thebest placesto work in...

This special advertising supplement did not involvethe reporting or editing staff of the Los Angeles Business Journal.

The BestPlaces toWork inLosAngeles

August 25, 2008 • An Advertising Supplement to the Los Angeles Business Journal

20 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL AUGUST 25, 2008

HE 2nd annual Best Places to Workin Los Angeles awards celebrationhosted by the Los Angeles Business

Journal at the Biltmore Hotel on Tues-day, August 19th saluted companiesthat, according to the people who workfor them, are the most successful in busi-ness and in nurturing their own. Eachcompany has its own special methods ofelevating morale and team spirit to newheights, but one thing that is commonamong all is a commitment to the con-cept that employees’ well-being directlyeffects a company’s well-being—in theeyes of the public, its business partners,customers and shareholders.

The Los Angeles Business Journalpartnered with Best Companies Groupto identify the top 70 companies thatwere honored. Best Companies Groupwere also responsible for the survey andanalysis process for the Best Places toWork in Los Angeles Program. Theirdescription of “How We Did It,” outlin-ing the analytical process utilized isdetailed in this special supplement.

Below is a snapshot view of the BestPlaces to Work in Los Angeles, brokendown by size of company – Large (250or more employees), Medium (25 to249 employees) and Small (15 to 24employees).

THE BEST LARGE COMPANIES TO WORK

FOR IN LOS ANGELES

◆ Bingham McCutchen LLP has achievedthe #1 ranking as best large company towork for in Los Angeles. This interna-tional law firm encourages a culturebuilt around its people, knowing fullwell that ensuring its people’s happinesscan only lead to future growth and suc-cess of the company. Its 1,000 attorneysin 13 offices work hard and play hard,and through Bring Your Child to WorkDay and Staff Appreciation Day, theyare rewarded for their commitment.Bingham McCutchen’s people are citedas a differentiating factor when com-pared to other firms.

◆ Webcor Builders, known for its innova-tive and efficient approach to construc-tion, ranks second among the best largecompanies to work for in LA. Webcorpromotes a family-friendly environment,allowing parents paid time off to attendtheir children’s school activities. Flowersare sent to female employees and spous-es of male employees on their birthdays,and an employee’s entire family enjoysan annual company picnic. Newemployees are assigned mentors andeveryone has an extensive EmployeeAssistance Program at their disposal.

◆ The Capital Group Companies is a pri-vately held investment firm foundedover 50 years ago in LA and is presentlyour third ranking large company on theBest Places to Work in los Angeles list.From day one, employees are covered byone of six different medical planoptions and its commitment to ahealthy balance of work life and person-al life is evident through numerous ben-

efits, services and programs. Long-tenured associates take pride in passingthe company’s core values from onegeneration to the next through a delib-erate approach of role modeling andstory telling.

◆ Wells Fargo & Co. ranks as the fourthbest large company to work for in thelarge company category. This bankingand finance company considers itsemployees family, offering telecommut-ing, adoption assistance, discountedfinancial products and services, andflexible scheduling options to allow forwork/life balance and communityinvolvement.

◆ Bentley Prince Street Inc. is anked fifthin this year’s impressive roundup ofgreat large companies to work in LosAngeles. It is the largest commercial car-pet manufacturer in California. Thecompany’s vision is to be the first com-pany that, by its deeds, shows the entireindustrial world what sustainability is inall its dimensions: people, process, prod-uct, place and profits.

◆ Western Asset Management Company

(ranked #6 in the Large Company cate-gory) is one of the world’s leading fixedincome managers. Employees are eligi-ble to receive $1000 of flexible spendingmoney as well as subsidized gym mem-bership and healthy menus as part of anin-house cafeteria program.

◆ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (#7) pro-vides industry-focused assurance, tax

and advisory services. This progressivecompany offers a health savingsaccount and the ability to roll unusedmonies to the following year. Itswork/life balance programs are exten-sive, enabling employees with a highdegree of flexibility.

◆ Deloitte LLP (#8) is a privately heldprofessional services organization. Tosupport their employees, the firm pro-vides a 401k supplemental match of15% and up to 60% of pay. Additional-ly, they participate in the national TakeOur Sons and Daughters to Work DayProgram.

◆ Mattel Inc. (#9) urges employees to beproactive regarding their health. Toassist in this, the largest toy maker inthe world offers free health risks assess-ments, as well as a unique prescriptiondrug tool. The company also proudlyprovides paid time off to volunteer timein a classroom or school activity.

◆ Gensler (#10) is a global design, planningand strategic consulting firm. The firmrespects personal priorities and knows per-sonal and professional lives must be in bal-ance. The company encourages people topursue their interests deeply, and yoga andin-house massage are just two of the waysthis is accomplished.

◆ CB Richard Ellis (#11) is the world’slargest commercial real estate firm. Thiscompany offers resources on childcare,pre-schools, kindergarten, nanny serviceand before and after school programs.

Long Term Care programs are availablefor immediate family members includ-ing those who are not eligible for otherCBRE benefits.

◆ TCW Group (#12) is a leading assetmanagement company that providesinvestment management services toinstitutions and individuals. They offerback-up childcare, 12 weeks of paidmaternity leave, and the opportunity toset aside pre-tax dollars to be reimbursedfor commuting expenses.

◆ Glendale Adventist Medical Center

(#13) was the first hospital in the SanFernando Valley to receive joint com-mission certification as an advanced pri-mary stroke center. This company offerslimited subsidized and free employeehousing, monthly awards, ride shareprograms and other various amenities.

◆ Sheppard, Mullen, Richter & Hampton

(#14) is a full service law firm. Premi-ums for mental, dental and vision are100% paid for by the firm. They alsoengage in semi-annual parties that bringtogether staff and families.

◆ Kaiser Permanente of Southern Califor-

nia (#15) provides high quality servicesto improve the health of their membersand the communities they serve. Theybelieve strongly in engaging theiremployees and families. One of their lat-est activities is participation in the RoseBowl Parade.

A Look atthe Winners

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN L.A.

Continued on page 33

Los Angeles continues to be a great place to

live and work. LA’s quality workforce and

world-class businesses are two of our most

valuable resources. “The Best Places to

Work in Los Angeles” program helps bring

these resources together to ensure our

leadership in the future economy.

Now in its second year, the “Best Places

to Work in LA” program is an annual celebra-

tion of elite employers who have proven that

they know what it takes to create an environ-

ment where people love to come to work.

The initiative has been developed and pro-

moted by the Los Angeles Business Journal

along with LA’s Professionals in Human

Resources Association (PIHRA) and The Los

Angeles Chamber of Commerce. The pro-

gram is managed by Best Companies Group,

a third-party research firm that manages sim-

ilar “Best Places to Work” programs all over

the United States and in Canada.

The goal of “The Best Places to Work in

LA” program is identify and recognize out-

standing employers who have been suc-

cessful in building workplaces where

employee satisfaction and engagement are

high, resulting in the ability to attract and

keep talented people and increase produc-

tivity. For the second year, the companies

who were named to this exclusive list exem-

plify workplace excellence.

“The Best Places to Work in LA” program

was open to all publicly or privately held

organizations, either for-profit or not-for-

profit. To be eligible for consideration, com-

panies must have employed at least 15

individuals working in Los Angeles County.

Being headquartered in LA County was not

a requirement.

All participating companies went through

a two-part workplace assessment process.

Part one of the assessment (75% of the

evaluation) consisted of a 70-question, con-

fidential employee survey. Part two of the

assessment (25% of the evaluation) con-

sisted of an employer survey asking for

each company’s benefits, policies, practices

and other general information. This compre-

hensive, two-part assessment allowed the

workplace excellence experts at Best Com-

panies Group to perform an in-depth analy-

sis of each company’s strengths and weak-

nesses and ultimately determine who was

good enough to make the list.

Each company that participated in the

free program received a Participation

Report which detailed several employee sat-

isfaction and engagement scores. Compa-

nies also had the opportunity to purchase

an Employee Engagement Demographic

Report which fully summarizes the employ-

ee data collected. This expanded report is

rich with information about how employees

from various demographics and staff levels

within the organization feel about their

workplace, and will allow each company to

pinpoint specific areas for improvement.

Best practices frequently seen among

this year’s group of winning employers

include:

◆ Allowing staff to bring their children to

work when regular childcare falls through.

◆ Telecommuting options to allow some

staff to work from home. Less time spent

commuting means more time available for

work, and provides more work/life balance

for employees.

◆ Flexible schedules, such as four-day

workweeks or job sharing. Flexible sched-

ules and telecommuting may become more

widespread among employers as gas prices

increase.

The companies presented on the follow-

ing pages are indeed innovators that not

only demonstrate workplace excellence, but

can also provide ideas for other companies

interested in improving employee satisfac-

tion, engagement and productivity. As you

read their profiles, you’ll learn other unique

ways in which these organizations are able

to help their employees, and their business-

es, succeed.

How We Did ItT

AUGUST 25, 2008 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 21

Photo Gallery22 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL AUGUST 25, 2008


Attendees enjoyed the 2nd annual Best Places to Work in Los Angeles awards celebration hosted by the Los Angeles Business Journal at the Biltmore on Tuesday, August 19th.

Jason Seavey, Allison Miller and Brett Woodward of Careerbuilder.com.

Brandi Montague of Mendelsohn Zien Advertising LLC and Lacey Wicksallof Natural Marketing.

Matt Toledo,Publisher of theLos Angeles BusinessJournal, congratulatesMarshall Grossman,Bruce Friedman andRick Welch ofBingham McCutchenLLP, winner of theBest Large Companyto Work For inLos Angeles.

Maryam Firoozabadi, Cathy Tautkus and Edward Kim of Wells Fargo.

Ronit Koren of SingerLewak, Andrew Apfelberg of Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff and Jim Pitratof SingerLewak.

Mattel is proud to be honored as one of the Best Places to Work in Los Angeles.

© 2007 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

play to grow • play together • play with passion • play fairto grow • playa together •• play with passion a • play fairaplaya tto grow


The Best Places to Work in L.A.24 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL AUGUST 25, 2008

1 Aquent 711 Boylston St.Boston MA02116-2616

www.aquent.com Marketing and creative services staffing firm 596 23 $75,000 $35,000

2 Environetics environetics.com Interior architectural design, space planning andproject management. ‘Green’ design & LEEDcertification

17 16 no dataprovided

no dataprovided

3 Onisko & ScholzLLP CertifiedPublicAccountants

5000 E. Spring St.#200 Long Beach90815

www.oniskoscholz.com Full service CPA Firm. QuickBooks consulting andsetup, compilations, reviews, audits, tax plan-ning, business planning and financial planning

17 8 n/a n/a

4 ManningSelvage & Lee

1675 BroadwayNew York NY 10019

www.mslpr.com Communications firm 445 14 100 78,069

5 MansourTravelCompany

345 N Maple Dr.Ste 210Beverly Hills 90210

www.mansourtravel.com Luxury and upscale travel services 18 17 76,650 45,800

1 PCL ConstructionServices Inc.

2000 SouthColorado Blvd.Tower TwoSuite 2-500Denver CO 80222

www.pcl.com A group of independent construction companiesworking out of major offices in 27 locationsacross Canada, the United States and theBahamas

1,288 109 $76,100 $56,200

2 Ballard SpahrAndrews &Ingersoll LLP

1735 Market St.51st FloorPhiladelphia PA19103

www.ballardspahr.com Legal counsel 31 50,000

3 Insomniac GamesInc.

2255 N. Ontario St.Suite 550Burbank 91504

www.insomniacgames.com Videogame developer 155 155 91,633 70,800

4 Bryan Cave LLP 211 N. BroadwaySuite 3600St. Louis MO 63102

www.bryancave.com Corporate, transactional and litigationrepresentation

1,634 127 282,993 61,515

5 Tower GeneralContractors

10923 Randall St.Unit E.Sun Valley 91352

www.towergeneralcontrac-tors.com

Commercial general contractors 32 32 73,883 34,769

6 M David Paul &Associates

233 Wilshire Blvd,Suite 990Santa Monica 90401

www.mdpa.com Commerical real estate development and prop-erty management

57 57 84,150 24,200

7 Murphy O’BrienInc.

1630 Stewart Street,Suite #140Santa Monica 90404

www.murphyobrien.com Public relations agency 41 41 no dataprovided

no dataprovided

8 Kemp Bros.Construction Inc.

10135 Geary Ave.Santa Fe Springs90670

www.kempbros.com General contractor specializing in K-12, highereducation, railroad, healthcare and seismicretrofit

56 includingunion labor

56 includingunion labor

119,720 35,000

9 Cuningham GroupArchitecture P.A.

201 Main Street SESuite 325Minneapolis MN55414

www.cuningham.com Architecture, interior design, urban planning 220 41 101,900 45,000

10 RBZ LLP 11755 Wilshire Blvd.9th FloorLos Angeles90025-1586

www.rbz.com Certified public accounting and business adviso-ry services firm providing audit, tax and businessadvisory services

112 112 90,700 51,700

11 GuidanceSolutions Inc.

4134 Del Rey Ave.Marina del Rey90292

www.guidance.com Builds and maintains eCommerce websites 55 55 no dataprovided

no dataprovided

12 The Phelps Group 901 WilshireSanta Monica 90401

www.thephelpsgroup.com Integrated marketing communications company 55 55 no dataprovided

no dataprovided

SMALL COMPANIES (15-24 employees)

MEDIUM COMPANIES (25-249 employees)

Rank Name U.S. Corporate

Headquarters

Address

Corporate Web site Company overview Number of

full-time

permanent

employees

in U.S.

Number of

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in California

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(including part-

ners if salaried)

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Headquarters

Address


full-time

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in U.S.

Number of

full-time

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in California

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13 NBBJ www.nbbj.com International architecture and design firm 700 25 $73,090 $29,120

14 Signature Estate& InvestmentAdvisors LLC

2121 Avenueof the StarsSuite 1600Los Angeles 90067

www.seia.com Registered investment advisory firm offeringinvestment management and financial planningservices

35 28 100,000 47,000

15 Morley Builders 2901 28th St.Santa Monica 90405

www.morleybuilders.com General contractors, services offered throughtwo wholly-owned subsidiaries, Morley Construc-tion Company and Benchmark Contractors, Inc.

187 168 108,700 46,700

16 StaubachLos Angeles

15601 Dallas Pkwy.Suite 400Addison TX 75001

www.staubach.com Real estate advisory firm specializing in office,industrial and retail space

813 32 104,845 52,000

17 Edward Jones 12555 Manchester Rd.St. Louis MO63131-3729

www.edwardjones.com Financial services 23,000 98 113,153 42,543

18 Windes &McClaughryAccountancyCorporation

111 West Ocean Blvd.22nd FloorLong Beach 90802

www.windes.com Accounting, assurance, tax, and business con-sulting services

160 140 55,891 46,908

19 Caruso Affiliated 101 The Grove DriveLos Angeles 90036

www.CarusoAffiliated.com Real estate firm, developer of neighborhood andregional retail centers

142 142 no dataprovided

no dataprovided

20 NSBN LLP 9454 Wilshire Blvd.4th FloorBeverly Hills 90212

www.nsbn.com Full service CPA and business consulting firm 70 70 70,000 55,000

21 SharedTechnologies Inc.

1405 S. Beltline Rd.Suite 100Coppell TX 75019

www.sharedtechnologies.com Communications technology. Sell, install andmaintain telephone and data systems

1,550 101 117,644 66,623

22 McCarthy BuildingCompanies Inc.

1341 North RockHill Rd.St. Louis MO 63124

www.mccarthy.com General contractor 1,531 354 90,699 42,871


Headquarters

Address


full-time

permanent

employees

in U.S.

Number of

full-time

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employees

in California

Average annual

salary for exempt

employees

(including part-

ners if salaried)

Average

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employees

MEDIUM COMPANIES (continued)

Grant Thornton is honored to be

selected by the Los Angeles Business

Journal for the 2008 Best Places

to Work. We applaud our employees

for their efforts, outstanding

commitment, and dedicated service.

Passion for serving our clients, technical expertise, and partner involvement

have been the hallmark of Grant Thornton LLP in the U.S. for more than

80 years. Plus, you get the benefit of Grant Thornton International member

firms in 112 countries around the world. Give us a call or contact us at

www.GrantThornton.com.

Find out how it feels to work with people who love what they do!

Audit • Tax • Advisory

www.GrantThornton.com

Irvine 949.553.1600

Los Angeles 213.627.1717

San Diego 858.704.8000

Woodland Hills 818.936.5100

JOURNEYCOMMITMENTLOYEES CLIENTRNEY COMEMPLOYEESCLIENTSJOMENT EMPL

CLIENTS JOURNRothstein Kass is honored to be a Best Place to Work in Los Angeles, and we thank our employees who have helped us to achieve this recognition.

At Rothstein Kass, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset.As such, we are dedicated to maintaining a dynamic and evolutionary workplace experience. Through firm-wide cultural initiatives, a dedicated in-house university focused on training and development and ancillary programs that concentrate on achieving successful work/life balance, career development and personal enhancement, our firm demonstrates our commitment to being a firm of choice and providing our clients with the highest caliber of talent.

To learn more about joining our team, please contact our Human Resources professionals at 866.994.1110 or visit www.rkcocareers.com.

A continuous JOURNEYof COMMITMENT…

To ourEMPLOYEES.To ourCLIENTS.

AUDIT TAX ADVISORYBeverly HillsDallasDenverGrand CaymanNew YorkRoselandSan FranciscoWalnut Creek

www.rkco.com


Thank youto all of the associates at

The Capital Group Companies

for making us one of the best places

to work in Los Angeles.

To learn about career opportunities with the Capital Group,we invite you to visit capgroup.com/labj.

We are proud of, and humbled by, your continued dedication to excellence.

Equal Opportunity Employer

capgroup.com/labj

CGLAO001_LABJ Best Places Ad_final.indd 1 8/20/08 5:05:39 PM

23 Giroux Glass Inc. 850 W. WashingtonBlvd.Suite 200Los Angeles 90015

www.girouxglass.com Glass & glazing subcontractor 296 130 $65,000 $50,000

24 TranswesternCommercialServices L.L.C.

1900 West Loop SouthSuite 1300Houston TX 77027

www.transwestern.net Broker/lease/manage/purchase & developcommercial real estate

1,328 56 80,070 42,366

25 Business.com,an R.H. Donnelleycompany

2120 Colorado Ave.3rd FloorSanta Monica 90404

www.business.com Business search engine and directory and pay-per-click advertising network

116 105 103,898 55,000

26 FraserCommunications

1631 Pontius Ave.Los Angeles90025

www.frasercommunica-tions.com

Full-service advertising, media planning/buying,market research, PR and traditional/non-tradi-tional advertising

27 27 92,825 36,610

27 Faye, Pollack &Associates Inc.

16000 Ventura Blvd.Suite 702Encino 91436

www.fpainc.com IT consulting, hardware and software sales andsupport, customized programming and webdevelopment services

38 40 70,000 35,000

28 Rothstein Kass 4 Becker Farm Rd.Roseland NJ 07068

www.rkco.com Public accounting firm 828 126 127,021 62,425

29 Protiviti Inc. 2884 Sand Hill Rd.Suite 200Menlo Park 94025

www.protiviti.com Consulting and internal audit firm N/A 83 N/A N/A

30 WONGDOODY 8500 Steller Dr. #5Culver City 90232

www.wongdoody.com Full-service marketing agency 139 42 N/A N/A

31 Liner YankelevitzSunshine &Regenstreif LLP

1100 Glendon Ave.14th FloorLos Angeles 90024

www.linerlaw.com Law firm 161 139 167,000 59,000

32 George SmithPartners

10250 ConstellationBlvd., Ste 2700Los Angeles 90067

www.gspartners.com Real estate investment banking firm 45 44 Commission 100,000


Headquarters

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full-time

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employees

in U.S.

Number of

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ners if salaried)

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Creating SolutionsFor the Floor

BEAUTY. SERVICE. QUALITY.

These tenets inspire every product we makeand every service we deliver. Guiding each of these

principles is Mission Zero™, our commitment to eliminate anynegative impact our company may have on the environment by the year 2020.

Our beacon for the future, Mission Zero is our fervent journey of examining, improvingand innovating for the sake of the economic, natural and social systems we touch.

For more information on our products and services, please visit us on the web at www.bentleyprincestreet.com, or call 800.423.4709.


33 HGA Architectsand Engineers

701 WashingtonAve. NorthMinneapolis MN55401

www.hga.com Architecture, engineering and planning firm 557 29 $86,200 $46,800

34 CresaPartners 11726 San VicenteBlvd., Suite 500Los Angeles 90049

www.cresapartners.com Commercial real estate firm 40 40 280,113 50,379

35 Grant ThorntonLLP

Chicago www.grantthornton.com U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton Internation-al Ltd, global accounting, tax and business advi-sory organization

5,500 124 83,486 54,727

36 Platinum Wireless 10435 Santa MonicaBlvd.Los Angeles 90025

www.pltm.com Wireless communications sales and distribution no dataprovided

no dataprovided

no dataprovided

no dataprovided

37 Altour 1270 Avenueof the AmericasNew York NY 10020

www.altour.com Worldwide luxury travel 320 98 63,249 42,611

38 White & Case LLP 1155 Avenueof the AmericasNew York NY 10020

www.whitecase.com Law firm providing legal services to privatelyheld commercial businesses, finaicial institu-tions, and government and state owned entities

1,407 96 no dataprovided

no dataprovided

39 Singer Lewak 10960 Wilshire Blvd.Suite 1100Los Angeles 90024

www.slgg.com Accounting services provider 246 146 86,400 64,800

40 CB Richard EllisInvestors

515 S. Flower St.31st FloorLos Angeles 90071

www.cbreinvestors.com Real estate investment management firm 198 140 124,347 54,156

41 Rutter Hobbs &Davidoff

www.rutterhobbs.com Full service law firm 44 250,000 53,890

42 Kurtzman CarsonConsultants LLC

2335 Alaska Ave.El Segundo 90245

www.kccllc.com Claims and noticing agent that provides adminis-trative-support services and technology solu-tions to companies undergoing Chapter 11 cor-porate restructuring

111 98 113,516 45,031


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employees



AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICAACE MENTOR PROGRAM F.A.C.E.S.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY REBUILDING TOGETHER RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE YMCA / YWCA

Webcor is proud to be named as one of the Best Places to Work in Los Angeles.

www.webcor.com

Helping our employees achieve and maintain an excellent quality of life is as important to us

as building great projects. Thank you.

CL #899242 B, C-8


At Nixon Peabody, we know our clients don’t have limitless resources to resolve legal issues, so our approach is calculated and strategic. Along with you, we keep the ultimate price tag plainly in view. All cases demand both great legal work and sensitivity to cost. www.nixonpeabody.com

555 West Fifth Street · Los Angeles, CA · 213-629-6000 · The person depicted in this ad is an actor depicting a fictional event.

I don’t need lawyers who win at all costs. I need them

to win, but calculate the costs.


43 HKS Architects Inc. 1919 McKinney Ave.Dallas TX 75201

www.hksinc.com International architectural firm 1,251 63 N/A N/A

44 Kforce 1001 E. Palm Ave.Tampa FL 33605

www.kforce.com Internet technology staffing

45 Line 6 Inc. 26580 Agoura Rd.Calabasas 91302

www.line6.com Music products company dedicated to integrat-ing technology with music products to developinnovative solutions for musicians.

195 175

46 RTKL AssociatesInc

901 S. Bond St.Baltimore MD 21231

www.rtkl.com Global design firm 946 166 $89,300 $42,827

47 Mendelsohn/ZienAdvertising

11111 Santa MonicaBlvd.Ste. 2150Los Angeles 90025

www.mzad.com Full service advertising agency 39 39

48 Health Advocates 13412 Ventura Blvd.Suite 300Sherman Oaks91423

Privately funded public advocacy organization 235 166 81,395 33,186

49 Green Hasson &Janks LLP

10990 Wilshire Blvd.16th FloorLos Angeles 90024

www.ghjadvisors.com Business advisory firm specializing in audit andaccounting, consulting, and tax planning andstructuring

103 103 118,000 57,000

50 Los AngelesFiremen'sCredit Union

1520 W. ColoradoBlvd.Pasadena 91105

www.lafirecu.org Credit union 113 113 86,758 43,645


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ners if salaried)

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Western Asset voted as one of the“Best Places to Work in Los Angeles”

Pasadena New York São Paulo London Singapore Hong Kong Tokyo Melbourne

Commitment to Trust, Honesty & IntegrityWe believe in creating a meaningful workenvironment characterized by honestcommunication with tireless support toone another and our clients. The result istrust in our colleagues and from our clients,because Western Asset stands for integrity in all that we do.



Headquarters

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full-time

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employees

in U.S.

Number of

full-time

permanent

employees

in California

Average annual

salary for exempt

employees

(including part-

ners if salaried)

Average

annual

salary for

non-exempt

employees

LARGE COMPANIES (250 or more employees)

1 BinghamMcCutchen LLP

1 Federal St.Boston MA02110-1726

www.bingham.com International law firm 1,816 250 $383,230 $60,665

2 Webcor Builders 951 Mariners IslandBlvd., 7th FloorSan Mateo 94494

www.Webcor.com General contractor 1,334 302 125,000 54,200

3 The Capital GroupCompanies

333 South Hope St.Los Angeles 90071

www.capgroup.com Privately held investment firm 8,036 1,514 Varies byfunction

Varies byfunction

4 Wells Fargo & Co. 420 Montgomery St.San Francisco 94104

wellsfargo.com Banking, insurance, investments, mortgage andconsumer finance

152,067 7,636 not available not available

5 Bentley PrinceStreet Inc.

14641 East DonJulian Rd.City of Industry91746

www.bentleyprincestreet.com Broadloom and carpet tile productsfor commercial interiors

600 511 74,228 30,107

6 Western AssetManagementCompany

385 East ColoradoBlvd.Pasadena 91101

www.westernasset.com Fixed income managers 773 666 unable toprovide

unable toprovide

7 Pricewaterhouse-Coopers LLP

300 Madison Ave.24th FloorNew York NY

www.pwc.com Industry-focused assurance, tax and advisoryservices

29,711 1,142 82,700 42,400

8 Deloitte LLP 1633 BroadwayNew York NY 10019-6754

www.deloitte.com Privately held professional services organization 38,155 1,684 100,943(does notinclude partnersand principles)

48,932

9 Mattel Inc. 333 Continental Blvd.El Segundo 90245

www.mattel.com Toy company 4400 2000


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10 Gensler 2 Harrison St. #400San Francisco 94105

www.gensler.com Global design, planning, and strategic consultingfirm

2,579 348 N/A N/A

11 CB Richard Ellis 11150 Santa MonicaBlvd.Suite 1600Los Angeles 90025

www.cbre.com Commercial real estate services firm 17,896 945 $95,811 $46,757

12 The TCW GroupInc.

865 S Figueroa St.Los Angeles 90017

www.tcw.com Asset management company 650 540 119,000 48,000

13 Glendale AdventistMedical Center

1509 Wilson TerraceGlendale 91206

www.GlendaleAdventist.com Not-for-profit hospital 1,602 1,602 86,652 59,217

14 Sheppard, Mullin,Richter & Hamp-ton LLP

333 S. Hope St.43rd FloorLos Angeles 90071

www.sheppardmullin.com Full service law firm 1,033 468 296,885 62,083

15 KaiserPermanente-SouthernCalifornia Region

One Kaiser PlazaProgram OfficesCampus Fl 27Oakland 94612

www.kaiserpermanente.org Health care services 98,916 28, 694 83,961 51,307


Headquarters

Address


full-time

permanent

employees

in U.S.

Number of

full-time

permanent

employees

in California

Average annual

salary for exempt

employees

(including part-

ners if salaried)

Average

annual

salary for

non-exempt

employees

LARGE COMPANIES (continued)

what I do has real impactAt Kaiser Permanente Southern California, health is our business and our

mission. All of our employees, from our health care providers to our business

professionals, share a commitment—to inspire, nourish, and protect the total

health of the 3.3 million Southern Californians who rely on us for their health

care. Our shared mission at Kaiser Permanente will make your career here

unlike any other. Apply your professional skills and realize your passion for

helping others. Join us in making a difference.

Visit our Web site and discover why Kaiser Permanente is one of the

LA Business Journal’s “2008 Best Places to Work.”

jobs.kp.org

WE ARE PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.

For information on how to beincluded in the Los AngelesBusiness Journal’s list ofBest Places to Work,call 323.549.5225

11755 Wilshire Boulevard, Ninth Floor, Los Angeles, California 90025-1586 t 310.478.4148 www.rbz.com

Our heartfelt thanks to all of our people for making RBZ one of the best places to work in Los Angeles.


A Look at the Winners(continued from page 20)

THE BEST MEDIUM SIZED COMPANIES

TO WORK FOR IN LOS ANGELES

◆ PCL Construction, for the second year ina row, has topped the Best Places to Worklist in the medium-sized company group.PCL Construction is the 8th largest gener-al contracting organization in the U.S. andis 100% employee-owned. The companybelieves that a professionally challenging,yet enjoyable employment environmentis a key to job satisfaction. Employeesform strong work and social relationshipswith co-workers and management, whileat the same time knowing their personalwellness is not overlooked. As an employ-ee-owned company, all salaried employeeshave the opportunity to participate in ashare purchase program. An annual per-formance bonus program regularly paysan average of 5-7% of an employee’sannual compensation.

◆ Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll LLP wasidentified as the second place ranking ofmedium-sized best places to work. As oneof the largest law firms in the U.S., successstarts at the top. According to ManagingPartner David Sampson, “We should likewhere we work,” and you’ll find him host-ing staff at such events as ballgames, thePageant of the Masters, Happy Hours, andIn-House Breakfasts. A healthy work/lifebalance is just one of the incentives BallardSpahr offers, and employees strive torespect, appreciate, help and be kind to all

those around them.

◆ Insomniac Games Inc. ranked third inthis year’s analysis. In 14 years, Insomni-ac Games has sold more than 25 millionconsole videogames worldwide. Employ-ees are offered three options for 100%paid medical coverage, in addition toEAP and Wellness programs. Spousesand partners of Insomniac employeesstay in touch with the company througha dedicated “Better Halves” website,where they find production calendars,family services links and any othermajor news that will help families have aconnection to the company.

◆ Bryan Cave LLP ranked fourth as a BestPlace to Work in Los Angeles. BryanCave LLP is a leader in corporate, trans-actional and litigation representation.All healthcare benefits are subsidized bythe firm, including 4 PPO medical plansand 3 dental plans. Employees enjoysuch perks as company picnics and holi-day parties. The firm is committed tothe success of its employees, citing aunique and refreshing sense of coopera-tion every work day.

◆ Tower General Contractors ranked fifthin the medium-sized company category.The company offers an in-house gymna-sium that even family members ofemployees are welcome to use. A separateexpansive and well-decorated “family

room” with plasma TV provides an idealplace to bring a child to work if needed.

◆ M David Paul & Associates (ranked #6in the Medium Sized category) is a com-mercial real estate development andproperty management firm. At M DavidPaul, all full-time employees enjoy100% paid medical, dental, vision andsubstantial life insurance plans. Thecompany encourages everyone to endtheir work day on time, utilize all vaca-tion time, and take a full hour each dayfor lunch. Low turn-over is evident ofoverall employee satisfaction.

◆ Murphy O’Brien Inc. (#7) is one of thetop independent public relations agen-cies in the country. To accommodatethe needs of working parents, MurphyO’Brien offers flexible work hours andthe option to telecommute. A handfulof employees have left in the recentpast, only to return within the followingyear to the Murphy O’Brien fold.

◆ Kemp Brothers Construction Inc. (#8) isa general contractor that pays 100% ofthe non-union employee medical anddental premiums, and the companypromotes a positive physical and emo-tional work environment. Kemp is a cul-turally diverse company and works totreat all employees as family.

◆ Cuningham Group Architecture P.A. (#9)

is an architecture, interior design andurban planning firm that promotes acollaborative work environment andallows all employees instant access to itsleaders. To promote flexible schedulesand child care needs, it’s not uncom-mon to find children at the office, andthe office cat and dog round out thepositive atmosphere.

◆ RBZ LLP (#10) is an LA-based certifiedpublic accounting and business advisoryservices firm. During the firm’s busy sea-son, a ‘perk’ plan is offered. Weeklymanicures, massage therapy, dailycatered dinners, nightly office-wideTrivial Pursuit games, espresso cart andfree hotel stays nearby. A full-timeconcierge runs errands, and a free housecleaning each three month seasonrounds out this incredible benefit.

◆ Guidance Solutions Inc. (#11) designs,builds and maintains eCommerce web-sites. Salaried employees at Guidancecan choose from one of 20 medical cov-erage plans. Dependent care spendingpre-tax accounts allow employees toallocate up to $5,000 per calendar year.The corporate culture is seen in every-thing employees do and has led toamazing relationships with clients,employees and business partners.

◆ The Phelps Group (#12) is an integratedmarketing communications company.



© 2008 Protiviti Inc. Protiviti is not licensed or registered as a public accounting firm and does not issue opinions on financial statements or offer attestation services. 0808

The Phelps Group arms employees withergonomically friendly Aeron chairs, aswell as physical therapist setup desks,chairs and monitors to reduce injuries tonecks and wrists from overuse. Onteacher in-service days or minor holi-days, children can be seen around theoffice and in the conference roomwatching videos.

◆ NBBJ (#13) is a leading internationalarchitecture and design firm. NBBJ’sdowntown office allows for alternativecommuting opportunities beyond thetypical automobile, and everyone enjoysflexible work hours and schedules.Because of the business, there are oppor-tunities for international travel andexposure to cultures of all kinds.

◆ Signature Estate & Investment Advisors

LLC (#14) is a registered investment advi-sory firm. Employees at Signature work a37 ½ work week and only a half daybefore all major holidays. 50% of employ-ees have been with the company for 5years or more, and everyone enjoys own-ership of their own functions and duties.

◆ Morley Builders (#15) is completelyemployee owned and is one of SouthernCalifornia’s largest general contractors.Employees enjoy time off to coach theirchildren’s sports teams, volunteer at schoolor attend special events. Employees whocelebrate 10 years with the company enjoy8 week sabbaticals, and a monthly gasallowance helps ease the recent strain ofgetting to and from work or job sites.

◆ Staubach Los Angeles (#16) is a leadingreal estate advisory firm who measures itssuccess by the satisfaction of their cus-tomers. If unhappy with a service, aclient can actually adjust the firm’s com-pensation. Employees are encouraged touse mental health days and to takeadvantage of the on-site workout facilityand discounted membership rates.

◆ Edward Jones (#17) is the largest finan-cial services firm in the nation, and thecompany believes that work is part oflife, but life should not be all work. Ifwork is done, employees can leave earlyfor a child’s baseball game, an impor-tant doctor’s appointment or schoolfunction. When an individual has a per-sonal need, the firm responds with con-cern, care and respect, and quite literallyany associate has the potential tobecome a partner.

◆ Windes & McClaughry Accountancy Cor-

poration (#18) is a public accountingfirm that values people first. The firmprovides health club reimbursement,flexibility for managing family matters,and stress-related training. The manag-ing partner actually hand writes allemployee Welcome, Birthday andAnniversary cards, and he gives a redrose to women employees and cookiesto men employees on Valentine’s Day.

◆ Caruso Affiliated (#19) is a real estatefirm known for its success in creatingneighborhood and regional retail centers.The firm values the unique ideas andskills each employee brings to their roleand looks for ways to support employees

in both their personal and professionalendeavors. Rick Caruso, the company’sCEO, is a very approachable, hands-onleader with an open door policy.

◆ NSBN LLP (#20), a full-service CPAfirm, offers flex work hours, the abilityto work from home, on-site personaldevelopment workshops, seminars andconferences, and various other opportu-nities to promote a positive and ener-getic work environment. Everyone getsalong well, and a high percentage ofemployees who leave the firm actuallyend up returning to the NSBN family.

◆ Shared Technologies Inc. (#21) is bestknown for selling, installing and main-taining telephone and data systems forbusiness customers. In the spirit ofemployee retention, the company hasnot passed on any increase to employ-ee’s cost sharing, including dependentcoverage, for the past 4 years. SharedTechnologies has made a substantialinvestment in its employees, equippingthem with the tools, training andknowledge they need to succeed.

◆ McCarthy Building Companies Inc.’s(#22) employees enjoy a pay and benefitpackage that is extremely robust, includ-ing four company-owned condomini-ums in special family travel destinationsfor employee use on a free basis. Byembracing change within the companyand the construction industry,McCarthy has evolved into a successfulemployee-owned firm.

◆ Giroux Glass Inc. (#23) is a full-service

glass and glazing subcontractor thatpays 100% of HMO, Dental and Visionpremiums for its employees. Promotinga mom-and-pop-shop type atmosphere,the company offers flex days, safetybingo games, and a rigid safety program.

◆ Transwestern (#24) brokers, leases,manages, purchases and develops com-mercial real estate. From health care ini-tiatives to pet insurance, the companyoffers a full range of benefits thatembrace the family. Be it telecommut-ing, flexible schedules, sabbatical leaves,or flex time, work/life balance isachieved by working with each individ-ual to support his or her needs.

◆ Business.com, an RH Donnelly Company

(#25), leads a business search engine,directory and pay-per-click advertisingnetwork. The company provides sub-stantial health benefits, including acompany sponsored weekly meal pro-gram and a partnership with Phase IVScientific Health & Performance Centerwhereby employees have access to nutri-tion, wellness and fitness workshops.

◆ Fraser Communications (#26) is awoman-owned full-service advertisingfirm. The company opens many of itscompany-wide events to family mem-bers and loved ones. Employees enjoyluncheon seminars with life coaches,and flex days in the summer allow staff½ day Fridays every other week to spendwith friends and family.

◆ Faye, Pollack & Associates Inc. (#27) isan IT consulting, hardware and software



Continued from page 33

Recognizing and promoting diversity means having an appreciation for difference. It is a core part of Wells Fargo’s Vision and Values, and it applies not only to thecommunities we do business with and the people we hire – it means encouraging and recognizing diversity in everything we do.

We Are Proud To Be Recognized As A Best Place To Work By The Los Angeles Business Journal

wellsfargo.com© 2008 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (117511_9966)

Wells Fargo Celebrates Diversity

sales and support firm. Health plans atFaye/Pollack contain various programsfor healthy lifestyles. Its Faye Pollack &Associates University, or FPAU, helpsbond all employees together within acommon framework to better serveclients.

◆ Rothstein Kass (#28) is a publicaccounting firm that offers a FlexibleSpending Account program that allowsemployees to defer $5,000 each year.Last year, the company rolled out a paidleave program that allows professionalsto take extended leave with pay—a ben-efit appreciated by working parents andavid travelers, among others.

◆ Protiviti Inc. (#29) is a global consult-ing and internal audit firm. Manyunique aspects of Protiviti’s culture setit apart as a great place to work. Theorganization challenges employees tonot just share in the company vision,but also to assume a leadership role inthe actual plan.

◆ WONGDOODY (#30) is an independent-ly-owned full-service marketing ideasagency. The company pays full cost ofmedical, dental and vision. After 10years of service, full-time employees areallowed a three-month sabbatical. Staffenjoys a summer Friday policy, and dogsare a welcome addition to the office.

◆ Liner Yankelevitz Sunshine & Regen-

streif (#31) is one of LA’s largest lawfirms. Employees have access to aLifestyle Enhancement Program thatincludes paid gym memberships,catered healthy breakfasts, on-site man-icures, pedicures, massages and a full-time concierge to handle errands andpersonal requests.

◆ George Smith Partners (#32) is anational real estate investment bank-ing firm. George Smith Partnersextends its entire offering of benefitsto families at the employee cost. Thecompany’s work environment pro-motes openness to share and peertraining opportunities.

◆ HGA Architects & Engineers (#33)strives to make work feel like family.Employee benefits include work-life bal-ance with flexible schedules, anEmployee Assistance Program open toanyone in the household, and adoptionassistance. Fun and bonding is had atan annual company picnic and holidayparties.

◆ CresaPartners (#34) is a commercialreal estate firm. Children at work is notuncommon if childcare issues arise.Flexible schedules and additional timeoff during holidays is allowed. Cre-saPartners promotes an open environ-ment where collaboration and discus-sion is encouraged.

◆ Grant Thornton LLP (#35) is the U.S.member firm of Grant Thornton Inter-national, and one of the leading globalaccounting companies. Employees ofGrant Thornton can travel anywhereand have access to the firm’s networkvia company provided laptops. Video-conferencing technology eliminates theneed for travel in many cases, and keepsemployees time away from home to aminimum.

◆ Platinum Wireless (#36) is known as aleading sales and distributor of phone

and wireless accessories. Through thestrength of their employees, the compa-ny’s central goal is to create value andtremendous growth for their strategicpartners.

◆ Altour (#37) is a luxury travel special-ist. At Altour, the best of a family runbusiness culture is combined with thesophisticated business practices neededto thrive in today’s competitive land-scape. Employees are allowed flexibilityto request hours and other adjustmentsas needed to balance the needs of workand family.

◆ White & Case LLP (#38) is a law firmthat offers its employees flex hours fordoctor, dentist and teacher-child con-

ferences, subsidized emergency backupdaycare services, referral services foreldercare. And these are just a few ofthe many benefits employees enjoy.

◆ Singer Lewak (#39) is a leadingaccounting services provider headquar-tered here in LA. At Singer Lewak, staffhave a Work-Life Integration Task Forcelooking out for their best interests insuch things as day care, maternity leaveplans, concierge services, and gymmemberships. The firm integrates funvia sponsored basketball league team,cruises in the marina, scavenger huntsat the Getty and bowling.

◆ CB Richard Ellis Investors (#40) is aglobal real estate investment manage-

ment firm with $42 billion in assetsunder management. The company’sEmployee Assistance Program providesemployees and their family with ser-vices designed to enhance their person-al well-being. While employees arefiercely competitive externally, internal-ly CB Richard Ellis Investors has astrong collaborative atmosphere.

◆ Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff (#41), is a full-service law firm. In business for over 33years, the firm’s culture of encouraginga healthy balance between work, familyand civic duty has remained steady.Among other activities, attorneys enjoyinformal wine tasting events.




◆ Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC (#42)is a claims and noticing agent that ser-vices companies undergoing corporaterestructuring because of Chapter 11 fil-ing. The company understands theimportance of quality time with family. Itregularly sponsors KCC Fun events whereemployees participate in rock-climbing,go-cart racing, miniature golf, laser tag,ice-skating, salsa dancing, movie outingsand an annual retreat to Big Bear.

◆ HKS Architects Inc. (#43) is a top-notch group of professionals but theydon’t forget about fun. The firm cele-brates its employees’ successes througha number of programs including yearly

sector-specific awards, a ‘Spotlight’employee program, a DoubleCheck pro-gram, a ‘thank-you’ note program andthe newly formed Extra Mile Award.

◆ Kforce (#44) is a full-service profession-al staffing firm. The Kforce core value ofStewardship and Community embodiesthe idea of social responsibility. Employ-ees are encouraged to support the chari-ties of their choice whether in the formof time, talent or treasure.

◆ Line 6 Inc. (#45) is a music productscompany that pays 100% of employees’long-term disability and life insurance.They’ve a casual environment in theoffice, including a fully-stocked gameroom and musical stage for everyone’s

use. Every quarter a Friday night “JAM!”session brings employees and their fam-ilies together for dinner and fun.

◆ RTKL Associates Inc. (#46) is a globaldesign firm that seeks to provide greatdesign that improves the human condi-tion. At RTKL, you’ll find a culture of col-laboration and creativity. In addition toexcellent benefits, competitive salariesand clear opportunities for advancement,they offer a team-based, multi-discipli-nary and entrepreneurial environmentthat ensures their work and employeesbenefit from their deep pool of talent.

◆ Mendelsohn/Zien Advertising (#47) is afull-service advertising agency. Whenasked why they work there, employees

answer in one of many ways, includingthe people, the work, the CEO’s opendoor policy and having their own office.There are no cubicles atMendelsohn/Zien and 90% of the officeshave amazing views of Los Angeles.

◆ Health Advocates (#48) is a privatelyfunded public advocacy organizationthat assists hospitalized patients in qual-ifying for Medi-Cal and other healthinsurance benefits. They encourage awork-life balance, and as a result everyoffice closes at 12:30 every Friday. Over-time is discouraged. Employees gatherin the mornings to have breakfast,bringing along extra to make sureeveryone has something to eat beforethe workday begins.

◆ Green Hasson & Janks LLP (#49) is a busi-ness advisory firm dedicated to a posi-tive employee experience. Every week,fresh fruit and healthy food is providedto the staff. Flex hours and telecommut-ing are offered, and employees helpinfluence and steer the direction of thefirm by joining a Training, Rewards andRecognition, College Recruitment, orSocial Committee.

◆ Los Angeles Firemen’s Credit Union

(#50) pays 100% of employee healthcoverage and 70% of dependent cover-age. In an effort to strike work/life bal-ance, employees may request up to 30calendar days off per year for personalreasons, and may take up to 40 hoursoff each year to attend or participate inschool activities for their children.

THE BEST SMALL COMPANIES

TO WORK FOR IN LOS ANGELES

◆ AQUENT, for the second consecutiveyear, has been named the #1 best smallbusiness to work for in Los Angeles. Theworld’s largest marketing and creativeservices and staffing firm, AQUENT hasfamily-friendly offices and frequentlyhas children in the office when daycareis not available. They have a no-set-limit vacation and PTO plan. Thisallows its employees to use their timefor volunteer and personal goals.

◆ Environetics, the second ranked bestsmall business to work for is a leader inarchitectural design, space planning andproject management, Environetics’ cul-ture is best described as family-oriented,flexible, supportive of individual desires,team-oriented and compassionate.

◆ Onisko & Scholz is a full service CPAfirm and the third ranked best smallbusiness to work for. The firm believesthat to promote a healthy work/life bal-ance, home life should always comefirst. They allow employees to createschedules around their personal life.Their motto? Family first. Work second.

◆ Manning, Selvage & Lee, ranked fourthamong small businesses, is part of oneof the world’s leading communicationfirms. Their senior staff consists ofmothers with young families, so theyare very focused on work/life balance.

◆ Mansour Travel Company was named asthe fifth ranked Best Small Business towork for in Los Angeles. Arranging travelservices in the upscale luxury marketsince 1981, Mansour believes that theirsense of family and unique team spirit isapparent to their clients and vendors.

ceoLOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL

October 29, 2008Beverly Hilton HotelFor sponsorship informationor to register call 323.549.5225More info atwww.labusinessjournal.com

Conference & Expo

CORPORATE SPONSORS: ASSOCIATE SPONSORS:PRESENTED BY:

AARPBel Air Investment AdvisorsInterior Removal SpecialistsStaples Center




By BARTON GOLDSMITH, Ph.D.

These are my Top 20 best practices thatI have seen used by the most successfulleaders. Some of these are already inyour toolkit, others you may have for-gotten. Keep this list handy as areminder of time tested solutions thatwill make you and your team shine.

1. Use the Power of the Pen. Recognitionis the number one motivator. A simplethank you note is more important thanmoney to most people. Break out thefancy pen you got for your birthday andsay thanks to the people who helped toget you there.

2. Understand the Importance of Emotions.

Feelings are a part of daily life and dailybusiness. When people get hurt feelingsthey become poor performers, so makesure you deal with these issues soonerrather than later.

3. Great leaders have one thing in common -

Passion! If you’re not turned-on aboutwhat you’re doing your team won’t beeither, so show them that you’re excitedand watch them get fired up.

4. Communication is the most important

thing in any business relationship. If youdon’t use effective Business Communi-cation Skills you’re leaving money onthe table and not getting the most outof your people. Don’t be afraid to take abrush-up course and listen to hintsfrom those who are in the positions youwant. Chances are they got therebecause they’re great communicators.

5. Do a Company Evaluation at least once

a year. Ask your team members torespond in writing to important ques-tions like, “What do we need tochange?” and “What do we need tokeep doing more of?” This is your mostpowerful tool for a fifty thousand-footview of your business.

6. Create a Company Mentoring Program.

Every person in and entering your com-pany should have a mentor. A mentor’sjob is to help a new or junior staff mem-ber feel welcomed as well as to answerany questions. Having a mentor buildsconfidence and creates motivation to goabove and beyond.

7. Make sure your teams are balanced

with both Innovators and Implementers. Ifeveryone on a team is an Innovator,nothing will get done. Similarly, a teamof only Implementers will create noth-ing new. To make sure you have a bal-anced team, utilize the free test (calledthe g3i) on the web site www.Barton-Goldsmith.com

8. Remember that Customer Service Rocks.

The two most profitable customer servicetips I have used are; first, a fullreturn/refund policy, which eliminatesrisk on the part of your client andencourages them to “step up to theplate”. (By the way, I have never had togive a refund because I always give myclients more than they expected.) Sec-ond, never say “NO” to clients. This poli-cy creates the opportunity for you andyour client to find other ways to do busi-ness together, rather than you tellingthem you can’t or don’t provide a partic-ular service or product.

9. Achieve goals by getting team member

buy-in. If your people have input intoyour goals they will put more energyinto helping you achieve them. Askthem what they think and you’ll gettheir dedication in return.

10. Implement a Knowledge Lunch. Keepyour team up to date by having a lunchmeeting once a week where you discussyour business. You can even bring invendors and financial advisors (whowill buy the pizza) to help keep yourteam connected and current.

11. Deal appropriately with Fear in the

Workplace. When team members are infear for their livelihood (and in thesetimes perhaps fear of their lives,) they

do not perform at their highest level.Providing a forum to safely talk aboutthese fears will go a long way towardhelping achieve superior performance.

12. Don’t just be a manager, be an Evange-

list. You need to believe in what youand your company are doing and toshare the power of that belief with yourteam members. A good leader can’tbecome great if they don’t inspire faithin their company.

13. Pursue Failure. Failure is not an end-ing it is a stepping stone to the rightanswer. Stop beating yourself up formistakes and see them as an opportuni-ty to begin again with additional infor-mation, knowledge and experience.

14. Remember that the Fish Stinks from

the Head Down. That means everythingthat you are responsible for everythingthat goes right, and anything that goeswrong. Remembering that leadership isthe most important component ofyour business, and that the buck stopswith you will help you keep your“fish” fresh.

15. Having Fun Increases Productivity and

Profit. In companies where people havefun, the productivity and the profit arehigher. The American PsychologicalAssociation has published surveys aboutthis, and it’s a fact. Take the example ofSouthwest Airlines – do you know that

Top 20 Leadership Tools You Can UseAUGUST 25, 2008 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL 37


“a sense of humor” is on their job appli-cation?!

16. Beware of Invalidation. The numberone motivation killer is making a teammember feel “less than”. If you mistak-enly say the wrong thing to someone,apologize immediately. You’ll look likea responsible leader rather than aninsensitive bully.

17. Learn to maintain your composure

under pressure. Thomas Jefferson said,“Nothing gives one person so muchadvantage over another as to remaincool and unruffled under all circum-stances.”

18. Join a Mastermind group. To keepyour skills sharp and get answers to dif-ficult questions get into a group of non-competing peers. The greatest minds inbusiness have used Mastermind Groupsto help them excel in their chosenfields.

19. Learn to ask Powerful Questions. Theright question at the right time caneliminate major problems or help ateam member find the best answeravailable.

20. Learn to Deal with Difficult People.

There are specific techniques to dealwith different types of people. Learnhow to tell avoidance from arrogance

and denial from insecurity. For a list ofthese types and some hints for handlingthem, send an e-mail to [email protected] with the words “Diffi-cult People” in the subject line.

These tried and true twenty tips willhelp guide you to make the right deci-sions at the right times, for the rightreasons. Leadership is an art form, andthe best of the best use many of theseproven techniques.

Dr. Barton Goldsmith is a keynote speaker,business consultant and nationally syndi-cated author. He may be contacted throughhis web site BartonGoldsmith.com or at(818) 879-9996.


Consider This:Empowerment asMotivational Tool

By BARTON GOLDSMITH, Ph.D.

Leaders take heart. After years of fieldresearch, I have finally found the perfectphrase for asking team members to takeon more responsibility or to look at theother side of an argument or opinion.

This is a very powerful tool, so beforegiving it to you, I think it best to pre-pare you for the immense impact it willhave on your business. Remember thatwise old saying, “It’s not what you saybut how you say it”? Most people thinkthis means speaking with a soft voiceand choosing words that are notinflammatory. This makes perfect sense,and on most occasions works well forall concerned. But other steps are some-times necessary if you want someone togo above and beyond the call of duty.

The real truth is that people will usu-ally only do what they want to do orwhat they have to do. Doing any morethan necessary is rare. How do weinspire our team members to take thatextra step that will take your business tothe next level?

Let’s look at a tool of positive psy-chology - motivating others by helpingthem see what’s in it for them. That toohas worked, but thinking back on myyouth, I can’t recall seeing any personalbenefit by remembering to take out thetrash; my parents always had to remindme. However, by combining the mod-ern advances in mental health with thediligence of an aardvark that has discov-ered an anthill, I have come to a newconclusion. The only way to get mostpeople interested in making a change intheir routine or attitude is by empower-ing them to do so.

I know you are wondering how any-one could inspire a die-hard 9-to-5er tostay a little later for a meeting, or a terri-torial supervisor to share a project. Wellhere it is: you simply ask the other per-son to “please consider [insert yourrequest here] and let me know how youfeel about it when you’re comfortable.”Be very clear that you do not want ananswer right away. Thinking about itand even having some discussion is animportant step here. Be prepared forquestions like these: “Do I have to dothis every week?” “Is this my responsi-bility alone?” “Do my coworkers haveincreased responsibility too?” Answerhonestly. Once the other person knowsexactly where he or she stands, saying“yes” feels safer.

What this does is take what othersmight consider a command or ademand, and turn it into a choice, andhaving a choice is empowering. It givesyou a sense of control over your owndestiny.

So instead of engaging in a battle ofwills because you want your team mem-bers to adopt new behaviors orincreased responsibility, try this littletool. And while you’re at it, would youplease consider telling everyone youknow about this column? Let me knowif you have any questions.


The real truth is that people will

usually only do what they want to do

or what they have to do. How do we

inspire our team members to take

that extra step that will take your

business to the next level?

9876 Wilshire Boulevard • Beverly Hills, CA 90210

SEPTEMBER 10, 2008

Wednesday,yy September 10, 2008The Outstanding Building of the Year 23rd Annual TOBY AwAA ards

“Emerald City”the Beverly Hilton – 9876 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Registration – 5:30 pm

Cocktail Reception & Building Showcase – 5:30 pm to 6:30 pmDinner – 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Awards Gala Presentation – 7:30 pm to 9:30 pmKeynote Speaker

Bill Rancic – The Original Apprentice Winner and Consultant for the Trump Organization

Keynote Speaker SponsorsAble Services • Duggan & Associates, Inc.

Dinner SponsorsCentury Plaza Towers • 2000 Avenue of the Stars • The Water Garden

G A L A T I C K E T S

BOMA Members $195 per person Before8-8

Before8-8

After8-8

After8-8

Non-Members

BOMA Members

Non-Members

$245 per person

$225 per person

$295 per person

TA B L E O F 1 0

BOMA Members $1,850 per table Before

After8-8

Non-Members

BOMA Members

Non-Members

$2,350 per table

$2,150 per table

$2,450 per tableKeynotett Speaker

Bill RancicThe Original Apprentice Winner

and Consultant for the Trump Organization

BOMA/GLA is taking better steps in becoming GREEN. For this year’s Awards Gala formal invitationswill not be mailed. Please register online at: www.bomagla.org. Sponsorship opportunities are still

available. For further information, please contact Kimberly Clark, CSEP, Director of Meetings and Events,at 213.629.2622 ext. 107 or via email at: [email protected].

(THE OUTSTANDING BUILDING OF THE YEAR)

THE BUILDING OWNERS AND MANAGERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER LOS ANGELES

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