If Clark Kent hadn’t been a newspaper reporter, his alter ego of Superman would have fit in very well at Benton Harbor’s renowned team at Abonmarche. Especially, his ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound which leads the Abonmarche team to finding the right solution every time, or their ability to create a web of intricate thinkers unafraid to create a joint venture to come up with the best super team every time. The multi-disciplinary nature of their everyday work and some of the amazing transformations stemming from their work render the perceived “wow factor,” to an everyday occurrence. Take a moment to read some of the great things they’ve been doing over the years and why employees stick around for a long time and cherish the time they have together as a team.
What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Abonmarche
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Chris Cook and John Linn
Business Contact Information
Ned Kluka
95 West Main Street
Benton Harbor, MI
49022
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
115
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
I have worked here for almost 26 years. We are a multi-disciplinary firm with engineering architecture, landscape architecture and surveying. We put our clients first and listen to their needs and wants and always strive to give them the best service possible for the best price.
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?
I love it here and wouldn’t have been here almost 26 years if I didn’t! They are great to their employees and are actively involved in the communities volunteering and sponsoring events. They encourage us to become involved. Recently an employee passed away and the family member lived out of town. Abonmarche paid for all of the food for the service and our office staff took care of ordering it and having it delivered so as to take some of the burden off the family from out of town.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
We do great work and it shows – Road projects…Pedestrian bridge and trail by the Saint Joseph Water plant…The Howard Ice Rink just to name a few.
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Yelp! or Trip Advisor. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
A great company with great employees and longevity within the community serving Southwest Michigan for forty years.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
- Talented employees…2. Innovative thinking…3. Dedicated to good service
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company has on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
Super Power One Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound – find a solution to any difficult project circumstance
Super Power Two Create a web of intricate thinkers and not afraid to joint venture to come up with the best super team
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? Raises and acknowledgements of a job well done
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? In house training encourages additional training at owners’ expense
C] Keep communications open? Quarterly luncheon meetings with all staff and continuous correspondences. The owners’ are active members within the work place stopping by to discuss projects, intranet updates daily, etc.
Explain a specific “wow!” moment in this company’s history that is virtually “Hall of Fame” or “Best Practices” worthy, as an example to other companies in the region.
Hard to think of one right now as seems like we have wow moments everyday so they don’t stand out as anything out of the ordinary
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard. How does the nominated company:
A] Honor or reward success? Monetary bonuses, anniversary gifts, etc.
B] Socialize as a team? After hours get-togethers, Christmas parties, picnics, etc.
C] Get involved in community events? Sponsorships of numerous events and employees actively involved in local communities: coaches, committee members, etc.
D] Celebrate life? Bed Race and after party Dairy Queen Blizzard Days, etc.
Write a brief, but compelling, recruitment ad telling people about why they should come and work there, too.
We are a fun group to be around and many of our employees and previous employees who have moved to other states stay in touch – friendships are born that last a lifetime
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
Generosity -giving to others in need and not expecting publicity or notoriety… bake sale, fundraisers, etc. to help cancer patient’s family…
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Yearly Raises…2. Christmas Bonus…3. Employee Matching 401K contributions
If this is your company and you win, write the best headline ever for your company newsletter describing your successful selection to the list, and be as specific as you can about how you would celebrate the win if money were no object.
Abonmarche Wins Best Places to Work Companies 2019 – thank you all for voting for us and you should be proud as you are the reason this company is so successful. Please take a day of your choice off to celebrate on us! Thank you again for making us a Great Place to Work!
Tell us anything else you want about this company that you suddenly realize we haven’t asked you about, but you’re sure will be the thing that puts you squarely into the winner’s circle! (Wait a minute! Can you put a square in a circle?)
Bed Race Champions 2018
Teamwork is key to a great company and being proud of your place of employment and co-workers is essential. Again I would not be here for going on 26 years if this was not the best place to work!
