InBusiness Top Workplaces

SUMMER 2018 SUMMER SUMMER 20182018

WESTERN MONTANA BUSINESS WESTERN MONTANA BUSINESS

TOPWORKPLACES WORKPLACES TOP

NOMINATED

BY THEIR THEIR EMPLOYEES, 10 OF OF THE GREATEST EMPLOYERS IN THE THE REGION. NOMINATED EMPLOYEES, 10 GREATEST EMPLOYERS IN REGION. NOMINATED

BY BY THEIR EMPLOYEES, 10 OF THETHE GREATEST EMPLOYERS IN THE REGION.

2 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

2

Summer 2018

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES INTRODUCTION

Publisher Mike Gulledge Editor Ashley Klein Reporter David Erickson

Introduction:

The Missoulian hatched an idea earlier this year to find be any size business in the public, private, government or nonprofit sector. Please use examples to persuade the a way to showcase some of the great employers in our judges that your nominee is a great employer. We are area, similar to how we’ve showcased some of the top looking for employers that go above came and beyond young professionals with our 20 Under 40 section.

Nominees for Western Montana’s Top Workplaces fromto keep workers motivated, satisfied and offer great benefits.”

We were blown away by the response we received. a wide swath of local employees who love where they work.

With boasts of flexible schedules, “people first” The nominations were many — 216 individual submisThey spanned businesses of family all sizes across theunmatched public, private, attitudes, atmospheres, benefits and sions, including 67 different Missoula businesses. much, much more, we’re glad to know so many people in We sorted through the nominations and picked the government and non-profit sectors. western Montana love their jobs. ones we thought fit the criteria best, based on what was Read through these pages and learn more about the written in the submission form: “Love your job? Nomiemployers above and to keep workers motivated thatbeyond were selected as the top 10 best places to nate your employer for the chance toThese be honored as one gocompanies work in western Montana. of Western Montana’s Top Workplaces.

Nominees can and satisfied. Great benefits abound, plus some unique perks, that

set this group above others for premium employment.

Photographers Tom Bauer

TABLE OF CONTENTS After sorting hundreds of submissions to pin down the public’s choice for the best employers in the Western Montana, comesBig Missoula Big it Brothers down to these top ten workplaces.

Bone & Joint Sisters of Missoula

Tommy Martino Kurt Wilson

Page 3

Page 11

Advanced Technology Group Page 4

Adventure Life Page 12

Here’s what the employees themselves have to say about some of the top places to work in western Montana.

Advertising Director Jeff Avergis

Belonging is the new banking.

406-523-5216

Advertising sales Chris Arvish

Bryon Bertollt

Mindy Glenna Joel McEachrane

We would like to sincerely thank our Mailing address employees for nominating us as one of the P.O. Box 8029 Top Employers in Western Montana.

Missoula, MT 59807-8029

We wouldn’t be where we are today Phone without the tireless hard work and 406-523-5240 dedication that our team provides our community and members every day!

WESTERN MONTANA

BUSINESS

Missoula Federal Allegiance3Benefit Missoula Federal Credit Union..........................................

Credit Union Plan Management D.A. Davidson Companies.................................................

4 Page 7 Page 13

Earth & Wood..................................................................... 4 Grizzly Harley-Davidson..................................................... 5 Missoula Bone and Joint.................................................... 6 Park Side Credit Union........................................................7 Homeword Inc....................................................................8 Bob Ward’s Sports Paradise Dental Gecko Designs....................................................................

9 and Outdoors Technologies ClassPass. ...........................................................................10 Page 8 Page 14 PayneWest Insurance.........................................................11

Warm Springs Productions Page 15

DC Engineering Page 10

FALL 2017, Vo. 5, No. 3

Learn more about why MFCU Western Montanaplace InBusiness is such an awesome to work! is a publication of the Missoulian

Index:

missoulafcu.org/careers

A publication of the

missoulian.com

InBusiness is a special publication of Lee Enterprises and the Missoulian. Copyright 2018 .

2 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Summer 2018

3

INTRODUCTION

Publisher Mike Gulledge

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

Editor Ashley Klein Reporter David Erickson

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tommy Martino Kurt Wilson

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

Advertising Director Jeff Avergis 406-523-5216 Advertising sales Chris Arvish Bryon Bertollt Mindy Glenna Joel McEachrane Mailing address P.O. Box 8029

Missoula Federal Credit Union Missoula, MT

59807-8029 As a long-standing cornerstone of Missoula’s business scene, Missoula Federal Credit Union has a reputation for Phone supporting local events and maintaining a strong presence in406-523-5240 the community.

the community so much so that they will give you up to 24 hours paid volunteer time a year. I have never felt more like my coworkers were more my family than just coworkers,” she said.

Bob Ward’s Sports members.

For a cooperative environment, we tryand to do things in a way that lets our Outdoors employees empowered to make a Page feel 8 difference in everybody’s lives that they work with,” he said.

Amber Ibey shares some of the reasons why Missoula Federal Credit Union is one WESTERN MONTANA of the best places she has ever worked at.

“I think, for me, Missoula Federal Credit Union is an organization that does treat their staff like family. We’re really concerned about their well-being and want them to feel like they’re engaged in doing something that’s more important than just providing banking services,” said Clint Summers, Chief Operating Officer at Missoula Federal Credit Union.

Taking care of both members and employees is a common theme that is found again and again within the praise heaped upon Missoula Federal Credit Union.

DC Engineering Page “They not10 only care so much about their

BUSINESS

“They not only make sure to take care of members with their mission and transition to values-based banking, but their employees as well. FALL Missoula Federal 2017, Vo. Credit 5, No.Union 3 makes sure to inform their employees on any changes and Montana keeps them involved in Western InBusiness the decision making. On that, they is a publication of top the of Missoulian encourage going out and volunteering for

“They feel like they’re personally taken care of, and so they’re taking care of our

members, they care about every single employee. They make sure we have what we need and are constantly throwing employee events and special days to make working here a fun and uplifting environment. They encourage health and wellness and give lots

of opportunities to grow as an individual Paradise Dental and as an employee,” said Kalie Brittner.

Technologies Page 14that makes Working at an organization a difference in the community is a key strength of Missoula Federal Credit Union, according to Jennifer Fost.

“We are committed to helping unbanked and underserved populations, are working Warm Springs hard to be good environmental stewards, and Productions are committed to creating well paying and Page 15 fulfilling employment opportunities.

They are a family friendly, values-based financial institution that includes their employees in decision making and empowers us to be the best financial institution in Missoula,” she said.

2 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

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BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Summer 2018

EarthINTRODUCTION & Wood

Publisher Mike Gulledge

The Missoulian hatched an idea earlier this year to find be any size business in the public, private, government One of the largest in thesector. normal working conditions,” said General or nonprofit Please use examples to persuade the a way to showcase some of the great employers in ourretail nurseries Manager Jeff Hamilton.

“That’s the are attitude area, Earth & Wood has been providing judges that your nominee is a great employer. We area, similar to how we’ve showcased some of the top of the that whole treattous like landscaping, looking underground for employers go company, above andthey beyond keep young professionals with our 20complete Under 40 section. he said. sprinkler,we and maintenanceworkers servicesmotivated, to family,” satisfied and offer great benefits.”

We were blown away by the response received. schedules, “people first” is like The nominations were many — 216 individual Western Montanasubmissince 1978. With boasts of flexible The team spirit at Earth & Wood attitudes, familyno atmospheres, unmatched benefits andin sions, including 67 different Missoula businesses. other.

Everybody helps each other Withandlocations Missoula much, much more, we’re glad to know so many people in We sorted through the nominations picked thein both the morning to get prepared for the day. and based Stevensville, the finest western Montana love their jobs. ones we thought fit the criteria best, on whatthey was offer Stefanie positive attitude service to Owner Read through these pages andTaylor’s learn more about the is written in the submission form: personalized “Love your job?

Nomi-and products especially infectious. customers while treating their employees companies that were selected as the top 10 best places to nate your employer for the chance to be honored as one with respect and care. work in western Montana. of Western Montana’s Top Workplaces.

Nominees can “She has lifted our spirits to a place that “Everybody in this company is so none of us expected,” said Hamilton. “They loving and they genuinely care about you have taken it to an extreme of positive as an employee.TABLE Anything up, they energy and nothing but positive, supportive OF comes CONTENTS kind of management. We love Brad and understand,” said Cassandra Hall.

Stefanie, we love themBig like family,Big they Missoula Brothers The most commonly touted benefit love us like family, and it spreads through Bone & Joint Sisters of Missoula among employees is the fact that the owners the whole company,” he said.

Page 3 Page 11 are ready and willing to provide help for A Total Landscaping Company, Earth & anything the employees may need Wood can assist with a number of services “We have a lot of perks around here like such as walkways, patios, rock walls, water a normal business would have, but Brad features, ponds, irrigation services, fencing, and Stephanie Taylor, the owners of the decks, pest control, fertilization, mow company, they go above and beyond any service and more.

Advanced Adventure Life

Editor Ashley Klein Reporter David Erickson Photographers Tom Bauer Tommy Martino Kurt Wilson Advertising Director Jeff Avergis 406-523-5216

Technology Group Page 4

Advertising sales

Page 12

Chris Arvish

D.A. Davidson Companies Bryon Bertollt

Mindy Glenna

Founded in Great Falls in 1935, the Joel McEachrane financial planning firm D.A. Davidson is proud to have a company culture that’s like Mailing address a family.

non-profit to support as a group, and then all work together to volunteer their help for a full day.

“I think one of the things our employees P.O. Box 8029 love is that we have a wonderful firm Missoula, MT down by culture that has been passed generations. It’s a very family-oriented 59807-8029 culture. A place that generally has employees who enjoy working there and enjoy it enough that they stay a long time,” Phone said Jordan Werner, Senior Vice President 406-523-5240 and Regional Director.

“It’s also a place that our employees are generally veryWESTERN proud to beMONTANA associated with.

Part of our culture is we take exceptional care of clients, so in our business that’s something to be proud of and I believe our employees generally are,” he said.

BUSINESS

FALL 2017, 5,ofNo. 3 Aside from taking greatVo. care clients and employees, D.A. Davidson does a lot to supportWestern communities and volunteer for Montana InBusiness local organizations.

An annual called is a publication of theevent Missoulian Davidson Day has each location pick a

Missoula Federalwith time and “They’re generous Credit Union money in the community. There’s group Page volunteer and7 team-building outings,

Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors Page 8

it’s family-friendly, promotes continued Allegiance Benefit education, and is a fun andPlan fast-paced work Management environment,” said Sydney Carlino.

Page 13 “For our people, particularly in Montana, community involvement is a huge part of what we do. So, in any of our branches in Montana you will find employees that give up their time on a variety of boards and they take time to help withParadise the schools and Dental all sorts of activities. That, I would say, is Technologies another part of our culture,” said14 Werner.

Page Despite having more than 1,300 employees within the entire firm’s locations, people generally have familiarity with their coworkers.

DC Engineering Page 10

“We’re an organization where people Warm our Springs generally know each other,” Werner Productionssaid.

“It’s a very personal relationship. It’s not Page 15 just one anonymous employee to another.

That makes it a more enjoyable place to work, when you know who you’re working with, and it also helps the client, because you get better service when people know each other.”

2 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Editor Ashley Klein Reporter David Erickson

5

INTRODUCTION

Publisher Mike Gulledge

Summer 2018

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tommy Martino Kurt Wilson

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

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

Grizzly Harley-Davidson 59807-8029

Phone The Grizzly Harley-Davidson shop in Missoula is a strong draw for residents and 406-523-5240 travelers alike.

“Harley has a really phenomenal culture.

WESTERN MONTANA So people who are even remotely interested in Harley-Davidson really click. It’s a big expanded family throughout the country.

We get people travelling in here from all over the place, this5,time FALLespecially 2017, Vo. No.of3year, so there’s a lot of fun interaction with people from all over the world,” said Mike Western Montana InBusiness Schroeder, the General of Manager at Grizzly is a publication the Missoulian Harley-Davidson.

BUSINESS

That familial feeling stretches through both the customers and the employees.

“The owners treat every employee like a member of their family. They offer wonderful benefits for all full-time employees and a very fair discount to every employee. We have fun together and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else,” said Sarah Gustafson.

In addition to full benefits, including retirement, one of the more unique perks offered by Grizzly Harley-Davidson is an employee discount on motorcycles, parts,

Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors Page 8 snowmobiles and more. There are also plenty of opportunities to use the bikes at local community rides and events such as the Parade of Lights, the Homecoming Parade, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and hosting the annual party for Bikers Against DC Engineering Bullies.

Page 10 The positive environment generated from supporting the community together is enjoyed by all employees, from the Missoula store to the Kalispell location.

“It’s family,” said Schroeder. “When people buy a motorcycle or a snowmobile

Paradise Dental Technologies Page 14 from us we consider them as joining our family. We do a lot of stuff with our employees all together with rides and barbecues and that kind of thing, but then we do it a lot with our customers as well.

Warmfamily-friendly Springs So it’s just a very fun, Productions environment. It’s work, but it’s just a lot of Page 15 fun. We’re playing with big toys here, so it can’t get much better. I’ve been doing it for twenty-two years now, working for Harley dealerships, and there’s nothing else I’d rather do.”

2 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

6

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Summer 2018

INTRODUCTION

Publisher Mike Gulledge

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

Editor Ashley Klein Reporter David Erickson

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tommy Martino Kurt Wilson

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

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

Missoula Bone & Joint Phone

Founded over 60 years ago, Missoula 406-523-5240 Bone & Joint has long been proud to provide quality, professional and dedicated orthopedic care to their MONTANA patients. Their WESTERN stated mission is, “Quality Care From People Who Care,” and they certainly care for their people.

listened to by the providers and the board.

There is mutual respect and kindness shown between the staff and the providers,” she said.

BUSINESS

“Missoula Bone and Joint appreciates their employees and it shows. They always go out of their way to make each and every one of us feel welcomed and that our contributions are important and needed for the company’s success,” said Jessica Reed.

Jennifer McElroy is one of the many 2017, Vo. No. 3 employees FALL who values being5, respected and treated like family, in addition to appreciating the community involvement Western Montana InBusiness As part of going above and beyond, practiced by the company. is a publication of the Missoulian Missoula Bone & Joint offers excellent “The staff members have a voice and are benefits, flexible work schedules, a Fun

Committee, bonuses and other employee incentives.

always looking out for their employees,” said Joy Jacobson.

Teresa Kohl said, “Missoula Bone & Joint is an unbelievable employer. The doctorsDC andEngineering staff are all super. We are one big happy family Page 10 and I feel so grateful that I am employed here. Love my job and my employer.”

Jessica Nistler agrees that Missoula Bone & Joint is a great place to work.

Warm Springs “They treat us with respect and make Productions us feel like part of a family instead of just Page workers at a company,” she said.15

“We all work hard to provide the very best patient care. It is a labor of love because these physicians devote so much time and energy into their practice, patient care and the community, and they are still

In addition to their Missoula location, Missoula Bone & Joint has a pediatric orthopedic satellite clinic as well as satellite clinics in Polson, Hamilton, Stevensville, and Plains.

2 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Summer 2018

7

INTRODUCTION

Publisher Mike Gulledge

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

Editor Ashley Klein Reporter David Erickson

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tommy Martino Kurt Wilson

Missoula Bone & Joint Page 3

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Missoula Page 11

Advanced Technology Group Page 4

Adventure Life Page 12

Advertising Director Jeff Avergis 406-523-5216 Advertising sales Chris Arvish Bryon Bertollt Mindy Glenna

Park Side Credit Union Joel McEachrane

The tagline for Park Side Credit Union address is, “We Like toMailing Say Yes,” and it applies to customers and employees alike.

P.O. Box 8029 “We’ve tried to establish a culture of MT ‘yes’ internally, Missoula, meaning we’re positive and optimistic in looking for solutions and getting around59807-8029 restrictions,” said Josh Kroll, vice president of marketing. “One of our core values is to be better today than yesterday,” he said. Phone To continually406-523-5240 improve in the best possible ways, Park Side Credit Union is always listening to employees for input by conducting employee surveys. This WESTERN MONTANA information is used to adjust benefits and other perks in swift response to employee demand.

the career of the individual,” said Amber Cambra.

Park Side Credit Union also offers many volunteer and charity opportunities, with paid volunteer hours offered to each employee. In 2017, a company-wide total of 550 hours of volunteer time was given to the community.

A project called the Park Side Partner Program selects three non-profits per market each year to collaborate with charitable efforts. This program works closely with the non-profits to offer crosspromotion, shared advertising and other methods to create buzz and awareness.

BUSINESS

“Park Side cares about their employees, they treatFALL everyone likeVo. family, and 3they 2017, 5, No. work with their employees when situations come up. Each individual here feels like Western Montana InBusiness they belong, and Park Side gives their is a publication of the Missoulian employees training opportunities to further

“A lot of non-profits fly under the radar.

The work they do is important, extremely important, but they just can’t get the word out there. They don’t have the tools and resources that a place like Park Side does to get in front of the public eye and the public ear and get the word out,” said Kroll.

Our Employee’s Excellence Drives our

Success!

Missoula Federal Credit Union Page 7

Allegiance Benefit Plan Management Page 13

amazing employees for making Missoula Bone & Joint thanks our 2nd year in a row! loyers for the Bob Ward’susSports Paradise Dental one of Missoula’s Best Emp and Outdoors Page 8

Technologies Page 14

DC Engineering Page 10

Warm Springs Productions Page 15

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

2 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

8

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Summer 2018

INTRODUCTION

Publisher Mike Gulledge

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

Editor Ashley Klein Reporter David Erickson

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tommy Martino Kurt Wilson

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

Advertising Director Jeff Avergis 406-523-5216 Advertising sales Chris Arvish Bryon Bertollt Mindy Glenna Joel McEachrane

Homeword Inc. Mailing address

P.O. Box 8029 The mission of Homeword Inc. is to Missoula, use sustainable methods to MT provide safe, healthy housing that people can afford, 59807-8029 while strengthening the community through housing counseling and education for those in need.

Phone Historically, the supply of homes that Montanans can afford to rent or buy has 406-523-5240 not been able to meet the demand. With this housing market of low supply and high demand,WESTERN many challenges face both MONTANA renters and homeowners. Homeword addresses these issues with ecologically sound solutions.

certified gold building near the river with full kitchen, showers and covered bike parking. Other benefits include insurance, sustainable commuting incentives, and a generous time off policy.

“These benefits are all great, but what truly makes Homeword a top workplace is its heart. At the core, the people care not only for the Montanans they serve through their work, but for each other as well,” she said.0

BUSINESS

“I frequently tell people that Homeword appears to be wonderful from the outside based on the work it does for Montanans, but I can attest that it truly is a wonderful organization with caring people dedicated to making the world a better place, starting with the employees,” said Burson.

In her nearly five years with Homeward, FALLhas 2017, Vo.them 5, No. 3 a Jessica Burson found to be model employer, with a strong dedication to its Western employees.

She also enjoys Montana InBusiness working in their Leadership in Energy Homeword began in 1994 as a is a publication of the Missoulian and Environmental Design (LEED) response to the expanding need for

affordable housing. They are regionally and nationally recognized for their programming and development of Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors Page 8

Thank You!

DC Engineering

To Our Staff Who PageDedicated 10 Empower Montanans Daily For 24 years, our team has created sustainable communities through 883 homes Montanans can afford to rent or buy and teaching homebuying and financial skills to over 13,000 people

sustainable homes and have developed or preserved 883 homes for more than 1,450 Montanans.

Paradise Dental Technologies Page 14

Consider JoiningWarm OurSprings Team

Productions Our Housing Services Coordinator Page 15posted position will be available and on our website Fall 2018

homeword.org 406.532.4663

2 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Summer 2018

9

INTRODUCTION

Publisher Mike Gulledge

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

Editor Ashley Klein Reporter David Erickson

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tommy Martino Kurt Wilson

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

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

Gecko Designs 59807-8029

Phone Gecko Designs is a graphic design and 406-523-5240 marketing firm that produces multiple forms of media for a variety of clients. Founded in 1996, owner and head honcho Gabriel WESTERN Silverman was inspiredMONTANA by his mother’s experiences at her own job to create an enjoyable workplace with a fun culture.

include gym membership subsidies, flying drones around the office, shooting foam darts, bringing dogs to work, drinking beer, hosting game nights and going to lunch together.

BUSINESS

“We spend a lot of time laughing,” said Silverman, “but as long as our work is FALL 2017, Vo. 5, No. 3 getting done and it’s getting done really well the rest is just icing on the cake. We have funWestern here.” Montana InBusiness

is a publication of the Missoulian

Some of the fun offered by Gecko Designs

“The employees bring their dogs to work, have flexible work hours, can use a pool table and shuffleboard in the basement for stress relief and love creating unique websites,” said Ali Spoon.

Supporting the local community is also one of their key values, and they regularly host First Friday and Montana Code School

Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors Page 8 events along with sponsoring Garden City Brewfest, River City Roots Fest and the Tell Us Something live-storytelling events at the Wilma.

“Gecko Designs is hands down the DC Engineering most Page supportive, 10 creative, passionate, and reliable employer in Western Montana. The owners go above-and-beyond to provide their employees with the tools they need to be successful,” said Grace Plant.

Blake Morton finds working at Gecko Designs to be a great experience.

Paradise Dental Technologies Page 14 “I am proud to tell people in the community about our team and the work we do. Working at Gecko Designs has really helped our team to manage the balance between workWarm and Springs personal life without hindering the Productions quality of our work and our friendships. Gecko is truly PageDesigns 15 is a dream job of sorts. It’s one of the jobs you always thought about getting down the road, and I am both fortunate and thankful for the opportunity to work here every time I go to the office,” he said.

2 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

10

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Summer 2018

INTRODUCTION

Publisher Mike Gulledge

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

Editor Ashley Klein Reporter David Erickson

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tommy Martino Kurt Wilson

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

Advertising Director Jeff Avergis 406-523-5216 Advertising sales Chris Arvish Bryon Bertollt Mindy Glenna Joel McEachrane Mailing address

ClassPass P.O. Box 8029 Missoula, MT

59807-8029 Having recently opened downtown, the Missoula branch of ClassPass is on the fast track for employee satisfaction.

Phone Founded in New York City, the fitness tech company 406-523-5240app that offers a subscription-based connects users to multiple fitness classes in town.

WESTERN MONTANA With a strong sense of local culture, the company thrives on a dynamic work environment filled with people enthusiastic about their jobs.

“They pay their employees well and offer a great benefits package. I really can’t think of a better place to work in Missoula if you are young and interested in working in a startup environment. The opportunity offered by ClassPass is a rare one in Missoula, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it,” he said.

Sports dedication to additionBob to Ward’s the company’s andthe Outdoors supporting local community.

Page 8 “From volunteering at events to sponsorships, they dove head first into the fabric of Missoula. Think Earth Day events, the Commuter Challenge, an upcoming Bloodmobile drive, etc. And they go beyond recycling and composting for being green, from fettuccine noodle coffee stirrers to DC Engineering hosting an e-waste recycling drive. Employees Page 10 are provided with local Liquid Planet coffee, local Back to the Mother kombucha, and Pattee Creek Market snacks, plus Bernice’s treats and Mary’s Mountain Cookies for sprucing up the work week,” said Connelly.

Katie Connelly is one of many who praised the full benefits offered by ClassPass, in

This well-rounded approach provides a sense of support and success for both

I have ever been a part of,” said Andrew Keller.

Many employees boast of the supportive and driven attitude of the business. Stew Frazier said that ClassPass is an amazing place to work.

BUSINESS

“We all FALL love 2017, Missoula,” saidNo. Office Vo. 5, 3 Manager Aimee Burt. “To have something in Missoula where we get to do something Western Montana InBusiness so great, it’s amazing,” she said.

is a publication of the Missoulian

“It’s by far the best working environment

customers and employeesParadise alike. Dental Technologies “As a company, ClassPass’ mission Page is to inspire customers to live14 their lives fully; as an employer, ClassPass supports its employees and allows them to feel empowered, inspired and fulfilled both at and outside of work,” said Cate Donovan.

Emily McBarron appreciates that the Warm Springs company inspires people around the world to live healthier and more Productions enriched lives.

Page 15 “Our motto is every life fully lived, and we embody that at the office every single day. The office environment is fun, active, and supportive. We’ve developed a true family here and we come to work ready with our all!” she said.

2 — Western Montana InBusiness, Fall 2017

BUSINESS: TOP WORKPLACES

Summer 2018 11

INTRODUCTION

Publisher Mike Gulledge

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

Editor Ashley Klein Reporter David Erickson

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tommy Martino Kurt Wilson

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

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

PayneWest Insurance 59807-8029

Phone PayneWest Insurance is proud of its dedication to its406-523-5240 employees and to the community. To the benefit of both, up to 30 hours of volunteer time off are offered each year. With WESTERN nearly 100 MONTANA colleagues in the Missoula area, that adds up to thousands of volunteer hours invested into the community annually.

and communities. If it’s good for those three, it’s good for Payne West,” he said.

“We’re super proud to be part of the Missoula community and the Flathead community. Montana is a very important state for us. We have fourteen offices throughout Montana and one of our biggest responsibilities is the community.

We invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations and sponsorships into organizations that our company and our colleagues believe in. A lot of our donations are inspired by our colleagues and where they like to put their own

BUSINESS

“Our culture is centered on clients, FALL Vo. 5, No. 3said colleagues, and2017, communities,” Jeremy Vannatta, managing director of marketing and Montana communications.

“We Western InBusiness centeris all of our decisions based off a publication of the Missoulian of what’s right for clients, colleagues

Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors Page 8 personal money. So we’re super proud to be part of the Missoula area and western Montana. We love the community and we hope the community loves us as well,” said Vannatta.

DC Engineering Additionally, every employee works Page closely with10 their supervisor to plan out work training and other opportunities to grow throughout the year.

“Whether that be additional training in the workplace or a class, or seminar, there’s dollars committed for each person to have educational and growth opportunities

Paradise Dental Technologies Page 14 throughout the year,” said Vannatta.

Amy Jacobs said, “We embrace our colleagues and firmly believe they are true assets to our company. As a result, we invest in them by Warm providing ongoing Springs training and educational opportunities in Productions insurance and general Page business 15 practices through PayneWest University. We strive to be an employer of choice by retaining our skilled colleagues throughout their career, which brings value to our clients through continuity, knowledge and commitment.”

Thank you, colleagues!

We’re proud to be a Top Workplace.

2018

Want to join a Top Montana Workplace? PayneWest is a place for the ambitious, the creative and the curious. Where colleagues of all backgrounds and experience celebrate new ideas and real change. Together, we tackle the toughest challenges and seize the biggest opportunities facing our clients—while having fun along the way.

Visit PayneWest.com/Careers

2925 Palmer Street | Missoula