By Leona Baker
424 Network Station, Chesapeake | 757-413-9100 | INITSE.com
Other locations worldwide
Founded: 1999
Number of Employees: 120
Just two years after marking the grand opening of their newly renovated, high-tech office space in Chesapeake with a calendar of cook-offs and karaoke, the folks at INIT have a new reason to celebrate. The company turns 20 this year, and that calls for a Family Fun Day for employees and guests complete with plenty of food and prizes and even carnival games and waterslides.
It’s serious fun, but it complements a serious mission. As a leading supplier of IT solutions for public transport, INIT covers everything from planning and dispatching to ticketing and passenger information for busses and rail around the world.
“We provide tools to help pretty much every aspect of transit do its job better and more efficiently,” says Curtis Stone, technical trainer with INIT and military veteran who was happy to find the company’s culture of camaraderie is one that echoes his experiences in the military.
“That feeling that everybody cares about each other and it matters what happens to you when you are off as well as at work. This company has a lot of that. Everybody is very willing to help and cooperate with each other and listen to each other. It’s just a very good environment to work in.”
INIT’s Chief Sales Officer Carl Commons says the company builds that environment by encouraging a culture of mutual respect and by taking the time to make employees feel successful by empowering them to reach personal and institutional goals.
“By respecting the other person, we are better able to function as a team. Recognition and praise are important but only a piece of the puzzle. Satisfaction and positive morale come from the feeling that everyone is contributing to something greater than the day-to-day tasks.”
Employees note a highly supportive and unified working environment that includes professional perks such as continuing education programs, community outreach and training, as well as many internal advancement opportunities. Benefits include zero cost health insurance and annual bonuses. The company promotes environmental responsibility with a robust recycling program and community involvement by giving each employee one day off a year to volunteer for a local nonprofit of their choice.
And, of course, there is that spectacular $12.5 million 2016 office renovation with its modern spacious design, highly interactive conference spaces and technology, private work capsules, “Hub” with complimentary coffee and espresso bar and even a full basketball court out back.
“It’s just an easy place to walk into,” says Ronnie Miller, senior support analyst at INIT. “I like all my coworkers. They definitely invest in the culture here.”
Work Perks
- Paid continuing education
- Career training and certifications
- Monetary awards for longevity
- Atmosphere of respect and encouragement
- Leadership and team
- 88 building events
- Community service opportunities
- Complimentary coffee and espresso bar
- Two-day company retreat
- Close-knit environment
- Basketball court
- Book clubs
Why I Love My Job
“INIT is not your normal company. They go above and beyond in every aspect. The culture and camaraderie are like no other place I have seen or heard of. This organization is not only doing huge things business-wise but also internally with employees. —Ariel Delia, Human Resource Specialist, two and a half years at INIT
