Crystal Wise
Representing the top finishers are, from left, Matt Morris of HUB Fort Worth, Joseph DeWoody of Valor, and Tom Hook of USI Insurance.
Fort Worth Inc.’s Best Companies to Work For in Fort Worth comprises of 45 companies that stand out as ideal workplaces for employees to flourish professionally — and personally — because of philosophies that foster a positive and supportive environment.
Many infuse a sense of fun and humor, encouraging employees to tote around their personalities. Almost all it seems cultivate transparent communication at all levels of the organization.
Whatever the case, they all result in employment empowerment zones with the end result being better service and care for the customer.
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, research firm that’s behind some 24 Best Places to Work programs across North America and drills deep daily on what engages people in the workplace.
Companies and other organizations that enter our contest submit answers to Workforce 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, including the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo. (Yippee ki-yay!)
Entering companies also agree to allow their employees to be surveyed anonymously by the Workforce Research Group to really explore how they perceive their employer.
Workforce analyzes this information and produces our annual Best Companies to Work For in Fort Worth. Workforce ranked employers in the small, medium, and large company categories, with large companies having 251 employees or more.
It is also worth noting that the magazine’s ownership and staff have no say in who wins this contest and how employers rank. The 2023 issue of the magazine and Workforce Research Group’s rankings were released Aug. 17 at a luncheon at River Ranch Stockyards.
SMALL (15-49 U.S. EMPLOYEES)
1. Valor
What they do: Finance
Employees: 33
Valor is a specialty asset management company providing business process outsourcing, proprietary software solutions, accounting and back-office services for mineral, oil, and gas owners. Its mineral management department oversees a combined 10.2 million gross acres and 560,000 net royalty acres of mineral and property rights on behalf of more than 100,000 interests across 32 U.S. states.
As a place to work, Valor has scaled new heights in just a year after finishing very well in 2022 — 12th in the small workplace category.
This for a company that has doubled in staff year over year.
“Valor seeks out methods to preserve the culture it's built and address employee feedback by investing, adopting, and developing new business processes,” its application reads.
Results from employee satisfaction surveys are used to improve culture and offerings to employees. For example, executive staff observed a lower score for financial support which “led to investing in a more beneficial 401(k) plan.”
At the end of each year, the company throws a party for employees and their families with raffles for large prizes, such as a TV. And employees who align with the company’s core values most receive a plaque with “several giant bonus checks.”
2. Essential Lending Inc.
What they do: Finance
Employees: 15
Essential Lending is a short-term financial services company based in Fort Worth, with “a family-like atmosphere in which we are all integral pieces, forming a great team.”
“Our team members stay at our organization because we're family,” a representative writes in the company’s Best Companies application. “It's not an exaggeration or misnomer. It's the truth.”
Through a characteristics profile, team members learn of each other's strengths and weaknesses.
“We don't give up on each other but take time to embrace new approaches and styles of communication.”
3. M2G Ventures
What they do: Real Estate
Employees: 23
M2G Ventures, a woman-owned real estate investment and development company founded in 2014, didn’t begin hiring employees outside of ownership stakeholders until just before the pandemic.
“We are proud of the faces behind our accomplishments and seek to offer the most rewarding culture possible, pushing limits for what small businesses can provide,” M2G’s application reads.
M2G offers a flexible, hybrid working schedule, profit sharing, paid medical insurance, generous PTO, and paid holidays. In addition to traditional employee perks and benefits, the company offers development and integral coaching through a licensed social worker on-site every week.
4. Satori Capital
What they do: Finance
Employees: 35
Crystal Wise
Kyle Massimilian
Satori Capital is an investment firm that manages customized portfolios for private investors, family offices, and institutions. Its purpose is to create, fund, and inspire businesses that elevate humanity.
That includes “our outstanding team members. We consider it our responsibility to be stewards of our team members’ careers and their well-being.”
The “Satori Sweats” program arranges group workouts and activity classes for team members who wish to participate as a team and also offers a personal annual $1,000 perk for team members to use for their individual wellness activities.
Employees are presented 22 employer-paid holidays each year.
5. Fort Construction
What they do: Construction
Employees: 26
Fort Construction, a full-service construction firm offering construction management, general contracting, design/build, and LEED certification, has an 89% employee retention rate.
The company’s workplace culture encourages and cultivates professional growth, camaraderie, and a healthy work-life balance, including office hours ending at 3:30 p.m. each Friday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
The company responded to a recent employee survey by establishing a Project Management and a Superintendent Steering Committee to provide opportunities for peer training, mentoring, collaboration, support, and the creation of new solutions.
6. Curnutt & Hafer
What they do: Legal
Employees: 19
Founded in 2000, Curnutt & Hafer is a boutique law firm that practices in the areas of business litigation, personal injury, estate planning and inheritance disputes, family law, and oil and gas.
The office culture is faith-based and inclusive — “we pray, grow, and celebrate together” — and with a family feel.
Say the firm’s partners: “We carefully plan not only the type of legal work we offer and how we approach cases, but also set as a priority how our company culture can best serve our entire team so that people will enjoy coming to work and do meaningful work in the office and out in the community.”
7. Wier & Associates Inc.
What they do: Engineering
Employees: 37
Wier & Associates is a civil engineering firm that provides civil design, land surveying, and land planning services to the public and private sectors.
“Decisions we make for the future of the company and daily culture are all built on the foundation of our family. We value everyone's input.”
That input led to the firm making improvements to its benefits package — making them more affordable — and company culture initiatives. The firm also carried out a plan on a condensed work week, allowing employees to take Friday afternoons off.
8. REEDER Construction
What they do: Construction
Employees: 38
REEDER Construction, which specializes in schools, is a small company, but “our culture is mighty.”
The company has constructed its culture around three core values: family, servant leadership, and safety. Incentive-based strategies, like the company’s Raken Challenge, have been designed to increase job-site productivity.
“We also employ burnout strategies such as participating in nonprofit clay shoots and golf tournaments that give our employees a break from day-to-day challenges to reduce burnout and improve productivity.”
The company also offers employees unlimited PTO.
9. Varghese Summersett
What they do: Legal
Employees: 31
Nine years ago, Benson Varghese started his law practice in a one-room office with $9,000 he borrowed from an uncle. Today, Varghese Summersett has 35 team members and has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing businesses in the U.S.
“When you ask employees why they love working at Varghese Summersett,” management says, “their answers run the gamut: Great Team; Flexibility; Family-First; Generous; Supportive; Kid-Friendly; Fun.”
Employees are entitled to five paid work-from-home days a year, which they can use any time.
10. Qualbe Marketing Group
What they do: Sales and Marketing
Employees: 29
Qualbe, first in the small category a year ago, is a digital marketing company that sells and markets select products that help people build better lives, including offering the best dental discount plans on the market through its 1Dental brand.
You had me at tacos. Wait, what?
That’s right, Taco Tuesday is a monthly lunch for the company to catch up with each and enjoy the Tex-Mex superfood. There’s also the company Book War, an endeavor to encourage employees to never stop learning. Word on the street is customer service is the front-runner, according to customer service.
11. Quorum Architects
What they do: Architecture
Employees: 31
Quorum was founded by five architect friends who shared a common goal of providing an employee experience in which people feel appreciated, respected, heard, and included. And that’s the way it remains 31 years later, the firm says.
“Seasoned professional staff members offer professional development mentorship, helping to guide design staff through their licensure process,” the firm says. “Quorum provides fun activities and/or social get-togethers each month which helps to strengthen relationships.”
Quorum offers paid time off for continuing education and business development activities, as well as for community service. No PTO is needed for that annual chili cookoff.
12. PSK LLP
What they do: Accounting
Employees: 39
PSK LLP, a full-service firm based in Arlington since 1964, operates on four core values: passion for developing relationships, commitment to excellence, honesty and integrity, respect and accountability.
PSK demonstrates these core values to its team through quarterly lunch updates on our goals, plans and achievements.
Developing relationships with team members and clients is encouraged through planned in-house activities and community and industry gatherings.
“Providing work tools, training, mentoring, and professional development allows us all to strive for excellence,” the firm writes. “Honesty, integrity, respect, and accountability are outcomes of a workplace that allows open communication and provides tools to achieve career and personal goals.”
13. Trinity Real Estate Investment Services
What they do: Real Estate
Employees: 16
Trinity Real Estate Investment Services is a commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in net-lease and self-storage investment sales.
The firm has put its money where its mouth is regarding the health of its workplace.
“We recognize that our employees are our company,” firm executives say. “Twelve months ago, we decided to staff a consultant to focus on strategy, communication, and implementation. He introduced new communication tools and techniques that have helped us collaborate more effectively. By addressing these issues, we have instantly seen improved morale, culture, and productivity, which has positively impacted our overall performance.”
14. Steven Camp MD Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics
What they do: Health care
Employees: 19
Steven Camp MD Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, a plastic surgery practice that focuses on surgical and nonsurgical offerings, described its office culture as friendly, warm, supportive, full of laughter, and focused on personal growth.
“Not only do we provide the best for our patients, but our staff truly cares for each other,” the practice’s management says. “We have limited turn over and continue to grow in a very special way. Our staff is taken care of as people, they are involved in decision-making on all aspects of the business, compensated well, and are friends inside and outside of the business.”
15. Ricochet Fuel Distributors
What they do: Transporation
Employees: 32
Ricochet Fuel Distributors Inc., a women-owned fuel distributor serving Texas, its surrounding states, along with 14 additional states nationwide, provides bulk fuels, fuel services, and solutions.
Internal and external stakeholders are No. 1, whether that be employees, vendor, or customers.
“We also demonstrate our core values through our emphasis on continued growth and training,” management writes.
The folks at Ricochet enjoy sporting.
Fun activities away from the office are a Texas Rangers game in a suite at Globe Life Field, a sales-and-marketing outing at Puttery in Grandscape, and laying down a few bucks on the ponies at Lone Star Park.
16. HF Custom Solutions
What they do: Advertising/Marketing/PR
Employees: 25
HF Custom Solutions is a one-stop shop for designing, procuring, customizing, packaging, and shipping customers’ branded apparel, custom merchandise, and logoed items.
“Our owners invest in the health and success of our employees in big and small ways every day,” representatives say.
Management likes to say that HF stands for “Have Fun.” “Team outings and activities punctuate the fun we have in the office.”
HF also provides generous benefits, such as paying 100% of the health insurance premium of our base plan for every full-time employee and a 3% match to our 401(k) plan.
Also, don’t sleep on the cookies and sweets the CEO brings to the office.
17. LanCarte Commercial
What they do: Real Estate
Employees: 35
LanCarte Commercial goes to work every day believing in the vision to shift “the paradigm of commercial real estate in North Texas through entrepreneurial thinking and integrity-first relationships.”
“We are a transparent, fun, and collaborative team while having the autonomy to own our role and relentlessly pursue our mission,” a representative writes.
The leadership team is also focused on a diverse staff, “knowing that it can serve as an asset.”
“Leadership holds themselves to the same standard as everyone else, and it shows daily in the way they communicate with all of the employees. LanCarte strives to provide a fun company culture by consistently developing employee engagement, communication, and trust.”
An annual dodgeball tournament sounds like a great storytelling opportunity for a magazine.
18. Franz Architects Inc.
What they do: Architecture
Employees: 21
Since 1983, Franz Architects has believed in its mantra of “creating beauty that functions and relationships that last.”
The firm confidently asserts it that it offers industry-leading benefits as well as leadership that isn’t “afraid to think outside the box when it comes to managing and working with employees.”
The firm provides a 6% match on employees’ 401(k) contributions.
“I believe our leadership team has proven to everyone that the most important asset we have is our employees,” a representative writes.
The culture, he continues, is “very laid-back and relaxed, fun, and energetic.
19. Shield Engineering Group
What they do: Engineering
Employees: 42
Since 2009, Shield Engineering Group is a Fort Worth-based, multi-disciplined consulting firm providing comprehensive civil engineering design, water resources engineering, professional land surveying and geographic information systems to both public and private clients.
The firm says that it promotes a culture of integrity, diversity, mentorship, employee growth, and flexibility, as evidenced by half workdays on Fridays.
“Shield’s workplace culture has kept retention rates of employees high and turnover low,” leadership says. “We encourage an open work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.”
20. McDonald Sanders Law Firm
What they do: Legal
Employees: 40
McDonald Sanders, founded in 1951, is now one of the oldest law firms in Fort Worth. As a full-service firm, it has a proud history of advising clients who have been instrumental in the growth and development of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the North Texas region.
That kind of stability, the firm’s leadership says, inspires confidence in its employees and provides health, retirement, and additional benefits not found in other firms.
The workplace environment is focused on productivity and comfort with considerations for personal preferences and privacy, though the firm’s work cafe and various meeting spaces encourage collaboration.
Professional and personal development is highly encouraged.
MEDIUM (50-249 U.S. EMPLOYEES)
1. HUB Fort Worth
What they do: Insurance
Employees: 93
HUB Fort Worth has been guiding clients through the complexity of insurance and investments since Gus Bates opened the office in 1966.
HUB Fort Worth’s guiding principles that shape its culture, decision-making processes, and interactions with internal and external stakeholders center on entrepreneurship, integrity and teamwork, and accountability and service.
The second set, integrity and teamwork, emphasizes the importance placing significant value on maintaining honesty, ethics, and moral principles in all its dealings. Additionally, teamwork is highly promoted as the means to achieve optimal results through a healthy workplace.
“Don't tell me how much you know; show me how much you care,” is the company’s mantra.
HUB Fort Worth is a winner in its first entry in Fort Worth Inc.’s Best Companies to Work For.
The firm recognizes achievement through an “Above & Beyond Award,” voted on monthly by leadership; a “Rock Star Award,” based on client feedback and announced annually; and the “Shining Star,” presented quarterly by peers.
Leadership also listens.
Says a representative of management: “Based on the feedback we received, we have planned even more small frequent service team outings to thank them for their hard work, as well as more frequent community service outings and involvement with nonprofits.”
2. Imperial Construction
What they do: Construction
Employees: 68
Imperial Construction is a general contractor that builds commercial and institutional buildings across Texas, but mostly, since establishing a base in North Texas, its projects are located in Fort Worth-Dallas.
“Our owners are incredibly passionate about the company,” says a representative of the company. “They work hard to set the standard for the team to inspire every employee to deliver exceptional results and service for clients.
“They expect our employees to work hard but also want them to have fun while doing so. Employees stay with our organization because of the relationships they have with colleagues, owners, and the level of engagement the company provides.”
3. Wick Phillips
What they do: Legal
Employees: 112
Crystal Wise
Dan McCarthy, David Drez, and Brant Martin.
Founded in 2004, Wick Phillips is a full-service business law firm serving clients across Texas and the U.S.
The firm began its questionnaire by stating what it is not: Staunch, uptight, stuffy, or quick-tempered.
What it is: Refreshingly laid-back, lighthearted, open to new ideas and strategies, hard-working, collaborative, intelligent, and a great place to work.
“The best, in fact. I have even heard the firm described by a client as ‘the Google of law firms.’ Our people are happy to come to work each day. We love our work, we love our co-workers, we love our bosses, we love our clients.”
4. CornerStone Staffing
What they do: Staffing
Employees: 76
CornerStone Staffing is a faith-based company that specializes in recruiting and staffing for a wide variety of industries including office professional, accounting, finance, call center, health care, IT, engineering, as well as many others.
CornerStone Staffing calls itself a people-centric company that values its internal colleagues as family. They say they work and support each other through all aspects of life, celebrating successes and empathizing with losses. The company is dedicated to changing lives, providing both internal colleagues and external associates with new career opportunities, instilling a sense of pride in caring for their families.
Additionally, CornerStone actively gives back to the communities they operate in, supporting organizations like The Ladder Alliance, Cook Children’s, Ronald McDonald House, and Tarrant Area Foodbank.
5. United Way of Tarrant County
What they do: Nonprofit
Employees: 72
United Way of Tarrant County cultivates a “culture of caring” for all of its stakeholders, including employees, whose work impacts communities across the county.
Leadership is responsive, and regular communication occurs between managers and their teams.
“Our employees feel engaged, appreciated, and heard, whether with a personal or professional issue,” the organization says.
Employees have flexibility in their schedules and the option to work remotely with the necessary technology, promoting a healthy work-life balance. The company also emphasizes continuous learning through various platforms and offers resources to support employees' overall health and wellness. Additionally, employees receive excellent benefits, including generous paid time-off options, which are highly appreciated by the workforce.
6. Steele & Freeman
What they do: Construction
Employees: 75
The company’s culture is the heart of what employees love about working for Steele & Freeman, in business now for 43 years as a professional construction management services company.
“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,’” management says.
The success of the company is attributed to its 23 guiding fundamentals and core principles.
The company fosters a team environment that values the well-being of its employees and their families. Teamwork, collaboration, and safety are paramount, allowing employees to feel supported and dedicated to their work.
7. Muckelroy & Falls
What they do: Construction
Employees: 62
The team at Muckleroy & Falls, a full-service commercial contractor, founded in 1979 by Harold Muckleroy, is retained primarily because of the company’s culture, leadership, and opportunities for growth and advancement, according to an annual company assessment completed last year.
A dedicated company “Culture Committee” is responsible for planning and organizing companywide events, like the office Olympics.
M&F offers attractive benefits, including 401(k) matching and three weeks of vacation for all employees. The Tenure Milestone Program, which includes generous gifts ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for those with 5, 10, or 15-plus years of service.
8. Balcom Agency
What they do: Advertising/Marketing/PR
Employees: 58
Balcom has grown from a firm of a “couple of guys and one card table” to more than 50 employees and creatives who share in the mission to “B Great,” which it has proven to be as a recognized top agency in Fort Worth-Dallas and the Southwest.
“We have high expectations, and that’s because many of us spent time at places that made the wrong things important,” writes a member of leadership.
When it comes to retention, two things stick out: “First, we’re not fans of red tape and excessive regulations. That’s why we hire people with a strong work ethic [and] who understand what needs to be done and figure out the best way to do it.”
9. Work Wear Safety
What they do: Retail
Employees: 87
Since 1980, Work Wear Safety has been a friend to labor.
“Our employees join us and stay because of our simple mission statement: ‘We Make Workers’ Lives Better,’” reads the company’s questionnaire.
As one of the leading experts in safety footwear in the U.S., Work Wear Safety not only manages programs that deliver the right products for the worker's safety, but also serve to craft those standards for all companies as part of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Their fun activities include the “Pie in the Face Fundraiser.” In exchange for a donation to Hire Heroes, employees get to throw a pie in their boss’s face.
All in good fun. Nothing to do with the annual review.
10. Southside Bank
What they do: Banking
Employees: 176
Southside Bank was founded 63 years ago as a community-focused financial institution in Tyler with $350,000 in capital and 10 employees. Today, the bank has more than $7.5 billion in assets.
Its greatest asset, the bank says, are the now more than 800 team members. And it believes in developing those assets by keeping engagement, empowerment, and belonging at the forefront of its company ethos.
“We strive for the holistic well-being of our team members through our growing employee engagement initiatives,” leadership writes.
Among those are the “#InThisTogether” campaign that regularly sends motivational, supportive, and uplifting messages and employee gifts to our team members; matching qualified employee donations to local nonprofits; and sending “Southside Cares” packages to commemorate family events.
11. Worthington Bank
What they do: Banking
Employees: 65
At Worthington Bank, a commercial bank founded in 2002, specializing in helping locally owned businesses grow, the customers can only be sufficiently served if the employees are taken care of first.
Worthington provides health insurance at “a well below market rate” to employees, with the bank paying more than 80% of the employees' medical premiums. The bank also pays for life insurance policies for full-timers, as well as an employee assistance program that includes confidential counseling. Other voluntary benefits include pet insurance and identity theft insurance. A 401(k) and ESOP plans are also included with “generous company contributions.”
Moreover, management orders salary surveys from an outside source every year to ensure our employees are receiving a competitive wage.
12. Byrne Construction Services
What they do: Construction
Employees: 104
Byrne Construction Services, the venerable, 100-year-old family-owned construction company, declared long ago that “People Build Buildings.”
“It’s not just our motto but is at the heart all we do,” the leadership team writes. “We keep our employees first and provide a family atmosphere to enable their individual growth.”
Family-friendly policies include time off for emergencies, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements when needed. The firm says it invests “heavily” in employees’ development while also fostering a positive workplace culture.
“Teaching our employees how to build ‘The Byrne Way’ teaches them to deliver quality products, on time and in a collaborative environment of mutual respect.”
There’s also that Byrne Biergarten out back at the office.
13. Tarrant Appraisal District
What they do: Government
Employees: 104
The Tarrant Appraisal District has perhaps the most challenging job on the list. They aren’t exactly sending out holiday greetings.
But it’s a critical job, of course.
In spite of those challenges, “our staff serves professionally, patiently, and empathetically to do our work. We believe we have built a family atmosphere of support and comradery. Historically we have experienced low turnover and long tenures, even when faced with stressful periods of the year, and have taken great pride in having been recognized as a ‘Best Companies to Work For in Fort Worth’ in prior years.”
14. Lena Pope
What they do: Nonprofit
Employees: 223
Lena Pope has served a critical need for children in the Fort Worth community since 1930.
Lena Pope offers a diverse and robust benefits package that addresses physical and emotional wellness and financial stability. Leadership says the nonprofit offers competitive salaries with similar organizations, affordable benefit premiums, tuition reimbursement, retirement, employee assistance program, employee loan program, and employee incentive program.
But …
“We asked our staff what made them choose Lena Pope and what makes them stay here, and they say it best,” a member of the organization writes. “One staff member shared, ‘I chose to work at Lena Pope because of its amazing reputation for serving the Fort Worth community. I stayed because from the beginning, I have felt cared for and cared about.’”
15. The Baker Firm/Fidelity National Title
What they do: Real Estate
Employees: 63
The Baker Firm is a title company based in Fort Worth, its mission to act as a neutral third party to help clients consummate real estate transactions.
“We work hard to create an environment that our employees can be proud of,” management writes. “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. The Baker Firm recognizes the importance of work-life balance, opportunity for advancement and enjoying the place that you work. We spend a lot of time together, and it is important to us to have a space that you can enjoy.”
The firm plans trips for employees as team-building exercises. Those have included visits to Mexico, Nashville, Biloxi, Mississippi, and, most recently, Possum Kingdom Lake.
LARGE (250-PLUS U.S. EMPLOYEES)
1. USI Insurance
What they do: Insurance
Employees: 10,019 (30 in Fort Worth)
USI Insurance, one of the largest insurance companies in the country, is a brokerage firm that assists employers with benefit package offerings for their employees.
Management in the Fort Worth office describes its culture as one of encouragement, service, growth, and integrity. USI finished second in this category last year.
The company offers employees a “Commercial Insurance Career Track,” which is a “challenging” 18-month program designed to accelerate employees’ careers in middle market property and casualty insurance which develops participants through formal training and mentorship by industry experts.
There is also an “Employee Benefits Analyst Program,” which is an immersive program designed to prepare an employee for a career in financial analysis and reporting in support of our employee benefits clients.
The “Employee Benefits Account Representative” is an in-depth learning program designed to prepare an employee for a career in account management, fulfilling employee benefit, and client service needs.
Finally, the “Personal Risk Services Associate Program” is a 14-month experiential learning program delivering associates the practical experience to help personal risk clients with their insurance needs."
2. The Beck Group
What they do: Construction
Employees: 885 (58 in Fort Worth)
Since its founding in 1912, The Beck Group boasts that it integrates architecture, construction, and sustainability to transform how clients design and build.
“Inside Beck, we focus on making our workforce and job sites diverse and equitable. We foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation,” leadership writes. “We want everyone to be comfortable being authentic because better processes and outcomes result from working together.
“We prioritize the safety of our people, partners, vendors, and clients through training, safety protocols, and communication to show our commitment. Our work matters because we do more than build buildings — we build communities and people, too.”
3. Burns & McDonnell
What they do: Engineering/Architecture/Construction
Employees: 10,188 (178 in Fort Worth)
Another company with a more than 100-year history is Burns & McDonnell, which had another strong finish for a second consecutive year. Founded in 1898 and working from 70 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee owned.
“Our ESOP is truly one of a kind,” leadership says. “Only a small percentage of firms nationwide are 100% employee owned, and even fewer have enjoyed the status for 35 years like we have.”
The company says its turnover rate is one of the lowest in the industry at 5%, and that’s because our people have a real stake in the company.
“Our entrepreneurial atmosphere gives everyone an equal chance to make an impact.”
4. Weaver
What they do: Accounting
Employees: 1,095 (135 in Fort Worth)
Crystal Wise
Brad Jay.
According to the firm, Weaver in the past year has invested heavily in the corporate culture, employee wellness, and development efforts. To that end, the company added two virtual weeks, four recharge days, three additional holidays, increased PTO, expanded maternity and paternity leave, increased time off for the CPA exam, and implemented a relaxed Friday dress code.
All of that was the result of the annual employee engagement survey.
“We also expanded our internal coaching team and brought in new wellness benefits like GymPass to keep our employee’s mental and physical health top of mind.”
Weaver was hatched as a single office in Fort Worth in 1950. Since then, the firm has spread its tentacles from coast to coast, serving clients nationwide and even across the globe.
5. Slalom Inc.
What they do: Consulting
Employees: 11,335 (336 in Fort Worth)
Slalom, a global business and technology consulting company, has big aspirations for its workforce by pitching a novel idea: sanity.
“We value each person’s uniqueness and encourage our team members to be their authentic selves, nurturing a culture of belonging and inclusion,” leadership writes. “We aspire for each person to love their work and life. Instead of a grueling, up-or-out career, we offer balance and sanity. The opportunity to love both your work and your life. To prioritize family and work on high-impact projects with companies in your community.”
An employee survey showed that 91% of team members say they would recommend Slalom as a great place to work.
6. FORVIS
What they do: Accounting
Employees: 5,771 (87 in Fort Worth)
FORVIS, created by the merger of BKD and Dixon Hughes Goodman, ranks among the nation's top 10 professional services firms.
The firm is “uniquely FORVIS.”
What does that mean?
“Our purpose, mission, vision, and Unmatched Client Experience™ standards unite and drive our forward vision — our goal is to unlock our full potential,” management writes. “As a team, we’re passionate about making our DNA more than words. Our DNA is the foundation that defines our legacy and how we show up every day to make a difference for those we serve. As we exemplify these values, we stand out to win clients, recruit best-in-class talent, and build remarkable careers.”
That’s what it is.
7. Apex Capital Corp.
What they do: Finance
Employees: 379 (343 in Fort Worth)
Apex Capital Corp. is a company that encourages personal and professional growth and fosters a culture of connectedness and resilience.
What makes one want to stay at Apex, a financial services company to the transportation industry?
Camaraderie, sense of purpose, commitment to the community, opportunities for growth, phenomenal benefits, quarterly profit sharing, employee celebration, and a relaxed and casual hybrid work environment are among the reasons the company lists.
“Apex has always been a ‘for you, by you’ service provider for our clients, and we extend this philosophy to our employees,” the leadership team says. “This philosophy has also resulted in a significant number of new hires coming from referrals.”
8. LJA Engineering
What they do: Engineering
Employees: 1,612 (56 in Fort Worth)
LJA offers full-service engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients.
“Quite simply, we build civilization.”
The firm is also 100% employee owned.
“This is a distinctive driver of our internal culture and our external success,” leadership writes. “It is a significant differentiator for recruiting, retention, promotion, and longevity/legacy among our staff. Ingraining the importance of ESOP to our team is the foundation of strengthening the owner mentality at LJA. It is the backbone of who we are and, more importantly, why we are.”
Collaborative, inclusive, and fun, that’s the workplace culture at LJA.
9. ID Technology
What they do: Manufacturing
Employees: 451 (88 in Fort Worth)
ID Technology manufactures and integrates industry-leading solutions for labeling automation, coding, and marking for the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, household, and industrial goods industries.
Says management: “We have adopted a performance culture focused on always being responsive, being committed, being honest, being respectful, being responsible, being an owner, and being safe.
“Through our efforts to reinforce small teams and strong connections, we successfully cultivate employees to be their best and work exceptionally well together. We offer competitive salaries and exceptional benefits, including 401(k) retirement savings with a competitive company match.”
The company’s third-party benefit resources include accessibility with phone or video consultation services for family changes, work changes, budgetary assistance, legal services, identity theft, and health.
10. D&M Leasing
What they do: Vehicle Leasing
Employees: 362 (97 in Fort Worth)
To D&M Leasing, its employee-centric philosophy is simply good business.
A happy employee equals a happy customer, and happy customers equal a successful business.
“Being in business for over 47 years is testament that both our customers and our employees are happy,” the company writes in its questionnaire. “We believe in building strong relationships because it has resulted in not only long employee tenures and a 70% repeat customer base, but in a culture that is truly family oriented.”
D&M says it offers not only a competitive full-benefits package, including 401(k) with a company match, but also a family-oriented culture that makes employees proud to come to work each day.
“We want our employees to be successful as it is a true reflection of our business achievements.”