7. Caiman Consulting
The third time's a charm for Caiman Consulting. The third time… as in this is the third time the Seattle-based firm has been on the Best Firms to Work For list, and it's its highest ranking ever at No. 7. In 2009, it was No. 14 and last year the firm was ranked No. 11.
This year's ranking is, in part at least, due to sustained business growth over the last few years, particularly over the last 12 months, according to Raazi Imam, Managing Director of the firm. That's led to high morale at the firm.
"We're in the midst of some great sustained business growth which generally keeps everyone in a good mood, plus the growth has allowed more of our employees to participate and expand their work focus into areas such as people management, communications, social media, community relations, and more," Imam says. "From a business perspective our top priority is to continue the 15 percent to 20 percent growth rate that we've tracked to over the past few years. We are looking forward to meeting the challenge of keeping our unique culture and attitude in place as we continue to grow.
This year, that growth expands beyond the firm's Seattle base to a new area of focus in Silicon Valley. "For me our growth into Silicon Valley is most exciting," he says. "While it is still comparatively small next to our Seattle presence, we're doing great work and clients are beginning to take notice. We have some friendly competition going between our team members growing the Bay versus growing Seattle, and ultimately I think it's a winner for both sides."
Another winner for the firm is client engagement, an area where Caiman finished first among all the small firms. "We get to work with clients every day and dig into the challenges of solving their problems," Imam says. "Our team prefers this hands-on daily experience over the administrative and operational items that often come with moving up the ladder at big firms."
As far as the impact of being one of the Best Firms to Work two years running, Imam says the recognition helps get the firm recognized with potential consultants who might be looking for a new home with a better working environment than their current situation.
"At a minimum, the designation makes consultants take notice when they are comparing us to other firms, and for those familiar with Consulting magazine they immediately know that we must be doing quite a few things right to earn this honor," he says.
WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE REMAINDER OF THIS YEAR AND 2014, WHAT EXCITES YOU?
Managing Director Raazi Imam says: "Every company will tell you that its people make it unique and special. While that is true, it overlooks what attracts people to the company. Caiman is unique because we have set up a platform of transparent compensation, bonus, and career progression paths that excellent and confident consultants find very appealing. When you combine this with the top-tier clients we work with, the great perks and benefits we provide, and the relaxed attitude we encourage, Caiman becomes a unique and outstanding place for all of us to work."
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