Two Pensacola Bay Area companies were among only three in Florida named in a national organization's survey of "Best Small & Medium Companies to Work for in America."
Pensacola-based Landrum Human Resource Companies Inc. and Gulf Breeze-based Studer Group were honored Monday in Chicago during the Society for Human Resource Management's annual conference.
For Landrum Companies it was the fourth year in a row the staffing service company has made the best 25 small companies list, jumping from 24th in 2007 to a 10th ranking this year.
"I'm clearly excited about our company being recognized as one of the best to work for in the country," said Britt Landrum Jr., founder of the staffing company. "I think it's a reflection of our core mission, our vision and values, and I think our employees appreciate working for a company that appreciates them and their work."
It was Studer Group's first appearance on the list, with the health-care consulting firm ranked 24th on the small companies top-25 list.
Studer spokeswoman Debbie Ritchie said the award was an affirmation of a company culture. Studer was unavailable.
"We value all our employees and know that they are what makes this company what it is," Ritchie said.
Addressing his entire staff Monday, Landrum thanked them for their efforts.
"I've always wanted this company to be a best place to work," he said. "We're here almost as much as we're with our families, so why not make this a best place to work. ... And when our employees are happy, our customers will be happy."
Landrum employee Jill Sheltry said the secret to Landrum's success is that "we've really created a family here. There are over 120 people here who really love each other. It just makes you feel like you've extended your family here at work."
Johanna Pohlmann said Landrum "teaches you from day one that what we do is a good thing. The services they provide here are amazing, so you know the work you're doing is helping employees."
Landrum, who founded the company 35 years ago, was given much of the credit for the company's high national ranking.
"The prestige of working here is born of the high ethical standards set by Mr. Landrum," said Landrum employee Grace Whalen. "The genuine care, concern and dedication we hold for each other is remarkable and priceless."
