At VGM we invest in our employee-owners, proudly serve our community and provide impactful solutions to 50,000 businesses nationwide.
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VGM
VGM spreads its wings with latest expansion In 1986, when then Waterloo Mayor Bernie McKinley showed up for VGM’s ribbon-cutting ceremony at 525 W. Fifth street, he asked VGM’s founder, Van G. Miller, what his goals were for the business. “I want to be in business a year from now,” said Miller. Thirty-one years later, a lot has changed for VGM, but the one constant is the growth and evolution of a company that provides solutions to more than 50,000 businesses nationwide. August 24 marked another milestone for the company as Waterloo Mayor Quinton Hart and other dignitaries met current VGM chief executive officer, Mike Mallaro, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of an extensive expansion project. What started as a 1,500 square foot office on West Fifth Street
BRANDON POLLOCK, COURIER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
has evolved to 350,000 square feet of workspace throughout the Cedar Valley, in addition to seven other offices nationwide and in Canada.
“I remember the first time I went into the original office on Fifth Street and saw Van sitting alone at the desk he had borrowed from me,” said Jim Walsh,
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board chairman and general sion created.” That vision certainly came to counsel of VGM Group, Inc. “In the back of my mind, I believed fruition. he would see a great enterprise rise from the foundation his viPlease see EXPANSION, Page 4
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VGM
We’re not only co-owners,
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Expansion
Many of VGM associates are using laptops instead of traditional desktop computers, which allows meetings and work sessions to take place in less formal spaces than traditional boardrooms and meetings spaces. Outdoor workstations also are available on the campus. “The addition to VGM’s main campus allows us to offer a top of the line workplace environment for our greatest asset, our associates. The fit and finish of every part of the building is designed to enhance the working environment for the people who make VGM successful every single day,” said Miehe. “Our people are the company. We want our associates to feel valued and proud of their workplace because we value their contributions and are proud of them.”
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As part of VGM’s most significant capital improvement plan to date, construction on the new building broke ground in spring 2015. The $23 million expansion added 83,000 square feet of new office space to accommodate approximately 300 employees and expanded the fitness center. The impressive structure will forever change the skyline of Waterloo as seen from Highway 20. The “winged” roofline almost mirrors one of the late founder’s favorite symbols of America, a bald eagle in flight. “Van was kind enough to let me, with the help of others, plan and design the physical expansion of VGM,” said Walsh, who was an original investor and lent Miller his first desk. “I believe he would be happy with the finished project and know that if he was alive, he would say that VGM’s employee owners are the ones who built the enterprise and The expansion includes renothat they should benefit from vated locker rooms, more than its success.” 30 pieces of exercise and weight equipment and a new studio to Comfort and style. host fitness programs. Along
Green and sustainable. Planning for growth. BRANDON POLLOCK, COURIER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
with the expanded fitness facility, VGM added a wellness coordinator to manage the fitness center classes and activities. Wellness programs like smok-
ing cessation, Weight Watchers and even free fruit are benefits to working at VGM. Other improvements include enhanced Wi-Fi in the building.
Construction of VGM’s expansion began with a ground-breaking ceremony in early spring 2015. The extensive expansion at their national headquarters in Waterloo is the largest capital investment to date for the company.
Part of the VGM culture. Four times in the last seven years, VGM employees, or “associates” as coined by Van Miller, submitted anonymous surveys about work life at VGM, which earned the company the honor of “Iowa’s Top Workplace.” It’s easy to see why. With more than 700 associates in the Waterloo area (and 900 nationwide), the VGM family is always growing. To accommodate nursing mothers, private lactation suites were included in the new office space. The suites offer comfortable chairs, a sink for washing and a refrigerator. “We know that being a working mom is hard work and wanted to provide a homey atmosphere for our new moms,” said Christa Miehe, VGM’s president of Marketing and Shared Services. VGM’s commitment to promoting health and wellness for its associates is evident with the expansion of its fitness facility.
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HaWKEYE sHEEt MEtal inC. 8 3 W. 1 5 t h S t . Wa t e r l o o , I A 233-1415
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VGM
VGM BY THE NUMBERS
total employee owners
Employee Owner = Associate Our founder, Van Miller, referred to VGM employees as “associates.” We continue the tradition and refer to our colleagues as associates or employee owners.
792
employee owners located in Waterloo
Provides solutions for more than
50,000 businesses nationwide
2015 Iowa Top Workplace
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Locations in Waterloo North Liberty Atlanta, GA Merriam, KS
cities Tampa, FL Morristown, N J Phoenix, AZ Toronto, Canada
374,982 square feet nationwide
We partner with local vendors to build and maintain 350,000 square feet of office space in Waterloo.
Inside VGM’s strong company culture The 2017 Top Workplaces in Iowa are about to be announced. Having landed in the top 10 in 2011 and 2013, as well as taking the top spot for large companies in 2015, associates at VGM Group, Inc. are feeling confident. This is because a strong company culture is at the center of everything VGM does. “I know it’s trite when people talk about it being one big family, but, honestly, that really is how we are here,” said Mindy Casterton-Humpal, client success consultant for The van Halem Group, one of VGM’s 27 businesses. “We know each other. We know about milestones happening in one another’s lives, so we can support each other through those things. And I think that’s something unique to us that not a lot of people have.” Being 100 percent employee-owned, VGM epitomizes the work-hard-play-hard mentality. There are regular fun events for associates (the term used for all VGM employees) to take part in — grill outs on campus with lawn games, company-sponsored Blackhawks and Bucks games, Christmas parties (where the late Van Miller, the company’s founder, could be seen dressed as an elf) and a family fun night on the farm, a company-owned 60-acre facility just south of town used to host off-site meetings and impart impactful experiences. When people say, “such-andsuch company is a great place to work,” they often forget the central idea is “to work” and instead focus on the fun VGM culture. But fun events are more than just added perks for VGM associates. They’re celebrations for the hard work and investment each associate contributes to the growth of VGM. “I don’t think there’s anyone here who feels that this is just
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A flash mob breaks out during VGM’s annual Heartland Conference. a job or they’re here from 8 to 5 just cranking out a product or service and going home,” Casterton-Humpal added. “There is a level of investment that everyone has in our business, in each other and in the
customers we serve.” No matter what the results of the 2017 Top Workplaces contest shows, VGM associates already know one thing to be true — there’s no place they’d rather work.
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The perks of being a VGM associate VGM Group’s greatest employee benefit is the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), an employee retirement account funded entirely by company contributions. Individual retirement accounts grow with increases in stock value that are based on company success. And fortunately for associates, recent growth has been exceptional. VGM employee owners go to work each day knowing their performance and commitment to serving their customers can impact the ESOP stock value. In addition, VGM matches three percent of personal contributions to a 401K plan. The ESOP isn’t listed first simply because it’s an incredible benefit. Employee ownership represents the ideals central to the success of the company and its investment in the associates who work there. It’s a reminder that every benefit that follows COURTESY PHOTO ESOP on the list represents not only VGM’s dedication to tak- Associates get ‘perked’ up while catching up at the espresso machine ing care of associates, but the located in the new expansion. responsibility associates have to one another. From health, dental and life insurance to paid time off and maternity leave, it’s clear VGM takes care of associates and their families. There are, of course, a host of other perks that add up. With the newest addition now open, VGM will again offer 24-hour access to an on-site fitness facility free to associates and family members, helping to keep everyone happy and healthy. In keeping with that effort, VGM provides a place for associates to congregate and make connections with co-workers via coffee bar and library. Near the copper curtain which shrouds the elevator, an illuminated “coffee’” sign points the way toward complimentary cappuccinos, lattes and other caffeinated fare, along with assorted 1501 Technology Parkway, Cedar Falls flavored syrups. Associates need only to bring their own cup. 319-266-5829 www.vjengineering.com There are a lot of small and
large perks to working at VGM, but there is one that is invaluable. The greatest perk of being a VGM associate — is belonging. It’s a sentiment echoed by Mike Mallaro, VGM’s chief executive officer, during his address at the
company’s 2016 shareholders’ meeting. “Tonight, we celebrate the VGM family,” Mallaro said. “We celebrate the values we represent. And we celebrate each and every person that’s part of our VGM family.”
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VGM
Specialized marketing in the Cedar Valley VGM Group, Inc. is a complex entity, housing 27 different businesses under its corporate umbrella and providing services to thousands of businesses nationwide. Two of those companies, Strategic Imaging and VGM Forbin, are more visible to Cedar Valley residents, and they are experiencing a growing presence with many clients right here in the area. Strategic Imaging is VGM’s print shop — and more. From its first job in January 2008, Strategic Imaging has produced a variety of printing, bindery, finishing and mailing services to businesses local and far away. With state-of-the-art presses, Strategic Imaging offers the latest in digital and offset print technology, including variable data imaging, printon-demand and targeted direct marketing with the use of analytics, allowing its customers to see a better return on investment. “Much of our growth in our nine years of operation has come from business and institutions within the Cedar Valley,” said Jim McClatchey, general manager of Strategic Imaging. “Our personal and professional success depends on the health and success of the Cedar Valley, so we make sure to give back to local charitable causes by providing goods, services or direct sponsorships.” With one business producing and delivering targeted print materials, another VGM business, Forbin, specializes in developing the online presence for companies. Founded in 1994 as the Forbin Project and acquired by VGM in 1999, VGM Forbin specializes in the development of internet-based solutions such as websites and online marketing for not only other VGM businesses and customers, but also for health systems, pharmacies, financial institutions and a large variety of unique businesses and associations.
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Associates have a stand-up meeting at VGM Forbin. “We place great importance in providing Cedar Valley businesses with the most innovative and secure web solutions that are SSAE-compliant with excellent global design and
M
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level. Using both company time and donated time after hours, Forbin associates offer continual support to the Boys and Girls Club of the Cedar Valley, North Star Community Services, and
the YMCA, to name a few.” Web marketing trends and techniques are always changing, so Forbin’s digital services are constantly evolving to keep their customers current and competitive online — hence their mantra, “WE DO WEB STUFF.” Duryea credits access to an array of talented, well-educated, and community-minded workforce as a key ingredient to success. “The Cedar Valley has made a huge impact on VGM Forbin, most noticeably in our homegrown team,” said Duryea. “The vast majority of Forbin’s developers, designers and writers grew up in the area and attended University of Northern Iowa, Hawkeye Community College, or Wartburg College. They’re deeply rooted in the Cedar Valley and are especially inspired by projects that allow them to use their talents for local development such as our collaboration with the Northeast Iowa Regional Board of Realtors, Fahr Beverage, Jameson’s, MidWestOne and North Star Campers.”
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VGM
VGM invests in employee health and wellness Most companies want their employees to be healthy and happy. It’s a no-brainer if they want productive, engaged people to make up their workforce. As an employee-owned business, VGM has an exceptional interest in the well-being of its people. VGM is its people. VGM associates rely on each other to put their best into everything they do in order build their company. The drive, motivation and energy required is sustained through healthy minds and bodies. It only made sense, then, for VGM to invest in a health and wellness program to go along with the brand new fitness center that is part of the campus expansion. Jacklyn Gudenkauf, certified group exercise instructor and personal trainer, and VGM’s fitness and wellness coordinator, has a vision for the program
excited about their health and well-being, as well as give them a chance to interact and meet others within the building.” VGM associates will have access to a variety of exercise classes which will cater to differing fitness levels and abilities. Current plans for classes include High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT, a healthy mix of cardio and weights), Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, TRX, Step Aerobics, as well as small group and one-on-one personal training. There is also an educational component to VGM’s health and wellness program. “We have plenty of events that will be taking place, from lunchand-learns to exciting lifestyle COURTESY PHOTO challenges, to help our people get excited about their health and The expanded fitness facility offers VGM associates and their families free, 24-hour access to a variety of well-being,” said Gudenkauf. equipment. VGM’s Health and Wellness that goes beyond the obvious. ercise, but making conscious de- and a healthful lifestyle. I hope program will officially kick off “It’s not just about physical ex- cisions toward overall wellness this program will get people in September.
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History of VGM: A partner for businesses nationwide VGM Group, Inc. is a diverse, employee-owned company founded in 1986, and it’s seen immense growth over the last 30 years. But, it’s impossible to talk about what the future holds for VGM without talking about how the company got its start. Originally known as Van G. Miller & Associates, the company was founded by the late Van Miller, together with business partners Jim Walsh and John Deery. Miller had been fired by his brothers from their family-owned respiratory equipment business because of a “difference of philosophy.” Miller collaborated with Walsh and Deery to start his own business, one that connected small home medical equipment companies as a network to have greater purchasing power when buying medical equipment from national vendor companies. Miller found that complex health care businesses needed more than just access to better pricing. They also needed assistance navigating governmental billing and reimbursement rules, advice for business growth, access to insurance policies and more. This is how VGM became the nationally known business it is today. The founders, as true entrepreneurs, encouraged the business to grow into new directions, offer more services lines and move into new markets including orthotics and prosthetics, managed care, insurance, and even the golf and hospitality industries. With the help of great minds to lead the new business development, VGM found a knack for identifying opportunities to serve other businesses by creating programs and expertise to save them time and money. Beyond that, VGM became a hub for business owners and operators from around the country to come together with their most difficult problems and find solutions. For Van Miller, business was about relationships, and some of
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Business partners and long-time friends John Deery Jr., Jim Walsh and the late Van G. Miller. his best relationships were with his employees, who he respectfully referred to as “associates.” Miller and his partners cred-
ited the success of the company to the associates, so in 2005 they formed the Employee Stock Ownership Plan to allow them to
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benefit from the company success. VGM became 100 percent employee-owned in 2008. Today hundreds of VGM associates
share a common understanding: their team efforts to produce great work and customer service will directly benefit their futures. Current CEO and 16-year VGM associate Mike Mallaro envisions the growth of VGM as calculated and intentional, but with the same entrepreneurial spirit of the past. He likens the company’s future trajectories to a red-tailed hawk that perches outside of the windows of VGM’s new expansion. “We share the hawk’s independence. We share its inherent need to soar, to overcome and to survive,” said Mallaro. VGM will continue growing and soaring, through Van Miller’s core pillar — to treat people well. “We have 50,000 businesses that need our help and rely on us to help them succeed. They count on us,” Mallaro said. “Each of us is an employee-owner, and we are part of a family of 900 employee-owners working together to create a great experience for our customers.”
Congratulations VGM!
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VGM
VGM’s involvement, impact on Cedar Valley Getting involved
When a local business grows up in a relatively small city, it touches all residents in some way. It shapes attitudes. It affects economy. It can even change a skyline. VGM has had the distinct pleasure of growing up in Waterloo, and its associates are honored to have the opportunity to impact our community.
Instilling Philanthropic Values VGM’s namesake founder, Van Miller, upheld the notion that to support the community is to support VGM’s associates. Miller’s legacy of pride in the community and the desire to invest in it continues to live strong nearly two years after his passing. “VGM believes in investing in the community to make it a better place. We are proud to be
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VGM partnered with Variety-the Children’s Charity Iowa to donate adaptive tricycles to four local children. a 100 percent employee-owned company, and we want to make the communities our associates call home better,” said Christa Miehe, president of Marketing and Shared Services. “We believe it’s important to be connected to what’s happen-
ing here locally, where our employee owners live, where their kids go to school, where their spouses and families work. The community is an important part of our associates’ lives and who they are, and we want to be part of making the community great.”
A corporate giving committee at VGM comes together monthly to review requests for support for both financial involvement and volunteer hours. Whenever a request meets a set of criteria, VGM gets involved. The criteria are broad and include areas that address food insecurity, under-privileged youth, people with disabilities, military veterans, quality of life initiatives in the broader community and receiving health care with dignity, including hospice care. Dennis Clark, VGM’s chief leadership officer, believes that community involvement makes sense for the company because it is yet another way for VGM staff to grow personally and professionally. “The culture, meaning, and spirit of a business is dictated by involvement in the community,”
said Clark. “Do you want to be that company that is involved in something or nothing?” Associates at VGM want to be involved.
Supporting the Cedar Valley Economy VGM employs over 700 people in the greater Cedar Valley. Apart from being a significant area employer, VGM brings a boom in tourist dollars to the community every June when hosting its annual Heartland Conference. The Heartland Conference brings nearly 1000 people to Waterloo for training and networking who eat at local restaurants and lodge at local hotels. Heartland guests are always complimentary of Waterloo, Iowa hospitality—a testament to this great community.
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