Great Workplaces Don't Happen by Accident
Over my 20+ year career, I've had the privilege of working for multiple employee-owned companies and organizations recognized as Best Places to Work. Those experiences have taught me that awards are the result, not the goal. Great workplaces share common characteristics: leaders who invest in their people, employees who feel connected to the company's purpose, and a culture built on trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
The Power of Employee Ownership
Employee ownership reinforces each of those qualities. When employees have a stake in the company's success, they think differently. They collaborate more closely, take greater ownership of their work, and celebrate wins together because everyone benefits. That ownership mindset is one of the things that drew me to IMI.
"What makes this recognition so special is that it comes directly from our people. Being named the #1 Best Place to Work means our people feel connected to the work they do, the teams they work with, and the purpose behind it all. When our people consistently tell us this is the best place they've worked, it reflects a culture built on trust, respect, opportunity, and genuine care for one another. This recognition validates the culture we've worked hard to create and motivates us to continue investing in our people, developing strong leaders, and making IMI a place where everyone can thrive."
-Crystal Vanderkolb, Director of Leadership & Culture Development
Investing in People
Since joining the team, I've seen leaders who are willing to invest in people, whether that's through professional development, technology, leadership growth, or creating opportunities for employees to build long-term careers. In a fast growing company, it can be easy to focus only on results. What has impressed me most is IMI's commitment to achieving those results without losing sight of the people who make them possible.
How We See Our Future
Being recognized as a Best Place to Work is meaningful because it reflects the voices of our employees. It's something to celebrate, but it's also a responsibility. As IMI continues to grow, our goal is to preserve the culture that earned this recognition while continuing to create an environment where people can do meaningful work, grow their careers, and share in the success they help create.