PPB June 2015

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HOW IT DIFFERENTIATES ITSELF AS AN
EMPLOYER: Worden says it’s the overall cul-
ture of continuous improvement. “It creates
an environment where the persons doing the
actual work are empowered to make changes
that add customer value and more efficient
processes.” Alicia Critelli credits Geiger’s
owners. “The owners of Geiger are very com-
passionate people. They are the biggest phi-
lanthropists I’ve ever met. They have big
hearts. Because of them, it incents me to
work harder so that I never let them down.”
Twenty-year employee Scott Laberge says, “I
believe that the atmosphere in which we
work allows us to be successful.
Company/department goals are clearly stated,
which helps everyone to be pulling in the
same direction.” Co-worker Crystal
Coolong, who joined the company a year and
a half ago, says, “I have worked for other
companies that made me feel conflicted with
my own ethical beliefs, treated their employ-
ees as expendable, or turned a blind eye to
conditions that should have been addressed. I
can honestly say I have not experienced any
of this with Geiger and I feel quite happy
and safe with my current position.”
JUNE 2015 • PPB • 27
Greatest Companies To Work For 2015
How To Build
A Workplace
People Love
1. Develop company core values and live
by them. Require everyone, at all levels,
to do so too.
2. Walk the walk. If company leaders
expect employees to meet certain
expectations, management should too.
3. Get to know all employees, even if
your company is large. Know employees’
names and learn something about
them—their hobbies and families.
Address your employees by name. Be
friendly and interested.
4. Be a company that follows through
with customers, is ethical, maintains high
standards and plays fair with employees,
customers and vendors. Employees will
want to work for you.
5. Create a company culture where
employees are treated well and their
contributions and ideas are valued.
Actively encourage their feedback and
then use some of their ideas.
6. Be trustworthy. Do what you say you
are going to do.
7. Recognize accomplishments not only
through an annual awards event but
informally and frequently. Just saying
“Thank you for a great job” goes a long
way and costs nothing.
8. Plan at least a few events every year
that bring all employees together over
lunch, dessert or something fun where
employees can relax and get to know
each other. You want to engage employ-
ees, breed cohesiveness and create a
collaborative environment.
9. Look for ways your employees can
come together to support a local charity
or national fundraiser. It will create cama-
raderie and support team work. Whether
it’s a 5k to raise money or a food drive,
be sure to personally participate.
10. Support continuing education and
industry certifications to keep employees
on the leading edge of their profession.
Top Executives
Gene Geiger, MAS+,
President
Peter Geiger, Executive
Vice President
Jo-an Lantz, MAS,
COO/Executive Vice
President
Robert Blaisdell, MAS,
CFO/Executive Vice
President
___
Type of Company
Distributor
___
Location
Lewiston, Maine
___
Website
___
Year Founded
1878
___
Total Employees
325
___
Company Motto
Simple, Smooth, Solved
___
Perks
Flexible work schedules
College tuition
reimbursement
On-site fitness
center/exercise classes
Paid time off for
volunteering
On-site nurse
Casual dress code
Other: Free financial
consultation, technology
loans, discounts,
wellness incentives and
Bank on Wellness bucks,
Fitbit Friends, on-site
farmer’s market, lactation
room, industry certifica-
tion bonuses
“THE OWNERS OF GEIGER
ARE VERY COMPASSION-
ATE PEOPLE. THEY ARE
THE BIGGEST PHILAN-
THROPISTS I’VE EVER
MET. THEY HAVE BIG
HEARTS. BECAUSE OF
THEM, IT INCENTS ME TO
WORK HARDER SO THAT I
NEVER LET THEM
DOWN.”—ALICIA CRITELLI