These are the top-rated finishers in the small company (25-49 employees) category of the Philadelphia Business Journal's 2023 Best Places to Work program, conducted in partnership with Quantum Workplace:
No. 1 Stratus ip
Headquarters: Moorestown, New Jersey
Industry: Information technology
Number of employees: 28
Top local executive: Michael Dlug, CEO
Founded in 2010, Stratus ip is an information technology and consulting firm that works with clients to help protect them against cybersecurity attacks, protecting confidential data and more. The culture is one that multiple employees likened to “home,” thanks in part to perks that put wellbeing first like unlimited vacation and personal days. The philosophy behind such a policy is, “If you need it, take it,” company CEO Michael Dlug said. In addition, Stratus ip makes the workplace comfortable and fun by providing employees with a kitchen stocked with their favorites snacks and drinks and by hosting friendly sports tournaments like bubble hockey, pool and basketball. An indicator of the success of that culture is the referral rate at Stratus ip, which said all of its new hires this year have come from employee referrals.
Three words that describe our company’s culture: Family first, always!
A simple, but effective way we show employees they’re appreciated: We sing happy birthday in the office with cake and candles for everyone’s birthday.
What we’re doing to retain and/or attract workers in the current labor market: Word of mouth from employees. Most everyone at Stratus ip has been referred to us by someone that works here.
An unexpected way we invest in employees: Weekly carrier educational sessions to keep everyone updated on the latest trends/products of our carrier partners whose services we sell and support.
A company culture goal for the year ahead: “Continue to win together.” The entire company goes on a President Club trip with a guest if we hit our company sales goal. We are currently ahead of pace to do just that.
No. 2 Cecilian Partners
Headquarters: New Hope
Industry: Information technology
Number of employees: 25
Top local executives: John Cecilian Jr., co-founder and CEO and Philip Worland, co-founder and chief strategy officer
As an early stage startup, New Hope-based Cecilian Partners’ founders set out to create a culture of inclusion and one that also prioritizes wellbeing. Founded in 2019, the information technology firm that works specifically in proptech solutions for the real estate industry does this through 13 annual company holidays and an unlimited paid time off policy. In addition, the company shuts down for one week each summer for what it calls “Mental Health Week.” “It is wonderful bonus for everyone to have a paid week off as a team,” said co-founder and CEO John Cecilian Jr. The company also prioritizes inclusivity and makes hires across industry and life experiences intentionally. Cecilian Partners, in 2021, also created a head of people and culture role to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Three words that describe our company’s culture: Inclusive, empowering, dynamic
A simple, but effective way we show employees they’re appreciated: Open expressions through Slack, or all-hands Zoom calls to share in the success of others. Open praise and inclusive messaging can be powerful to recognize success amongst the group. Yearly performance awards from MVP to Rookie of the Year have also been a big hit!
What we’re doing to retain and/or attract workers in the current labor market: We listen, make every effort to offer competitive salaries and benefits and time off. We offer an open communication culture where employees (even in the first 90 days) are heard and recognized. People want to have more than a position in a company, rather a voice and be part of a team.
An unexpected way we invest in employees: Me and my co-founder created an open-door policy where every employee can contact us through a variety of ways. We want to hear from all teammates. We want to be present and available. We want to earn trust and be able to answer their needs and wants as the employer.
A company culture goal for the year ahead: Continued focus on diversity and inclusion.
No. 3 Green Star Exteriors
Headquarters: Holmes
Industry: Home remodeling
Number of employees: 33
Top local executive: Justin Fiordimondo, president
Based in Holmes, Green Star Exteriors offers roofing, siding, window and door installation for homeowners throughout Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania; Camden County in New Jersey; and the state of Delaware. As much as Green Star wants satisfied customers, it also works to ensure its workforce is taken care of by offering work perks like gym memberships and hosting monthly contests. To help the team bond, Green Star hosts events like bowling, happy hours and an annual casino-themed holiday party. Prizes at the holiday party and the monthly contests have included dinner, tickets to a major sporting event, or even trips to locales like the Napa Valley, New York and Mexico. Those are on top of traditional health benefits and a 401(k) plan. Together, the benefits and perks create a workplace that one employee said has a “great culture and friendly environment.”
Three words that describe our company’s culture: Genuine, engaging, respectful
A simple, but effective way we show employees they’re appreciated: Transparency and honesty
What we’re doing to retain and/or attract workers in the current labor market: Continuously helping employees push their limits and creating new opportunities for all.
An unexpected way we invest in employees: Personal and professional development (i.e. health and wellness seminars, real estate seminars, etc.)
A company culture goal for the year ahead: Adding a winter season company event.
Small category finalists (in alphabetical order)
The American Board of Surgery
Headquarters: Philadelphia
Number of employees: 40
Industry: Health care
Top local executive: Dr. Jo Buyske, president and CEO
What employees are saying: “The culture of the ABS is an affirming and aspirational one that amplifies and multiplies the talents of all. The dedication and commitment of the staff is exemplary and inspiring. It truly is a great place to work, and an amazing team to be part of.”
BBD
Headquarters: Philadelphia
Number of employees: 33
Industry: Accounting
Top local executive: Adam Watson, managing partner
What employees are saying: “I truly enjoy working at BBD. I have grown so much as a professional, and feel more confident in my abilities and strengths as an employee. We have a great culture and everyone cares deeply about doing good work and upholding our values.”
Benepath
Headquarters: Newtown Square
Number of employees: 29
Industry: Insurance
Top local executive: Clelland Green, president
What employees are saying: “I've thought the phrase, ‘It's like a family here’ was cliché but it truly does ring true. A flexible work-life balance is one of the most valuable benefits an employee can have. Benepath offers that and more. With senior leadership that care about their employees wellbeing and development the workplace environment is one of the best.”
CampusESP
Headquarters: Philadelphia
Number of employees: 41
Industry: Education technology
Top local executive: Dave Becker, CEO
What employees are saying: “There is great passion for our employees as people first! The culture of getting to know who you are working with every day is up front from the start. You are encouraged to own your path, ask questions, provide feedback, get better! In a workplace with a culture such as this, it is easy to stay mission-focused and do the hard work!”
Capstone Group
Headquarters: Lower Gwynedd
Number of employees: 26
Industry: Insurance
Top local executive: Kevin Fox, managing partner
What employees are saying: “I think Capstone has an excellent environment and workplace culture where employees feel they do not only matters, but it is always recognized by management. Additionally, we work in a very collaborative environment where employees know that they can ask for assistance whenever it's needed.”
Caritas Construction
Headquarters: Chester
Number of employees: 30
Industry: Construction
Top local executives: Jody Arena, president and founding partner and Nate Tayoun, chief operating officer and founding partner
What employees are saying: “It’s a positive work place where everyone works together to achieve company and personal success. The senior principals routinely acknowledge the work I do both verbally and financially.”
Irwin & Leighton
Headquarters: King of Prussia
Number of employees: 48
Industry: Construction
Top local executive: Travis Gedney, president and CEO
What employees are saying: “This company has always assisted me personally and professionally in every way that I needed. I always feel my opinion is valued and seen. I know what I need to do to succeed and the leadership is consistently playing a supportive role and willing to get their hands dirty just like the rest of us. It's nice to have leadership that does not think anything is below them. Its hard to find companies like this one these days.”
Layer 8 Security
Headquarters: Malvern
Number of employees: 25
Industry: Information technology
Top local executive: Jeffrey Lipson, CEO
What employees are saying: “Working for Layer 8 has been amazing for me. I am excited to go to work every day and to see my coworkers. The leadership at the company has great vision and has us set up for success. I love working at Layer 8 and I feel appreciated for the work I do.”
Mobile Outfitters
Headquarters: Philadelphia
Number of employees: 30
Industry: Mobile accessories
Top local executive: Eric Griffin and Dennis O’Donnell, co-founders
What employees are saying: “With the core values alone, the workplace is fostered to be an environment anyone can thrive and feel at home in. There isn’t a day that I come in without being greeted and asked how I am doing by every single member of the team. Everyone works together to complete the mission as well as encouraging each other to learn more and become more proficient in our jobs and skills.”
National Integrity Title Agency
Headquarters: Marlton, New Jersey
Number of employees: 30
Industry: Insurance
Top local executives: Fran Turchi, president, and George Duffield Sr., CEO
What employees are saying: “Very easily put, a lot of companies out there like to say that they are all like a family and not just coworkers. This company truly treats everyone like they are family and go above and beyond to help out anyone anyway they can. It makes it very easy to enjoy the work and to go the extra mile whenever necessary because you truly know it is appreciated!”
The O’Connor Group
Headquarters: King of Prussia
Number of employees: 43
Industry: Human resources and talent acquisition
Top local executive: Marcia Zaruba-O’Connor, president and CEO
What employees are saying: “TOC allows me to be a working mom and truly have balance in life. I am also recognized for doing my job well and supported if I need help in any way. It is rare to feel appreciated and valued as an employee and the leadership and teams are invaluable!”
PPR Capital Management
Headquarters: Berwyn
Number of employees: 31
Industry: Real estate investment
Top local executive: Steve Meyer, CEO
What employees are saying: “I have over 30 years’ experience working with various sized companies. This company is the best, highest efficient one I've worked with. People here are happy, smart, nice, respectful, focused, with great work ethics. The leaders are transparent, open-minded, experienced and friendly. They're also very clear about the necessity of protecting this company culture. I have confidence that this company will grow fast and better.”
Results Repeat
Headquarters: Media
Number of employees: 28
Industry: Digital marketing
Top local executive: Ellen Thompson, CEO
What employees are saying: “This is by far the best company I have worked for in my career. I have never fully realized a true work-life balance until my time at Results Repeat. Management is sure every employee is happy and has a clear path for the future.”
RTD Financial
Headquarters: Philadelphia
Number of employees: 29
Industry: Financial services
Top local executive: Jeff Weiand, chairman and CEO
What employees are saying: “The organization is proactively looking at ways to enhance employees experience at work to not only be great employees but develop as individuals. Last year there were enhancements to benefits like increased PTO, summer early Friday's extended throughout the year, increase employer match in the retirement plan, added voluntary benefits, initiatives to take time off for Days of Service in our communities, a technology budget, an updated office space and much more!”
Sage Financial Group
Headquarters: Conshohocken
Number of employees: 32
Industry: Financial planning
Top local executives: Alan Cohn and Sephen Cohn, co-founders and co-presidents
What employees are saying: “Working at Sage has transformed my life. I cannot rave enough about the firm.”
Sagefrog Marketing Group
Headquarters: Doylestown
Number of employees: 41
Industry: Marketing
Top local executive: Mark Schmukler, CEO
What employees are saying: “The company culture at this organization is overall outstanding. There is very clear communication and transparency from leadership that is greatly appreciated.”