2011 Best Places to Work Winners: 20-50 employees
By Gary Quackenbush, Special to the Business Journal
(Editor’s note: The companies with the three highest employee survey scores in their size category were invited to submit company photos to accompany their profiles.)
Winners are listed alphabetically in their size category.
Accuchex Payroll Management Services
Four-time winner
NOVATO — Accuchex employees are encouraged to suggest ways to improve the work environment, as well as contribute to the communities the company serves.
“All of us look forward to monthly staff appreciation lunches and hearing management share client accolades and their sincere gratitude for the work we do,” an employee said.
Owners James and Leslie Ruhland strive to be accessible to all of their staff.
“As hands-on managers, we consistently prove our commitment to the health and welfare of our families by respecting and supporting individual needs, as well as by fostering professionalism and personal growth through continuing education and skills training.”
“There is no sense of ‘behind the scenes’ maneuvering at Accuchex that I’ve experienced almost everywhere else I’ve worked. Owners take part in being with others as if they are co-workers, and not the bosses. Trips to the ballpark, holiday events and the annual ‘I survived January’ party after tax season, along with contests and prizes, are among the many things that shape the climate at Accuchex,” an employee said.
“Our employees represent a wide range of experience, educational and ethnic backgrounds. This diversity is a powerful resource,” Mr. Ruhland said.
Bank of Napa
Two-time winner
NAPA — The friendly, family-oriented atmosphere makes coming to work each day a pleasure for employees at Bank of Napa.
“The people at the bank are the best. We take our jobs seriously, but have fun while performing the expectations of our clients. Management truly cares about every employee. The staff supports each other whenever needed, and are very creative. Responsiveness is number one,” one employee noted.
Another said: “Individuals are praised at staff meetings. … We all are striving to achieve the same goals and receive helpful feedback on how we’re doing,” an employee said.
Two things set Bank of Napa apart from other organizations, according to Tom LeMasters, president and CEO.
“The first is the relentless focus every employee has on the bank, from customer service to improving our financial performance. The second is the team approach we use to make decisions. We rely on the collective experience of our team to arrive at decisions that are good for our customers and shareholders — and ultimately for employees themselves.”
Employees are active in Napa Valley Kiwanis and Rotary International Clubs along with many other youth related organizations.
BKF — Carlenzoli & Associates
First-time winner
SANTA ROSA — The rule of thumb at BFK/Carlenzoli during a tough economy is to focus on the positives.
Despite the recession, the company has been able to attract great projects while still being able to provide benefits and perks for employees.
“We do everything we can to make our employees comfortable and enhance their family life so they can focus on helping our clients,” said principal and vice president Greg Hurd.
“BKF’s work environment is entrepreneurial, fast-paced and friendly. We work hard to meet our clients’ needs and have fun doing it. We also host and/or sponsor many social activities, including volunteer opportunities, basketball, softball and bowling teams, golf tournaments, mountain biking groups and the annual company picnic and holiday party,” an employee said.
The emphasis at BFK/Carlenzoli is on supporting employee wellbeing.
“We have a gym membership reimbursement program, free fruit day, free bagels once a week, free soft drinks, diet drinks, coffee, tea and oatmeal along with paid engineering association license fees and dues. We also have access to a condo at Lake Tahoe,” “Our managers look internally before hiring outside,” another employee said.
Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc.
Six-time winner
SANTA ROSA — BPM is celebrating 25 years in business. Today it is the fifth largest, full service accounting, tax, wealth management and consulting firm in Northern California with over 400 employees, 55 partners and six offices throughout the Bay Area.
Last year the firm prepared over 8,000 tax returns and participated in excess of 575 audits, reviews or compilations of financial statements. Company employees represent 30 different countries and speak 21 languages.
“We’re not just a group of boring CPAs, we are fun, motivated people,” according to an employee. “We have a ‘we are here to help’ culture that is very powerful, and leads to a lot of pride and satisfaction in the workplace. There is a mutual understanding between the firm’s management and the employees that the success of the firm as a whole is dependent upon the individual success of all the employees.”
In the middle of tax season, BPM invites employees, clients, family and friends to take a break at an Irish Coffee Gala. On the first Friday night home game of the Giants baseball season, BPM hosts a fundraiser for families and clients that has raised $750,000 for local charities over the years. This is followed by an Octoberfest event in the fall.
BPM also has a Commissioner of Fun. “With so many smiling faces, it’s no wonder we deliver such dynamic service.”
The company is committed to improving the community. Each year BPM staffers lead “Because People Matter” Day. The entire firm volunteers at two non-profits in each office region to help clean, paint and maintain facilities, restore habitat, build sets for a community theater or help out at a local food bank.
In 1990, the company formed the BPM foundation that has contributed more than $1 million to over 100 organizations since its inception.
Cardno ERI
Four-time winner
PETALUMA — Employees believe the greatest contributor to success at Cardno ERI is their commitment to each other and their clients.
The environmental consulting company is increasing its sales team and marketing efforts as its clients change their business models in today’s economy.
The merger of Cardno with three-time winner Environmental Resolutions, Inc. has bolstered the firm’s portfolio with expanded services, along and its ability to provide staff assistance throughout the U.S. as regional fast track projects come on line.
”This past year has provided our associates with career growth opportunities in fields related to our core business as well as the development of new marketable skill sets,” said Keith Romstad, division manager. “We have a culture of teamwork and safety and take pride in the fact that a job well done remains the bedrock of our success.”
“My coworkers are fantastic. I truly feel like I’m a part of not only the team but a family when I step into the office every day. Management has created an environment where I feel that I can express opinions, make suggestions, and share my ideas, no matter how seemingly tiny or ‘big picture’ they may be,” an employee said.
Another employee commented: “Flexibility is key. As a full time working mom, there are times when I have to be out of the office during working hours. At the end of the day all that matters is that the job is done!”
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