While the workplace environment has evolved in recent years, some things never change. Employees want to work for organizations that cultivate a culture of inclusion and innovation. They desire inclusive management styles that foster professional growth, clear paths toward career advancement, and they value companies that encourage a healthy work-life balance and that provide avenues for community service.
We asked CoVaBIZ readers and local professionals to weigh in by nominating deserving businesses for our 2024 Best Places to Work contest.
Nominations were reviewed by CoVaBIZ staff and selected based on the overall strength of the nomination form/s and how the information provided by the nominator/s reflected a positive and desirable work environment for current and future employees.
Included here* are our 15 honorees for CoVaBIZ 2024 Best Places to Work. Congratulations to all.
Chartway Credit Union
“BE WELL AND BE KIND” IS THE GUIDING MANTRA
Employees say: “Chartway provides careers that are professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling because our team members are the heart of our credit union. Happy and engaged team members equal happy and loyal customers.”
Founded in 1959 by workers at the Norfolk Naval Air Station, Chartway Federal Credit Union’s first mission was to provide low-cost loans to service members. Now with branches in three states, the financial institution serves 190,000 members with an inclusive, people-first orientation. A generous benefits package includes health and life insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and a flexible schedule. But employees say what sets Chartway apart is an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact through its charitable foundation, which provides medically fragile children and their families joyful experiences. For many employees, Chartway is more than a job – it’s a nurturing family that places its people at the forefront of its priorities. Learn more at chartway.com
Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers
WHERE FUN IS SERIOUS BUSINESS
Employees say: “This is an employer that genuinely cares about their team, their clients, and their community. In addition to a generous benefits package, the firm also puts a premium on continuing education, picking up the tab for additional training or professional association fees.”
The lawyers at this Norfolk-headquartered firm specialize in helping people recover from sometimes devastating car accidents. The stakes are high but management leavens the serious nature of the business by keeping the office vibe relaxed: Jersey Day at the start of football season, a Halloween costume contest, and parties throughout the year. Staff are able to work a flexible schedule, but nobody works from home on the first Wednesday of each month when the partners buy lunch for the entire office. The proof is in the staff’s longevity: Numerous members have been on board since the firm opened its doors, another large percentage have worked there for more than a decade. Learn more at cooperhurley.com
Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
HELPING HAMPTON ROADS BUSINESSes THRIVE
Employees say: “The Chamber is a positive place to come to work every single day. We are able to make our own choices about what types of professional development we would like to pursue. Being able to attend state and national conferences with peers from other chamber organizations provides unique opportunities for all kinds of professional development.”
A culture of trust empowers staff to be creative. Robust benefits and the ability to have a flexible work schedule leave employees with time and energy to be active in the community, which important because the Chamber values and encourages civic involvement. Employees enjoy coming to work of the unique opportunities to learn about what is going on in the regional business community as a whole and meet the leaders who are generating in Hampton Roads. Learn more at hrchamber.com
Hudgins Contracting
WHERE DIVERSITY EQUALS OPPORTUNITY
Employees say: “A positive work environment is the key to a productive workforce. Employee development and morale are top priorities. In an industry dominated by men, the women on staff have had equal opportunities to move into executive roles.”
Before Lester Hudgins, the founder of this Hampton-based construction company passed away in 2011 he asked his wife and business partner, Marsha Hudgins, to promise the firm would not die with him. It didn’t. Instead, Marsha Hudgins has put her own imprimatur on the culture, making employee development the cornerstone of her leadership. In addition to improving the benefits package for all, Hudgins has worked to recruit new employees by promising paid, on-the-job training with the motto: “Earn while you learn.” Employees who work outside are guaranteed a minimum number of hours, even if bad weather keeps them home. Learn more at hudginscontracting.com
Input Technology Solutions
FULLY REMOTE AND FULLY INTERCONECTED
Employees say: “From unlimited PTO to personally investing in the care and development of employees, I have never felt more supported by any other company I’ve worked for. We’re building something big.”
This fully remote information technology company specializes in computer network security and cloud storage solutions for clients throughout the U.S. Perhaps because every employee is remote, management has doubled down on ways to keep everyone in the loop with virtual meetings every day, a watercooler team chat, and frequent check-
ins to relay updates, answer questions, and celebrate big wins. Joining a start-up is a risk, says one employee, who also praised the benefit package, “but this company is going somewhere, and I want to be a part of it.” Learn more at inputtechnologysolutions.com
JES Foundation Repair
BEST IN CLASS BENEFITS AND A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE
Employees say: “This ‘blue-collar’ business provides some of the best benefits in its industry – medical, dental, vision, paid leave, retirement contributions, tuition reimbursement, and even a chance to have an ownership stake in the company, which is a life-changing opportunity.”
The employees in this company specialize in helping property owners do vital home maintenance almost none of them could do themselves: repairing cracked foundations, solving water and moisture issues in basements and crawl spaces and waterproofing exteriors to prevent future damage. It’s physically demanding work but managers stress collaboration and devote resources to the whole health of employees, who participate in leadership development, financial management and health and mental wellness programs. “One of our core values is we all put our boots on the same way. No matter your position in the company, we are all treated as equals.” Learn more at jeswork.com
Kaufman and Canoles
BUILDING THE CASE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
Employees say: “Due to a compassionate and nurturing environment this law firm has low turnover and high longevity. We have employees who have spent their entire work career here.”
The gold-plated benefits package at this law firm with multiple offices in Hampton Roads includes generous PTO, tuition reimbursement, retirement contributions, profit-sharing and discretionary year-end bonuses. The firm makes sure hard work is rewarded with team luncheons, holiday parties, ice cream socials and pizza parties. (To offset all that ice cream and pizza, they also sponsor a Weight Watchers program for interested staffers.) Morale gets a boost from casual Fridays throughout the summer. But perhaps the achievement they are most proud of is the contribution they make to the communities they serve. Each year, the firm donates more than 700 hours of pro bono legal services and supports more than 240 charities. Last year employees logged more that 215,000 volunteer hours. Learn more at kaufcan.com
Old Point National Bank
SERVICE AND A SENSE OF PURPOSE
Employees say: “Our chairman is a huge advocate for continuing education and professional development. He encourages everyone to construct career plans for themselves and their staff. Many people come to Old Point looking for a job and find a career.”
This Hampton Roads-based bank provides employees with a sense of purpose while creating an atmosphere where everyone feels safe and welcome. Generous benefits and plenty of perks like discounted tickets to local events and amusement parks are built-in bonuses. The bank promotes volunteerism with paid time off to support favorite causes like Habitat for Humanity and the United Way because commitment and service to the community in an integral part of the bank’s culture. There’s attention to work-life balance; overtime is limited, and flexible schedules are accommodated when possible. Said one employee: “We believe that when people feel valued, respected, and included, they will be more successful.” Learn more at oldpoint.com
Rivers Casino Portsmouth
EMPLOYEES FEEL THEY’VE HIT THE JACKPOT
Employees say: “Opening any new property is hard, period. Trying to do it with a team that has never worked at a casino before is sheer madness. Rivers Casino has been life-changing and challenging in all the best ways. I took a gamble to come here, and it has been well worth it.”
Getting in on the ground floor of a first-of-its-kind business in Hampton Roads has been hard work and extremely rewarding for the employees of Portsmouth’s Rivers Casino, which features table games, poker rooms, slots, sports betting and more. In addition to a workplace that has an exciting atmosphere, employees are entitled to a generous benefits package, opportunity for quick advancement and leadership training.
Talent and hard work are recognized and rewarded. Team members are provided with opportunities to enhance their professional skills, and staff are encouraged to ask questions and take personal initiative to get a job done. Said one nominator, “Titles don’t matter.” Learn more at riverscasino.com/portsmouth
Southside Eye Care
A GREAT TEAM ENVIRONMENT AND LOTS OF FREE LUNCH
Employees say: “Not only are we a great group of humans, we have great doctors. We have seasoned technicians who are great trainers, so it is a place to increase your skills. Out doctors also have a wealth of knowledge that they enjoy sharing.”
There’s always an occasion for celebration at this ophthalmology clinic in Chesapeake—birthdays, Optician Week, Admin Week, Customer Support Week, work anniversaries and employee of the quarter, just to name a few. “It is rare that we do not get lunch in our office,” said one employee. But a bigger cause for celebration is the benefits package which includes 75% employer paid health insurance, a 401K match after one year of employment, vacation and sick leave, bereavement pay, reimbursement for continuing education, and paid holidays off. “There is remarkable talent under this roof and much laughter heard in the halls,” said one employee. Learn more at southsideeye.com
SteelMaster Buildings
LAYING A FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS
Employees say: “Each day is a different adventure. I love my coworkers, being able to learn from them, communicate, and help. The way we can bounce ideas off each other in a relaxed environment is a hard thing to find in many workplaces and I truly appreciate it.”
The Virginia Beach branch of this international business earns allegiance from its employees by emphasizing the importance of work/life balance. The company, which designs and manufactures prefabricated Quonset Hut buildings, offers a robust benefits package, which includes medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid vacation and holidays, and paid training. Managers encourage staff to take weekends off and utilize vacation to spend time with their families, demonstrating a commitment to employees’ health and happiness. “You’re not just a number here,” one employee said. “I feel like my voice matters and that my ideas are heard.” Learn more at steelmasterusa.com
Studio Center
WHERE COOL IS KEY AND NO JERKS ARE ALLOWED
Employees say: “The culture of employee appreciation and fun is something that our CEO established when he purchased the company. He consistently looks for ways to keep the team engaged, feel valued and have fun while working. Not only is what we do for clients really cool, but what Studio Center continually does for is employees makes working here amazing.”
With offices in Virginia Beach, Richmond, and Washington, D.C., this full-service creative agency produces videos, films, voiceovers, ad campaigns, websites, and more for a variety of clients. What they produce for employees is an office vibe that makes it easy to come to work. Staffers can take a break with ping pong, foosball or weekly bingo games. Weekly “beers and brainstorming” is voluntary but many stay for the ease-into-the-weekend meetings at 4:30 every Friday afternoon. On Flip Flop Fridays during the summer lunch is provided, too.
Promoting from within is encouraged (their very first intern is now their accounting manager) and supported with reimbursement for continuing education. “We have a ‘no jerks allowed’ policy,” said one employee. “We simply won’t put up with someone who can’t treat everyone with respect.” Learn more at studiocenter.com
Two Maids Residential Cleaning
RESPECT, RECOGNITION AND A BRIGHT FUTURE
Employees say: “Many in this field are not given the respect and recognition they deserve. The objective here is to create the kind of workplace that an employee would be proud to invite a friend to work here.”
The managers at this residential cleaning business, a national franchise with branches in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, recognize that for most of their employees, being a cleaner is not their “forever job.” So they look for opportunities to bring in professionals to help their staff learn how to budget, get a home or car loan, or repair their credit so if an employee does leave, they leave in better shape than when they arrived. Because they believe the key to success is a happy staff, they stress work/life balance, understanding that every employee has obligations outside of work. Telehealth benefits kick in after 60 days, a cooked breakfast is provided every Friday, and management names a “Maid of Honor” with a cash prize every month. Learn more at twomaidscleaning.com
Virginia Asset Group
RECOGNIZING INDIVIDUAL POTENTIAL
Employees say: “Our company can only experience growth if both our employees and our customers are happy to be part of the organization.”
The first step to becoming a great place to work is knowing what your employees need. That’s why the leaders of this Virginia Beach-based wealth management firm have intentionally embarked on a process of getting to know each employee better to learn what would most help them fulfill their potential at work. There is a solid benefit package and teambuilding events like a summer cookout and a year-end holiday party but there was also a concerted effort in the past year to have the CEO personally reach out for a one-to-one conversation with every employee, who expressed gratitude over these “checking-in” calls. The intentionality of this effort not only impressed new hires, employees say, but “seems to have reignited excitement among long-tenured employees.” Learn more at virginiaassetgroup.com
Volvo Penta
WHERE INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY DRIVE AMBITIOUS GOALS
Employees say: “We foster a culture of continuous improvement, where innovation is seen as a fundamental driver for progress. The company encourages its employees to think creatively, always seeking better ways to meet customer needs.”
Part of the Volvo Group, this marine and industrial engine manufacturer has had offices in Chesapeake for 30 years. Now as the company pivots toward meeting ambitious sustainability goals, it continues to earn recognition as a place where employees flourish. Opportunities abound for continuing education, international travel (particularly to the company’s headquarters in Sweden), and chances to spend the workday out of the office and on the water. The culture promotes something for everyone with Pride Month celebrations, Meet the Partner lunches, family day, Popcorn Wednesdays and office visits (well, office parking lot) from the ice cream truck. New hires start with 24 days of “earned time off,” and the company closes between Christmas and New Year’s so everyone can spend time with their families. Learn more at volvopenta.com
