Moody on the Market Announces ‘Best Places to Work’ Awards for 2024

Zack East, Awards Director for Moody on the Market, unveiled the winners of the 2024 Best Places to Work awards Wednesday morning on WSJM. He says, “This prestigious recognition celebrates the outstanding companies in our region that excel in fostering exceptional work environments, employee satisfaction, and community involvement.”

This year’s awards are proudly sponsored by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, Silver Beach Pizza, Parrett Company, Sturgis Bank, Autobahn Imports, and the Inn at Harbor Shores, with additional support from The Mason Jar Cafe.

The companies honored this year represent a diverse range of industries, each demonstrating a commitment to excellence, innovation, and employee well-being. The winners of the 2024 Best Places to Work awards are:

1. Apothica Teas – Celebrated for its inclusive, fun, and family-oriented environment. Nominator Veronica highlights, “Everyone is friendly and does their best to help each other.” Veronica describes Apothica Teas as inclusive, fun, and family-oriented. The team is passionate, and the owners genuinely care for their employees. Apothica Teas fosters a sense of community and personal growth, creating a unique and fulfilling workplace.
2. Berecz & Associates, PLC – Recognized for its integrity, respect, and joy in the workplace. Nominator Gabriella says, “It’s fun to come here every day because of the environment Deb has fostered.” Gabriella sees Berecz & Associates as embodying integrity, respect, and joy. Employees appreciate the supportive atmosphere and professional development opportunities. The meaningful impact their work has on families is deeply rewarding.
3. Berrien RESA – Praised for being caring, innovative, and respectful. Nominator Troy shares, “I am fortunate to see firsthand what our staff accomplish to help achieve student success and growth.” Troy describes Berrien RESA as caring, innovative, and respectful. Employees feel proud to contribute to the education and personal growth of children with special needs. The supportive work environment and commitment to professional development make it an exemplary place to work.
4. Bloomingdale Communications – Known for being friendly, family-oriented, and caring. Nominator Lisa expresses, “I absolutely love working for this company.” Lisa describes Bloomingdale Communications as friendly, family-oriented, and caring. The company’s dedication to customer service and community involvement makes it a truly remarkable place to work. Employees appreciate the supportive atmosphere and the opportunity to be part of a team that values their contributions.
5. Competitive Edge – Described as collaborative, innovative, and rewarding. Nominator Julee states, “Competitive Edge fosters a supportive and empowering environment that values personal development, collaboration, and community involvement.” Julee sees Competitive Edge as collaborative, innovative, and rewarding. The positive culture at Competitive Edge fosters personal and professional growth. Employees appreciate the opportunities for development and the supportive work environment.
6. Flaugh Insurance – Valued for being reliable, trustworthy, and timely. Nominator Joanne notes, “The owner interacts personally with all staff, makes coffee every morning, and often brings in snacks.” Joanne describes Flaugh Insurance as reliable, trustworthy, and timely. Employees at Flaugh Insurance appreciate the respectful treatment, competitive pay, and the owner’s hands-on approach. The supportive atmosphere and focus on professional development make it a great place to work.
7. Gramenos Law Group – Commended for being client-focused, team-centered, and compassionate. Nominator Diane says, “The phone call we make to our client after finding out they have won their disability case is one of the most rewarding aspects of our day-to-day job duties.” Diane sees Gramenos Law Group as client-focused, team-centered, and compassionate. Employees value the camaraderie and personal fulfillment derived from their work. The supportive atmosphere and dedication to client success make it a rewarding place to work.
8. Harbor Country Dental – Recognized as professional, caring, and innovative. Nominator Kristin remarks, “The team feels valued not only for their professional contributions but also for their personal well-being.” Kristin describes Harbor Country Dental as professional, caring, and innovative. The positive atmosphere at Harbor Country Dental creates a fulfilling work environment. Employees appreciate the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients’ lives and the supportive work culture.
9. Ink About It Tattooing – Celebrated for its empowering, positive, and safe environment. Nominator Kaylena says, “Every moment is like hanging out with the girls!” Kaylena sees Ink About It Tattooing as empowering, positive, and safe. Employees at Ink About It Tattooing appreciate the friendly atmosphere, flexible hours, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with clients. The supportive environment and focus on creativity make it a unique and rewarding place to work.
10. Life Action – Praised for being purpose-driven, values-based, and family-friendly. Nominator Stacey shares, “Life Action is a great place to work, significantly impacting both local and global communities.” Stacey describes Life Action as purpose-driven, values-based, and family-friendly. Employees at Life Action feel valued and empowered to make a positive impact on the community. The supportive work environment and focus on professional development make it a fulfilling place to work.
11. Life Vision Eyecare – Described as professional, caring, and innovative. Nominator Danielle says, “Dr. Cooper makes us feel important and cares about us as employees.” Danielle sees Life Vision Eyecare as professional, caring, and innovative. Employees at Life Vision Eyecare value the positive atmosphere and the chance to make a significant difference in patients’ lives. The supportive work environment and focus on professional development create a rewarding workplace.
12. Medrano Tires – Valued for being reliable, trustworthy, and timely. Nominator Jacqueline highlights, “The company stands out for its exceptional customer service and the owner’s hands-on approach.” Jacqueline describes Medrano Tires as reliable, trustworthy, and timely. Employees at Medrano Tires appreciate the competitive pay, personal growth opportunities, and the owner’s involvement. The supportive atmosphere and focus on customer service make it a great place to work.
13. Mighty Dog Roofing – Known for being reliable, trustworthy, and timely. Nominator Lieutenant Mario expresses, “The company’s commitment to quality and community makes it a truly remarkable place to work.” Lieutenant Mario sees Mighty Dog Roofing as reliable, trustworthy, and timely. Employees at Mighty Dog Roofing value the professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, and the positive atmosphere fostered by the owners. The company’s dedication to excellence and community involvement makes it a standout in the industry.
14. St. Joe Kickers Sports Club, Inc. – Commended for being dedicated, organized, and meticulous. Nominator Christopher notes, “The club offers a chance to be part of a historic and community-focused organization.” Christopher describes St. Joe Kickers Sports Club as dedicated, organized, and meticulous. Employees at St. Joe Kickers Sports Club appreciate the sense of community, personal growth opportunities, and the chance to make a significant impact on local sports. The supportive atmosphere and focus on teamwork make it a great place to work.
15. The Blue Dress Barn – Recognized as family-oriented, positive, and supportive. Nominator Georgia remarks, “Amelia and Kirby show dedication to their company and their employees.” Georgia sees The Blue Dress Barn as family-oriented, positive, and supportive. Employees value the positive atmosphere, competitive wages, and the chance to make a significant impact on clients’ special days. The supportive work environment and focus on creating memorable experiences make it a rewarding place to work.
16. Thrive Psychology – Praised for being client-focused, team-centered, and compassionate. Nominator Jill shares, “Dr. Kalin is our biggest cheerleader!” Jill describes Thrive Psychology as client-focused, team-centered, and compassionate. Employees value the positive atmosphere, meaningful work, and the chance to make a significant difference in clients’ lives. The supportive environment and focus on professional development create a fulfilling workplace.
17. US Tarp – Described as innovative, supportive, and growth-oriented. The nominator says, “US Tarp is truly made up of genuine and nice people.” They see US Tarp as innovative, supportive, and growth-oriented. Employees appreciate the professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, and the positive atmosphere fostered by the leadership. The company’s dedication to innovation and employee support creates a dynamic and rewarding workplace.
18. Van Buren/Cass District Health Department – Valued for being purpose-driven, values-based, and family-friendly. Nominator Holly highlights, “The department’s office hours end at 2:00 pm on Fridays as a thank you to employees for their hard work.” Holly describes the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department as purpose-driven, values-based, and family-friendly. Employees value the professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, and the chance to make a significant impact on public health. The supportive work environment and focus on community health create a fulfilling workplace.
19. Villwocks Outdoor Living – Known for being innovative, team-oriented, and supportive. Nominator Karen expresses, “It is a pleasure to work at Villwocks and knowing that I am an important piece of the puzzle for their success as well as my own.” Karen describes Villwocks Outdoor Living as innovative, team-oriented, and supportive. Employees appreciate the positive atmosphere, competitive wages, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on clients’ outdoor spaces. The supportive work environment and focus on innovation make it a great place to work.
20. White Flower Cannabis Co. – Celebrated for its innovative, supportive, and family-oriented environment. Nominator Darryk shares, “The love within that company gives off true family vibes and it’s a pleasure every day when I go to work!” Darryk describes White Flower Cannabis Co. as innovative, supportive, and family-oriented. Employees value the professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, and the positive atmosphere fostered by the leadership. The company’s dedication to quality service and employee support creates a dynamic and rewarding workplace.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our judges: Pat Moody of Moody on the Market, Al Pscholka of Lake Michigan College, and Kristin Weir of the Logan Autism Learning Center, for their dedication and support in evaluating this year’s nominees.

Join us in celebrating these exceptional organizations and their commitment to making Southwest Michigan a great place to live and work. See the full profiles of all of the businesses and organizations right now on the Best Places to Work page.