#47 Geckotech
Happy employees create a positive company vibe that carries over to the customer. In a business that requires lots of customer contact, projecting good vibes is critical. At telecom company Geckotech, keeping employees happy is all part of the firm's grand plan.
"If my employees aren't happy, my customers won't be happy," says Managing Partner Josh Robbins. "It's a great place to work. Our people enjoy what they do. We want people who know how to smile and treat customers well." That quality is more important than a background in telecom, says Robbins. "I'd rather hire someone that's willing to learn, rather than someone that is good with technology and can't hold a conversation."
By all appearances the employees are definitely satisfied. "If they're willing to give you a shot, you can go anywhere in this company," says Senior Customer Service Technician Justin Asch. "We're very busy, but no one is too busy to help someone else. We're a small show, so everyone helps each other out." Asch says the support system is strong. "With a team atmosphere, the sky's the limit. I'm extremely proud to work here."
Marketing Specialist and Gen Yer Alissa Winkler started at Geckotech as an intern but quickly moved up the ranks. Due to the small company size, she soon learned to wear many hats. "I have a lot of responsibilities," she says, "but if I need direction, we have an open door policy. All of the responsibility that I have has made me grow right out of college. Being in the tech industry, there is so much to learn, so there are a lot of training opportunities."
To keep employees truly content, diversions are necessary--you can't keep your nose to the grindstone every second of the day, after all. Says Director of Client Services Randa Green, "It's a work hard, play hard environment. We have contest incentives, we buy games for the Wii, and we have happy hours. We're going to Arlington race track on the weekend, and we celebrate anniversaries and provide lunches for birthdays." Green adds that the perks are never taken for granted at the firm, either. "Everyone knows when it's time to get down to business."
The company that plays together stays together, after all. "My coworkers are awesome," says Asch. "I don't think I could work with a better group of people."
