Fort Worth Inc.’s Best Companies to Work For in Fort Worth comprises 45 standouts that had to work through an obstacle course of an economy that has appeared sickly through the first two quarters of 2022. What does it take to make our annual honor roll, which the magazine began producing annually in 2016? First, this contest is run and judged independently of the magazine’s ownership and staff by the Workforce Research Group, a Humble, Texas-based research firm that’s behind more than 70 Best Places to Work programs worldwide and drills deep daily on what engages people in the workplace. Companies and other organizations that enter our contest submit answers to Workforce Research Group on questions ranging from employee benefits, to work from home and vacation policies, communication from the top, wellness initiatives, opportunities for advancement, training and mentorship, diversity, and fun stuff like office happy hours and outings to a sporting event or perhaps axe throwing. (Don’t miss!) Entering companies also agree to allow their employees to be surveyed anonymously by the Workforce Research Group to drill down on how they perceive their employer. Workforce Research Group analyzes this information and produces our annual Best Companies to Work For in Fort Worth. Workforce Research Group ranked employers in the small (up to 49 employees), medium (50 – 249 employees), and large (250 plus) company categories. In short, the magazine’s ownership and staff have no say in who wins this contest and how employers rank. The 2022 issue of the magazine and Workforce Research Group's rankings were released Aug. 4 at a luncheon at River Ranch Stockyards.
Small Company 15-49 U.S. employees
Crystal Wise
Erin Duran Designer: The people. My manager is the CEO, Randy Meinen. The thing I appreciate about him is he doesn’t micromanage. He gives high levels of trust. He is intentional with every level of employee. You don’t just work there. He asks about your life and who you are. He cares about those kinds of things. I really look forward to being a part of the team on a daily basis.
1 Qualbe Marketing Group
HALTOM CITY
What they do: Sales and marketing
Employees: 32
Qualbe is a return high performer on our list of Best Companies to Work For. Founded in 1997, selling dental discount plans has evolved into a marketing, sales, and technology company that builds online brands.
Qualbe was the No. 1-rated company in the small company division.
“We are committed to building up businesses that build up people,” company officials say in their Best Companies to Work For questionnaire. “There are opportunities to market and sell many kinds of products or services that are profitable; however, we’ve chosen to be more selective. We are especially proud to offer our Dental Discount Plan that has saved many families hundreds or even thousands of dollars at the dentist.”
The company says relationships are the way they retain employees, which has created a safe and open work environment that “keeps people looking forward to work rather than dreading it.”
Employee achievement is recognized and rewarded through Rock Star recognitions, extra PTO days, surprise gift cards, bonuses, and fun events.
“The awards keep the atmosphere fun and upbeat.”
2 mma
ARLINGTON
What they do: Engineering
Employees: 36
mma is a technology-focused design firm providing civil engineering, survey, landscape architecture, and planning services with a home base of Arlington now stretching more than 40 years.
It was rated No. 2 in the small company category.
Company leadership says it fosters “a culture of support, collaboration, and innovation.”
“I’m one of the older guys,” says Jacob Sumpter, company president. “I’m only 42. We have a very young professional staff, a lot of 20-year-olds who love coming to work and love what they do. And we just set them up for success.”
Benefits include a life insurance policy that covers 100% of an employee’s annual salary. The employee has the option to increase that amount at their expense. Other perks include inviting family members to company holiday events or celebrations, lactation facilities and lactation support programs, and flexible scheduling to attend family events.
Managers are also trained to encourage a work/life balance for their staff. Employees are required to take time off.
The company also offers “sabbatical leave.”
Jacob Sumpter
Company president
“We’ve created a work environment in which everybody is happy. We all went to school to do certain things and have a passion, whether you’re a landscape architect or surveyor — I’m a planner by trade — and this is introducing someone’s passion and giving them a spot to flourish.”
3 REEDER Construction
FORT WORTH
What they do: Construction
Employees: 37
A construction management firm specializing in schools, REEDER Construction, with more than 25 years in business, is a business built on corporate culture.
“We say it time and again, it’s the people that make us great,” company officials say. We also invest in our employees to provide opportunity and add value to their lives; it’s our mission statement.”
As an example, the company notes that while it can’t control the current economic climate, leaders do have the capacity to support employees in the face of financial challenges. To that end, the company provided a 5% cost-of-living salary adjustment for all employees this year.
This marks back-to-back top five finishes in Best Companies to Work For for the company.
4 Wier & Associates, Inc.
ARLINGTON
What they do: Engineering
Employees: 36
Another returnee to Best Companies to Work For is Wier & Associates, a consulting firm that provides civil engineering, land surveying, and land planning related services since 1978.
“We provide training and guidance, empowering our team members to serve in a leadership capacity while creating an environment that, from top to bottom, is passionate about their work and takes pride in providing services that exceed our industry’s standards,” company officials say.
In addition to a broad health care benefits, the firm matches up to 50% of employee 401(k) contributions, as well a provides annual profit sharing.
Through a third-party contract, the company partners with Marketplace Chaplains to provide personal support services for all employees every day of the year at any time.
Crystal Wise
Carlo Silvestri Wier & Associates, Inc.
5 CoreCoUSA, Inc.
WEATHERFORD
What they do: Geotechnical drilling
Employees: 27
Before a structure is built, whether that be a highway, solar farm, windmill farm, pipeline, house, high-rise buildings, or dam planned by the Army Corp of Engineers, a geotechnical investigation must be completed to provide engineers the information needed to plan a safe and effective build.
That’s what CoreCoUSA does.
In addition to a range of benefits, the company also uses a third party to provide financial education and assist employees with improving and resolving credit issues. CoreCoUSA also has an employee housing program, also managed by an outside agency, that helps employees get into a house immediately while building their credit.
“We work with lending institutions to find loans within their budget when their credit is established to begin building equity in their home.”
6 Curnutt & Hafer, LLP
ARLINGTON
What they do: Legal services
Employees: 20 (18 in Arlington)
Practice areas at Curnutt & Hafer include business formation and litigation, personal injury, estate planning and inheritance disputes, family law, and oil and gas matters.
And “we love our tribe” of employees.
It feels like family, the firm’s leadership says, and in fact some are family, with one husband-wife and one father-son team.
“Faith-based and inclusive, we pray for each other at firm huddles,” a spokesman says. “We hold ‘Lunch & Learns’ and a Christmas potluck lunch and invite our families at the Levitt Pavilion across the street.
Founders Kelly Curnutt and Doug Hafter, friends from law school, attend leadership training and encourage growth and learning, including an office-wide book study. Goals at the firm’s retreat include setting goals, sharing ideas, and bonding.
7 Trinity Real Estate Investments
FORT WORTH
What they do: Real estate/Renting/Leasing
Employees: 18
Trinity Real Estate Investment Services is a commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in net-lease and self-storage investment sales, with a client list that includes developers, institutional investors, and private clients nationwide.
“We have strived from day one to create a company that we are proud of, that maintains a great reputation, and that focuses on getting great talent on the team and keeping them,” says Branson Blackburn, managing partner.
With that objective in mind, the company’s leadership designed the entire firm to operate on all cloud-based tools that allow employees the flexibility to work from home when needed. The company also partnered with a professional employer organization — a full-service human resource outsourcing company — to expand, improve, and significantly offer more benefits options.
“We are firm believers that people want to work somewhere they feel valued, believe in the vision of the company, and enjoy the people they are with,” Blackburn says.
8 Essential Lending
FORT WORTH
What they do: Finance
Employees: 20 (17 in Fort Worth)
Essential Lending offers a line of lending products for emerging credit consumers, placing team members and customers, both, at a “high priority.”
The company is best described in its core values, say leadership, those values that ensure the company is a “safe haven” for all employees and customers:
Transparent advocacy: “Advocate for what is best for each other and the customer. Listen with curiosity, speak with candor, act with compassion.
Make gratitude an attitude: “Embody gratitude by being humble, attentive, clear, and empathetic, focusing conversations on positive outcomes.”
Look beyond: “Follow through. Be diligently committed, care deeply about your work, look to do or learn more, take responsibility, and be self-motivated. We regularly reward team members who embody our core values and go the extra mile.”
Every quarter, staff members participate in a two-day retreat led by “our very own business coach, or the ‘Guru,’ as we call him.” During the retreat, the company focuses on specific needs in the organization that need more brainstorming, as well as reviewing each team member’s behavioral profile, which teaches us how to best communicate with each other.
9 Shield Engineering Group
FORT WORTH
What they do: Engineering
Employees: 45
Since 2009, Shield Engineering Group has offered comprehensive civil engineering design, water resources engineering, professional land surveying, and geographic information systems (GIS) to public and private clients.
Shield Engineering Group was awarded a Best Firms to Work For award in 2021 by Zweig Group. Company culture, workplace practices, employee retention, and professional development were all cited.
“Shield’s workplace culture has kept retention rates of employees high and turnover low,” a spokesman says. “We encourage an open work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.”
Shield, which matches up to 4% of an employee’s contributions to their 401(k), keeps things light, also, with fun-to-do outings and events, including a pie contest on Pi Day, a pumpkin pie-eating contest on Halloween, and the company organizes and sponsors a kickball team and permits family and friends to participate.
10 Satori Capital
FORT WORTH
What they do: Finance
Employees: 17
Satori Capital, an investment firm that manages customized portfolios for private investors, family offices, and institutions, ranked at the very top in the 2021 Best Companies to Work For, and returns again ranked very high.
“Our team members devote their time, energy, and talent to the work we do together,” says a company spokesman. “In return, we strive to ensure they work in a caring, supportive, and positive environment, and that they feel as special and valued as they are.”
In addition to an expansive benefits program, Satori also offers additional benefits through its Optimal Living Program, including chef-prepared lunches, a weekly on-site chiropractor and masseuse, guided mediation sessions, group workouts, and an annual $1,000 allowance per employee to use as they see fit in pursuit of their health and well-being. Also, every other year, the company offers health screenings, valued at $3,000 for each employee.
Satori also provides flexible hours and work-from-home capabilities that “align with a hybrid work culture.”
11 Varghese
Summersett
FORT WORTH
What they do: Legal services
Employees: 17
Varghese Summersett, a criminal defense and family law practice law firm founded by husband-and-wife team Benson Varghese, managing partner, and Anna Summersett, partner, is based in downtown Fort Worth.
Employees enjoy health benefits and ample vacation time, as well as free parking, gym memberships, unexpected bonuses, and frequent “fun field trips.”
“The firm embraces a family-first mantra and work-life balance that allows team members to take care of professional and personal commitments, including attending kids’ sporting or school events, getting a haircut, or even running home to walk the dog,” says a spokeswoman, who adds that Varghese and Summersett have made the work environment welcoming, positive, and inspirational.
Oh, and speaking of dogs: If an employee adopts a pet, he or she can have up to three paid days off, so that the owner and pet can get acclimated with one another and the pet can adjust to its new home.
12 Valor
FORT WORTH
What they do: Finance
Employees: 21 (20 in Fort Worth)
Valor is an oil and gas asset management company based in Fort Worth.
“Valor’s philosophy includes creating an environment where employees are empowered to learn, building trusting relationships, and contributing to the overall growth of the company,” says a company spokesman.
Valor also has made a commitment to employees’ health and wellness, both physically and emotionally. The company awards generous PTO which has recently experienced an increase and allows for a flexible work schedule. During the middle of the pandemic, executive leadership granted employees as much paid time off for COVID-19 as needed, without deducting from their bank of PTO.
Spending time with friends and family is a management priority. One example: Valor provides complimentary admission and parking to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and other local concerts to all employees.
Employees benefit from Valor’s continuing education program which provides fully funded job-related continuing education or industry licensing.
Valor’s leadership implemented quarterly performance bonuses.
Crystal Wish
Cole Reeder Reeder Construction
13 Handling Systems and Conveyors
FORT WORTH
What they do: Manufacturing
Employees: 15
Handling Systems and Conveyors is a manufacturer of process conveyors and material handling systems for large manufacturing companies, in particular, truck and heavy equipment manufacturers.
Handling Systems and Conveyors covers 100% of insurance costs for every employee; employees can add dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and dependent coverage at their expense in the group plan; the company also offers a basic life insurance policy of $10,000; makes 401(k) contributions; during current inflationary times, the company is giving a fuel-cost bonus every week to help employees deal with higher cost of gas; and the company has regular lunches for employees to show appreciation.
“We care about our employees and go to extra lengths to take good care of them,” says a spokesperson.
The company also has a bonus plan that is designed to provide employees with cash before the holidays or during the summer to help pay for holiday expenses, tuition, vacations, and back-to-school expenses.
14 HF Custom
Solutions
FORT WORTH
What they do: Advertising/Marketing/PR
Employees: 17 (15 in Fort Worth)
HF Custom Solutions is a promotional products and branded apparel company that specializes in working with schools, health care providers, and businesses nationwide, with a focus on corporate branding, customer appreciation, and employee appreciation and retention.
The company culture has been established through seven core values: support, honesty, teamwork, fun, balance, hard work, creativity. “We have a culture that celebrates each other and shows appreciation for how hard the people around us are working to make the company successful.”
The company has adopted fully a remote-work system with the flexibility to “work anywhere in the world.”
“We actively encourage our employees to work from home or work remotely, and I think they really appreciate this level of flexibility,” says the company in its Best Companies to Work For questionnaire.
Additionally, the company offers full employee benefits, a retirement matching program, and bonuses based on company success.
“We understand that a successful company requires hard work, but we take as many opportunities as we can to show appreciation for that effort.”
15 National Farm Life Insurance
FORT WORTH
What they do: Life insurance and financial products
Employees: 36
National Farm Life says family has always been a part of its ethos because authenticity and relationship are the brand. Founded as a company to provide Old Line Legal Reserve insurance to people of agriculture, today National Farm Life provides the financial tools to secure a family’s future, any family, well beyond that initial demographic.
Service, integrity, loyalty, and security are the virtues on which the National Farm Life foundation stands on the East Freeway.
“Loyalty inspires mutual trust and an unwavering dedication to policyholders, agents, and employees,” the company asserts.
In addition to a wide-range of benefits, the company offers a 25% match on employees’ 401(k) accounts (after one-year of service).
To advance professional development, National Farm Life encourages its employees to pursue job-related, self-improvement courses through LOMA (Life Office Management Association). Course fees and study materials are reimbursed by the company upon completion of the course, and an additional bonus is paid.
16 G.L. Hunt
Foundation Repair
FORT WORTH
What they do: Construction
Employees: 36 (27 in Fort Worth)
Maintaining a healthy and structurally sound foundation is essential to securing the health and safety of a family, as well as one of your most precious assets. That’s the specialty of G.L. Foundation Repair, which can stabilize a foundation and/or assist in instructing homeowners on the best way to keep foundations healthy through drainage solutions and other methods.
In addition to competitive pay, flexible work schedules, a range of benefits, retirement savings options, and wellness programs, the company also puts a priority on professional development.
“We show gratitude, because we would not be where we are if it was not for the fantastic team we have,” says executive leadership in its Best Companies to Work For questionnaire. “G.L. Hunt strives to foster a positive work environment for all of our team members because we know that we are only as successful as our team members.”
17 LanCarte
Commercial
FORT WORTH
What they do: Real Estate/Renting/Leasing
Employees: 27
LanCarte Commercial is a women-owned commercial real estate company headquartered in Fort Worth, a firm, the company says, with “the drive of a global player and the compassion of a local expert, all rooted in integrity, knowledge, and dedication to clients.”
“Our employees relentlessly pursue what matters to our clients and also to the success of the company,” the company says in its Best Companies to Work For questionnaire. “Our success comes from each employee utilizing their strong relationships and high-level thinking to execute their roles.”
CEO Sarah LanCarte has adopted the Entrepreneurial Operating System for Business, which creates an opportunity for transparency for all to have a voice, and for all issues to be addressed and resolved as a team.
“This also structures the company to have collaborative efforts where each employee is valued for their part knowing we can achieve more together. We encourage an entrepreneurial mindset, thinking outside of the box and bringing ideas to the table.”
18 Cancer Care
Services
FORT WORTH
What they do: Free cancer support services
Employees: 35
Cancer Care Services works on a bedrock of values in service to humanity, which includes achieving the well-being of others through service, showing compassion for all that it does, and a prioritizing the ideals of equity, inclusion, and dignity for all.
Cancer Care Services strives to limit the impact of the disease on patients and caregivers, from the financial implications to day-to-day well-being.
“We actively seek to promote access, equity, and inclusiveness, and to discourage discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or other factors which deny the humanity of all people,” the organization says. “Cancer Care Services’ policies reflect the principle that organizational performance is greatly enhanced when people with different backgrounds and perspectives are engaged in an organization’s activities and decision-making process.”
Medical, long-term care, and life insurance are all available on the first day of hire. The organization also uses a professional employment organization for other things employees need.
19 Loftwall, Inc.
GRAND PRAIRIE
What they do: Manufacturing
Employees: 38
Loftwall, which is in the business of designing and building office privacy furniture, would love to “brag about our growth.” A true statement as the distinction of fastest-growing privately owned companies by Inc. magazine indicates.
“It’s growing the right way that we care most about,” says the company leadership. “Defining core values that are in our language that our people rally behind is what really sets us apart.
“We’ve all worked at places and with people that suck before. Whether it’s accountability, belief in what you are building, or investing in people, Loftwall works every day to set ourselves apart as an employer that our team is inspired by and wants to fight for.”
Loftwall also matches 100% of the first 3% of an employee’s 401(k) contribution and 50% for every following 2%.
20 Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth
FORT WORTH
What they do: Nonprofit
Employees: 22
The Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth has taken on the cause of alleviating the burdens on families with seriously sick children.
It’s all in the determination to provide a sense of normalcy during a stressful time.
“Several employees have been with the organization for 10 or more years which speaks to the strength of organizational culture,” the organization says. “The family-centered mentality that permeates the mission is extended to employees. We take care of each other in a professional but welcoming and open way. But more than that, the organization is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for employees through competitive pay, generous benefits, and professional development. Each employee has an equal opportunity to participate in all benefits available to each employee classification.”
Through a third party, employees also have access to confidential emotional support, work-life solutions, legal guidance, and financial resources.
21 PROCO Roofing
FORT WORTH
What they do: Construction
Employees: 29
PROCO, a roofing company in our small classification, recently scored very well in an employee survey. A full 97% of employees said PROCO was a great place to work, as cited in the company’s Great Place to Work Certification in 2021.
What employees love the most, company officials say, is the flexible work schedule that delivers that sometimes elusive work/life balance. “PROCO also provides many professional development opportunities throughout the year, which is a benefit many of our employees have never experienced with their previous companies,” according to the company’s Best Companies to Work For questionnaire.
“Employees stay at PROCO because they align with our vision of doing good for others in the communities we serve, upward career mobility, employee empowerment, great pay plus commission structure, a flexible work schedule, paid training and continuous learning opportunities.”
22 Ricochet Fuel Distributors, Inc.
SOUTHLAKE
What they do: Transportation/Distribution
Employees: 32
Another women-owned business on the list of the Fort Worth-area’s Best Companies to Work For is Richochet Fuel Distributors. And that leaves owner and CEO Kelly Roberts often the only woman in the room in national fuel-supplier conferences.
Not a problem, she says. “I’m the easiest one in the room to remember,” she remembered several years back.
Ricochet Fuel Distributors is a fuel logistics company based in Southlake. For over 30 years, Ricochet Fuel has grown into a diversified, multi-state fuel solutions provider by offering a variety of petroleum products, services, and resources to its growing customer base. Ricochet Fuel helps design and implement efficient single-vendor programs to help companies in every industry meet their respective corporate goals.
“Most of our employees have been here for four years or more,” Roberts says. “We take time to celebrate everyone — work anniversaries, birthdays, marriages, births — and we make sure to have frequent work celebrations.”
That is after all the workplace culture: “We work hard but also play hard.”
23 M3 Networks
SOUTHLAKE
What they do: Tech support
Employees: 15
There is some irony, no, in a company that offers cybersecurity services and partakes in a company outing at one of these increasingly popular “escape rooms.”
Probably not, but that was one of the fun activities the company took part in over the past year. It was instructive, staff members say.
“Many team members surprised us with their resourcefulness under pressure, thus helping us trust them more at work,” a company official says.
M3 Networks is generous in paying 90% of health insurance premiums for team members and has negotiated favorable rates for employees to add family members. Health insurance —particularly mental health —is very important to company founder Michael Moore, who experienced severe trauma at age 12 when his family was involved in a 30-vehicle traffic pileup.
After being thrown from the back to the front of the motor home, Michael was left with a metal rod lodged in his skull. “He wants his team to have quality care, so they never experience that depth of depression and hopelessness.”
Medium-Sized Company 50-249 U.S. employees
Crystal Wise
Shakita Johnson Vice president of Community Investment Executive director for Area Agency on Aging: “In addition to being a mission-oriented organization, they really focus on a culture of collaboration. Really, really are supportive of their employees, not just in our roles, but us as individuals. We also have visionary leadership, which makes it very exciting to come to work and makes you proud to be a part of the organization.
1 United Way of Tarrant County
FORT WORTH
What they do: Nonprofit
Employees: 72
For 100 years now, United Way of Tarrant has confronted the most pressing social issues of our community. “We are prepared to serve and improve the lives of every member of our community — veterans, older adults, children and families, those living in poverty and experiencing homelessness — by strengthening networks of support and strategically investing knowledge and resources in the people and organizations who serve these populations,” the agency says through its submission for Best Companies to Work For.
United Way of Tarrant County scaled the ladder from 14th a year ago in Best Companies to Work For to the very top: No. 1 in the category of medium companies and No. 1 overall, regardless of category.
Because the work employees perform can be intense and impactful, United Way believes it is “vital they are able to relax and celebrate successes and each other on a regular basis. We take advantage of every opportunity to laugh and engage with each other with an abundance of employee engagement events and parties.”
“We seek to grow our employees personally and professionally, and our managers are quick to recommend employees for talent management and development opportunities. Our staff members are incredibly talented at their jobs and are more than willing to go above and beyond to serve others. This dedication also reflects our practice of taking care of one another as we strive for excellence in our daily work.”
That includes an “all-out” Halloween party with elaborate costumes, décor, and pumpkin-decorating contests.
Agency leadership implemented “summer hours” from Memorial Day through Labor Day, allowing employees to take time off if job obligations permit.
Employee growth and well-being are a focus. Learning opportunities are available through the agency’s HRIS Learning Management System, and employees are offered excellent benefits packages, and “robust” paid time-off options.
2 Linbeck Group, LLC
HOUSTON
What they do: Construction
Employees: 160 (70 in Fort Worth)
Founded in 1938 by Leo Linbeck and today with Leo Linbeck III serving as chairman and David Stueckler as president and CEO, the firm’s construction portfolio consists of health care, including a specialization in cancer treatment/proton therapy centers; cultural projects, such as religious, museum and performing arts venues; and higher education and K-12 education facilities.
Linbeck Group was rated No. 2 in the medium company category.
The company also does commercial projects, including hospitality, as well office and large mixed-use real estate projects.
Company leadership says that more than 20% of employees have tenures of 25 years or more, including a “large number” of second-generation families, employees’ children joining the firm.
“We say we are a family, and we mean it. We celebrate each other’s successes and milestones and are there to comfort and support each other during the hard times. We are able to work hard together and create long-lasting and beautiful additions to our communities that impact everyone who uses them.”
Linbeck Group also completed QPR training with the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, taking to heart data that showed the construction industry has the second-highest suicide rate in the U.S.
Mark Linenberger
Executive Vice President
“We have great people. I think we do a great job of attracting the right people; the right people stay. To me, it goes back to our guiding principles. It starts with integrity, the foundation that affects how we behave and act and serve others. Secondly, trust. We only get things done through relationships. We work hard in our relationships with each other and through our clients.”
3 Comfort Experts, Inc.
WEATHERFORD
What they do: Heating/AC, plumbing, electrical contractor
Employees: 66
Comfort Experts has been providing heating and air-conditioning services in the Fort Worth area for 50 years. Family owned and operated, that’s exactly how they run the company, CEO Brett Hobson says.
“From their first day in training to their 20th year on the job, every single Comfort Experts employee is valued and cared for like a true member of our family,” Hobson writes. “In this way, we’ve built a collective team full of people who support one another, push each other to grow, and are genuinely invested in the success. We’ve always believed the best way to take care of your family is to treat it the same way we treat our own.”
The company offers flexible schedules with many employees working remotely or four-day work weeks, and a range of incentives and bonuses.
“We create team building activities and self-improvement trainings designed to empower each employee to take the initiative to sharpen their skills, better themselves, and continuously move forward in the company,” Hobson says.
4 Muckleroy & Falls
FORT WORTH
What they do: Construction
Employees: 56
Since 1979, Muckleroy & Falls has been a commercial contractor with a footprint in DFW, Central Texas, and Austin. The company’s core market sectors are multifamily, hospitality, industrial, and office.
The company’s secret to maintaining high employee retention, according to paperwork filed for Best Companies to Work For, is the cultivation and nurturing of a positive work environment.
“M&F offers outstanding benefits, growth opportunities, competitive pay, and higher education opportunities, but M&F believes that success in the marketplace starts with instilling confidence in our team and building up others to reach their full potential.”
Monthly outings and events are conducted to increase company morale and promote bonding outside of the workplace.
There is a culture of trust within the organization, too.
The “gong” plays a role here as well, but without Chuck Barris. Each time a new project win is announced, a team member rings the gong, and the team celebrates the “MVP” of the pursuit. Ringing the gong provides gratification for the hard work leading up to that point and symbolizes a job well done.
IRA contribution matching, three-week paid vacation per year up to five years of employment, and four weeks after the five-year mark are other benefits.
5 Peloton Land Solutions
FORT WORTH
What they do: Engineering
Employees: 180 (99 in Fort Worth)
Peloton Land Solutions is a team of civil engineers, surveyors, landscape architects, planners, environmental scientists, drafters, and support staff all doing the work that goes into preparing a site of land to be developed.
“Employees stay because of the opportunities that exist at Peloton as well as the culture,” the company says in the paperwork submitted as part of Best Companies to Work For. “As a small, but fast-growing firm, our employees have access to interact with all levels of leadership. We prioritize having competitive compensation and benefits that include company paid medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance.”
The company also matches 50% of employee contributions up to 8%.
Peloton also provides opportunities for its employees to participate in local health or human service initiatives, including participation in community service during normal business hours without losing pay or using personal time off. Pelton also matches employees’ charitable donations.
Crystal Wise
Mark Linenberger Linbeck Group, LLC
6 Steele & Freeman, Inc.
FORT WORTH
What they do: Construction
Employees: 71
Steele & Freeman has provided professional construction management services for more than 42 years with employees who “are willing to go above and beyond every day.” That dedicated team, plus a creed of the company’s 23 “fundamentals,” has resulted in a winning corporate culture, the company attests.
“SFI cares about its staff and their families,” a spokesman says. “We foster a team environment where we look out for each other and regularly include our families at appropriate times for a holistic work place that emphasizes striving for a happy and healthy life. The Can-Do Spirit we tout is alive and well, and most people say that is the thing they love the most about being part of the Can-Do Crew. Our teamwork and collaboration keep stress to a minimum, and our vigilance with safety means our team members can count on getting home safely to their families, which is (let’s face it) why most of us work so hard day in, day out.”
The company provides a 50% match on 401(k) contributions, “which is very high within the industry.”
7 Imperial Construction, Inc.
WEATHERFORD
What they do: Construction
Employees: 58
Imperial Construction notes a firm with a culture that is tight-knit, with many long-term employees who have helped grow the company. Imperial builds commercial buildings, such as offices, industrial buildings, large retail and hospitality developments, and health care facilities, and a wide range of educational facilities for K-12 schools and higher education institutions, as well as government facilities for municipalities, state entities, and the federal government.
“For 22 years, Imperial Construction has been focused on creating a great place to work for its valued employees,” says the company in its Best Companies to Work For questionnaire. “Once employees themselves, the firm’s owners invested in a beautiful office space to help attract top-notch employees.”
In addition to complete health care benefits, the company offers supplemental benefits through AFLAC. Its products (accident indemnity, cancer care, short-term disability, critical care and recovery, hospital confinement indemnity, and term-life insurance) pay benefits directly to members and are guaranteed renewal for life. The company also pays for Healthiest You, a health service that physician consultations, any day or hour, to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication
8 Work Wear Safety Shoes
FORT WORTH
What they do: Retail
Employees: 88 (55 in Fort Worth)
Work Wear Safety Shoes teaches companies how to craft powerful solutions for its employees’ safety in the areas of footwear, personal protective equipment, and apparel. The company employs a “chief experience officer,” whose job is to monitor and ensure a good experience for every customer and every employee every day.
“Our employees know they are part of a mission to ‘make workers lives better,’” the company says in its Best Companies to Work For questionnaire. “And in our world, it’s not only better, but also could mean the ability to work at all. Injuries on the job are what we help prevent. And that is truly making a difference in someone’s life. A tangible mission makes all the difference. We also spend time each week sharing stories from our customers about how we have lived out our mission. We start every gathering of three or more employees reciting our core values and committing ourselves to living them out. We celebrate our people daily.”
Employee growth is also a prerogative. Each employee has a biennual discussion with their supervisor about their “next step” within the company. The company calls the program “My Path.” A plan is crafted to help employees reach that next level.
9 Worthington National Bank
FORT WORTH
What they do: Banking
Employees: 53
Worthington National Bank has served as a commercial bank in Tarrant County for 20 years with offices in Arlington, Fort Worth, and Colleyville.
“We try to empower all employees to speak up when they see something that could be improved upon,” the company says. “We take care of each other. We promote from within the bank any time we possibly can. The bank pays for a large percentage of the employees’ benefits including some benefits paid at 100%. The bank pays our people to go to the gym because we care about their health. For every visit up to four a month, we pay them $10.”
The company also uses third parties to assist employees with mental and emotional help, financial advice and counseling, and substance abuse. “Anything they need help with essentially.”
The bank also offers tuition reimbursement or assistance for employees in advance or post-graduate degree programs or business education workshops.
“Honesty isn’t the best policy; it is the only policy. Integrity and caring for those around you are important and goes a long way in making everyone love their jobs.”
10 Byrne Construction Services
FORT WORTH
What they do: Construction
Employees: 63
Byrne Construction Services has left an impression over its 99 years in operation, erecting lasting edifices with a focus on municipal, commercial office, higher education, aviation, and historic renovation.
Byrne has worked to maintain an employee-centric culture, providing attention to ensuring that personal and professional needs and aspirations are explored and supported.
Byrne lives by its creed that “people build buildings.”
When the pandemic shut down gyms, Byrne built an on-site gym and developed health and safety protocols for it. The company also built an outdoor pavilion to create an open-air area for employees and families to safely gather.
“We take a lot of pride in providing our employees with a great place to achieve their professional goals, as well as a place that values their commitment to their families,” the company says.
One favorite event each year is the Byrne Annual Charity Golf Event, a day on the golf course with colleagues and subcontractors. Even non-golfers enjoy the day on a golf cart or interacting on a “challenge hole.”
As an added bonus, employees have access to a financial planner provided by the company to meet retirement and investment goals.
11 Sand X
GRANBURY
What they do: Manufacturing
Employees: 75 (29 in Granbury)
Sand X, a family-owned business, is a comprehensive green solution for sand removal and gas separation through its patented Sand X and Super Loop technology, reducing the emission of hazardous materials and raw hydrocarbons into the atmosphere during flow back.
Through its processes, the sand is clean and safe for other uses while the produced water can be safely recirculated. It all results in good things, including greater environmental compliance, a safer well site, and savings on overall costs.
The technologies were the brainchild of Bruce Thompson.
“Sand X creates a great place to work by being a company that cares about its employees,” a company spokesman says. “The strong leadership of Mr. Bruce Thompson allows the executive team to do their job and contribute their own creativity to problem solving while working as a team. The respect of each employee and their contributions to the team are what make Sand X a great place to work.”
Sand X is also a generous giver for various causes, including Rope 4 the Cure, a charity that focuses on finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes; and Ruth’s Place, an organization that provides health care services to individuals who are working but do not have health care.
Crystal Wise
Jason Sumpter MMA
12 Lena Pope
FORT WORTH
What they do: Nonprofit
Employees: 214
Lena Pope has been an advocate for children in need for generations now.
“Lena Pope invests in its staff who invest in the children and families in our community,” says the agency in its Best Companies to Work For questionnaire. “Coworker relationships are close because everyone cares so deeply about the mission we serve. The pride every individual has in their work shines through to our clients, and everyone strives to provide the best experience to every individual we interact with.”
Lena Pope offers competitive salaries with similar organizations, affordable benefit premiums, tuition reimbursement, a retirement plan, loan and incentive programs, and employee assistant programs
The “Motivate Me” program through the agency’s medical provider allows employees to earn up to $515 to recoup some of their premium through preventative doctor visits and healthy activities, among other things.
An employee assistance program and travel assistance also stand out. EAP helps deal with things including stress, conflict, and loss of loved ones. Travel assistance is designed to assist with lost valuables, such as a wallet or luggage, or medical emergencies. That service will provide needed cash or other services lost.
13 Pinnacle Bank
FORT WORTH
What they do: Banking
Employees: 234
Pinnacle Bank opened in 1938 after the community of Palmer, Nebraska, lost its bank in the financial wildfire that was the Great Depression. Brothers George and Tom Dinsdale, and others, farmers by trade, opened what would become Pinnacle Bank, which now operates across eight states.
Yet, it is still a family-owned bank — a large one — with local control and lots of resources and lending capacity. The philosophy of integrity and community banking remains intact.
“Our bank management in each branch and region has the autonomy to recruit and utilize their resources and networking in their community,” the local chapter says. “They tap into local colleges, high schools, banks, etc. to gain great additions to our team. Our bank management is also very involved on various boards within the communities they serve, and this adds to the resources for recruiting and finding talent.”
Employees also are afforded opportunities for professional growth through the bank’s management trainee program, generally a year-long program in which up-and-comers spend time in all areas of the bank before being placed in a branch as a lender or other designated seat.
14 The Baker Firm
FORT WORTH
What they do: Real Estate/Renting/Leasing
Employees: 58 (48 in Fort Worth)
The Baker Firm is a title company, that neutral third party that helps clients consummate real estate transactions.
“We work hard to create an environment that our employees can be proud of,” company officials say. “We want each employee to feel like they are a part of something that works toward the greater good for their personal development in their career, our customers, and our community.
“There are many opportunities for growth in our office and employees that work hard and with integrity are always recognized. We offer mentorship and training so that any employee from the front desk to a college intern can truly create a career, and there is no limit to their achievements within our firm.”
The firm covers 50% of all health, dental, and vision benefits for employees, along with their dependents. A $25,000 life insurance policy is also provided at no cost.
15 Tarrant Appraisal District
FORT WORTH
What they do: Tax Appraisal
Employees: 198
The Tarrant Appraisal District, better known colloquially as “TAD,” is a political subdivision of the state of Texas responsible for local property tax appraisal and exemption administration for 73 jurisdictions or taxing units in the county.
Employees are attracted and remain, the district says, because of excellent paid benefits, flexible hours, and retirement plans, which include 401(k), 403(b), or 457 Pension Plan (SIMPLE, SEP and/or SARSEP), and a defined benefit plan.
“Employees are vested after eight years and a 225% match,” according to its Best Companies to Work For questionnaire.
Officials describes the office environment as engaging with a flex schedule that allows for employees to collaborate and provide service with integrity to the public.
16 Riverside Homebuilders
FORT WORTH
What they do: Construction
Employees: 111 (89 in Fort Worth)
Riverside Homebuilders, which opened for business in 2012, is part of Lackland Holdings which was formed in 1991 by Tim Fleet, who serves as president of the homebuilding operation. Over the past four years, the company has grown at a 25% annual compound growth rate and was recognized as one of the top 100 new homebuilders in the nation for 2020 and 2021 in Builder Magazine.
“We invest in the well-being of employees by paying generous portions of their monthly medical premium for them and their dependents,” the company says.
Riverside pays 87% of the employee premium and an average of 55% of the monthly premium for dependents, according to the company. Additionally, our medical plan is a cost-plus plan, which affords employees the option to see any provider, even outside the network.
Alliance Work Partners is the company’s third-party employee assistance program, offering confidential services to support “employees when life happens.” That is, personal issues such as general stress and emotional trouble, and legal, financial, marital assistance or need of help for substance abuse.
17 VLK Architects, Inc.
FORT WORTH
What they do: Architecture
Employees: 190 (87 in Fort Worth)
VLK Architects says it strives to provide a work environment that embraces the passion and creativity its employees have in their personal lives because it enhances the caliber of the firm’s work.
“There is nothing more important in our firm than our people,” the company says in its Best Companies to Work For questionnaire. “Regardless of their experience level, role, or background, everyone benefits from the shared beliefs and practices our culture has created. VLK shares our 10 established core values with every employee during their onboarding process. They are also posted on our intranet site. But more importantly, at every opportunity we identify and publicly discuss examples when members of our team embody any one of the core values.”
In 401(k) plans, VLK matches 50% up to 6% of an employee’s contribution. Employees are always 100% vested in their plan contributions and rollover contributions, plus any earnings they generate. VLK contributions, plus any earnings they generate, are vested on a five-year vesting schedule.
The firm also offers reimbursement for professional accreditations and licensure examinations.
18 Agency Habitat
FORT WORTH
What they do: Advertising/PR
Employees: 62 (61 in Fort Worth)
Inclusivity is a chief priority at Agency Habitat, an advertising and PR firm in Fort Worth.
“At Agency Habitat, we want to ensure our agency is inclusive of ALL individuals,” the company says in its Best Companies to Work For questionnaire. “As such, we have developed the Habitat Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Awareness Leadership (IDEAL) committee to serve as a taskforce to help continue to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion across the agency.
“This will include a diverse set of thought-leaders with varying backgrounds who are passionate about making the agency a place that everyone, regardless of differences, wants to be. The entire agency is responsible for bringing thoughts and ideas to the table, and then the committee will work together to drive the planning and implementation of ideas with the support of the management team.”
The agency provides a 100% match for the first 3% salary of retirement accounts, and a 50% match up to 5% of salary.
Large Companies 250 and more U.S. employees
Crystal Wise
Eurasia Lambert APEX Capital Corp
1 Apex Capital Corp
FORT WORTH
What they do: Finance
Employees: 360 (328 in Fort Worth)
Apex Capital Corp provides financial services to the transportation industry, typically small- to medium-size trucking companies. Its core business is freight factoring which enables clients to grow their business through the support of additional cash flow and full back-office services, such as business start-up assistance, credit advice, and accounts receivable management.
The company is unflinching in its belief in its workplace.
Apex Capital Corp “truly IS the best place to work in Fort Worth!”
Well, Apex Capital has a great environment, make no mistake about it, the No. 1-rated large company in our Best Companies to Work For, and No. 11 overall.
“We provide rich benefits, world-class wellness, training and development opportunities, and foster an environment of transparency, connectedness, learning, innovation, and fun,” company leadership explains in its Best Companies to Work For questionnaire. “We believe in doing the right thing. We go about our work in a positive and optimistic way, believing we can get the results we want and have fun while doing it. We believe in people’s intentions and care about our clients, business partners, and each other. We have a strong sense of purpose and a deep passion for our organization. We believe that to be successful, we must continuously strive for improvement in every aspect of our business.”
The company offers quarterly profit sharing, as well as a hybrid work environment.
“It’s a workplace where you are encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas, and they are heard and often implemented by management. Apex has always been a ‘for you, by you’ service provider for our clients, and we extend this philosophy to our employees.”
Crystal Wise
Brandon Robinson USI Insurance
2 USI Insurance
NEW YORK
What they do: Health
insurance
Employees: 8,571 (23 in Fort Worth)
USI Insurance is one of the largest insurance firms in the U.S., a brokerage that assists employers with benefit package offerings for their employees.
“USI Insurance embraces a culture built upon continual investment in the opportunity for the professional growth of our employees,” the company says. “The empowerment that comes through the opportunity to challenge each other to be our best selves and be innovative with our solutions is what sets us apart from our competitors.
“We believe in hiring good people while fostering an environment of respect, relatable leadership, and defined opportunities for professional growth. A strong corporate culture is not just something we talk about — it is something we believe in and practice every day. We do not believe in micromanagement but rather in an empowered workforce that is encouraged to think outside of the box and incorporate their unique processes and work styles that leverage their personal and professional strengths in alignment with our overall corporate objectives. We believe in the power of working together, thinking together, and having fun together.”
The company matches the first 3% of 401(k) contributions.
Crystal Wise
Scott Clark Burns & McDonnell
3 Burns & McDonnell
KANSAS CITY
What they do: Engineering architecture and construction
Employees: 9,500 (140 in Fort Worth)
Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together a team of thousands of engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, and more to design and build critical infrastructure. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 60 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.
“Our people aren’t just employees; we are 100% percent owners of the firm,” says a company spokesman. “Employee-owners are rewarded for their performance and share in the success of the company.”
The employee stock ownership plan allows employees to participate directly in the profitability of the company on their first day at no cost. The company says it fosters a culture of transparency by sharing information with employee-owners through newsletters, division and department updates, annual companywide meetings, and weekly email updates from CEO Ray Kowalik.
“Regular surveys and meetings with managers and employee representatives exist to be an open channel of communication between upper management and employee-owners. Together, we join forces to give back to our communities by volunteering with organizations in Fort Worth. In 2021, we raised more than $4 million in our annual campaign for United Way chapters nationwide.”
4 D&M Leasing
FORT WORTH
What they do: Auto leasing
Employees: 368 (99 in Fort Worth)
Since its first lease was driven off the lot in 1976, D&M Auto Leasing the largest leasing company in the nation, with more than $1 billion worth of vehicles on the road today, according to the company. D&M has multiple locations across Fort Worth and Dallas.
“Our purpose is to have a positive impact on the lives of our customers, associates, and the community through service and stewardship,” the company says in its Best Companies to Work For questionnaire. “We invest in our employees and their career as we strongly believe that happy employees result in happy customers.”
The company says it utilizes active initiatives to recruit veterans, women, and ethnically diverse workers. It also matches up to 4% in 401(k) employee contributions.
“At D&M Leasing, we don’t offer jobs. We provide careers. We strive every day to be the best we can be. We don’t settle for second place and to be ordinary. D&M Leasing is a positive environment of proven winners with a track record of success.”