Every business is unique. One may specialize in building wealth while another may focus on building homes. Demographics are likely to differ. Factors from employee bases to office spaces may vary. But there are 22 local businesses that all share one distinction: They’re each one of the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida.
Regardless of target market or marketing budget, all of these businesses stand out for serving their employees every bit as well as they care for their customers and clients. More than just earning business in their markets, all of these employers also earned high scores for how they manage, motivate and retain the people who make their businesses run.
How is a company selected as a Best Place to Work?
To earn recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida, local companies pay a fee to apply to the Best Companies Group (BCG) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, an independent research firm focused on identifying and recognizing great places to work. BCG then administers a two-part survey—one for employers that details company policies, practices, benefits and demographics, and another for employees that includes an in-depth set of 77 statements they are asked to respond to on a scale of 1 through 5. This survey section also includes two open-ended questions and seven demographic questions.
The data collected is analyzed by BCG to determine the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida. Gulfshore Business does not participate in the survey or selection process.
Who can participate?
Eligibility is open to any publicly or privately held business, government or nonprofit entity with facilities or operations in Southwest Florida and a minimum of 15 full-time or part-time employees working in the region or reporting to a local regional office. Eligible participants must also have been in business for a minimum of one year. To find out more about the process, or to apply, visit bestplacestoworkswfl.com.
Now that you know how the selections were made, take a look at who made the list. Just turn the page and join us in congratulating the 22 workplaces that have been named the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida in 2024!
1. Iron Ridge Insurance Services, a Member of the Hilb Group (pictured above)
City: Fort Myers
Website: ironridgeus.com
Year founded: 2011
CEO: Norman Lutz
Industry: Insurance (Non-Health care)
Employees in SWFL: 18
In 2023, Iron Ridge Insurance was acquired by the Hilb Group, which allowed the agency access to more markets and the capacity to better serve its clients. According to CEO Norman Lutz, however, the sale didn’t affect the dedication of the firm’s employees.
“Becoming a ‘Best Place to Work’ is not something that happens from the top down. Our success comes from not having a top or a bottom. Everyone respects and values everyone,” Lutz says. “(A) great staff does not need supervision. The turmoil in the industry and new ownership can create an inevitable sense of uncertainty. Thank goodness our team has created an atmosphere of trust in each other.”
As part of its commitment to its employees, Iron Ridge offers a family-first culture with a four-day workweek, unlimited paid time off, continuing education paid for by the company and a hybrid work schedule, which allows its employees to work from home or in-office, depending on their preferences and job responsibilities. In addition, the company offers paid health care, dental and vision insurance, as well as 401(k) matching starting on the first day of employment. The firm is also active in the community through its Iron Give program, which allows each team member to donate $500 to the charity of their choice.
The company also has been recognized as an inclusive workplace. “A diverse workforce opens our minds to broader perspectives,” Lutz says. “It makes us better teammates.”
2. DeAngelis Diamond Construction
City: Naples
Website: deangelisdiamond.com
Year founded: 1996
CEO: David Diamond
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 163
An innovative, forward-thinking and award-winning construction management firm, the goal of DeAngelis Diamond Construction is to build a better future together with its team members, clients and communities. A company official said its achievements are a testament to the commitment to excellence and quality of its employees.
“We understand that our people are the essence of who we are. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of our team members and leaders who cultivate an environment where innovation thrives, and every team member has an immediate sense of belonging,” says David Diamond, chief administration officer and principal. “Many of our benefits and culture initiatives are team member-created and driven. A great team drives success and creates a healthy environment where our team members can thrive, contribute their best and help us achieve our mission.”
The company provides an array of programs, including DeAngelis Diamond Academy courses, the DeAngelis Diamond Leadership Institute, a tuition reimbursem*nt program and complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning. The firm’s DD Wealth Builder program offers a substantial 401(k) match, which allows team members to partake in the company’s achievements. In addition to paid time off, team members receive two paid days off annually for community volunteering and a paid day off for their birthday, as well as maternity and paternity leave benefits for new parents. Also, the company’s “Team Impact” initiative works to give back with a goal of contributing $300,000 annually to organizations within the community that actively support and uplift individuals in need.
3. Moran Wealth Management
City: Naples
Website: moranwm.com
Year founded: 2018
CEO: Thomas Moran
Industry: Financial Services
Employees in SWFL: 40
Moran Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Advisor that prides itself on a holistic asset management and private wealth advisory approach. The company serves a diverse clientele and caters to various investment preferences through tailored portfolio construction, comprehensive financial planning, investment management and legacy plans to preserve generational wealth. The foundation of the firm’s success lies in its distinctive company culture.
As an employee-owned firm, that culture is characterized by a familial atmosphere that fosters personal relationships, collaboration and an inclusive work environment. Founder, CIO and CEO Thomas Moran embodies this culture through his open-door policy, active participation in team-building activities and a deep investment in the professional growth of every team member.
“Our aim is to create a work environment where every employee feels valued, engaged and empowered to reach their full potential,” Moran says. “This philosophy not only drives our internal success, but also elevates the level of service we provide to our clients.”
To further its commitment to its employees, Moran Wealth Management offers a range of benefits designed to support their health, personal growth and community involvement. These include monthly paid time off for medical appointments, annual volunteer hours to encourage community engagement, a day off for mental health, complimentary 24/7 access to Teladoc services and regular team-building activities. The company also promotes and encourages cultural diversity through the observance of various Heritage Month celebrations.
4. Wright Construction Group Inc.
City: Fort Myers
Website: wcgfl.com
Year founded: 1946
CEO: Fred Edman
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 59
Since 1946, Wright Construction Group has worked to build and expand Southwest Florida. That has included 18 fire stations, school buildings for the Lee County School Board and the Seminole Tribe of Florida and a variety of infrastructure projects. And along the way, the company has worked just as hard to establish a special employee community.
“We’ve developed what we believe to be a unique culture (and) when it comes to the employees, we want them to know we care for them. We just celebrated the retirement of a project manager who has been with Wright for over 30 years. That’s not unusual here, and there is a culture that breeds that kind of loyalty,” says President Fred Edman. “If something is going on at home, go home and take care of it. We will cover you here until you can come back.”
In addition to the family-oriented culture, Edman said Wright Construction also works hard to build client loyalty through relentless service, a committed management team and its core principles of safety, quality, timeliness and value.
“The idea of supporting relentless service means that we drive each of those principles. We don’t want to just be safe, we want to ensure safety is happening. We don’t just want to have quality, we want to have the highest level of quality,” Edman says. “We attract a relatively conservative group of individuals who enjoy the warm, family-oriented culture that we have worked to develop. There are no egos here; just servant-oriented, hard-working people that care about each other and our clients.”
5. Viles & Beckman LLC
City: Fort Myers
Website: vilesandbeckman.com
Year founded: 1995
CEO: Michael Beckman, Managing Partner
Industry: Legal
Employees in SWFL: 33
Viles & Beckman LLC is a comprehensive, full-service Florida personal injury law firm. While the firm fights and advocates for each of its client’s needs as if they were family, it is also “family first” when it comes to its own staff. That approach was established as a key principle by founding partner Marcus Viles, who died in 2023.
“Marcus envisioned a workspace not just as a place of employment, but as a sanctuary of collaboration and mutual respect, where every team member felt cherished and eager to contribute. Leading with an abundance of generosity and empathy, he transformed this vision into reality,” says Chief Operating Officer Kayla Grayson. “Witnessing our recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida, Marcus’ final days were illuminated with a profound sense of pride and joy, a testament to a dream realized and a legacy forever imprinted in the hearts of those he inspired.”
The company culture that Marcus Viles built centers on creating a supportive, engaging work environment, while remembering that success hinges on the contributions of each team member. In support of its employees, Viles & Beckman offers competitive performance-based salaries, unlimited paid time off, vacation time, holidays, a 401(k) with matching, telemedicine, on-demand counseling, the Dave Ramsey Smart Dollar program and an array of employee recognition programs. And moving forward, the firm’s family-first approach will continue serving as a lasting tribute to Viles.
“Marcus loved his employees as his family,” says Michael Beckman, CEO. “It was always his dream to have a workplace where people felt loved and were happy and passionate about Viles & Beckman every day.”
6. Stevens Construction Inc.
City: Fort Myers
Website: stevensbuilds.com
Year founded: 2003
CEO: Mark Stevens
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 68
Stevens Construction focuses on the health care, hospitality, churches, corporate offices, automotive and senior care industries. But the company says its process is what sets it apart from the competition.
“I started Stevens Construction because I identified a better way to deliver projects. When we get brought to the table early on, we’re asking questions that no one else asks,” says President Mark Stevens. “We want to guide our clients through the entire development and construction process so we can provide superior construction, save time and money, and create the best construction experience possible. And we use that same care in building our workforce.”
That workforce has been established through the company’s goal of hiring the very best people, knowing that the best people on the job, either at the construction site or in the office, make everything else work. And to maintain that culture, Stevens Construction employees enjoy monthly birthday lunches, quarterly job site field trips with team lunch, company picnic, a holiday party and more. Employees also receive a paid day off to volunteer at a charity of their choice and another for their birthday, team member referral bonuses, matching Simple IRA and health, dental, vision and life insurance options.
“The vision of Stevens Construction for the future is to simply continue what we’re doing, the way we’ve been doing it,” Stevens says. “But we also want to improve along the way so we can continue to get better.”
7. HBK CPAs & Consultants
City: Canfield, Ohio
Website: hbkcpa.com
Year founded: 1949
CEO: Christopher Allegretti
Industry: Accounting
Employees in SWFL: 62
HBK is a multidisciplinary financial services firm serving Southwest Florida through offices in Naples, Fort Myers and Sarasota. While the firm has grown based on the knowledge and talent of its employees, the company says its motto—Working Together Sets Us Apart—defines how employees rely on each other, share their expertise and collaborate to deliver financial services that address their clients’ specific needs and goals.
“That kind of commitment produces superior results for our clients, which is tremendously gratifying for all of us,” noted HBK’s Florida Principal-in-Charge, Michael DeLuca, CPA, MBA. “And that has allowed us to become one of the nation’s preeminent accounting and wealth management firms; a Top 50 accounting business in America according to Accounting Today magazine’s annual industry study; and a Top 100 RIA firm in America according to Barron’s. The foundation of our commitment is serving others over self, and a purpose greater than us.”
As part of its company culture, HBK works to ensure a balance between employees’ work and personal lives via the HBK Work/Life commitment. Through flexible work schedules, the company provides an atmosphere of mutual respect and open communication and encourages camaraderie. And that, HBK officials said, empowers team members to achieve high levels of success while celebrating and respecting their right to rich, rewarding personal lives.
Community engagement also is an important part of the HBK culture and a cornerstone of the firm’s corporate responsibility efforts. Serving communities and supporting charities under the banner of the HBK Cares corporate initiative, each office commits to programs in its area that meet the needs of the community and compel the people in that office.
8. Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
City: Sanibel
Website: sancapbank.com
Year founded: 2003
CEO: Kyle DeCicco
Industry: Banking
Employees in SWFL: 117
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank began as a small, locally owned community bank serving the residents and businesses of Sanibel and Captiva islands. But it’s never been a place where people come to simply collect a paycheck. Instead, the bank has prioritized creating and maintaining a respectful environment that celebrates its people often and rewards hard work with lots of fun.
“Our 117 employees are hands down our most valuable asset. Since day one, we’ve prioritized creating an environment where every employee feels valued, heard, empowered, supported and part of our bank family,” says Kyle DeCicco, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank president and CEO. “We believe that when our team feels good about being at work, their productivity and contributions soar, creating a special work environment where success becomes inevitable.”
DeCicco said the Sanibel staff strives to take pride and ownership in their work, and that 60% of the employees also are current shareholders, and shares of the bank are offered to employees first whenever they become available. In addition, the bank has awarded employees with mid-year bonuses and year-end bonuses when allowed under federal tax law.
Beyond that, SanCap Bank encourages its employees to pursue professional development, occupational training and certification, while also offering flexible scheduling where possible to ensure work/life balance. The bank also sponsors a variety of employee activities including games, monthly birthday celebrations, potluck lunches, catered breakfasts and lunches, team-building events and more. Plus, the bank is pet-friendly, so employees and customers are always welcome to bring furry friends.
9. Suffolk
City: Estero
Website: suffolk.com
Year founded: 1982
CEO: John Fish
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 150
Suffolk is a privately held construction management services company with 12 offices across the country; the company said it’s those people who provide the local knowledge and resources. And with pride in a strong, consistent culture throughout the organization, Suffolk offers unique working environments, diverse client bases and unlimited potential for opportunity.
“I often say we don’t build buildings, we build people who build buildings,” says John Fish, chairman and CEO of Suffolk. “Our unique corporate culture is driven by those incredible people and our core values of caring, integrity, passion, hard work and professionalism. Our culture is the foundation on which we have built our company; our brand and reputation; and our innovative approach to planning and building structures that are transforming city skylines throughout America.”
To attract the most innovative employees, Suffolk has initiated its Career Start program to allow recent college graduates an opportunity to grow their construction management careers. The company instituted the Rebuild the Ratio program to increase the number of women employed by the firm, building a pipeline of women to join the industry by providing young women with the resources and education they need to pursue STEM-related careers.
Suffolk employees share a common desire to take on challenges head-on, explore new ways to solve problems and, most importantly, put people first. By focusing on a culture of caring, Suffolk prioritizes employee support, both in and out of work.
10. Naples Airport Authority
City: Naples
Website: flynaples.com
Year founded: 1969
CEO: Christopher A. Rozansky
Industry: Hospitality/Travel/Tourism
Employees in SWFL: 140
The City of Naples Airport Authority is charged with the operation, development and improvement of the Naples Airport. And it’s also a great place for careers to take off.
“We look for extras that make life better for our employees. Offering convenient, on-site health services and providing employee incentives to use them is a recent addition. And we strive to remind everyone how important it is to care for their physical and mental health,” an airport spokesperson says. “These extras, when combined with our tremendously generous benefits, educational opportunities, life/work balance and pro-employee culture, are all part of our strategy to show employees that we truly care about them, their families and their futures.”
NAA team members are supported through an excellent compensation and benefits package, caring leadership, opportunities for learning, development and advancement and a fun, positive culture and attention to work/life balance. In addition, the NAA also provides employee loans, employee recognition, multiple after-hours employee and family events and an extremely generous tuition reimbursem*nt plan, as well as attendance at national and state conferences and educational events. The airport even supports its employees away from work, too.
“This year, in recognition of the importance of personal health, we began offering a lifestyle reimbursem*nt program that reimburses employees for things they do outside of work that will benefit their mental and physical health,” the spokesperson says. “We have made it a point to encourage employees to use the funds in the way that benefits them the most and we are being as flexible as possible in how they do this.”
11. Gulf Coast Business Bank
City: Fort Myers
Website: gcbbswfl.com
Year founded: 2022
CEO: William Blevins
Industry: Banking
Employees in SWFL: 26
Gulf Coast Business Bank was established in 2022 based on the core values of trust, integrity, passion, tenacity, accountability and coachability. And, while the bank strives to work as a team to achieve its goals, GCBB also works to take care of its team through building the fundamentals.
“Our focus is taking care of our colleagues, who take care of our clients. We want to help our clients reach their dreams and goals, but we want our colleagues to reach their dreams and goals, as well,” says William Blevins, GCBB president and CEO. “To do that, we make sure that each one of our colleagues has options to make them a shareholder, whether they’re a personal banker or senior management.”
Every GCBB colleague receives full dental, medical and vision benefits, term life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage—plus a minimum of 20 days of vacation, paid time off and sick leave, as well as 401(k) contributions and a defined incentive plan or profit-sharing plan. Finally, respect, compassion and dignity among the staff is encouraged, and no member of senior management flaunts a title so that everyone works together toward the same goal.
“The most important thing you learn when you open a community bank is you don’t have an individual job description. Our team does whatever it takes to take care of the client,” Blevins says. “We are building a great community bank one client at a time, and that takes all of us. No one colleague can do it on their own.”
12. Integrity Employee Leasing
City: Punta Gorda
Website: integrityel.com
Year founded: 2004
CEO: Robert Hensley
Industry: Employee Services
Employees in SWFL: 44
Integrity Employee Leasing is a full-service professional employer organization that manages payroll administration, human resources services, workers’ compensation, risk management, bookkeeping and more. Working with numerous small- and medium-sized businesses across 18 states, the company is dedicated to personal, prompt and accurate service with a mission to work fairly and honestly with its employees and clients. While Integrity has grown significantly since its inception in 2004, many of its 44 full-time employees have grown with the company, as well.
“At Integrity Employee Leasing, we strive to lead by example,” says Robert Hensley, the firm’s chief executive officer. “As a PEO partner, we help our clients achieve excellence by allowing them to focus on the core responsibilities of operating a business. And as a business of our own, we realize that our dedicated and loyal employees are our most valuable asset.”
Integrity employees enjoy a variety of benefits, including company lunches, regular birthday celebrations, company BBQs, holiday employee appreciation gifts and a monthly peer-to-peer recognition program. The company also provides 6% 401(k) match, paid life, short-term and long-term disability insurance and a 75% health insurance contribution. Plus, the company now works a shortened work week, with employees leaving for the weekend at noon every Friday, which adds hundreds of paid time off hours for employees.
13. Alpha Foundations
City: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Website: alphafoundations.com
Year founded: 2002
CEO: Josh Joyce
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 35
Since 2002, Alpha Foundations, A Groundworks Company, has provided high-quality home repair solutions, fully-trained technicians and personalized service to restore or repair foundations and crawlspaces at homes all across Florida. And the company also works to establish a strong foundation for its employees.
“All Alpha Foundations employees are eligible for ownership in the company. This lets every member of the team participate in the success we create together,” a company spokesperson says. “All employees participate in leadership development courses, in-depth training, personal finance classes and health and mental wellness programs. We also provide all employees access to a customized audiobook library focusing on personal and professional development and financial wellness.”
Alpha Foundations employees also receive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid leave, 401(k) matching contributions and performance-based bonuses. In addition, the company provides tuition reimbursem*nt through its SkillBuild program, and the Tribe Anniversary Program recognizes milestone anniversaries with special gifts. The company also has invested in career development and training to empower its employees to provide better service and support more customers.
Alpha Foundations also strives to give back to the local community, and works to involve its employees, as well. Employees also are given four paid volunteer hours to participate in a local volunteering opportunity. Annual employee appreciation events include the Red Wing Boot Program, which provides employees with brand new Red Wing safety-toed boots, and Serve & Support, a company-wide event where employees and their loved ones come together for food, fun activities and giving back.
14. Sunshine Ace Hardware Inc.
City: Bonita Springs
Website: sunshineace.com
Year founded: 1958
CEO: Michael Wynn
Industry: Retail
Employees in SWFL: 476
Sunshine Ace Hardware is a third-generation, family-owned chain of 12 hardware stores that incorporate specialty gift shops, as well as paint and decorating stores. Owned and operated by the Wynn family, the company strives to treat each of its employees as an extended member of the family.
“Since first coming to Naples in 1938, our family has instilled our core values in all our companies,” says President Michael Wynn. “I often tell our associates that the highest authority in the company is not me, it is not their supervisor, it is not anyone with the last name Wynn—it is our core values. We are all accountable to them.”
Sunshine Ace Hardware stores strive to be known as the helpful place for their customers, their employees and their neighbors. The company offers Ace Handyman Services to assist neighbors who would like Sunshine Ace’s knowledgeable craftsman to help them with their home repairs.
The Wynn family also supports Sunshine’s employees through its family foundation, which has provided more than $300,000 to help team members recover from natural disasters, medical expenses, excessive housing expenses and more. Sunshine annually donates more than $100,000 to support local causes that are important to its team, including Take a Soldier Fishing, Captains For Clean Water, CCA and Children’s Miracle Network.
“Our philosophy has always been to put people over profit,” Wynn says. “Through a people-first culture, we believe we can be a sanctuary for our team members in what can often be the volatile storm of life.”
15. Christopher Alan Homes
City: Fort Myers
Website: christopheralanhomes.com
Year founded: 2017
CEO: Ian Schmoyer
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 112
Christopher Alan Homes has grown to become the largest privately held home builder in Southwest Florida. Built by and from experience, the company credits its success to the hard work of its team members, who are just like the people for whom they build homes.
“A home is something deeply personal. It’s more than just shelter and a place to sleep at night—it’s a place where memories are made and families share lives together. I am incredibly proud of our team and what we have accomplished in just seven years of business,” says Ian Schmoyer, president and CEO. “We care about going the extra mile to help our team, our homeowners and our community. Being part of our community and giving back is ingrained in our company philosophy.”
As part of its focus on a strong company culture, Schmoyer said Christopher Alan Homes focuses on the importance of having a good work/life balance for its team. The company has an employee culture committee that focuses on the application of core values, mission and purpose. Philanthropic service is both encouraged and supported by the company, and its people enthusiastically participate in projects for several different nonprofit organizations throughout Southwest Florida.
In addition to fostering a positive, collaborative work environment, the company also engages in team-building activities and outings, such as family picnics, outings at Topgolf, paintball tournaments, 5K runs, holiday celebrations, regular office socials and more. Employee benefits also include paid time off, medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) match, home purchase discounts and more.
16. Aubuchon Homes Inc.
City: Cape Coral
Website: aubuchonhomes.com
Year founded: 1992
CEO: Gary Aubuchon
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 31
Beginning in 1992 as a two-person construction company, Aubuchon Homes has grown into a custom luxury home builder that’s integrated to offer design, build and decorate services. The company’s growth can be directly attributed to the dedicated and passionate craftsmen, designers and artists who bring their unique skills to every project and form its core team.
“We made a significant investment and commitment to our customers to provide everything they will need to complete their real estate and homebuilding journey under one roof,” says President Gary Aubuchon. “This allows our clients to move seamlessly through the entire process of homesite acquisition, financing, insuring, closing, designing, building and decorating their home all in one place, with a team dedicated to providing exceptional service while respecting the value of our clients’ time.”
As a family-owned and operated business, that family atmosphere extends to the Aubuchon staff. One of the company’s key values is to empower every employee to succeed through open communication and active collaboration.
In addition, Aubuchon employees are encouraged to work hard, give back and have fun. Company activities include an annual company beach party and picnic for employees and their families, monthly Fun Friday events, themed events on Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo and Halloween, an Easter potluck breakfast and a Christmas holiday luncheon. The company also pays for employees to attend training sessions and skills development courses.
“It is very important to me that every team member feels valued, respected and empowered to make decisions that support our drive to create raving fans of each and every client,” says Aubuchon.
17. Dorcey Law Firm
City: Fort Myers
Website: dorceylaw.com
Year founded: 2007
CEO: Joshua O. Dorcey
Industry: Legal
Employees in SWFL: 32
Dorcey Law Firm focuses on estate planning, business planning, asset protection, elder law and disaster protection. And while the team collaborates to protect their client’s families, businesses and legacies, the firm strives to provide a supportive, successful environment for its employee family, as well.
“It’s family first—both ours and yours. Our culture thrives on integrity, professionalism and mutual respect,” says a Dorcey Law Firm spokesperson. “We promote teamwork and ambition, fostering an environment where everyone can succeed and contribute to our clients’ successes.”
At the heart of Dorcey’s success is the team’s spirit of collaboration. Each member of the Dorcey Law Firm brings unique strengths and perspectives, working together seamlessly to provide the best solutions for clients. And to care for that team, Dorcey employees enjoy competitive health benefits, flexible work schedules and professional growth opportunities. Taking care of the team’s well-being is crucial, firm officials said, as it means they can bring their best selves to work, and that’s a win for the law firm and its clients.
Outside the office, Dorcey Law Firm also fosters a deep connection to the community and a commitment to meaningful relationships with its clients. As a community advocate and guardian of legacies, the firm is focused on the success and happiness of both its clients and its employees.
“We’re here to make a real difference in people’s lives, not just fill out paperwork,” the spokesperson says. “At Dorcey, innovation and personal connection are at the heart of everything we do for our clients and our employees. We’re not just managing people’s legal needs; we’re looking out for people’s futures.”
18. Scotlynn USA
City: Fort Myers
Website: scotlynn.com
Year founded: 2010
CEO: Ryan Carter
Industry: Transportation
Employees in SWFL: 250
A leader in the transportation industry and one of the largest logistics companies in Florida, Scotlynn takes pride in its recognition as a “Best Place to Work” thanks to an unwavering commitment to fostering a people-centric environment. It’s that people-first culture that provides meaningful work, financial opportunities, exceptional mentorship and training; elements that Scotlynn considers essential for its employees to engage, grow and thrive.
“Our approach to culture is built on four key pillars: talent acquisition, total rewards, talent management and engagement,” says President Ryan Carter. “We’re all about cultivating, attracting and keeping a diverse range of talent who share Scotlynn’s vision of success.”
Carter emphasized that Scotlynn managers and leaders truly value each employee, recognizing their crucial roles in achieving the company’s goals. “We’re big on recognizing and rewarding achievements,” he says. “It’s how we keep our work environment positive and vibrant, making sure every team member feels valued and accomplished. At Scotlynn, it’s our people who drive our success.”
Scotlynn provides its team members with a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, life insurance, pet insurance, a health savings account, telemedicine and 401(k). In addition, the company’s headquarters features a gym, basketball and pickleball courts, a walking trail and a cafeteria with indoor and outdoor eating areas serving breakfast and lunch, plus a snack kiosk. The firm also hosts regular mobile health events on-site, including dental services, mobile dermatologists, chiropractors, personal trainers and more. Scotlynn even offers concierge service conveniences, such as a mobile car wash, dry cleaning and even barber services.
19. Elite Jets
City: Naples
Website: elitejets.com
Year founded: 2016
CEO: Stephen Myers
Industry: Transportation
Employees in SWFL: 48
Luxury jet charter service Elite Jets was established with a commitment to serving business and leisure travelers safely and conveniently via a private terminal in Naples. Offering a workplace culture dedicated to excellence, a state-of-the-art aircraft fleet and rigorous safety standards and pilot training, the company also provides aircraft management and aircraft maintenance services. And for its employees, Elite Jets is a great place to send their careers soaring.
“As a globally focused company rooted in Naples, Elite Jets is committed to not only going the extra mile for our customers but also for our loyal, hard-working employees,” says Stephen Myers, CAM, the company’s executive vice president. “Further, our community commitment includes partnerships with such local nonprofits as the Guadalupe Center, Warrior Health Foundation, St. Matthew’s House, Humane Society, Boys & Girls Club of Collier County and more.”
While many employers consider their workplace a family, it’s a reality for Elite Jets, as the company boasts two father-son pilot teams. In addition, one of those fathers has another son working as an aviation mechanic to maintain the Elite Jets fleet of five jets and a helicopter. “Our business is grounded in safety, convenience, luxury and personal relationships,” Myers says. “Plenty of workplaces boast about being family-friendly and embracing family values. In our case, this is not just hyperbole. We truly are a business made up of families.”
Elite Jets offers its employees a robust benefits package that includes 100% of health insurance premium payments, including $0 co-payments for certain procedures, for employees, spouses and dependents. In addition, the company also offers supplemental global travel insurance for its employees.
20. PBS Contractors
City: Naples
Website: pbscontractors.com
Year founded: 1986
CEO: Tim Dupre
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 29
Since 1986, PBS Contractors has been the concierge builder for Naples and Southwest Florida. Building luxury homes and commercial spaces, PBS lives by its purpose statement, “We Build Better Lives for Our Team, for Our Clients and for Our Community.” Company officials said this philosophy and exceptional client service provide PBS an advantage.
“In our purpose statement, ‘Team’ comes first by design because when you put their needs first, it improves the level of service our clients receive,” says Tim Dupre, president and CEO. “Our focus is to turn our clients’ dreams into reality, which makes our community a beautiful place to live, work and play. We strongly support work/life balance for our team and encourage them to take time to unplug, spend time with family, take that dream vacation, go fishing or whatever it is that fulfills them and allows them to sharpen their saws.”
Another aspect of what makes PBS exceptional is a guiding set of 28 fundamentals to help the company build better lives for its team, its clients and the community. Those 28 fundamentals describe the daily practices that make PBS Contractors’ culture come to life. In addition, Dupre said, they’re what set the company apart from other contractors and drive its success.
PBS employees also enjoy numerous fun company events throughout the year, as well as opportunities to acknowledge each other’s efforts and contributions. Team members advocate building better lives for the community by hosting fundraising events and serving on nonprofit boards and committees.
“It’s not just about construction … it’s about community,” Dupre says.
21. Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
City: Fort Myers
Website: habitat4humanity.org
Year founded: 1982
CEO: Becky Lucas
Industry: Nonprofit (Other)
Employees in SWFL: 107
A private, nonprofit organization, Habitat for Humanity is one of the leading affordable housing builders and developers in Lee and Hendry counties. Since 1982, Habitat has built 1,839 homes, repaired 347 homes and counseled 2,359 families to achieve their housing and financial goals. And that mission is what continues to drive Habitat employees every day.
“Our work simply would not be possible without the passionate staff who are united by a common sense of purpose and value each other’s contributions,” says CEO Becky Lucas. “Through their collective efforts, every employee is at the forefront of change, working daily to address the critical need for affordable housing in Lee County.”
The foundation of Habitat’s culture rests on its core values of integrity, teamwork and mission focus. Employees are reminded of these values in the CEO’s weekly newsletter, and employees who exemplify these values are recognized throughout the year. In addition, Habitat employees participate in monthly peer-to-peer recognition and honor each other through written submissions for annual core value awards. The agency’s goal for each employee is to create a collaborative environment to accomplish the Habitat mission and allow them to do what they love with people they love while finding their personal purpose within the mission.
“The Habitat board of directors is deeply committed to fulfilling the organization’s mission. We understand this would not be possible without our talented, purpose-focused team,” says David Owen, board chair. “Creating a positive workplace culture is pivotal to our success. I speak for the entire board when I say it is an honor to work alongside this staff.”
22. St. Matthew’s House
City: Naples
Website: stmatthewshouse.org
Year founded: 1987
CEO: Steve Brooder
Industry: Nonprofit (Health and Human Services)
Employees in SWFL: 345
St. Matthew’s House combats hunger, homelessness and addiction in Southwest Florida. Its inspiring business model, which includes thrift stores, a restaurant, catering and a hotel, supports that mission. The organization’s network includes a soup kitchen, two shelters and a 12-month recovery program. Along the way, the dedicated St. Matthew’s House team fosters a supportive environment and encourages upskilling.
“For over 35 years our organization has been moving people from crisis to care to contributors. Our dedicated staff works on the front lines every day with people in crisis—experiencing poverty, food insecurity, homelessness and addiction,” says Steve Brooder, CEO. “The work we do here is reflected in the lives that we see either saved or changed for the better almost on a daily basis when it comes to the people we serve. To date, we have graduated 834 men and women from our 12-month residential, faith-based, recovery program and we’re proud that 40% of our 300-plus member workforce are graduates of our programs.”
The organization does not rely on government funding, instead funding its programs through contributions, grants and revenue from innovative social enterprises. St. Matthew’s House has been certified as a “Best Christian Workplace” for five of the last six years.
“We could not do what we do without collaboration with many community partners, our hundreds of volunteers and our many generous donors that support our work,” Brooder says. “Our employees and our culture make St. Matthew’s House a great place to work while changing the lives of our less fortunate neighbors.”
