I always read with great interest the article here in The NEWS regarding the Best Contractors to Work For. I look for similarities in the way those contractors operate that sets them apart. Two things seem to stick out to me. These contractors excel at hosting events that benefit their employees to enhance the experience of working for that company, such as offering company-wide family outings, installing a fitness room, and more. These companies also tend to go above and beyond to provide training and education for their employees. This training helps employees improve at their current jobs but also gives them the ability to learn ways in which to advance within the company.
I want to draw a parallel to a business about which many of you are familiar — Major League Baseball. As many of you are aware, the St. Louis Cardinals were purchased from Anheuser Busch Brewery by a group of local business people in the 1990s. It happens that I attended high school and was a friend of the leader of the group, Bill DeWitt Jr. At our 50th high school reunion a few (several) years ago, DeWitt was asked to explain how the group proceeded as it took over the storied St. Louis baseball franchise. Surprisingly, their first action was to spend several million dollars upgrading and refurbishing all of the organization’s minor league ball parks. This money was spent mostly to improve accommodations for the players. Through this investment, ownership improved locker facilities, added workout rooms, and installed private areas.