PETALUMA -- Working at the North Bay's largest commercial general building contractor, the 50 year-round employees at nearly eight-decade-old Midstate Construction Corp. have been there for more than 15 years on average, and five are still there after a quarter century.
Started in 1935 and incorporated in 1946, Midstate has led some of the North Bay's largest recent projects, including the new East Washington Place regional shopping center in Petaluma and the most recent expansions at The Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa.
"Our highlight is our people," said Roger Nelson, owner and president. "We have the best employees, and everyone here makes a difference and contributes to the success of the company."
Mr. Nelson strives to make an open door part of the company culture.
"The owner of the company sets the tone of making everyone feel that they are an important part of the team," one worker said. "He listens and seeks out employees' opinions and thoughts about the company."
Staff development offers room for advancement at Midstate. This is in an industry and a point in the business cycle in which staff have to become flexible with many types of projects. Promoting from within and cross-training are company goals.
"There is continued support for a dedicated employee who is interested in learning, whether at school or working in different departments," an employee said.
In addition to outside-of-work social gatherings and group trips such as viewing Blue Angels aerobatic aircraft demonstrations, Midstate donated staff time to build a playground for children served by Petaluma's Committee on the Shelterless, or COTS, and an office for PEP Housing.
The company is not just helping outside organizations that are taking care of the needs of children and seniors.
"There's recognition of the challenges young families face as well as what families are faced with as they deal with aging and dependent parents," a manager said about Midstate's accommodation of worker needs to deal with family situations as they arise.
Such accommodation includes a kennel outside building for when a dog needs to be brought to work.
