Ingredients for a Best Place to Work: iPromo (asi/229471) operates with a high-intensity, high-accountability and high-growth focus, says Leo Friedman, CEO and founder. But, he adds, the true core of iPromo’s company culture is “warmth, empathy and kindness.”

The distributor employes a fully distributed, remote-first team, which Friedman says works very well, as long as guardrails are in place and expectations are clear. “Trust your people, but be data-driven to measure and predict success,” he says. Effective communication and active listening are critical for the model as well, according to Friedman. Regular email check-ins, instant messages, video conferences, an open-door communication policy and monthly all-hands meetings help keep everyone connected. And for employees who crave an office setup outside of their home, iPromo will lease a WeWork-type setup for anyone who commits to going to said office at least twice a week.

Top Benefits & Perks: iPromo offers unlimited time off for its employees, and the generous vacation policy isn’t just lip service. In fact, the distributor requires employees to take a mandatory wellness day off each month, giving them time to unplug, refresh and recharge. “We don’t quite turn off their email access, but we totally should,” Friedman jokes.

The company also promotes a fun environment by hosting monthly happy hour meetings that might include team-building activities like trivia, escape room challenges or sip-and-paint events. And a few times a year iPromo has local meetups for regional team members to enjoy a night out. Another recent perk: a virtual monthly meal program when iPromo sends four employees an Uber Eats card, so they can enjoy a Zoom lunch with Friedman.