EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE
Kryton Engineered Metals l Martin Bros. Distributing l UnityPoint-Allen Hospital l B&R Quality Meats Western Home Communities l Cedar Valley Hospice l CBE Cos. l Power Engineering and Manufacturing Amperage Marketing l BankIowa l Grundy County Memorial Hospital l CFU l DISTek Integration Inc. Peters Construction l Hogan-Hansen
2015
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Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015
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Cedar Valley has a bounty of high-quality employers Job hunters, take note: Explore the following pages. They will give you an idea of the kind of employers available in this area. Yo u m a y have a tough time choosing which ones to approach. As you’ll find a s yo u r e a d about this year’s Jim Offner Employers of is The Courier Choice, they’re business editor. all deserving of Contact him your considerat jim.offner@ wcfcourier.com. ation and, most l i k e l y, y o u r resume. Two years ago, representatives of the business community who volunteered to pick the winners of The Courier’s Employers of Choice awards decided to dispense with rankings. They were all deserving of the honor, the panel decided. You’ll find them listed in alphabetical order. From the nomination forms, it was obvious each company had no peer, from the perspective of its employees. And who better to judge an employer’s worth but his or her own employees? There certainly were plenty of deserving nominees. As busy as workers are with their day-to-day jobs, it was gratifying to see such a healthy response to the Employers of Choice program. More than 100 workers took the time to lavish praise on their employers. That certainly speaks to the quality of the workforce and those who employ them across the Cedar Valley. A panel of representatives from a cross-section of the Cedar Valley business community — Dan Beenken, director of the University of Northern Iowa’s Small Business Development Center; Julie Hayes, chief financial officer of Kirk Gross Co.; and Kathy Flynn, vice president for advance-
2015 Employers of Choice Amperage Marketing B&R Quality Meats BankIowa CBE Cos. Cedar Falls Utilities Cedar Valley Hospice DISTek Integration Inc. Grundy County Memorial Hospital Hogan-Hansen Kryton Engineered Metals Martin Bros. Distributing Peters Construction Power Engineering and Manufacturing UnityPoint-Allen Hospital Western Home Communities
ment at Hawkeye Community College — graciously donated their time to sift through and thoroughly discuss the small mountain of nominations in a process that determined the region’s top 15 places to work. As has become a kind of tradition in the Employers of Choice program’s eight-year history, the honored employers fell into a variety of sizes, business models and categories. The services or products they offer are many and varied; the common thread is they recognize building relationships with their own people contributes to the success of each organization. Angst over the economy continues to dominate the landscape, even in the Cedar Valley, which has consistently registered some of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Employers of Choice provides insight into the reasons things aren’t so bad in this region. There are legions of appreciative workers across the Cedar Valley. Perhaps that’s the most important function Employers of Choice performs: a dose of reassurance the local workforce is reaping riches that transcend simply making a living.
EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE
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Sunday, September 6, 2015
Amperage energized by family atmosphere JIM OFFNER jim.offner@wcfcourier.com
CEDAR FALLS — If there is a proper balance to be found between work and family, Amperage Marketing actively seeks it out, employees of the Cedar Falls-based advertising firm say. Sometime the two mingle, with co-workers and friends b e i n g o n e a n d t h e sa m e , employee Shannon Foote said in nominating Amperage as one of The Courier’s Employers of Choice. “Principals care and work hard to create a great work environment,” Foote said in describing her bosses. I t ’s a c o m m o n - s e n s e approach, said Bryan Earnest, co-founder, president and CEO of the company. “It is very important at Amperage for our employees to have a sense of balance between work and the rest of their lives,” Earnest said. “We have encouraged more flexible hours, expanded our benefits and have implemented an internal team to help our employees better connect as teammates and to serve our community.” The internal team, the “Full Volume Crew,” devises “fun and meaningful” activities through the year, Earnest said. To Amperage employee Justin Tolan, that’s just part of the package. “I appreciate Amperage supporting my work by paying for registration and trips to the annual education conference of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, as well as area chapter meetings of this organization and the Eastern Iowa Planned Giving Council,” Tolan said. “These experiences
BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer
Brian Foelske, seated, and Monte Bowden look over video at Amperage Marketing in Cedar Falls.
Amperage Marketing Address: 6711 Chancellor Drive, Cedar Falls. Phone: 268-9151. Website: amperagemarketing. com. Number of employees: 52. What the company does: Advertising/marketing. How it stands out in its field: Employees note the company’s flexibility and support of professional development opportunities.
affirm what we are doing well and also enable me to network with other fundraising leaders from around the world.” Tiffini Kieler and Sammy Gipper worked together in nominating their company for the EOC award. “Amperage is more than just a marketing and advertising business; we’re a family,” they said. “Our partners know there’s more to life than the work between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. They know we need to be there
with our families, and we appreciate the flexibility they provide. If we need to leave work for one of our kids’ games or activities, they support that, and since we’re a big family, fellow co-workers might even join us in the cheering section.” Leana Place counted herself lucky to be at Amperage for numerous reasons. “The people I work with are the best,” she said. “They are so professional yet know how to have fun and get the job done.” Colleague Kelli Jo FolkersWhitesell agreed. “Amperage Marketing is fantastic,” she said. “They have been very accommodating during a personal health issue. They do not hesitate to allow employees to attend conferences to better do their jobs and are always flexible with schedules when family and personal issues come up. Amperage is great about acknowledging a job well done, and department directors are always offering feedback on work performance.”
Sunday, September 6, 2015
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B&R Quality Meats earns workers’ praise JIM OFFNER
B&R Quality Meats
jim.offner@wcfcourier.com
WATERLOO — Sometimes good things come in small packages, and good employers don’t have to be giant corporations. Anyway, that’s how Mark Ratkovich and Dennis Brennan see it. The two own and operate B&R Quality Meats Inc. in Waterloo and work to ensure their 10 employees see much beyond a paycheck, Ratkovich said. It seems to be working. “B&R Quality Meats is like a second family to their employees,” said Angela Watson, assistant general manager. Watson nominated her company for The Courier’s Employer of Choice Awards. She said the owners transcend
Address: 200 Park Road, Waterloo. Phone: 232-6328. Website: b-rqualitymeats.com. Number of employees: Nine full-time, one part-time. What the company does: Meat retailer, wholesaler. How it stands out in its field: “Family comes first,” co-owner Mark Ratkovich said.
BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer
Jodi Wachal shreds pulled pork at B&R Quality Meats in Waterloo. the traditional role of employers. They offer benefits like vacation/holiday pay, consistent reviews and competitive wages. “What sets them apart from
everyone else is their focus on family,” Watson said. That means Ratkovich and Brennan are quick to accommodate doctor appointments,
school functions and other familial responsibilities. There also are occasions when the owners will show their appreciation in subtler but equally welcome ways, Watson said. “On a typical day they provide doughnuts or muffins at no cost for breakfast, and for lunch they grill anything from ribeye steaks
to pork tenderloins,” Watson said. The owners also are there when an employee is in need, from providing an appliance to helping with vehicle repairs, Watson said. Teamwork is part of the daily routine. When someone is gone, everyone pulls together to pick up the slack,” she said. “The crosstraining they provide is what makes this possible. Employees are given the encouragement to grow, expand and learn new skills. Every morning when I arrive at work, I am greeted with a smile and a good morning, and when I leave at the end of the day, a thank-you. What could be better than that?” See B&R, page 4
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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE
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Sunday, September 6, 2015
Workers have ownership stake in BankIowa JIM OFFNER
BankIowa
jim.offner@wcfcourier.com
INDEPENDENCE — There’s an extra motivation for BankIowa employees when they show up for work. That’s because they’re part owners of the bank. An employee stock ownership plan gives workers a direct stake in the company’s success, CEO Rob Robinson said. It’s a two-way street. “We believe our employees are our most valuable asset at BankIowa, and we strive to create a positive and beneficial working environment for our employees,” Robinson said when informed his organization was selected as one of The Courier’s Employers of Choice. The ESOP gives all BankIowa workers a direct connection to the company’s success, he said. Brenda Lou Werner Willson, a 39-year employee, said the ESOP is a considerable benefit. “While the bank is privately owned, employees own a minority interest through the ESOP portion of our retirement program,” she said. “When employees celebrate success, we celebrate each other.” There’s a sense of family at the bank. “We are family, we feel valued
Address: 230 First St. E., Independence. Phone: 334-7181. Website: Bankiowa.com. Number of employees: 140. What the company does: Bank. How it stands out in its field: Employees say BankIowa stands out in areas of employee and customer care. The company also has an employee stock ownership plan that gives them a direct stake in the bank’s success.
Joan Harringa works at her desk at BankIowa in Waterloo. and are given credit for contributing to the bank’s success,” Willson said. Willson also noted BankIowa offers employees “a generous tuition reimbursement program along with numerous other classes and training opportunities” and prioritizes promoting from within the company. Employee longevity is common at BankIowa, 14-year employee
Angela Miller said. “The turnover rate at BankIowa is very low because our employer cares about us,” Miller said. She, too, pointed the the ESOP as a major perk. “This ensures best efforts by all employees and promotes pride in our standards of service,” he said. Twenty-nine-year employee Wade Itzen, BankIowa’s WaterlooCedar Falls markets president and
COURTNEY COLLINS / Courier Staff Photographer
chief business banking officer, said his company cares about its workers as well as its customers, and that loyalty pays big dividends. “The result we see from our employees is a tremendous return — of loyalty, hard work and satisfaction,” Itzen said. “Our philosophy is that if we take care of our employees, they will take are of the clientele, who take care of our results.” Itzen agreed turnover is low. “BankIowa has a very seasoned employee base — no one wants to leave,” he said. “In fact, on rare
B&R From page 3 Employees respond by sticking around for a long time, said Ratkovich. He launched the business with Brennan in the 1980s in Cedar Falls as primarily a meat locker and later transitioned to wholesaler and a private-label meat supplier. There’s also a retail store that does a brisk business around holidays, Ratkovich said.
occasion where there is an opening, we have many applications to join our team.” And employees can move up through the ranks. “BankIowa provides opportunities to advance as employees learn new skills,” he said. “... BankIowa also has employee recognition programs and opportunities for incentive compensation.” Sherri Kavalier came to work for the bank 23 years ago, “fresh out of college with a part-time position.” She originally thought she’d work there for a while, then move on. “I was hoping that this would be a resume-builder and give me some work experience that everyone asked for during every interview,” Kavalier said. “I was lucky enough to stay with BankIowa for the past 23 years and am happy to say that this had been my one and only ‘real’ job.”
“ We ’ve h a d l o n g - te r m employees,” he said. “We just had an over-20 (year employee) who left because she was going to relocate. My next one down is 16 years and then it’s 14, 12, 10. We keep our employees because it’s just a good place to work.” The Employers of Choice award makes it official. “I think we do have a good company, but we’re very, very small,” Ratkovich said. “It’s nice to know that people think a lot of us here.”
Sunday, September 6, 2015
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Employees laud CBE’s responsivness JIM OFFNER
CBE Cos.
jim.offner@wcfcourier.com
CEDAR FALLS — “Got a problem? Tell a supervisor. They’ll take care of it.” That appears to be the prevailing philosophy at CBE Cos., according to employees. The result: The company came away with another Employers of Choice Award from The Courier. Twenty-year employee Nick Michael discussed that responsiveness in nominating his employer for the award. “The company is so focused on doing the best it can for employees, it conducts an employee engagement survey every six months to measure how satisfied employees are,” Michael said. “If a concern is identified, management addresses it immediately and then communicates back to the organization what the corrective action was.” It’s no surprise to find many employees with long tenures at CBE. “Ive been here nearly 20 years and have co-workers who have been here much longer,” Michael said. “CBE must be doing something right. The people are great, the benefits are great, even with the challenges related to ACA. Facilities are beautiful and, most importantly, the career opportunities are almost limitless.” That is as it should be, said Tom Penaluna, CEO. “As an employer, one of the most important things we can do is give them a vision and a focus on what we’re trying to do and make sure we can provide all the tools they need to be successful and get out of their way and let them be successful,” Penaluna said. “So far, it has worked out well for us and them. We’re fortunate to have the quality of workers here in the Cedar Valley.” CBE employee Dan Tovar said he liked the professionalism he found at the company.
Address: 1309 Technology Parkway, Cedar Falls. Phone: 234-6686. Website: cbecompanies.com. Number of employees: 882 locally. What the company does: CEO Tom Penaluna describes CBE Cos. as a “business process outsourcer” that helps clients with “back-office” challenges. How it stands out in its field: “Employees are recognized for a job well done in many different ways,” employee Jamie Swart said.
COURTNEY COLLINS / Courier Staff Photographer
CBE trainer Nick Elliott, center, conducts a communication exercise in Cedar Falls.
“I started at CBE for a job, and quickly it turned into my career. This company has invested time into me, both personally and professionally.”
of a “succession plan” that will assure it continues on an upward trajectory. Human resources employee Toni Babcock said she sees the company from a variety of perspectives and meets an array of people, from applicants to new
hires to tenured employees. “I have had countless opportunities to learn and grow at CBE and appreciate the trust the leadership team has in me,” Babcock said. “We have encountered a large amount of change over the past 12-18
months as we have expanded our business, but it has only challenged us to think differently and find new ways of doing old processes.” CBE, which embraces Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and instills its values in employees, make a genuine commitment to its workforce, said Stephanie Perry. “I started at CBE for a job, and quickly it turned into my career,” Perry said. “This company has invested time into me, both personally and professionally.”
Stephanie Perry “Since starting at CBE, I’ve worked with some of the best people in my entire career, from the management to the associates,” he said. “This tells you a lot about the culture at CBE. I believe that CBE recognizes part of the foundation of its success is through the hard work and dedication of its talented workforce at all levels.” The company encourages employee advancement as part
THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED EMPLOYEES FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY, EXCELLENCE & CUSTOMER SATISFACTION VIEW OUR OPEN POSITIONS & APPLY ONLINE:
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Sunday, September 6, 2015
CFU employees tout culture, communication JIM OFFNER jim.offner@wcfcourier.com
CEDAR FALLS — In January, the president of the United States dropped in on Cedar Falls Utilities to hold up the company as a national example for its efforts to build its broadband network. Re cog n i t i o n ca m e f ro m Google and state officials as well. The national attention was a morale booster, said Jim Krieg, general manager of the utility. It provides electricity, gas, water, cable TV and Internet service to its Cedar Falls customer base. “There’s just a good feeling about that recognition,” Krieg said. Employee Linda Mills, a 42-year veteran, agreed. “Employees at CFU are
Cedar Falls Utilities Address: 1 Utility Parkway, Cedar Falls. Phone: 266-1761. Website: cfunet.net. Number of employees: About 180 full time. What the company does: Public utility in Cedar Falls. How it stands out in its field: CFU says it stresses core values of employee and customer service.
encouraged to be innovative, and this was evident with the visit from the president in January,” she said. Now, CFU is an Employer of Choice. And that’s more personal, according to employees who nominated their company for the award.
“We hire and retain topnotch employees because of our reputation of being an employer of choice in the Cedar Valley,” Mills said. “It is a company where you can be recognized for your contributions and treated with respect.” CFU emphasizes a culture of teamwork, community involvement and service, employees said. “When the phone rings at CFU it gets answered. CFU employes recognize the fact they exist to serve the customer, a CFU shareholder, and provide the respect and quality customer service that is deserved,” employee Kent Halder said. That attitude is directed inward, too, said Doug Seehase. “CFU is the first company that I have worked for that truly
THANK YOU TO OUR EMPLOYEES
For making us a Cedar Valley Employer of Choice.
7314 Chancellor Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (319) 266-1771 • http://krytonmetals.com/
COURTNEY COLLINS / Courier Staff Photographer
Duistin Halter works at his desk at Cedar Falls Utilities. CFU’s company culture puts emphasis on customer satisfaction, employee enthusiasm and fiscal responsibility. cares about the health and wellbeing of their employees in the Cedar Valley,” Seehase said. Communication is central to that philosophy. “At CFU, we are allowed to attend the quarterly meeting, when the CEO presents anniversary milestones and awards,” Seehase said. “He also reviews upcoming projects and goals. We also have department meetings monthly to go over safety issues, wellness questions and equipment needs.” The company also encourages professional development. “I have taken online courses to further my education,” Seehase said. “They have also sent me to different work-related expos.” Maintaining an open relationship with employees is part of the culture CFU promotes,
Krieg said. “We are continually working with employees and trying to make them better individuals and better employees for our organization,” he said. “We do an awful lot to recognize them for their achievements. We keep them up to date with what’s going on, and they appreciate knowing because they may be an employee in one area but don’t know what other departments are doing. It’s giving them the big picture of where we’re going and why we’re going there.” Ian Crowther-Green, who has been with CFU for 5 years, said he enjoys his work too much to consider it a “job.” “They say you never work a day if you enjoy what you do; I haven’t worked a day in the past 5-1/2 years, then,” he said.
“We hire and retain top-notch employees because of our reputation of being an employer of choice in the Cedar Valley. It is a company where you can be recognized for your contributions and treated with respect.” Linda Mills
CFU employee
Sunday, September 6, 2015
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Caring begins with staff at Cedar Valley Hospice JIM OFFNER
“Each of us at Cedar Valley Hospice feels strongly about serving our patients, clients and families with the best possible care.”
jim.offner@wcfcourier.com
WATERLOO — In building an organization committed to service to others, managers at Cedar Valley Hospice ensure that promise extends to their employees, CEO Marvin Fagerlind said. “In my mind, it’s not something that you do one thing during the course of the year that makes the staff so happy; it’s the case of one recognizing your staff is the most important resource you have,” Fagerlind said, discussing CVH’s 2015 Employers of Choice Award. It’s essential staff feel positive about where they work and confident in what they’re doing. “How it makes people we’re serving feel and staff feel is partially a responsibility of management to make sure staff is as satisfied as can be and that staff are recognized for what they do, and we do that in a whole variety of ways,” he said. Central to Cedar Valley Hospice’s mission is the care of families in time of need, and that extends to employees. “We recognize every day that our staff has families, and if they need time away to take care of a child, spouse or parent, we’re going to enable them to do that, and it doesn’t require a federal regulation,” Fagerlind said. Employees say the approach works. “I have worked for CVH since 2007 and have experienced and seen for others the benefits of working for an organization that values their employees
Shannon Melcher BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer
A morning staff meeting gets underway at Cedar Valley Hospice in Waterloo. just as much as the people they serve,” employee Chris Olds said. “Whether it is providing adequate sick leave, generous vacation or understanding that employees want and need to put family first if at all possible, Cedar Valley Hospice is second to none.” Employees are aware their employer has high standards of service, and they feel they play important roles in maintaining those ideals, Shannon Melcher said. “Each of us at Cedar Valley Hospice feels strongly about serving our patients, clients and families with the best possible care,” Melcher said. The day-to-day routine of service to clients also sensitizes employees to the needs of coworkers, Melcher said. “We see firsthand the things that matter most in life every day serving people at such difficult times, and management understands that supporting our families and our per-
Cedar Valley Hospice Address: 2101 Kimball Ave., Waterloo. Phone: 272-2002. Website: cvhospice.org. Number of employees: 130. What the company does: Multiservice agency that provides palliative and hospice care to people and their families, along with grief support services and medical case management for people with HIV-AIDS. How it stands out in its field: The Eucalyptus Tree program addresses the grief needs of children and youth, and it is uncommon to find such a service among hospices, according to CEO Marvin Fagerlind.
sonal lives helps us be the best employees,” Melcher said. The organization’s Employee Engagement Committee has representatives from all departments to address any concerns and field suggestions, Melcher said.
In an evolving health care field, the committee is more valuable than ever. “With all of the health care changes, we are constantly striving to learn new things to keep Cedar Valley Hospice as the leader in hospice care in the Cedar Valley,” Melcher said. “We are all empowered through consistent management guidance to find improvement and
solutions that not only help the agency but also those we love to serve every day.” K a t i e Un l a n d , a 7-yea r employee, praised CVH’s “supportive” and “flexible” attitude toward its staff. “They truly care about their employees and allow them time to take care of family and personal needs that come up in life,” she said. “Cedar Valley Hospice is mission-driven and has a family-like culture that is great to be a part of.” There are ample opportunities for professional development. “I have been given many opportunities to continue to learn in my career,” Unland said. “I have always appreciated their willingness to invest in me as an employee, and it makes me feel valued.”
Proud To Be An Employer of Choice!
Member FDIC
BankIowa.com Cedar Falls Cedar Rapids Independence Jesup Lamont Norway Waterloo
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Sunday, September 6, 2015
DISTek engineers another EOC award JIM OFFNER jim.offner@wcfcourier.com
CEDAR FALLS — Winning The Courier’s Employers of Choice Award has become something of a habit at DISTek Integration Inc. CEO Matt Dickinson was asked to speculate on how the company keeps pulling off the feat. “I don’t know, because I stay out of it,” he joked. What he does know is DISTek hires good people and lets them do their thing. “Teamwork and respect for each other” are the keys, Dickinson said. There are other inducements, especially now that the company has launched an employee stock ownership plan. As of
December 2014, employees own a portion of the company, Dickinson said. “The stated intention is to sell it to them over time,” he said. ESOPs generally are considered an effective inducement for employees, since, as partial owners, they have a stake in the organization’s success. “They get a little bit of an ownership mentality,” Dickinson said. “They can ask, ‘Is this cost-effective? Does this make sense?’ Just the overall bigpicture kind of thing.” But DIStek employees say they’ve been operating with that mentality anyway. They like the company’s approach to its mission and its staff. “I chose to work for DISTek specifically because the com-
DIStek Integration Inc.
COURTNEY COLLINS / Courier Staff Photographer
Joe Fisher, left, and Mike Volz work on a project together at DISTek Integration in Cedar Falls. pany’s value system matched so closely with mine — a caring, employee- and family-focused organization that encourages
Our Patients Only recOmmend the Best… and sO dO Our emPlOyees
When it comes to choosing health care, we know you listen to family and friends. That’s why we’re honored to be among the nation’s most recommended hospitals.* When it comes to choosing a health care organization to work in, our employees have nominated GCMH as a Cedar Valley Employer of Choice for the fourth year in a row!
Thank you to our patients and to our employees. We’re honored by the trust you place in us. *GCMH patient surveys from the past year show the hospital is in the Top 5% in the nation for patients’ willingness to recommend our health care services. The hospital is also a nine-time winner of Patient Satisfaction awards from Press Ganey, a health care consulting firm.
continuous education and self-improvement,” said Bob Theisen, who nominated DISTek for the Employers of Choice honor this year. That means work schedules will bend to accommodate family matters and unanticipated turns. “Flexible work schedules allow me to trade time for a kids ballgame without feeling guilty or neglectful,” Theisen said. And there are numerous other perks. “Requests for additional training or education are met with an approach of making it work for the employee. Regular public kudos in our company social network, along with tokens of appreciation and bonuses, keep employees wellrecognized,” he said. Wellness also is a priority. DISTek is a Blue Zones workplace with an active wellness program in place.
Address: 6612 Chancellor Drive, Suite 600, Cedar Falls. Phone: 859-3600. Website: distek.com. Number of employees: 98. What the company does: Provider of custom embedded software design services, modeling expertise and test systems to the off-road industry. How it stands out in its field: “People here get a little bit of an ownership mentality,” according to CEO Matt Dickinson.
Others cited a positive culture at the company. “DISTek’s core values of people, community, integrity and customer commitment are key to our business and a true cornerstone for the decisions and choices we make day to day,” said Kyle Ross. The company moves thoughtfully, with an ear for employee input. “DISTek has a strong sense of common-sense roots, where we make sure all decisions are sound before committing fully to them,” he said. “Our work environment is the perfect balance between challenging and fun.” T h e co m pa ny ’s c u l t u re seeps into all of its activities, and that’s a key to its success, employee Joe Fisher said. “It’s a fun, low-stress place to get stuff done,” Fisher said, noting there were plenty of “great growth opportunities, superflexible work schedules, lots of chances to learn new things.”
“I chose to work for DISTek specifically because the company’s value system matched so closely with mine — a caring, employee- and family-focused organization that encourages continuous education and self-improvement.” Bob Theisen
Sunday, September 6, 2015
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Grundy County Memorial Hospital workers close-knit EMILY EPPENS newsroom@wcfcourier.com
GRUNDY CENTER — Staff at Grundy County Memorial Hospital say they see more than a employer-employee relationship in play where their jobs are concerned. Employees say they are proud to be associated with the Grundy Center hospital, which was established in 1952. One reason, they say, is they feel appreciated. “GCMH is a great place to work,” said Jody Schipper, an employee who nominated the hospital as one of The Courier’s Employers of Choice. “Leadership is always active and involved. They care about your work/life balance and ensure that you meet your personal and family responsibilities as well as your workplace responsibilities.” Schipper noted CEO Jennifer Havens knows every employee by name, not a small feat for an organization of 220 people. Beyond the active leadership, GCMH provides employees with opportunities for growth and welcomes new employees with open arms. Ally Kwikkel, a fairly new graduate, said the hospital staff not only fully welcomed her into the specialty clinic but let her help in the surgery depart-
ment as well, so she could continue to grow as a nurse. “ T h ey a lways h ave t h e patient’s best interest in mind, which helps employees do a great job,” Kwikkel said. In order to keep workers well informed, a weekly newsletter goes out to communicate happenings throughout the hospital. Quarterly associate meetings also take place, often with a guest speaker. Management works the front lines to ensure clear and easy access to the employees. BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer “We would not be where we’re at today without the employees Ashley Junker, left, and her 5-year-old daughter, Sophia, with Dr. David Hagedorn; Teri Phelps, RN; and that work here,” Havens said. Shelly Johnson in the Grundy County Memorial Hospital emergency room in Grundy Center. “We value every role and the work they do in the hospital.” The hospital is actively involved with the community, participating in health and wellness events such as Relay for Life, health education programs with the YMCA and similar venues and local fairs. Havens said the fact the organization is in a small community makes every patient seem like family. “The fact that we are small allows us to really know each other, not only on a first-name basis, but we know each others’ families and what is going on in the others’ life. The relationships I have formed here are very special to me.”
Grundy County Memorial Hospital Address: 201 E. J Avenue, Grundy Center. Phone: 824-5421. Website: www.unitypoint.org/grundycounty. Number of employees: Around 220. What the company does: Provides genuine caring healthcare to its patients in a family-felt atmosphere. How it stands out in its field: The employees at GCMH really care about the patients’ well-being. “The small community makes the care even more genuine,” said Jennifer Havens, president of the hospital. “It’s like a bug family here.”
...to our dedicated staff who make CBE an
Employer of Choice in the Cedar Valley!
Find Your New Career at CBE and Apply Online Today at CBEjobs.com
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Background checks and drug testing required. Credit checks not conducted for entry-level positions.
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Sunday, September 6, 2015
Hogan-Hansen holds onto values through growth JIM OFFNER jim.offner@wcfcourier.com
WATERLOO — Hogan-Hansen is in growth mode, having recently added its eighth office, in Mason City. Employees, however, say the 91-year-old accounting and consulting firm based in Waterloo never has lost touch with its small-business roots. That appeals to Ben Schradle, who works in Hogan-Hansen’s Traer office. “My favorite thing about Hogan-Hansen is that while we are a bigger firm and continuing to grow, they maintain a smallbusiness feel,” Schradle said. “Management is approachable, and they are flexible regarding family and other personal events.” Schradle noted the firm’s managers seek employee input on how to further improve working
“Like any other job, we all have our own responsibilities, but there are times when everyone has to work as a team to meet deadlines, and the team adhesion is very strong.”
Hogan-Hansen Address: 3128 Brockway Road, Waterloo. Phone: 233-5225. Website: hoganhansen.com. Number of employees: 72. What the company does: Accounting/consulting firm. How it stands out in its field: “As owners, we operate the firm as a place that we’d want to work at if we weren’t already the owners,” CEO Steve Duggan said.
conditions. “Management cares about what the employees think and encourages feedback on how they can improve the company as a whole and the workplace environment,” Schradle said. Others agreed. “They have a great atmosphere — friendly and fun co-workers and partners — and they treat you
Jolene Leerar BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer
CPA Sydney Maas at work at Hogan-Hansen PC. Photographed Monday, July 27, 2015, in Waterloo, Iowa. like family,” said Danielle Coulter. “They always do things for their employees to show appreciation, and they always keep a high morale in the office.” The reason is simple, said Steve
Duggan, CEO and one of five principals with the firm. “As owners, we operate the firm as a place that we’d want to work at if we weren’t already the owners,” Duggan said. “We structure our firm to provide a level of service our staff can be proud of in an environment that supports them — and we like to have some fun along the way.” Duggan cited a commitment to flexibility for employees as an example. “We try and have flexible work arrangements for folks,” he said. “I remember when I had little kids — if they’re sick, you want to have flexibility to take time off and not have to use paid time off. We’re always thinking about those situations, how that impacted us as owners and how it impacts staff and their day-today life.” Sue Becker said that’s one reason she has worked for the company for more than 30 years. “During that time, my husband and I raised two children,” Becker said. “I was allowed the flexibility to take time off and/ or work flexible hours as needed to take them to appointments, give them a ride to school and back, as well as take time off when they were not feeling well.” Through its growth, the company has not forgotten its roots. “The firm provides several
company functions throughout the year to enable employees from all locations to get together so that we can get to know each other,” Becker said, listing a golf outings, baseball games, company picnics, lake cruises and Christmas parties. “They are very easy to talk to and are always open to suggestions to make changes for the better of all,” Bekcer said. “They are very appreciative and make employees feel important.” Newcomers have noticed, said Nick Aarsen, who recently started with the company. “As a relatively new employee, my experience has been excellent during my time with HoganHansen,” he said. “They take the time to go the extra mile for their clients to make sure that they are doing the best job possible. Whether it is a simple tax return or a large, complex audit, HoganHansen strives for perfection. They are also a very family-oriented firm, which is especially nice for those employees who are trying to maintain a balanced home-work life.” Another “fairly new employee,” Jolene Leerar, agreed. “Like any other job, we all have our own responsibilities, but there are times when everyone has to work as a team to meet deadlines, and the team adhesion is very strong,” Leerar said. “The management team is also accessible and approachable. HoganHansen has been supportive of family and is flexible when we have family issues.”
Sunday, September 6, 2015
www.wcfcourier.com The EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE Courier
PAGE 11
Reinvention leads Kryton to award-winning performance JIM OFFNER
B&R Quality Meats
jim.offner@wcfcourier.com
CEDAR FALLS — Several years ago, Kevin Harberts set about trying to change things for the better at the company he founded in 1981. In 2011, Harberts changed the company’s identity from Iowa Metal Spinners Inc. to Kryton Engineered Metals. The new name combined two Greek words — kratos, which means metal, and tryton, which refers to strength, said Harberts, who launched the company just out of high school with Max Jordan and Tony Hildman. But for Harberts, who had bought out his founding partners in the 1990s, the change in moniker was just on the surface. It was just one way he wanted to rethink the company. “It’s probably been six years ago now I decided we needed to change the culture here,” he said. “I just felt to stay relevant and grow the company we needed to change the culture from what it was.” Harberts said the firm’s evolution remains a work in progress, but he has one important indication the company is on the right track: Kryton has won a 2015 Employers of Choice Award from The Courier. One of Harberts’ goals was to open up communication with employees and let them know they were a key component in the firm’s renaissance. The award indicates it’s on the right track. “They spend a lot of time here, and I wanted them to know I care about them and I’d do what I could to take care of them as long as they’re part of Kryton,” Harberts said. “That has helped with our culture shift. We went from a group of people that lived paycheck to paycheck to more of a group of people that are in this together. ... It’s been outstanding, but it surely didn’t happen overnight.” The changes began at the top. “I feel we hire very intelligent people, and they can see through
BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer
Rob Smith sets up the robot attachment of a CNC spinning lathe to move parts on and off the lathe at Kryton Engineered Metals in Cedar Falls. if you’re feeding them a line of stuff that’s not true. You have to be open. That’s sometimes hard, but the more honest and open you can be, the better it is,” hesaid. The company’s workforce of around 80 workers has responded. “From me to the janitor, everybody knows what the heck we’re (trying to accomplish) every day. They’re all in; they’re vested.” Employee Jose Luna, who n o m i n a te d K ry to n a s a n Employer of Choice, said the environment is conducive to growth, both for workers and the company. “The moment you walk in that building, you can feel the positive energy and the warmth of the team members,” he said. “That feeling is hard to describe in words and could only be experienced at Kryton.” Professional and personal wellness opportunities abound at the company. “This company offers opportunities to all team members and is always finding ways to keep the employee happy,” Luna said. The company offers a gym for employees and their families and other activities throughout the year. Employee Jason Mathern, who has been with the company just a few weeks, noticed a positive vibe right away.
“I’m new, but I can tell you the environment here is amazing,” he said. “I’ve never worked at a place that genuinely cares for the employees like Kryton. Everyone here seems to view
Address: 7314 Chancellor Drive, Cedar Falls. Phone: 266-1771. Website: krytonmetals.com. Number of employees: 75. What the company does: The company manufactures spun metal component and fabrication parts. How it stands out in its field: “Kryton Engineered Metals maintains the most recent technology and a staff of specialists who can help un-clutter your work flow and manufacturing processes,” CEO Kevin Harberts said.
success in terms of fulfillment and gratification, not just money. Our executive team believes and manages exactly this way: faith, family, work.” Mike Zehentner agreed. “Kryton Engineered Metals truly operates with the core beliefs of God, family and then
“Kryton Engineered Metals truly operates with the core beliefs of God, family and then company.” Mike Zehentner company,” Zehentner said. He noted the company has a “Kryton Kares” fund that helps financially support employees and their families during tough times. He pointed to a twice-a-week on-site fitness class. “Kryton is one team, with transparent goals from our owner on down through our executive team to the rest of our company, where people are rewarded for a job well done and promoted for excelling at their jobs,” Zehentner said.
to our employees for making HGS an outstanding place to work.
www.teamhgs.com 319-236-3483 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/D/V | HGS IS A DRUG-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/D/V | HGS IS A DRUG-FREE ENVIRONMENT.
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EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE
The Courier
www.wcfcourier.com
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Martin Bros. celebrates 75 years JIM OFFNER jim.offner@wcfcourier.com
CEDAR FALLS — In a 75th anniversary year full of celebrations, Martin Bros. Distributing has one more reason to cheer: The Cedar Falls-based food service distributor is one of The Courier’s Employers of Choice for 2015. “We are very happy to be selected as a preferred employer by the people who make it happen every day,” said Brooks Martin, CEO and grandson of Roy Martin, who founded the company in 1940 as Martin Bros. Paper Co. in his parents’ garage in Cedar Falls. Today, Brooks Martin and his brother, Jeff, run the familyowned company the same way
their grandfather did, Brooks Martin said. The business is one of the Midwest’s largest food service distributors, with more expansion underway. It has its own logistics branch and even a thriving retail store on Viking Road in the Cedar Falls Industrial Park, adjacent to a massive warehouse facility, located at 6623 Chancellor Drive. “As a company, we have adopted this golden rule: Treat people how you want to be treated,” Brooks Martin said. There is no bureaucracy at the company, and all employee suggestions are heard, Martin noted. “Oftentimes our greatest breakthroughs come from the people doing the work,” he said.
Warehouse employees go through their daily routine at Martin Bros. Distributing in Cedar Falls. “This mindset allows us to anticipate market changes and adjust to them, maintaining our status as a leader in the industry.” Workers have a stake in the company’s fortunes since it has an employee stock ownership
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plan. The ESOP contributes to the company’s success. “Half of our company is owned by the employees, and we are vigilant in making sure everyone is treated like an owner with a stake in its success,” Martin said. “Even after 75 years, our company’s founding belief system is applied: If your employees are happy, the customers will be happy. Everybody wins.” It’s a family-oriented philosophy, and it works, said Gina Mether, who nominated Martin Bros. for the Employers of Choice honor. “Martin Bros. is family-owned, and they believe in family first; I have never had any issues when it comes to that,” Mether said. “They are always understanding. They are very good with recognizing employees for a job well done. This is an absolute wonderful company to work for.” John Mapes said he worked for another food service company for 16 years before arriving at Martin Bros. five years ago. He said the contrast is notable. “I am no longer just a number in a corporate file,” Mapes said. “Brooks and Jeff Martin personally come to meetings and shows and thank their employees and customers for making our company so successful. I am truly thankful to have the opportunity to work here.” Longtime employees hold a special reverence among owners, said Doug Coen. “Enter the front door of the
COURTESY PHOTO
Martin Bros. Distributing Address: 6623 Chancellor Drive, Cedar Falls. Phone: 266-1775. Website: martinsnet.com. Number of employees: About 300 locally. What the company does: Foodservice distributor for restaurants, schools, nursing care facilities and other institutions in Iowa and six other Midwestern states. How it stands out in its field: “Martin Bros. is a third-generation family-owned company, and they treat employees like they are family,” employee Christine Link said.
marketing center and you will see a wall mounting of employees with 25 years at Martin Bros.,” Coen said, noting there are 42 names on the wall. That the list is so lengthy is no accident. “That longevity speaks to the work and personal atmosphere here,” Coen said. “Generous benefits and a 401(k) are common, but an ESOP that makes an everyday employee a stockholder is not. Work 35 years at Martin Bros. and your retirement account will be substantial.” “As we approach $500 million in annual sales, I could not have asked for a better place to spend 40 years of my life,” he said.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
www.wcfcourier.com The EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE Courier
PAGE 13
Peters Construction provides commitment, dedication EMILY EPPENS newsroom@wcfcourier.com
WATERLOO — In a world of “just get it done,” Peters Construction’s philosophy is “just get it done, safely.” Peters Construction in Waterloo strives to make employees its No. 1 priority in and out of the workplace. Forty-four percent of approximately 60 employees have been with the company for more than 10 years. “Construction can be a hazardous occupation. It’s very important to us to take care of our people and send them home safe,” said David Peters, CEO of Peters Construction. “We work long hours sometimes, but family is important. When a son or daughter has a sports game or a concert, I expect them to be there.” Communication is key in the construction business. Peters Construction superintendents
receive weekly progress reports. Bi-weekly field operation meetings are held to inform employees about upcoming projects and to hear employee input. Monthly meetings are held for safety training and concerns. In addition to a flexible schedule, Peters Construction supports employees continuing their education. Through partnerships with Hawkeye Community College and Master Builders of Iowa, Peters lets employees take construction-related classes and pays the costs. Some programs last up to three or four years. “When I was in college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do because I didn’t see myself in construction,” said Nathan Peters, David Peter’s son. “I took an internship as an accountant at Peters [Construction] and I enjoyed it. After I graduated, I took an accounting job with the company.” David Peters stresses the
Peters Construction Corp.
MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor
Brian Lageschulte, left, construction superintendent, and Nick Hellman, project manager at Peters Construction, on the site of the NewAldaya Lifescapes Memory Care House in Cedar Falls. idea of family in the workplace; skilled employees often teach newer employees the trade. To insure the employees know their efforts are appreciated, recognition is given to long-
time employees and employees who stress safety procedures. Peters often sends personal letters to employees who have gone beyond their duties. “It really is a family here, many
Address: 901 Black Hawk Road, Waterloo. Phone: 236-2003. Website: www.petersconstruction.com. Number of employees: Around 60. What the company does: A commercial and industrial contractor, the company often works on area colleges, schools and hospitals. How it stands out in its field: “Long hours and hard work are a part of construction. Peters understands time off for vacations, and family matters. Conferences keep employees fresh,” said Mark Kennedy, a Peters Construction employee.
employees know my family,” said Debbi Allender, a 15-year employee. “We have regular company functions where family or guests are welcome.”
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PAGE 14
EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE
The Courier
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Sunday, September 6, 2015
Power Engineering welcomes daily challenges EMILY EPPENS
Power Engineering and Manufacturing Ltd.
newsroom@wcfcourier.com
WATERLOO — If you are tired of the dayto-day routine, Power Engineering and Manufacturing Ltd. may be right for you, employees say. Every day on the job involves new challenges, said John Warren, PEM president. The company creates gearboxes to assist in the oil, steel leveling and mining industries. Because each request for a gearbox is unique, every gearbox is custom-made by the PEM employees. “It’s not the same thing all the time. It’s constantly changing,” Warren said. “There’s something new and interesting to do every day. I view it as my playground; I love coming to work.” Besides the promise of new challenges, all full-time employees receive generous health and dental insurance benefits. Regular paid bonuses, a free lunch the first Tuesday of the month and free Cattle Congress tickets also all ways PEM shows apprecia-
TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer
Ryan Ginn with Power Engineering and Manufacturing prepares a gearbox for painting in Waterloo.
tion to the employees. “Employees are provided with regular positive and individual and group feedback to commend and inspire us,” said Vicki Koepke, employee. She also said PEM offers professional development and cross training opportunities to the employees who wish to further their skills. All PEM managers have been promoted
Address: 2635 WCF&N Drive, Waterloo. Phone: 232-2311. Website: www.pemltd.com. Number of employees: About 85. What the company does: Designs and manufactures custom made gearboxes for industrial purposes. Often used in the oil, mining and steel leveling industries. How it stands out in its field: “This is not a routine job, it’s not the same thing over and over again. Every day is custom and unique.” said John Warren, PEM president. Free dental and health insurance are also offered to fulltime employees.
from inside the company, offering employees the opportunity to move up. Management better understands employees’ needs on a personal level. Family is of high importance, and scheduling flexibility is given. “The company has undergone a huge
transformation in the last few years,” Warren said. “The schedule is made by a computer program — it schedules products to all get done at the same time, which is more efficient for the company and the employee. Products used to be scattered projects, now we get more done than we ever did before.” A summer outing, yearly Christmas party, milestone dinners and a yearly golf outing and chili cook-off are all events the employees eagerly look forward to. PEM strives to be active in educating the community about the manufacturing industry. Company personnel are encouraged to help in community festivals such as My Waterloo Days and Cattle Congress. PEM sponsors softball teams and donates money to local sporting events and booster clubs. “PEM puts forth noticeable effort to make sure their employees feel appreciated,” employee Dennis Schilling said. “Why do I love my job and this company? Because my company loves me.”
Our vision at Western Home Communities:
life fulfilled.
Our mission is to create fulfilling lifestyles for those we serve, their families and our employees. The Employer of Choice honor belongs to all those who live that mission every day, creating a culture that has propelled us forward for 102 years.
www.WesternHomeCommunities.org
Sunday, September 6, 2015
www.wcfcourier.com The EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE Courier
PAGE 15
Allen Hospital ranks high nationally EMILY EPPENS newsroom@wcfcourier.com
WATERLOO — Leaders at UnityPoint-Allen Hospital say they always have ranked the health care facility’s employees among its most important assets. The Waterloo hospital was ranked in the top 100 community hospitals in Becker’s Hospital Review and in the top 50 cardiovascular hospitals by Cardiovascular Truven Analytics. “We want the best outcome for the patients every time, and the employees really buy into that mindset,” said Pam Delagardelle, the hospital’s CEO. “We engage employees in improving health in the communities that we serve. If we don’t provide a great place for them to work, we can’t expect them to provide quality work.” Allen provides a unique culture that fosters employees’ professional development, workers there say. Employees who want to further their education can
attend Allen College for as little as $550 for a bachelor’s degree. “There aren’t many jobs where you hear individuals say they love waking up every morning just to go to work. ... At UnityPoint Health, it’s always a great day to be at work,” said Angie Fuller, marketing manager. Workers are rewarded through employee recognition events and luncheons at the hospital. Every month an employee forum is held to keep staff informed and for an understanding of what employees and the workplace environment needs. Once or twice a month,
employees are invited to sit down one-on-one with Delagardelle in an event known as “Pizza with Pam.” During these lunches, employees can express ideas and concerns to benefit the organization. “We are more than a building that takes care of sick people,” said Steven Cusher, employee. “We are a family that takes care of each other along with our community.” Delagardelle said there are employees who have worked for the company for more than 45 years. Allen Hospital gives back to
the community by providing charity care to people who can’t afford treatment. It provides services and finances to Cedar Valley United Way, American Heart Association, the local food bank and the American Cancer Society.
“Employees recognize the work they do is rewarding and every action has the opportunity to make a difference,” Delagardelle said. “There’s a lot of longevity here, and you don’t get to see that at every organization.”
UnityPoint-Allen Hospital Address: 1825 Logan Avenue, Waterloo. Phone: 235-3180. Website: http://www.unitypoint.org/waterloo. Number of employees: 2090. What the company does: Medicine. How it stands out in its field: Allen Hospital employees “live out their mission of ‘the best outcome, every patient, every time,’ which is only achievable by having the best employees who truly demonstrate the values of a caring organization,” said Tom Eachus, employee.
August 2010
A Work Family FOR THE HARDEST FIGHT OF MY LIFE “You never know how strong you are until strong is your only option. When I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer my Amperage family helped me through the hardest time of my life. They kept me going, and helped me to keep looking forward no matter how sick I felt. “Their support made me feel like I was still a crucial part of the team, even when I was going through treatment. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to work when I was experiencing the hardest fight of my life.” Tiffini Kieler, Amperage Design Manager
Amperage is honored to be awarded one of the Employers of Choice in the Cedar Valley. But we are more proud of our employees and what they mean to the agency and each other. COURTNEY COLLINS / Courier Staff Photographer
Employees at Allen Hospital attend a recognition luncheon July 28 in Waterloo.
AmperageMarketing.com
PAGE 16
EMPLOYERS OF CHOICE
The Courier
www.wcfcourier.com
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Western Home is a family-oriented organization EMILY EPPENS newsroom@wcfcourier.com
WATERLOO — Western Home Communities is a flourishing home environment that brings a new meaning to retirement — and employment, according to workers who nominated it as an Employer of Choice. Founded in 1906, Western Homes offers a range of living options for its residents, from independent living to full-time assisted living. Employees who work at the organization said the job answers a yearning to serve others. “Western Home Communities is a very family-oriented place to work,” said Cindy Wiles, one of numerous workers who nominated the organization as an Employer of Choice. “The years of experience and
the stories that go back decades are very rewarding.” Western Home opened Iowa’s first “small house” nursing homes June 1. The cottages operate on a household model with as much independence as an occupant needs, with 16 or fewer residents in each cottage. “It’s a family-open atmosphere,” said Kris Hanson, president of Western Home. “It’s amazing how a home environment can help people get better.” Employees are encouraged to get to know the residents and get involved with their lives both on and off the clock. “If our people are only here for a paycheck, I just as soon we separate now,” Hanson said. “We want (employees) to open themselves to love and to be loved and have interaction and participate
in (residents’) lives and them in yours. We are very fortunate to have employees that embrace that.” The paid-time-off program allows employees flexibility when their personal schedules get busy. Hansen said it is particularly handy for employees around the holiday season. “The freedom and inclusion given to the residents is not typical in a nursing home setting,” said Matt Garcia, who works at Western Home. “It’s why I love working at Western Home.” Western Home is involved in the community, providing leadership for nonprofit organizations and helping with events at the University of Northern Iowa and Hawkeye Community College. “It takes us all to make it the best,” Hanson said. “We
Western Home Communities Address: 420 E 11th St, Cedar Falls. Phone: 277-2141. Website: www.westernhomecommunities.org. Number of employees: About 750. What the company does: Provides long-term care. How it stands out in its field: Western Homes recently opened Iowa’s first “small house” nursing homes. “[It’s] putting the home back in nursing home,” said Linda Bowman, employee.
try our best to empower all of the different settings in the organization, people take care of other people so we can let our residents have the best days and outcomes they can have.”
because
BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer
Western Home Communities employees Carolyn Martin, left, and Lizzie Jones with Gail Tansey in Cedar Falls.
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