Top Workplaces: The 40 best midsize companies in the Cincinnati region
The Enquirer invited all 110 Top Workplaces to tell us what makes each of them so special. Here are excerpts from employee and company responses in the midsize division, in alphabetical order.
More:The best 55 small companies in the Cincinnati region
More:The best 15 large companies in the Cincinnati region
How many? 37,758 quizzed for Top Workplaces
First-timers:Companies land among Top Workplaces for the first time
Alliance Data
Sector: Customer care services Founded: 1997 Ownership: Public Location: Milford
What the company does: As providers of branded credit cards for top companies, the company is a bank although it offers more services. Officials say their team of experts is on the cutting edge of marketing, loyalty and data-driven insights –making Alliance relationship builders that drive results and create connections.
Why one employee loves working there: “Leadership doesn’t make you feel like you do a poor job, they give you positive reinforcement to improve and succeed! It’s a great place to work without office politics or micro-managing; leadership makes it fun and make you feel like individually you’re important to the company.”
Beech Acres Parenting Center
Sector: Human and social services Founded: 1849 Ownership: Non-profit Location: Anderson Township
What the company does: Our mission is to inspire and equip today’s parents, families and communities to raise capable, caring, contributing children. We accomplish this through the combination of parent education, foster care services and individualized parent, child and family counseling services.
Why one employee loves working there:“Everyone works together for our clients, their families and staff. ... (Beach Acres) is a serious place and deals with difficult situations, but we have fun and it truly feels like family, like I am part of something very important.”
Children’s Home of Cincinnati
Sector: Education and treatment services Founded: 1864 Ownership: Non-profit Location: Madisonville
What the company does:The home serves vulnerable children facing significant social, behavioral, and learning challenges. Its mission is to create lasting results that strengthen families and our community by guiding individuals from infancy to independence
Why one employee loves working there: “I get to love on and encourage kids to give their best, no matter what kind of day they are having. I get the honor to help change lives every single day.”
Christian Village Communities
Sector: Healthcare and senior living Founded: 1966 Ownership: Non-profit Location: Mason
What the company sees as its mission:We are devoted to maintaining the highest standards of expertise and service in health and wellness for older adults.
Why one employee loves working there:“It affords me the opportunity to serve others and do so in a positive and Christian environment. My employer promotes our core values and non-negotiable traits.”
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Sector: Education and conservation Founded: 1875 Ownership: Non-profit Location: Avondale
What the company does:Operates wide-ranging programs founded on a diverse collection of more than 1,600 animals representing over 500 species and over 3,000 botanical specimens
Why one employee loves working there:“It is one of the best situations I can imagine. I am able to continue down my chosen career path ...while working in one of the most unique and exciting environments.”
Cohen Brothers Inc.
Sector: Recyclable materials and products Founded: 1924 Ownership: Private Location: Middletown
What a worker says about their job:“My leaders here at Cohen always inspire me and make me want to do my very best for them. I’m treated like family.”
Why one employee loves working there:“I am empowered to make decisions, I have flexibility in schedule, and the people I work with are great.”
Crossroads Community Church
Sector: Religious Founded: 1996 Ownership: Non-profit Location: Oakley
What the company does: Crossroads hash church locations in Uptown, Florence, Mason, Oakley, Oxford, and on the West Side. And we're excited to announce that we recently adopted a church in central Kentucky with three more locations (Andover, Richmond and Georgetown).
Why one employee loves working there: “I get to be on the front lines of ministry. I love getting to do meaningful work, challenging work, and work with people every day. It's a joy that I get paid to do this.”
Cushman & Wakefield
Sector: Real estate Founded: 1984 Ownership: Private Location: Downtown
What the company does: Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest commercial real estate services firms with revenue of $6 billion across core services of agency leasing, asset services, capital markets and facility services.
Why one employee loves working there: “ I work at my own pace, and do not feel pressured. I have flexibility to work around my personal life if needed.”
Denier Electric Co. Inc.
Sector: Plumbing/electrical/heating installation Founded: 1942 Ownership: Private Location: Harrison
What the company does: Its mission is to be the contractor of choice and the employer of choice.
Why one employee loves working there: “I basically grew up working here. I always believed my bosses had my back and wanted to see me grow into the position I'm in now, and it’s a very good feeling.”
Diplomat Specialty Infusion Group
Sector: Specialty pharmacy Founded: 1975 Ownership: Public Location: Blue Ash
What the company does: It’s the nation’s largest independent specialty pharmacy, focusing on servicing medication management programs for people with complex chronic diseases, including oncology, immunology, hepatitis and multiple sclerosis.
Why one employee loves working there:“I love working with patients and knowing that we as a team are helping them not only to be on the medication that could be lifesaving, but as a friend and someone who cares and understands.”
Episcopal Retirement Services
Sector: Human and senior services Founded: 1951 Ownership: Non-profit Location: Fairfax
What the company does: Our mission is to enrich the lives of older adults in a person-centered, innovative and spiritually based way.
Why one employee loves working there: “It is a no-blame culture where we try to learn from our mistakes rather than make teammates feel bad about making them. There is accountability for results and rewards for good performance.”
FRCH Design Worldwide
Sector: Architecture Founded: 1968 Ownership: Private Location: Downtown
What the company does:It offers comprehensive services in architecture, interior design, graphic design and brand strategy.
Why one employee loves working there:“We are encouraged to share our stories, experiences and points of view, freedom to work on a really diverse body of work and topics. This place is eternally optimistic.”
General Mills Cincinnati
Sector: Food manufacturing Founded: 1959 Ownership: Public Location: Sharonville
What the company does:At our local plant, we make breakfast cereals: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Rice Chex, Chocolate Chex, Cinnamon Chex, Vanilla Chex, Wheat Chex.
Why one employee loves working there:“I've been with General Mills-Cincinnati 25 plus years and that should speak for itself. It's not just the job I love, it is the people and organization overall.”
Gorilla Glue Co.
Sector: Manufacturing Founded: 1983 Ownership: Private Location: Sharonville
What the company does:Gorilla Glue is the parent company of three consumer brands: Gorilla, O’Keeffe’s and Lutz Tools.
Why one employee loves working there: “I'm part of a great team. I think we have approachable and admirable leadership. I think we have awesome brands.”
Great Oaks Career Campuses
Sector: Education Founded: 1972 Ownership: Government Location: Sharonville
What the company does:Operates a public career-technical school district that provides career programs for 36 school districts in southwest Ohio.
Why one employee loves working there:“Good people, good schedule and good benefits, what's not to like. Great Oaks has been very fair and honest to me so far and has been a good place to work.”
Health Carousel
Sector: Healthcare Founded: 2004 Ownership: Private Location: Norwood
What the company does: Offers workforce staffing to clients in the healthcare sector, as well as other services including recruiting, pre-employment testing, benefits administration, human resources and compliance.
Why one employee loves working there:“I am giving international clinical professionals their first impression of America. My job is challenging, rewarding, exciting and I feel like I'm genuinely making an impact on someone's life.”
Heritage Bank
Sector: Financial services Founded: 1990 Ownership: Private Location: Burlington
What the company does:The Northern Kentucky-based community bank offers what it calls outstanding customer service and local decision-making for personal and business financial needs.
Why one employee loves working there: “The company is a great company and I love the people I work with. And I love helping my customers with their banking.”
HGC Construction Co.
Sector: Construction Founded: 1931 Ownership: Private Location: Walnut Hills
What the company does:Provides pre-construction, general construction, construction management, trade work, and design/build services to meet client construction requirements on every front.
Why one employee loves working there:“This place gives me so much room to learn and grow. Love the culture and the people I work with!”
Indian Hill Exempted Village School District
Sector: Education Founded: 1954 Ownership: Government Location: Indian Hill
What the company does:The district, which has about 2,000 students, is one of the highest performing public school districts in Ohio and the nation.
Why one employee loves working there:“Each morning I come to work, excited for another opportunity to be surrounded by awesome students, supportive parents and teachers and administration.”
Integrity Express Logistics
Sector: Transport and shipping Founded: 2007 Ownership: Private Location: Blue Ash
What the company does: IEL is an asset-based third-party logistics firm. Founded in 2007, the three principal owners of the company have combined their 30 years of industry experience and quickly assembled a group of talented individuals to begin initial operations.
Why one employee loves working there:“My success and financial situation are in my control. I have the tools and support I need to be able to build my own success.”
Ipsos
Sector: Market research Founded: 1975 Ownership: Private Location: Columbia Tusculum
What the company does:Ranked third worldwide in survey research, it specializes in five areas of research: advertising, loyalty, marketing, mediaCT and public affairs.
Why one employee loves working there: “I have the freedom to balance work and my personal life. I am also treated with respect from my managers and co-workers.”
Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL
Sector: Law Founded: 1954 Ownership: Partnership Location: Downtown
What the company does:KMK is a nationally-recognized law firm delivering sophisticated legal solutions to businesses of all sizes – from Fortune 100 corporations to start-up companies.
Why one employee loves working there:“KMK has strong values and give generously to its employees and the community, the IT training is excellent and the company is well managed.”
Kenwood by Senior Star
Sector: Senior living Founded: 2010 Ownership: Parent company Location: Madisonville
What the company does:A senior living community that offers personalized service, state-of-the-art nursing and best care practices.
What rewards do employees receive: All associates receive bonuses based on exceeding budget goals and maintaining an accident-free workplace.
Lighthouse Youth Services
Sector: Human and social services Founded: 1969 Ownership: Non-profit Location: Walnut Hills
What the company does: The agency provides services to homeless youth and runaways; early childhood services; home-based services to families; services to delinquent youth.
Why one employee loves working there: “I get the support that I need to do my job well. Some clinical situations are very challenging and my supervisor is always available to help me with them.”
London Computer Systems Inc.
Sector: Software development and consulting Founded: 1988 Ownership: Private Location: Deerfield Township
What the company does:LCS is a developer of cutting-edge business technologies for the property management sector, along with other IT and web design services.
Why one employee loves working there:“You are truly rewarded for merit. When you work hard, the people around you notice and that opens up room for growth within the company."
McCluskey Chevrolet
Sector: Automobile sales and service Founded: 1973 Ownership: Private Location: Deerfield Township
How the company makes a difference:By supporting local youth groups, sports teams, high schools and various other charities and fundraisers.
Why one employee loves working here:“Everyone gets along and there is no drama. You get to focus on work and feel like you can get the help that you need.”
Meadowbrook Care Center
Sector: Healthcare Founded: 1978 Ownership: Private Location: Montgomery
What the company does:Offers a full continuum of care, from temporary respite stays, to short-term rehabilitation, to long-term skilled nursing care.
What rewards do employees receive: The center has two 2 annual service awards for leadership and professionalism. Associates are allowed to attend the funerals of the patients they have cared for.
Miami Valley Gaming
Sector: Gambling Founded: 2013 Ownership: Partnership Location: Turtlecreek Township
What the company does:Operates slot casino, horse racing track and entertainment facility.
Why one employee loves working there:“People come to our place to have fun, so it’s contagious! You see people singing and dancing and celebrating their wins, so you can’t help but to celebrate and have fun with them.”
Northwestern Mutual
Sector: Financial services Founded: 1865 Ownership: Private Location: Norwood
What the company does: Provides products and services such as life insurance, disability income insurance, education funding alternatives, retirement solutions, estate analysis, and business needs analysis.
Why one employee loves working there:“We do meaningful work and I have full control over my income and schedule.”
Phillips Edison & Co.
Sector: Real estate Founded: 1991 Ownership: Private Location: Sycamore Township
What the company does: Specializes in acquiring, redeveloping, leasing and managing grocery-anchored shopping centers.
Why one employee loves working there: “I am challenged daily and provided the opportunity to make important decisions. ... Every deal presents new challenges and required learning and critical thinking to get through situations.”
Phototype
Sector: Creative media Founded: 1919 Ownership: Private Location: Walnut Hills
What the company does:Provides strategy-to-shelf packaging services to help Fortune 500 companies grow market share and reduce costs.
Why one employee loves working there:“I feel that the owners of Phototype deeply care about the employees and it shows through all of the incentive programs and extracurricular activities that they encourage everyone to attend.”
PL Marketing
Sector: Wholesale and retail marketing Founded: 1989 Ownership: Private Location: Newport
What the company does:Provider of brokerage and retail merchandising services to the grocery sector, primarily Kroger.
Why one employee loves working there:“The culture is motivating without micromanaging. The company has achieved a great balance between a more traditional, corporate feel and a newer, innovative start-up vibe.”
Planes Cos.
Sector: Moving, warehousing and logistics Founded: 1921 Ownership: Private Location: West Chester
What the company does: Provides moving, warehousing and logistics services for people, businesses and products around the world.
Why one employee loves working there:“There hasn't been a day that I haven't felt valued as a team member at Planes and that is a direct result of the man who has his name on the front of the building!”
Rough Brothers Inc.
Sector: Design and construction Founded: 1932 Ownership: Private company Location: St. Bernard
What the company does: Design, engineers, manufactures and constructs commercial and research greenhouses, as well as retail garden centers nad conservatories.
Why one employee loves working there:“RBI is the job I've been looking for all of my career. Upper management is fantastic to work for and with.”
Shriners Hospital for Children
Sector: Healthcare Founded: 1968 Ownership: Non-profit Location: Corryville
What the company does:One of four freestanding hospitals in the country dedicated to the treatment of pediatric burns and specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Why one employee loves working there: “This hospital goes above and beyond to not just help our own interests but address the root of the problem wherever it lies. Meeting people where they're at and walking the tough line of pediatric burn care is what we excel at and it shows.”
Signature Hardware
Sector: Internet and catalog retail Founded: 1999 Ownership: Public Location: Erlanger
What the company does:E-retailer with over 60,000 products for the kitchen, bath, and home.
Why one employee loves working there:“We are always looking for ways to improve the operation and, if spending money is part of that, we don't put on the brakes. I do have the flexibility to make my home life and job work together.”
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Sector: Legal services Founded: 1885 Ownership: Partnership Location: Downtown
What the company does:Law firm with more than 400 lawyers in nine offices throughout Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Arizona.
Why one employee loves working there:“I feel like my colleagues truly care about me personally. I do not feel like another cog in the machine. Rather, I am a valued and appreciated part of a team.”
UBS Financial Services
Sector: Financial services Founded: 1862 Ownership: Public Location: Downtown
What the company does:Products and services specifically designed to address the needs of ultra-high net worth and high net worth individuals and families.
Why one employee loves working there:“I love my responsibilities as a financial advisor helping clients meet their goals. I am very well paid and work in great conditions with great people. I am past 60 and have no plan to retire!”
Urology Group
Sector: Healthcare Founded: 1996 Ownership: Private Location: Norwood
What the company does: The group is one of the largest single specialty groups of urologists in the United States.
Why one employee loves working there:“In my position, there is flexibility, accountability, and different responsibilities. My manager is approachable and a pleasure to work with. Management has made me feel appreciated for the work I do.”
Vega Americas Inc.
Sector: Manufacturing - industrial instruments Founded: 1950 Ownership: Private Location: Oakley
What the company does: Manufacturer of process instrumentation, including sensors for measurement of level, point level, pressure as well as equipment and software for integration into process control systems.
Why one employee loves working there:“People listen to each other. New ideas and solutions are welcome from all areas of the organization, and micromanagement is nil. Leadership at Vega hires smart people and gets out of their way.”