In Business September 3, 2017

FALL 2017

WESTERN MONTANA BUSINESS

TOP WORKPLACES NOMINATED BY THE PUBLIC, 10 OF THE GREATEST EMPLOYERS IN THE REGION.

2 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES Publisher Mike Gulledge Editor Ashley Klein Reporter David Erickson

INTRODUCTION The Missoulian hatched an idea earlier this year to find a way to showcase some of the great employers in our area, similar to how we’ve showcased some of the top young professionals with our 20 Under 40 section.

We were blown away by the response we received.

The nominations were many — 216 individual submissions, including 67 different Missoula businesses.

We sorted through the nominations and picked the ones we thought fit the criteria best, based on what was written in the submission form: “Love your job? Nominate your employer for the chance to be honored as one of Western Montana’s Top Workplaces. Nominees can

be any size business in the public, private, government or nonprofit sector. Please use examples to persuade the judges that your nominee is a great employer. We are looking for employers that go above and beyond to keep workers motivated, satisfied and offer great benefits.”

With boasts of flexible schedules, “people first” attitudes, family atmospheres, unmatched benefits and much, much more, we’re glad to know so many people in western Montana love their jobs.

Read through these pages and learn more about the companies that were selected as the top 10 best places to work in western Montana.

Photographers Tom Bauer Tommy Martino Kurt Wilson

TABLE OF CONTENTS Missoula Bone & Joint Page 3

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Missoula Page 11

Advanced Technology Group Page 4

Adventure Life Page 12

Missoula Federal Credit Union Page 7

Allegiance Benefit Plan Management Page 13

Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors Page 8

Paradise Dental Technologies Page 14

DC Engineering Page 10

Warm Springs Productions Page 15

Advertising Director Jeff Avergis 406-523-5216 Advertising sales Chris Arvish Bryon Bertollt Mindy Glenna Joel McEachrane Mailing address P.O. Box 8029 Missoula, MT 59807-8029 Phone 406-523-5240 WESTERN MONTANA

BUSINESS FALL 2017, Vo. 5, No. 3 Western Montana InBusiness is a publication of the Missoulian

Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017 — 3

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Employees in the office of Missoula Bone & Joint.

TOM BAUER, Missoulian‌

Missoula Bone & Joint a community of mutual respect “We focus on unity and DAVID ERICKSON david.erickson@missoulian.com‌ that sense of community ‌ ami Spencer, the CEO S of Missoula Bone & Joint, oversees roughly 160 employees at the company’s headquarters on Mullan Road in Missoula.

She sends out surveys to employees every year, and the feedback she gets is that many people are “proud to work” there.

“Our reputation in the community is a big thing for us,” she said.

The company offers four-day workweeks, a great health insurance package, profit-sharing, retirement plans, life insurance and other perks.

“We try to make sure the environment is a good one,” Spencer explained.

and outreach.”

“Missoula Bone and Joint is the best employer because they truly care about the members of the company,” said employee Stephanie Rowold. “They take the time to get to know their employees, communicate frequently and have excellent benefits for their full time staff.”

Spencer said that anyone who works 32 hours a week is eligible for fulltime benefits.

“The providers are compassionate toward both their patients and staff, and there is mutual respect shown across the various departments working together to

provide the best patient care,” Rowold added. “I feel that everyone genuinely enjoys being at work.”

The company hosts various parties and company picnics throughout the year, including a lip-sync battle that the doctors take part in.

“There is a formal mentoring program to help employees with career goals as well as work/life balance,” said employee Samantha Spencer. “They promote from within with many job openings filled by current employees.

There are too many to list but suffice it to say that MBJ is a wonderful company that truly cares about their employees.

I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else!”

Our Employee’s Excellence Drives our

Success!

s our amazing employees Missoula Bone & Joint thank est Employers. ssoula’s B for making us one of Mi

2360 Mullan Road, Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 721-4436 (Main Clinic) 1-866-721-4436 Toll Free www.missoulaboneandjoint.com

4 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Advanced Technology Group

supports work hard, play hard lifestyle DAVID ERICKSON david.erickson@missoulian.com‌

‌Just since the beginning of 2017, Advanced Technology Group in Missoula has hired over 40 new people, meaning they now have over 100 employees in their growing downtown offices. The technology consulting firm is a national company, but the Missoula Solutions Center is the company’s largest branch office.

Because of the company’s generous salaries and benefits package, a study recently completed by the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research found that ATG provides $18.4 million in economic impact to Missoula.

“ATG prides itself on people first and integrity,” said employee Meagan Damrow.

“It’s an innovative, challenging company with the big city projects and the small-town Montana culture. There are tons of opportunities to learn and the people here are the most supportive bunch of the squad.”

Employee John Bishop listed a handful of perks, like office dogs, Nerf wars and beers on Fridays as reasons why Missoula is “blessed” to have ATG. “They support a very work hard/play hard style, encourage their employees to challenge themselves, support the community in various donations and volunteering events, recognize good work and listen to their employees’ concerns and ideas,” he said. “I wish everyone could work here.”

Missoula Solutions Center manager Tom Stergios, who founded the office here in 2011

TOMMY MARTINO, Missoulian‌

Tom Stergios, vice president of ATG and a Bonner native, stands on the second floor of ATG’s offices. The work culture at ATG has a relaxed feel. They allow dogs, the company has a ping-pong table, and every Friday they have an “end of the week wind-down” that usually involves a Nerf gun war. by standing on a chair at a local restaurant and trying to convince people it would work.

ATG recently finished its first high school internship program.

“This year we paired our four University of Montana interns with four interns from Loyola High School,” he said. “It was really a smashing success. They

had a tremendous amount of energy. We plan to expand to all area high schools next year.”

Stergios has created a culture where people of all backgrounds feel comfortable and are able to advance within the company.

Women occupy roles of leadership throughout the company, and even have their own group

— which is also open to men — within the firm.

“At the beginning of ATG’s core values are two words, ‘people first’, which not only means our clients, but it focuses on all associates as well,” said employee Laura Rasmussen.

“This is shown in flexible work schedules, casual attire

workdays, work from home options, fully-stocked kitchens, company involvement in our community, MSC Club every Friday where we gather as an office and discuss and highlight our past week together, healthy salary and benefits packages and a focus on work/ life balance.”

Missoulian, Sunday, September 3, 2017 — H5

H6 — Missoulian, Sunday, September 3, 2017

Together We Empower It is because of the hard work and values of our amazing employees that we have been named a Top Employer in Western Montana. We are honored.

Thank you for all that you do!

missoulafcu.org/careers

Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017 — 7

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

KURT WILSON, Missoulian‌

Missoula Federal Credit Union tellers finish up their work for the day recently.

Missoula Federal Credit Union is ‘a family’ DAVID ERICKSON david.erickson@missoulian.com‌

‌Many of the 150 employees at Missoula Federal Credit Union say it’s more than just a place to work.

“It’s a family,” said Brian Fitzgerald. “The senior leadership in the company works extremely hard to take care of the employees and create an environment where people succeed and feel great about

the work they do. Our teams are empowered to make decisions and help our members succeed.”

Jason Kolberg, who’s worked there for over 25 years, said he’s always been proud of his employer.

“Many of our staff have been here for over 20 years which is quite an accomplishment,” he said. “I enjoy working to meet the mission of the credit union, which is to be a force for good in banking. This is not just a

slogan. We really embody that in helping our members every day achieve their goals.”

Carrie Schuster said MCFU is like no other place she’s worked.

“They care about their employees, the members we serve, and the community we live in,” she said. “The work environment is one where everyone’s ideas, thoughts and passions are taken into account when implementing new

products, services and procedures. I am part of something bigger than myself when I come to work everyday.”

Callie Piane said the company offers fun and frequent employee gatherings and giveaways.

“On top of some of the best benefits I’ve seen at a company, MFCU goes above and beyond to show it values its employees,” she said. “MFCU is great at making you feel like coming to

work everyday is not a chore but instead is an exercise in helping us live our company values and truly be a force for good in banking.”

Jessica Dahlen cited the company’s promotion of offering Buzz Points to customers who shop at local businesses as proof that they care about the community.

“We strive to make Missoula a better place for our members,” she said.

8 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors

focuses on contributing to community DAVID ERICKSON david.erickson@missoulian.com‌

‌Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors in Missoula is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, a feat accomplished by very few businesses in the state. Over the past century, a lot of workers have earned paychecks at the company.

“They have provided jobs for thousands of college students over the years,” said Keith Dustrud, a buyer at the company.

“They are a great place for outdoor loving youth to get their first job experience. However, they also have many employees that have worked here for many years. Several of our buyers have been at Ward’s for well over 30 years.”

Dustrud said Bob Ward’s focuses on contributing to community events and groups.

“They provide gear and expert advice to help Montanans and tourists alike to make the most of our beautiful outdoors and the many recreation and sport opportunities we have here,” Dustrud said. “They try very hard to promote from within as upper level positions become available.”

The company is still owned by the fourth-generation of the original Ward family.

“So even though the business has grown, it still retains that family feeling” Dustrud said.

“What could be more fun than to go to work and interact with outdoor gear and our wonderful, outdoor, sport-loving guests?”

Employee Jesse Schafer made it clear that the company accommodates those with complicated schedules.

“I started in high school and they worked with my schedule

A Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors employee fits a customer for ski boots in 2014. when I was going to school out of town for two years and welcomed me back like family on holiday breaks and during summers,”

Manager Allen Cain said the Schafer said. “It’s a wonderful atmosphere to come to everyday fact that the company is still locally-owned makes all the difbecause you know you’ll get to work with the best crew in town.” ference.

TOM BAUER, Missoulian‌

“Bob Ward’s is still a Mom and Pop company at its core, not bogged down by corporate agendas,” he said.

Missoulian, Sunday, September 3, 2017 — H9

MISSOULA • EST. 1917

BUTTE • EST. 1973

HAMILTON • EST. 1980

BOZEMAN • EST. 1978

HELENA • EST. 1984

A H U G E T H A N K YO U TO O U R C U STO M E R S , E M P LOY E E S , FA M I LY, & F R I E N DS FO R S U P P O RT I N G B O B WA R D ’ S FO R 1 0 0 Y E A R S !

MISSOULA — 728-3220 • 3015 Paxson • Sun 10am-6pm • Mon-Fri 9am-9pm • Sat 8am-7pm HAMILTON — 363-6204 • 1120 N. 1ST • Sun 10am-5pm • M-F 9am-8pm • Sat 8am-6pm

10 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

DC Engineering aims for culture of respect DAVID ERICKSON david.erickson@missoulian.com‌

DC Engineering is a fullservice consulting engineering firm that provides mechanical, electrical, refrigeration and control system design as well as commissioning services.

The company opened its downtown Missoula branch office in 2005, and now has 25 local employees with about 170 nationwide. Tom Wolgamot, the manager of the Missoula branch, said his goal is to promote a culture of respect within the company.

“The big thing is really trying to respect one another and be able to appreciate individuals’ diversity and strengths and be supportive of those,” Wolgamot said. “We have external clients, but part of our respect mantra is treat each other as internal clients. A lot of times you get so caught up making external clients happy that you beat each other up. So make sure you treat that person next to you as well as you would an external client.”

The company encourages employees to seek out more work opportunities.

“Somebody might say ‘hey, I have an existing client and we can do more for them by offering some slightly different service’ and we are supportive of that,” Wolgamot said.

In addition, DC Engineering offers flexible scheduling and a nice health and benefits package.

“The workplace is incredibly relaxed and we are given the trust and respect we need to stay motivated and get the job done,” said mechanical engineer Sidonie Mattoon. “DC Engineering understands that life will throw curveballs and will always work to find a compromise. All in all my job is amazing. It truly gives me pride to know that my company has my back and as hard as we work for our company, our

TOMMY MARTINO, Missoulian‌

Employees work in the DC Engineering office. company works for us.”

Controls programmer Bill Crist said the company has an espresso machine, and they gather for microbeers every once in a while.

“We have the greatest boss

you could have,” he said. “He’s always willing to work with you and sticks up for you when you mess up. Everyone helps each other.”

Mattoon said it’s a company that realizes employees have

important family lives outside of work.

“Recently we have been able to get more involved in the community, volunteering with the Special Olympics and the cleanup of the Dragon Hollow

(playground) being a couple more recent examples,” Mattoon said. “Everyone is easy to talk to and our boss is always approachable, making it easy to ask questions and be successful as a team.”

Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017— 11

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Missoula employees pose for a photo.

TOM BAUER, Missoulian‌

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Missoula staff see benefits of working with youth matches elementary and middle school children with positive adult role flexible schedules, health models who spend time and dental insurance and ‌Big Brothers Big Sisters each week with the child of Missoula not only makes other perks. at school. Children in this “The opportunity a huge difference in the program display improved to join volunteers and lives of young people, but self-esteem, enhanced youth to utilize the many the staff there feel like it’s academic performance, outdoor recreational one of the best places to and a positive sense of the activities Missoula has to work in town. future, according to the offer is unique,” Wheeler “Working to positively organization. explained. “Whether it impact youth and our That’s the part of the job community in a meaning- be rafting the Blackfoot, that can’t be quantified, snowshoeing Lolo Pass or ful way is undoubtedly a Wheeler said. hiking the Rattlesnake, good perk to working for “The relationships we staff are presented the Big Brothers Big Sisters,” opportunity to engage with form, memories we share, said enrollment and and impact we make are our civic-minded volmatch specialist Ryan what makes Big Brothers Wheeler. “But the benefits unteers and youth in our beautiful city each month.” Big Sisters of Missoula and workplace culture more than just a workThe organization’s is what sets it apart as a place. It is a community.” worthwhile place to invest mentoring program our time.”

DAVID ERICKSON The organization offers david.erickson@missoulian.com‌

AQUOS BOARD (R) Interactive Display Systems are now available in wireless!

os2inc.com/refer-a-friend

(406) 541-2020 • os2inc.com

12 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Adventure Life policies keep employees happy the international travel opportunities, my flexible schedule and the amazing team environment.”

The Travel Education ‌Adventure Life, a Opportunities allow Missoula-based advenemployees who sell tours ture travel company that to experience the destinaspecializes in organizing tions like Peru and Egypt international tours, first-hand so they can offers a host of generous better serve their clients and unique policies and and answer questions. benefits to keep employNelson’s dog had ees happy. surgery recently, and her “I have a pretty schedule allowed her to extensive list of why I telecommute until he love working here,” said employee Lynessa Nelson. was better.

“Our CEO has made it a “My favorites include DAVID ERICKSON david.erickson@ missoulian.com‌

priority to invest in technology that allows us to connect from anywhere, a great tool to have when juggling a hectic family schedule,” Nelson said.

The company has implemented a paid maternity leave policy that gives new mothers four weeks of paid absence if they’ve worked there for three years, and new parents can bring their babies in the office until they’re six months old.

Twice a week, a Pilates/

barre instructor teaches a class in the company’s break room.

“The casual environment helps me work as a team with my coworkers and managers,” Nelson said. “Instead of sitting in a conference room for meetings, we take a walk around the neighborhood for a quick stretch to get the blood and creativity flowing again.”

General manager Jonathan Brunger said that the company also

has a unique policy called Pursue Your Passion.

“Adventure Life will pay 50 percent up to $300 of your costs to spend on a gym membership, recreational team fees, a Snowbowl pass, taking a photography class or any interest that you have,” he said. “We know you have outside interests outside work, and we want to motivate you to pursue that.”

Nelson said the company fosters a balanced

environment to maintain productivity at work, and longtime workers “nurse and foster” new hires.

“Our leaders foster a family-like atmosphere and managers all have open-door policies,” she said. “We hold ourselves to a very high standard and so we appreciate the chances to blow off steam together during birthday celebrations or beer Fridays with growlers from Draught Works brewery next door.”

missoulian.com

Every minute. Every day.

Hilton Garden Inn is now hiring for the following positions:

• Blue Canyon Line Cooks • Part Time Maintenance • Front Desk Agents & Night Audit • Housekeeping Applications available at the front desk at

3720 N. Reserve – Missoula.

TOM BAUER, Missoulian‌

Jonathan Brunger, Jenny Johnston and Mary Curry, from left holding pictures of their children, and Kassi Magruder, sitting, have taken advantage of the travel company Adventure Life’s flexible policies with regard to paid leave after having children.

ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF BEING HILTON Equal Opportunity Employer

Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017— 13

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Allegiance Benefit Plan Management keeps options for growth open DAVID ERICKSON david.erickson@ missoulian.com‌

‌Allegiance Benefit Plan Management in Missoula employs roughly 300 people, and the company processes claims for large insurance benefits plans, such as the state government’s employee plan. Company president and CEO Dirk Visser has

worked with his team to come up with creative ways to keep morale high and give employees options for growth.

“It’s very family oriented,” explained team lead Callista Sullivan. “(There is a) great training program and lots of room for growth. Everyone is extremely helpful to each other. Every day, I look forward to coming

to work.”

Margaret McManus, vice president and CAO at the company, said employees with singleperson health coverage don’t have to pay for their health insurance.

“The company also kicks in a generous contribution to a Health Savings Account to help offset the deductible,” she said. “We also have a wellness plan

that provides biometric testing every year along with health coaching.”

Visser leads the company on a bike ride in May every year, and employees also take hikes up Blue Mountain together.

“We get paid holidays and weekends off, fair wages, spot bonuses, free continuing education and milestone awards in five-year increments,” McManus said.

The company also

makes sure to donate to local nonprofits.

“Allegiance is a growing company and even during the economic downturn and recession, there were no layoffs,” McManus said. “The company continues to grow and I am always amazed at the innovative ways the company comes up with ways to show appreciation for the staff.”

The company partnered with a local food

delivery business, Kayle, to offer discounted healthy breakfasts and lunches delivered right to the workplace.

“I never thought that I could be this happy in a job, a career, as I am now,” said stop-loss reimbursement specialist Lacey Erickson. “If you’re not sure what you would be good at, that’s OK because they are great at putting you in a place that best fits your needs!”

Thank You to Our Employees for

Pledging

“ Great accomplishments are never achieved alone and are best shared with others.”

Thank you to one and all of the Allegiance Team for honoring us with this recognition. If you are fearful of mediocrity in your career, join our team for top notch benefits, personal growth, and a great team environment.

TOM BAUER, Missoulian‌

Travis Jette, Riley Roos and Josh Anderson, from right, of Kayle deliver lunch to employees of Allegiance Benefit Plan Management in February. Allegiance is covering some of the cost of the mobile food service meals for its employees as a wellness benefit to retain a trained workforce.

Apply Today - askallegiance.com | 406.721.2222

14 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Paradise Dental Technologies’ staff ‘pulls together as a team’ DAVID ERICKSON david.erickson@missoulian.com‌

‌Paradise Dental Technologies was born in 2000 inside the two-car garage of founder and CEO Linda Miller. Now, the company employs 53 people at its headquarters on U.S. Highway 10 just west of Missoula. They design, develop and manufacture dental instruments and products that are the most ergonomic and comfortable for both patients and dental practitioners and sell to 48 countries.

“Linda’s vision and philosophy is centered 100 percent around her team,” said Austin Hobza, the human resources manager for the company. “She is very much about a work/ life balance.”

Every employee gets full health, dental, vision and prescription insurance, and they can choose from two types of plans. Employees work four ten-hour days, so everyone gets three-day weekends. There is a robust paid time off policy, and Millar will often give every employee an entire week off with full pay, usually around the holidays.

There’s a 401k match and a profit-sharing program, and employees can take sabbaticals if necessary, like when someone wants to visit a relative overseas for an extended period.

“Linda does an amazing job of taking care of all of us,” Hobza said. “Her positivity and generosity are not only evident in how she treats her employees,

Employees work at Paradise Dental Technologies. but in the very core of her business model. She operates with the clinician and the patient in mind.”

The company has a monthly potluck lunch where all the employees gather. Miller thanks everyone with a loyalty gift certificate, a hug and a personalized card. Every other hour, all the employees get up to stretch and focus on physical well-being.

A safety officer checks every workstation when a new employee is hired to make sure everything is

customized just perfectly to prevent repetitive stress injuries.

“It takes every single person, and everyone is just as important as the next,” Miller said of her policies to keep turnover low and keep morale high.

“Everybody pulls together as a team.”

The company often has badminton tournaments or rents out a deck at Missoula Osprey baseball games.

“It’s just a very familyoriented place,” Hobza said.

TOMMY MARTINO, Missoulian‌

Thank You! Thank you to our wonderful employees who make dentistry a paradise every day - we appreciate you!

Want to join our amazing team? Please visit: PDTdental.com/careers/

Paradise Dental Technologies Passionate, Purpose-Driven Design

Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017— 15

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Warm Springs Productions specializes in socialization DAVID ERICKSON david.erickson@missoulian.com‌

‌Warm Springs Productions, a television show production company, was founded in 2008

by Chris Richardson and Marc Pierce, and now boasts roughly 125 employees, with about 110 of those full-time positions based in the Missoula headquarters on Spruce Street.

The company’s employees rave about all the perks and benefits. For example, every worker gets a free beer from Draught Works Brewery next door every day.

“It’s not about the beer, really, but it’s about everyone being able to go over and socialize and hang out together,” Richardson explained.

The company offers a generous benefits package including a 401k match, a gym membership to the employee’s gym of choice, reimbursement for people who decide to walk, bike or bus to work, in-house career advancement opportunities and flexible scheduling to avoid “burnout.”

“Warm Springs has a great company culture and creative atmosphere,” said employee Stephanie LeFeuvre. “It’s a place where everyone feels like family and you can find a position to fit your strengths. WSP also supports the community of Missoula through outreach and volunteering. Overall they exemplify the giving and creative soul of Missoula.”

Employee Brandon Hanson said that when he asked for a few days off to visit his brother who’d had a stroke, the company paid for his flight.

“That resonates to me to this day, six years later,” he said. “Not only do they give their workers the credit and rewards earned for doing their job, but they have consistently bent over backwards to give everyone the opportunity to grow and promote within the company.”

TOMMY MARTINO, Missoulian

Schuck, Lucy and Henry, from front, hang out in the equipment room at Warm Spring Productions. Most of the dogs at Warm Springs hang out in the equipment room at some point during the day.

Richardson, who went to the University of Montana and has been in Missoula for 25 years, said that it’s a core philosophy of the company to hire from

within. The company’s creative director, graphics director and several field producers all started out as entry-level video timeline loggers.

“We want people who want to be in Missoula and have them grow professionally and financially,” he explained. “It feels like our duty to give back

to the community. For us, Missoula is a great city and we feel fortunate to have found a way to make a living and create over a hundred jobs here.”

H16 — Missoulian, Sunday, September 3, 2017

Company values create real value.

Your values are a part of every decision you make. Whether you’re expanding your equipment list, building or workforce, a loan from Missoula Federal Credit Union supports local commerce and sustainability with every loan payment you make. Learn how at missoulafcu.org.

All loans subject to approval.

missoulafcu.org