#16 Homescout Realty
Ask anyone who's ever had a job they loved--or one they didn't--and they'll tell you cultural fit is huge. A person might be qualified for a job but simply not a good fit with the company vibe. At Homescout Realty, the culture of the company is one that encourages employees to see work as a lifestyle--and if you fit, you'll fly.
"I care more about culture than anything," says Co-Founder and Managing Broker Jeff Ellman. "We won't hire someone if they don't fit. We have a culture-based interview based on the 5 F's: Fit, Family, Fun, Fortune and Freedom. If you don't fit in our culture this won't be the right fit for you."
And the culture is one highly appreciative to Gen Y. "When we built the company we built it around Generation Y," Ellman says. "They are extremely important to Homescout. They've brought so many ideas and technology; it's helped our business grow to new levels."
"The culture is very team oriented," says Joe Porritt, Leasing Manager. "Everybody here was hired based on the [company's] top core values. We have people here from all over the world, literally, and they all love each other because they have those core values."
For Porritt, his job is more of a way of life than a place to punch the clock. "We truly want to help people upgrade their lifestyle," he says. "When someone moves into an apartment that we find, they get a hand-written thank you, a Chicago package, gift certificates and an invite to one of our events. I've stayed friends with some clients because I truly care about their well-being."
The company makes it easy for employees to get their work done, too. The company has everything set up so employees can work from home if needed. Much of their processes are online, and flexible hours are more than allowed.
"They empower you to be an individual, but you still have a team to work with," says Marketing Coordinator Erin Wasson. "Our target demographic is Gen Y, so you're reaching out to your key demographic."
For employees like Wasson, the cultural fit makes work feel like home--and that's what you might call an ideal work-life balance. Says Wasson, "I love waking up every morning coming into Homescout."
