March 19, 2024

Touches of Home at Work

At some of the best smaller companies, lunch is on the boss -- and so are the flowers.

| 8/1/2009
It may not come as a big surprise that Gainesville-based Crime Prevention Security Systems/Custom Home Entertainment (No. 23 Midsized) has a home-theater room, complete with rich brown leather seats, a 92-inch projection screen and a Blu-ray player. After all, the company installs home entertainment systems. The theater isn’t just to impress customers, however — employees can use it, too. “We’ve had people reserve it to take their spouses there for date night,” says Jorgia McAfee (at right in photo), vice president of operations. “It’s better than going to the actual movies.”

[Photo: Jeffrey Camp]

Ron Sachs Communications in Tallahassee (No. 21 Small) bought an ugly office-supply product warehouse and converted it into an inviting workplace featuring colorful workstations and shared brainstorming areas meant to spark ideas. The design was aimed at stimulating collaboration and creativity between junior and senior staff. The company’s IT team got to design its own small space. “It looks like Austin Powers’ bachelor pad now,” says COO Michelle Ubben.

[Photo: Ron Sachs Communications]

Every Monday morning, the employees of Benefit Advisors (No. 17 Small) find fresh flowers at every workspace. HR director Donna Healy-Strickland puts the flowers out on Sunday afternoons, along with an inspirational quote related to a current work issue or challenge. On a recent day, amid a change in the company’s computer system, orange, yellow and pink gerber daisies brightened the Ocala offices, accompanied by a quote: “Often, success is the ability to adapt.”

[Photo: Jeffrey Camp]


Davidson Realty CEO Jim Davidson makes employees lunch every Friday.


Davidson Realty’s (No. 2 Small) two-story office building in World Golf Village in St. Augustine is built around a stone patio with a huge fireplace that overlooks a pine forest. Company executives hold monthly “fireside chats” for employees — even in the summer — with wine and cheese. This is also where company President Jim Davidson makes employees lunch every Friday, grilling, among other dishes, hamburgers or turkey burgers. “If you’re in Publix on a Friday morning, you’ll see him buying the stuff,” says controller Cindy Vaughn. “He’s an awesome boss and an awesome cook.” [Photo: Davidson Realty]


Florida Business News

Florida News Releases

Florida Trend Video Pick

Incoming income tax instructor indicated
Incoming income tax instructor indicated

Affordable housing remains an issue; Income tax guidance on its way; What's in the 2024 budget; A mysterious threat to endangered sea life; Bass Pro Shops founder's "Florida Dream"

 

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Should Congress ban the popular social media app TikTok in the U.S.?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Need more details
  • What is TikTok?
  • Other (Comment below)

See Results

Florida Trend Media Company
490 1st Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.5800

© Copyright 2024 Trend Magazines Inc. All rights reserved.