Nominated Business: Lucky Dog Ranch
Who are the owner(s) and/or principal leadership in this company? Michael Petlick
Where is it located? Benton Harbor
Nominated by: Martha Pepple
How many people work at the company you are nominating? 3-4
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
Michael developed a unique dog rescue focusing on eliminating the stress some dogs can experience in a traditional shelter environment. Each dog has their own personal cottage, twin size bed, chair, heating/ cooling, and fenced in turfed yard.
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 think Lucky Dog Ranch deserves to be one of the best places to work in Michigan Great Southwest because there is a real need for dog rescues in the area. Every day I see posts from Animal Control or Humane Society saying they are overfilled. We have received so many inquiries asking if we can take in people’s dogs who can no longer care for them regardless of the situation. This rescue helps gives dogs the chance to experience a real home environment. They get to be in a stress free environment while they wait for the forever home. This cottage idea increases their chances of forever adoption.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
We feel we are making a real difference in the community. We are working with Animal Control and Humane Society as partners. We are helping community members who can no longer care for their dog find them their loving home.
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.
Do you want to feel good about the work you are doing? Then apply for a job at Lucky Dog Ranch. You will be rewarded with tail wags, doggy kisses, and endless snuggles. You have the chance to work with dogs looking for their forever homes and help create families. The rewards are endless.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
Community
Family
Love
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?
Creating families
Everlasting love
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? Mike is high on life! He has such a great spirit of endless opportunities. He is always open to ideas and collaborations.
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? Mike’s mind is constantly spinning with ideas. He is an important member of the community. He finds ideas that may be new and forgein and makes them work
C] Keep communications open? Available 24/7. You know you can always reach Mike at anytime.
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.
Creating the cottages for the dogs is the big “wow” moment. This idea hasn’t been done in the area before. Focusing on quality instead of quantity.
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? Mike is all about giving back. It maybe be a luncheon or pool day but he makes sure you are appreciated.
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? Get togethers, pool days, working together side by side.
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? Mike sponsors many community events as well as participates. Lucky Dog Ranch is also creating community events
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? By living life to the fullest if everything that we do.
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?
How big Mike is on family. From the oldest to the youngest he finds ways for everyone to be involved. Family is very important to him and to Lucky Dog Ranch. Many members of the family do volunteer work here.
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: Playing with dogs is your job
Benefit 2: You get to watch families become complete
Benefit 3: Unconditional love
Anything else you’d like to mention about this company, its’ leadership, etc?
This is a new nonprofit with a unique concept. The love we feel for dogs is shown every day. The community has embraced us with their support and we hope to continue growing bigger and bigger.
