4. Cask
Make it four years in row as one of Consulting 's Best Small Firms to Work For. Not only that, the multi-service San Diego-based firm has never been ranked outside the Top 5, and this year it settles in at No. 4.
Elizabeth Guezzale, President of Cask, says that being a Best Small Firm to Work For allows Cask to gain some light that it may not get otherwise. "It's really easy to be a small company and be overlooked or overshadowed by the bigger companies," she says.
"Being able to be shown in this group, it lets our existing clients know that they, too, are part of something special. To be a Best Small Firm to Work For requires a certain discipline and dedication from everyone involved because it's not the same as a big corporation."
For the last several years, Cask's "mojo" has been on the rise and Guezzale points to it as a major factor and influencer of the firm's overall morale.
"Cask's morale has to do with our 'mojo'. It's something that shows in our successes and our drive to never be satisfied with what we have, but instead to always reach to do more and be better," she says. "Mojo would definitely be our 'secret-sauce.' It gives Cask employees the push and desire to succeed, while keeping a sense of camaraderie throughout the offices."
Not surprisingly, Cask found itself ranked among the Top 10 firms in all six categories the Best Small Firms to Work For survey measures, but really excelled in two areas—Leadership and Career Development.
Cask takes incredible pride in taking care of its employees, Guezzale says. "Each individual is unique and has needs, and Cask focuses a lot on making sure all these needs are met," she says.
"When your employees are cared for, they are better able to dedicate their time and concern to the clients. The fruits of Casks' labors show through in the satisfaction of the client relationships we keep."
The investment extends into internal initiatives that ensure the organization enables our employees to have the tools and resources they need to be successful, including: Cross functional group professional development opportunities, annual all-hands training activities to bring Cask employees together; as well as monthly and regular social activities.
As for the future, Guezzale says Cask is excited to launch its technology business management practice and to further expand into international markets, specifically APEC and EMEA. Currently, Cask has eight U.S. locations, as well as an office in Europe. "Our top priorities over the next 12 months are geared toward the continued expansion and diversification of our services," she says. "We continue to serve our customers in the best way possible."
What words would you use to describe Cask's culture? Why?
Elizabeth Guezzale, President, says: "Much of our culture can be credited to the book, Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big, by Bo Burlington. Every employee is given a copy so they can understand that Cask is focused on culture, core values, and behaviors. Cask actively chooses to do things a little differently than other companies. We focus more on being a great at what we do, and less about how big we can grow."
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