#40 Trading Technologies
Many offices claim to have an "open door" policy, but many times no one makes good on the promise--or the doors are usually (literally) closed. For Generation Yers in the financial industry especially, having access to senior leadership for feedback and training is a huge incentive. At trading software developer Trading Technologies, doors are wide open for all employees to pass through in search of knowledge and opportunity.
"The first four months of this year I worked very closely with our CEO," says Trader Jason Shaffer. "He was working on a new direction for the company and needed someone to give him feedback and help fix issues. To be able to work that closely to the CEO was very rewarding."
"It's a laid-back atmosphere," says Director of HR Ashley Reiner. "It's easy to talk to people regardless of age and position." Reiner says that the ease of communication lends itself to an environment committed to expanding skills. "We have an entire department dedicated to training about the industry and about Trading Technologies products," she says. "There's also a 'job shadowing' program in the customer service department and new employees are given actual money to try out trading software--it's a great learning experience."
As in many of the companies Brill Street investigated, a good cultural fit is king. Says Shaffer, "You have to really know what you are doing. There is a high bar here. Across the board, the people at Trading Technologies are high performers. Compared to other companies I've worked for, the people here blow others out of the water. We interview a lot of people who are talented, but wouldn't necessarily fit into the culture. [It takes] a combination of skill and personality."
"If a person doesn't fit in, their tenure is typically short, but if they do fit in, they are here for a while," says Reiner. "A lot of people here line up with my personality," says Creative Services Manager Kevin Dudey. " I've made many friends at work--the environment is great and people are very good at what they do. We have the opportunity to learn from each other."
"We are the leader in the futures industry," says Marketing VP Elise Fleischaker. "We're number one. Trading Technologies is a place where work can be fun and rewarding." Fleischaker adds that Generation Y employees appreciate the firm's open door policy because they're great collaborators. "Generation Y is a 'we' generation, not a 'me' generation: it's not just about the paycheck. It's about feeling good about yourself and about the people you work with"--from rookie to CEO.
