2016 Best Places to Work in the North Bay: Winners A–F
ADOBE ASSOCIATES, INC.
FIVE-TIME WINNER
SANTA ROSA - At Adobe, everyone strives to exceed client expectations and is treated with utmost respect. Employees say they enjoy flexible work schedules and are not micromanaged or asked to work weekends.
“We have a work environment where I feel as though I can be myself. All my co-workers are very friendly and lots of fun. Not only are they great to be around, but they are also the most knowledgeable group of engineers, surveyors and admin people I have come to know in this field.”
The environment is inclusive and supervisors listen.
“The owners are genuinely good people with a work ethic surpassed only by their integrity. We meet each year to determine the fringe benefit package we'd like and management does its best to address each request.”
Reimbursement is offered for communication devices, childcare, education, license exam fees and wellness, and there are scholarships for employee dependents.
In 2016, the company added health care coverage for all dependents in addition to employee plus one. In 2015, a quarterly wellness benefit was added partially reimbursing payments for park passes, gym memberships, personal trainers and entry fees for a marathon or race.
Principal Tim Schram says, “Our people push us to be great, as much or more than the reverse. The staff is dynamic, knowledgeable, fun, hardworking, personable, diverse, and talented - and they like beer!
Employees say there is room for improvement. “Perhaps a keg in the office!”
ARROW BENEFITS GROUP
TWO-TIME WINNER
PETALUMA - Arrow provides support to help develop staff professionalism in a safe, fun, productive and positive culture. Employees at all levels are included in big decisions, accommodate and help each other, have gatherings to keep the social aspects of work healthy, and get together for café trivia nights, special occasions and volunteer activities.
Several families with multiple generations working side by side, which employees say, “Makes it seem more open.'.
President Jordan Shields says, “People matter is our cultural ethos driving our conversations and how we work. We focus on all aspects of employee benefit management, so people must, and do, matter.”
Staff members participate in the Human Race, the Petaluma Walk to End Alzheimer's and support Big Brothers, Big Sisters and United Cerebral Palsy. Company principals also serve on nonprofit boards. One is a certified trainer at Giant Steps Equestrian Therapy. Another is working with St. Joseph Hospital and the Petaluma Health District to conduct a community wellness series.
“The people here are very nice and accommodating. Our high tech co-workers are helpful and we all do little fun things like pass around a ‘Thank You Coconut' between employees and managers as a token of appreciation for a job well done. There is a brag wall for personal photos and pictures of someone's new baby, and everyone knows they can get time off for family matters and special circumstances with no pressure or judgment.”
AUL CORPORATION
THREE-TIME WINNER
NAPA - AUL genuinely cares about employees and maintains a cheerful, welcoming workplace where everyone smiles and takes pride in providing used car extended warranty contract service across the U.S.
“What makes our company great is its investment in its employees who build relationships with vendors, agents and dealers that stand the test of time - as well as the contributions we all make to our community through donations and volunteering with nonprofit organizations.”
Supported by inspiring, helpful leaders, workers feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to be creative and contribute ideas. They receive frequent company updates and acknowledgement from CEO Luis Nieves who remembers all of their names and is easily approachable.
In classic California entrepreneurial fashion, “Our CEO and owner started the business in his garage and built it to what it is now. He believes in his product and stands behind it - and so do all of us employees. We are one big family of team players who enjoy excellent benefits, holiday parties, company picnics and lunches for no special reasons (just because). We are involved in many fundraisers and charities, such as Light the Night. The passion and engagement of our team makes AUL a best place to work.”
Employee benefits include gym memberships, seven paid holidays, up to 40 PTO hours annually for school functions and educational assistance up to $8,000 a year.
“AUL is very accommodating to life changes and obstacles related to raising children.”
BANK OF MARIN
TEN-TIME WINNER
NOVATO - Bank of Marin's (BOM) 241 employees take pride in helping people and making decisions locally, without having to ask corporate to handle a customer complaint or need, while enjoying a good work-life balance and being rewarded - and celebrated - for the work they do.