I’ve been thinking about what makes a great company. Yes, good products and promotion. But, I mean the intangibles—their work environment, their attitude toward employees, really, their corporate philosphy.
I recently toured TwinLab/Ideasphere manufacturing in American Fork. They produce hundreds of vitamins, health supplements, and nutra-ceuticals. Yes, I was fascinated by their automated machinery, their processes, their laboratory, and their overall facility. But, I was noticing the employees. Did they look happy? Did they smile? Did they look bored? Did they cooperating? Was their team work? I commented to Mark Fox, COO and President, “I like your atmosphere in the facility–this is a great work environment.” I was later told by their human resource department that employees are free to make suggestions, they have flexibility in their jobs, and are cross-trained.
When Proctor and Gamble came to Box Elder County, Susan Thackery, Economic Development Director, asked the officals, “Are you family friendly?” The officials from P&G told her of their many programs and opportunities for families. She was interviewing them and where they were a good fit for Northern Utah.
Wavetronix is a LIndon based company that my husband works at. They have impressed me over and over with their community spirit donating money to “Shop with a Cop”, Rotary, and matching gifts to University. David Arnold, their president, is a firm believer in education and the arts. So, each employees can have 50% of books, theater tickets, national park passes, reimbursed up to $425 per calendar year. This is phenomenal.
I love great companies! Companies that care about employees, care about their communities, and care about being a great company. Profits usually follow sound business practices and sound “corporate philosphies.”