#28 Ceteris
Getting a diverse group of people together to make big things happen is a kind of entertainment for many Gen Yers. Transfer pricing firm Ceteris prides itself on bringing all kinds of people into the same room to do exactly that--and the group dynamic holds great appeal for its employees.
"We are very diverse as a company," says Founding Partner and Managing Director Christopher Desmond. "You have to accept people for who they are--and this resonates very well with our clients. We help make sure that our culture is properly meshed."
To help foster this "meshing," the company goes to great lengths. "We have two major meetings a year; one in January where we fly everyone to places like Amsterdam, Salt Lake City, Vail, Vegas, and Lake Tahoe," says Desmond. "The trips are for company meetings but it's also to get people together." Another big meeting takes place in Chicago in July. "We schedule fun events like skiing, dinners, we go see shows sometimes, we had a group poker table. We specifically plan things so that people interact and mingle."
Associate Director Ryan Lange says that the diversity and the togetherness make for a homey work fit. "[CEO] Mike makes it a point to bring everyone. We're up to 50 employees; it's an expense he feels is worthwhile. It's a very entrepreneurial culture--you drive your own future, but it's non-competitive."
Opportunities for growth and change abound at Ceteris, too. "We recently opened an office in Boston and I got to move out there for two years," says Associate Director Justin Radziewicz. "I wanted to take the opportunity to relocate and they helped with the moving cost." Radziewicz adds, We have a flexible work environment where everybody is willing to listen to everybody. There's a strong team. If you feel you want to do something, someone will be there to support you."
"The culture fits well with Generation Y," Desmond says. "We wanted a more laid back, relaxed environment. Gen Y folks can come in and say it's not just a job; they can say, 'I have a voice and it matters and I have the ability to contribute."
