The Richmond Times-Dispatch and Workplace Dynamics recently conducted a survey of employers and employees from businesses both large and small, and all across the Richmond region. Using the results of their survey, they selected 50 finalists for Richmond’s Top Workplaces. They were sorted by business size, and we were honored to have been selected in the Small-size company category. That’s 149 or fewer employees.
We work on some pretty amazing projects, and our size has nothing to do with them. Part of the reason for our success, and perhaps our selection to this list, is written right into our mission: Building Relationships. We have cultivated relationships with an incredible array of clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors. Bill Paulette founded our company in 1975, and many of our initial clients and partners are still working with us today.
Working with these diverse teams also allows us to take on a wide range of projects. Whether it’s a ground-up construction or adaptive reuse, and from concentrated industrial to residential, we have the skills, flexibility, and people to successfully complete projects. We have a reputation for delivering on time, on budget, and anticipating the needs of our clients. Our company culture has been built around excellence.
The tenure of our employees also speaks to this culture. Our teams are made of many members of the KBS family that have been with us for a decade or more. Our Vice Chairman, Dennis Lynch, was the first employee hired by Paulette almost 40 years ago. Our employees know that they have a good home with us, and our clients know that when they come to our offices that they’re among friends. Each project begins and ends with their needs in mind, and they appreciate knowing who they’re working with.
Being a family-oriented business also plays a role in our employee satisfaction. We work hard, and we play hard. Our teams and their families are welcomed at KBS-sponsored events, have company events and picnics, and more. Our employees are, like us, part of our community, and that’s important to us. We’ve sponsored food drives, and worked with local hospitals. We’ve been surrounded by wonderful people for almost 40 years, and as long as we give, they give back.
Being a great employer is about more than a paycheck. It’s about pride in the job that you’re doing. It’s about knowing that your skills are valued and your opinion matters. It’s about having a good relationship. That’s what we do best: Build those relationships.
All of the nominees will be honored on May 8th at the Sterling Workplace Awards, sponsored by the Richmond Society of Human Resource Management.
