ComCor: this place is different! Dedicated staff members consistently focus on helping their clients. Stories abound of their extra efforts, from finding resources to securing housing, or fixing a car for clients.
The nonprofit has been a resource in helping the community corrections system provide critical services for the justice involved with housing, community safety, rehabilitation and other treatment services for 38 years. During that time, the organization has developed a deep understanding of the community and the needs of its clients. Through its work with the justice involved, the homeless and those suffering from addiction,
ComCor has seen — first-hand — the challenges that many people face.
ComCor is committed to expanding its services to help even more people in need. “One of our strategic goals is to do more for our citizens who seem to fall through the cracks of existing services, and we are ready for the challenge,” said Mark Wester, executive director. With the future development of services, ComCor will be able to provide innovation, resources and help to those who need it most. With a history of dedicated service and commitment to clients, the excitement for this new era is palpable among the staff and clients.
This new era includes a rebranding and new name: Embrave. This new name will support the exploration
and expansion of new services and better reflect their commitment to the community. Embrave will embolden clients and the community by providing effective programs and support so clients experience transformation into the world bravely. Embrave will continue to provide high-quality services to justice involved people in the community and the judicial, law enforcement and civic organizations with which they partner. Their service development will allow them to reach even more people and wider community needs. They are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those they serve, and the new name will help them achieve these goals.
Embrave embodies commitment to the community, its people and
its partners. They are pursuing excellence in the future of community corrections and beyond. They are taking a hard look at the various factors at play in the lives of people in need and asking, “How can we transform this problem and need?”.
The future of Embrave glows brightly, and it is the dedication and commitment of our staff members in the organization who are making the impact that will transform people’s lives in the future. Embrave is constantly innovating and expanding programs to reach more people in need, and the team is passionate about making a difference. With their help, Embrave will continue to grow and make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.
communities first
Founded in 1976 and headquartered in New Albany, Indiana, Samtec Inc. is a privately held, $1 billion (USD) global manufacturer of advanced electronic interconnect solutions.
We are much more than just another connector company, though. Along with our commitment to exceptional customer service, quality products and innovative technologies, we put people first. Taking care of our associates and our customers is paramount in how we approach our business.
Samtec is an industry-leader in High-Speed Connectors and Cables, Optics, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking and Rugged/Power Systems. As emerging technologies challenge conventional engineering methods, we are committed to developing innovative solutions that support next generation demands and exceed industry expectations.
We employ more than 7,500 associates worldwide, with manufacturing and sales facilities in more than 40 international locations and products sold in more than 125 different countries. The Colorado Springs facility was established in 2012. Its 125+ associates provide Engineering, Operations, Quality and Human Resource support for the Optics, Microelectronics
Packaging and Glass Core Technology product lines. Samtec understands the importance of work/life balance that it is essential to happy and healthy associates. We also recognize that these associates are our most valuable resource, so we provide career growth opportunities, on-thejob training, educational support, computer grants, financial and estate
planning assistance, counseling, maternity and paternity leave, and many more perks and benefits.
We also care deeply about the communities in which we live and are proud to be involved in charitable efforts, including philanthropic activities, environmental initiatives, health and safety projects, and community service. Learn more at samtec.com.
Vanguard’s mission is to make a positive impact on our patients, our community and our world. This transformative idea drives everything we do. Whether it’s opening offices in underserved communities, donating 100% of the proceeds from our Clara skincare shop to charity, serving humanitarian missions around the world or simply providing patients
with our cell phone numbers, we genuinely care about the impact we make.
Vanguard’s mission attracts a different type of medical professional. It’s never just a “job” — it is a calling — and when your doctor pursues a greater mission, you notice. When you come to Vanguard, you will be seen by a highly trained medical professional
with a passion for helping people. That’s our promise to our patients and the greater community. We can fulfill that promise because our team is truly one-of-a-kind.
We are dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and advanced practice practitioners who believe in changing the world for the better — one patient at a time.
Vanguard Skin Specialists has eight offices throughout Southern Colorado, including Colorado Springs, Cañon City, Castle Rock, Parker, Pueblo and Woodland Park. Vanguard offers Dermatology, Mohs Surgery, Dermatopathology, Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. www.vanguardskin.com
As a next career step, it doesn’t get much better than a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper in the heart of Colorado Springs. Come join our diverse workforce and be a member of a Best Workplace! Scan the code below to apply today!
THE GAZETTE CONGRATULATES ALL OF THE 2022 BEST WORKPLACES
SMALL COMPANIES
A&Z Mechanical
Adam & Son Auto Repair and Service
ADD STAFF, Inc.
Affordable Medical Supply aka CRM, Inc.
All Native Group
Alpine Contracting
Berkshire Hathaway Synergy Realty Group
Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado
Budget Blinds
Caliola Engineering, LLC
Campbell Homes Cause and Solution, Inc.
Century Communities
CIVA Charter High School
Colorado Hi-Tech Solutions
Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy Colorado Stoneworks Landscaping
Cordera Family Dentistry
Dart Wars
DCF CS West/ East
Diversified Association Management Dynamic Physical Therapy
E2 Optics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Employers Council
Finch & Gable Real Estate Co.
Hoff & Leigh
HOMEfix
Kissing Camels Family Dentistry
Long Capture
Luisa Graff Jewelers
Mayfield Counseling Centers
Mulliken Weiner Berg & Jolivet P.C.
Palmer Land Conservancy
Pikes Peak United Way
Plant Engineering Consultants, Inc.
PlayTime Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers of Colorado Springs
Revolution Jewelry Works
Skin Cancer and Dermatology Center Springs Dentistry Springs Law Group StableStrides
Treasure Davis Team Unlimited Bodywork Workplace Resource Xledger, Inc.
MIDSIZE COMPANIES
5Star Bank AdPro
Altia
Aspen Auto Clinic Basis Partners
BlueHalo
Bristol Hospice
Colorado Springs Therapy Center Davidson Technologies, Inc.
Ellicott Middle School
Erickson, Brown & Kloster, LLC
GOAL High School
Griffith Centers for Children
HDR
Heating & Plumbing Engineers, Inc.
Infinity Technology Services, LLC dba ITS, LLC
McCloskey Motors
Oakwood Homes
Olive Real Estate Group, Inc.
Pima Medical Institute
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
Reliant Financial Services, LLC
Strive Physical Therapy
The Independence Center
Vantage Homes Corp.
WishingUWell
Young Scholars Academy
LARGE COMPANIES
Air Academy Federal Credit Union
Apogee Engineering, LLC
Bluestaq
Bordner Home Solutions
Bryan Construction
Classic Homes Comcor, Inc.
Colorado Springs Airport
Cripple Creek Victor School District
Family Care Center
Farm Credit of Southern Colorado Garden of the Gods Resort
Griffis/Blessing, Inc.
Heartfelt Care at Home: A Total Care Connections Family Company
Infinity Systems Engineering
Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI)
Northwestern Mutual-Colorado Springs Outreach, Inc.
PLS Mechanical
Quantum Research International
Rocky Mountain Classical Academy
Samtec
Silver Key Senior Services
Vanguard Skin Specialists
WireNut Home Services
EXTRA-LARGE COMPANIES
Phil Long Dealerships, Inc.
Rocky Mountain Health Care Services
The Resource Exchange