Nominated Business: Filkins Vineyards
Who are the owner(s) and/or principal leadership in this company? Zach and Lindsey Filkins. Owners Melissa Feris GM
Where is it located? Coloma
Nominated by: Judy L Pullins
How many people work at the company you are nominating? 15
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
Filkins creates wonderful estate grown wines. Hosts fun events all season long May -December. Family friendly, the most beautiful ground and best view from the tasting room around. The owners treat the employees better than anyone could ask to be treated. Making a point of telling them how much they are appreciated. No one can ask for a better place to work.
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?They make a point of knowing each employee and work with each one to make Filkins a place you want to come to work. Not a place you have to go to work. They tell us daily that we are appreciated. They do company gatherings several times a season. Most importantly, they treat everyone with care and respect.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
Great quality products and the appreciation of the owners and GM
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Google or Indeed. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
Filkins Vineyards, flexible schedules, great earning opportunities. Work where it’s fun and you are treated like one big family.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
Caring
Friendly
Surroundings (beautiful)
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company seems to have on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
The ability to bring joy
The ability to bring relaxation
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? New event center and entertainment opportunity
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? New product testing and education
C] Keep communications open? Your opinion is always valued, Input is always welcome
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.
The WOW is definitely our surroundings! Our beautiful setting changes with the seasons. Our products have won many awards. The Best Practices are simply the way we are treated. Everyone here knows we are cared about and greatly appreciated.
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard.
A] How does the nominated company honor or reward success? Field trips and family friendly cook out.
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? We have a wonderful time together, more friends than coworkers.
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? Still new to the area. They use local suppliers whenever possible.
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? With joy. Everyone is involved with each other. There is always laughter and fun, even on the busiest days.
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?
We have a new event center (tent) that is used for music, trivia, paint and sip, book club and many more events.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
Benefit 1: Tasting new wines
Benefit 2: Employee parties
Benefit 3: Employees discount
Anything else you’d like to mention about this company, its’ leadership, etc?
Zach, Lindsay and Melissa all are working very hard to make Filkins Vineyards the best winery in our area. Yet they always have time for us employees.
