#20 Performics
In the information age, Generation Y is king. For a generation that has grown up with limitless information and opportunity at their fingertips, transparency, visibility, and open communication are essentials at work. Performics, a digital performance marketing firm, understands what Gen Y needs and the culture has been shaped by those needs as a result.
"Generation Y is not afraid to ask tough questions or challenge opinions," says Eric Papczun, VP of Client Services. "They're fearless and have a desire to understand what's behind a decision." At Performics, visibility is encouraged through newsletters, ongoing meetings, and fully disclosed financials so that employees always know where the company stands. "I have an open door policy," says Papczun, "But you have to demonstrate that you're open-minded--not just that you have an open door."
Transparency is a two-way street. Gen Yers at Performics show their own tendencies toward full disclosure, as well. "There are no politics here," says Papczun. "I've not seen any jockeying. People don't do things at the expense of others; there's a common goal and everyone goes out of their way to achieve that."
As a result of that openness and community atmosphere, the company fosters close relationships. "The people are one of my favorite things about being a part of this company," says Launch Account Manager Annie Karcz. "It's a very fun, friendly, laid-back environment. No matter how stressed I am, there's never a day where I don't want to go to work." Karcz was recently in the wedding of a coworker she met when she started at the company three years ago.
"We get summer hours, special recognition days, spring days, summer parties, holiday gatherings, and cookouts," Karcz says, all of which contribute to the friendly environment. "It's awesome having a job you love and being associated with a great company."
Papczun - a seasoned Performics veteran - says that he'd like to work at Performics if he were just coming out of college. "We've got free sodas and beer in the fridge, there's no dress code, and there's variety." The opportunities available at the company provide a clear incentive, too. "In a couple months, you can be working on a name brand account, working with account strategies and tactics with experts and leaders in their field that are your age. We're just happy to provide the opportunity."
