Ingredients for a Best Place to Work: Peerless Umbrella (asi/76730) President Dan Edge knows the importance of having happy and motivated employees. “It truly trickles down in how they treat our customers and service their needs,” Edge says. “We do our best to create a family atmosphere. It’s also important that we empower our staff to make decisions on their own and feel confident in those decisions. We try not to micromanage, yet know the importance of being there for them when they need us. Our employee tenure is like no other – over the past two years, we’ve celebrated five 25-year work anniversaries. It’s something we’re very proud of. We do our best to treat all with respect.”

Edge also notes how crucial it is to have a positive company culture, adding, “from there, all good things will happen. Keep it fun. We spend so many hours in the office with our ‘work’ family. We need to know that our corporate environment is a happy and safe place for all to be.” As a supplier, it’s important for staff to be hands-on with products, so it’s easier for employees to be in the office; however, if anyone needs to work from home one day a week, Peerless will accommodate them.

Another key ingredient is mutual respect, as well as open lines of communication between employees and their managers. “They must know that their managers have their back at all times,” Edge says. “We also strive for higher levels of collaboration and personal growth. As a manager, there’s nothing better than seeing an employee shine and grow professionally. We want our employees to feel motivated and appreciated and ‘Proud to be Peerless.’”

Top Benefits & Perks: Friday afternoon Happy Hour is a favorite at Peerless. “After a long week, it’s a little something that puts a smile on people’s faces,” Edge says. Additionally, the supplier organizes company outings every few months. Employee comfort is top of mind, so Peerless invested in stand-up desks for those who requested them. Management sends annual anonymous surveys for employees to fill out, to help gauge their feelings about the company. “This exercise has given us some great insight and ways to better ourselves as a company,” Edge shares.