BARKLEY
Located in a building with a three-story rocket on the roof, Barkley’s unique attitude and personality emanates throughout Kansas City without saying a word. But within its walls, this local advertising agency boasts 300 associates—some of the most creative talent—and Barkley has innovative strategies for attracting and retaining them. In addition to ping-pong tournaments, beer on tap and on-site yoga classes, president Jeff King, CEO Brian Brooker and COO Vicki Stuckwisch strive to create an atmosphere that allows their self-motivated staff many opportunities to refresh and revive. Offering an inspired and flexible culture keeps the employee-owned company at the top of its game; in an industry that thrives on ideas, Barkley seems to have the right one.
BROOKE CAPITAL CORPORATION
Brooke Capital Corporation is an insurance services company headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. With more than 17 office locations and approximately 600 employees, Brooke employs more than 150 in the Kansas City metro area. Leading the organization with a true “open door” policy, CEO Kyle Garst offers each employee the opportunity to meet regularly to discuss goals, issues, challenges and successes. Employees feel vested in the success of Brooke, and play an active role within the company. In addition, Brooke grants its employees a generous benefits package, as well as an on-site dry cleaning service, corporate discount at 24-Hour Fitness, and a professional clothing discount at JoS. A. Bank and Brooks Brothers. On-going training and sponsorship of licensure renewals keep Brooke Capital Corporation, and its employees, on the cutting-edge of insurance practices.associates.
DELOITTE LLP
Providing professional services in the form of audit, tax, financial advisory services and consulting, Deloitte LLP is committed to creating a culture that enables people to realize their full potential. Based in Kansas City since 1920, Deloitte offers its employees the flexibility and control to get their job done by offering such amenities as parental leave, emergency dependent day care, and mortgage assistance. CEO Barry Salzberg spearheads the effort to ensure that the environment values productivity and results, as well as offering a workplace that provides long-term career benefits to more than 85 CPA’s and additional staff.
MARKETSPHERE CONSULTING
As one of the area’s top business consulting firms, Marketsphere Consulting is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the consulting industry. With approximately 75 employees at its downtown Kansas City location, CEO Steve Sestak and the team at MarketSphere strive to empower their employees to contribute to the success of the firm—while building their careers. A robust bonus program, as well as a matching 401K program and additional benefits are just one way in which this young firm has grown to the leader it is today. With monthly “all-hands” meetings and collaboration between team members, in addition to a philanthropic attitude, MarketSphere is setting the standard for corporate spirit and global success.
MIDWAY FORD TRUCKING CENTER, INC.
As the only employee-owned truck dealership in Kansas City, Midway Ford has more than 235 full-time employees and four locations in Missouri and Kansas. Since 1961, this company has been committed to providing excellence in service to its customers, as well as its employees. The turnover rate is low due to many amenities, which include an Employee Stock Ownership Plan as well as health, life, and disability insurance, an annual health fair, sick pay and vacation pay. Promotions come from within, and CEO Donald Ahnger and President Gary McClung believe in on-going training and support. Additionally, Midway is proud of its family atmosphere, and holds regular tournaments, picnics and holiday parties, as well as donating to many charitable events throughout the year. The longevity of Midway’s workforce is a tribute to the success of their ideology, and continues to set standards for corporate culture.
NICHOLSON KOVAC
As one of the most prestigious full-service advertising agencies- with clients like EMBARQ, M&I Bank, Starlight Theatre and more, Nicholson Kovac is dedicated to their employees, the environment, as well as the community. Established in 1981, president and CEO Pete Kovac bases the company’s success on the fact that they recruit and develop great people, as well as their dedication to the agency’s focus on quality work. Nicholson Kovac is employee-owned, and with approximately 124 employees, the company offers a progressive ESOP program, as well as health and wellness seminars, and many opportunities to give back to the community. Events have included a “Pink Cupcake and Cookie Sale” to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, as well as participation in the Adopt-A-Family Program.
SONNENSCHEIN NATH & ROSENTHAL LLP
With more than 100 total employees in its Kansas City office and 1600 employees firmwide, Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal is currently ranked 57th among the nation’s 200 largest and highest-grossing law firms by American Lawyer magazine. Founded in 1906, this respected law firm boasts local clients that include Kansas City Southern, Garmin, DST Industries, Jordan Industries and Lafarge Corp. Managing partner Jim Heeter believes that communication fosters relationships, and employees are encouraged to participate in the “open-door” policy. Flexible work schedules, continuing legal education, as well as 30 hours paid time each year for employees to participate in volunteer activities during the work day contributes to the overall success of this nationwide law firm.
