What makes a company great to work for? Good pay and lots of perks? Sure, but companies that offer more than financial incentives are often the ones that attract the most talented workforce and also find themselves voted as the places to work.
These places offer something extra; a bright future, a supportive boss, a stake in the company's success or other, outside-the-box ideas. But they all rank as the Best Places to Work in Vancouver. Take a look and see what direction your career could take.
1-800-GOT JUNK?
What they do: The world's largest junk removal service
Why they're on the list: The corporate culture in their Granville Island-based headquarters (named "The Junktion") is relaxed, supportive and geared to helping every employee succeed. This creates an enjoyable environment to work in, so enjoyable that employees become "evangelists", spreading the good word about the company and helping recruit new talent for this expanding company.
| Founder & CEO: | Brian Scudamore |
| Established: | 1989 |
| Number of Employees: | 180 (Head Office) |
| 2005 Revenue | $75 million(est) |
| % Growth | 95% |
Corporate Office
8th Floor - 1055 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6J 1J8
1.800.468.5865
www.1800gotjunk.com
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Great Little Box Company
What they do: Industry-leading producer of custom-designed corrugated boxes, packaging and displays.
Why they're on the list: This Richmond-based company shows an almost obsessive focus on employee growth and success, offering all-expense paid vacations for meeting goals and providing monthly profit sharing payments.
| CEO: | Robert Meggy |
| Established: | 1982 |
| Number of Employees: | 175 (Corporate Office) |
| 2005 Revenue | $25 million (est.) |
| % Growth | 20% |
Corporate Office
11300 Twigg Place (Mitchell Island)
Richmond, BC V6V 3C1
604.301.3700
www.greatlittlebox.com
Radical Entertainment
What they do: One of the top players in the burgeoning field of video game design, producing award-winning games like The Hulk and The Simpson's: Hit & Run.
Why they're on the list: On top of hardcore HR initiatives like well-designed career paths and leadership training for top performers, Radical also offers free passes to local ski hills, a state-of-the-art gym and on-site shiatsu massage.
| President: | Ian Wilkinson |
| Established: | 1991 |
| Number of Employees: | 230 |
| 2005 Revenue | n/a |
| % Growth | n/a |
Corporate Office
8th Floor - 369 Terminal Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6A 4C4
604.688.0606
www.radical.ca
Cintas Canada
What they do: The largest supplier of workplace uniforms and corporate apparel in North America, with more than 700,000 clients.
Why they're on the list: Their comprehensive screening process seeks to hire only people who add to the work environment in a positive manner. Cintas also offers above-average, performance-based bonuses and matches employee RRSP contributions up to 20%.
| General Manager: | Kevin McCrum |
| Established: | 1923 |
| Number of Employees: | 147 |
| 2006 Revenue | $3.4 billion |
| % Growth | 10.7% |
Corporate Office
5293 272nd Street
Aldergrove, BC V4W 1P1
604.857.2281
www.cintas.ca
The Personnel Department
What they do: Specialize in recruitment, retention and HR consulting across a range of industry sectors.
Why they're on the list: Employee loyalty is rewarded with "Long Service Diamonds" and lavish overseas trips, and they go out of there way to see that employees stick around long enough to enjoy these gifts by celebrating individual successes and providing top shelf training schemes. Oh, the profit sharing and above-average compensation packages, too. We forgot to mention those.
| President & Founder: | Leslie Meingast |
| Established: | 1980 |
| Number of Employees: | 300 |
| 2005 Revenue | n/a |
| % Growth | n/a |
Corporate Office
1205 - 595 Howe Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 2T5
604.682.3530
www.goodstaff.com
Business Objects
What they do: A world-leader in designing and supporting business intelligence software
Why they're on the list: Healthy employees are happy employees, so an on-site gym and free dance or yoga classes keep workers at this high-tech firm fit and feeling good. Days off for volunteering as well as subsidies for staff clubs like photography, Toastmasters and more.
| CEO: | John Schwarz |
| Established: | 1990 |
| Number of Employees: | 1,263 (Vancouver) |
| 2006 Revenue | $1.253 billion |
| % Growth | n/a |
Corporate Office
910 Mainland
Vancouver, BC V6B 1A9
604.681.3435
www.businessobjects.com
Blast Radius
What they do: A "customer experience innovation firm" that specializes in designing unique online experiences for leading global brands.
Why they're on the list: All employees start with three-weeks paid vacation and everyone gets a one-month sabbatical after four years of service. Performance rewards are also tailored to each individual employee to ensure that everyone gets what they want.
| CEO: | Gurval Caer |
| Established: | 1996 |
| Number of Employees: | 279 (Vancouver) |
| 2005 Revenue | n/a |
| % Growth | n/a |
Corporate Office
1146 Homer Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2X6
604.647.6500
www.blastradius.com
EA (Electronic Arts)
What they do: One of the most recognizable brands in the video game industry, this firm produces classic titles like the Madden-franchise and The Sims
Why they're on the list: Their Burnaby-based studio is filled with games, a DJ setup (complete with disco ball), a basketball court, a yoga studio, a stellar gym and a subsidized cafeteria. Fringe benefits like discounted lift tickets to Whistler, free and discounted games are complimented by RRSP match and employee stock purchase programs that let any employees buy discounted stock, with EA matching up to 10% of base salary.
| CEO: | Lawrence Probst III |
| Established: | 1982 |
| Number of Employees: | 1,000 (Vancouver) |
| 2006 Revenue | $2.9 billion |
| % Growth | 4.5% |
Corporate Office
4330 Sanderson Way
Burnaby, BC V5G 4X1
604.456-3600
www.ea.com
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Sierra Wireless
What they do: A global leader in providing wireless communication solutions.
Why they're on the list: Employees have access to free Canucks tickets, ski passes and trips to Whistler during the company-sponsored ski race. Also, an on-site gym and above-average cafeteria make the office a great place to be. Sierra also offers pension matching and top-of-the-line health benefits.
| CEO: | Jason Cohenour |
| Established: | 1993 |
| Number of Employees: | 180 (Vancouver) |
| 2006 Revenue | $221 million |
| % Growth | 51% |
Corporate Office
13811 Wireless Way
Richmond, BC V6V 3A4
604.231.1100
www.sierrawireless.com
Vancouver Port Authority
What they do: The VPA oversees Canada's busiest deep-water port, handling over $43 billion worth of goods in 2005.
Why they're on the list: A brand new fitness facility is available to all employees 24/7. On top of that, the VPA provides one of the most comprehensive ongoing education programs anywhere, including tuition subsidies and continually-evolving training programs custom tailored to each employee.
| CEO: | Gordon Houston |
| Established: | 1864 |
| Number of Employees: | 165 |
| 2005 Revenue | $98.7 million |
| % Growth | n/a |
Corporate Office
100 - 999 Canada Place
Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4
604.665.9000
www.portvancouver.com
Creo
What they do: Snapped up by Eastman Kodak in 2005, this high tech firm revolutionized the graphic arts world and brought it to the digital forefront with its computer-to-print technology.
Why they're on the list: The company's Burnaby offices offer magnificent city and mountain views from its balconies, along with a genuine koi pond. Creo also offers above-average tuition reimbursement programs and highly competitive compensation packages.
| CEO: | Amos Michelson |
| Established: | 1983 |
| Number of Employees: | 165 |
| 2004 Revenue | $636 million |
| % Growth | 10% |
Corporate Office
3700 Gilmore Way
Burnaby, BC V5G 4M1
604.451.2700
www.creo.com
Nature's Path Organic Food
What they do: The #1 organic cereal producer in North America, with products shipped across Canada, the US, the UK, New Zealand and Australia.
Why they're on the list: Every morning starts with a free, healthy breakfast. The company also encourages enrollment in a wellness program and provides free memberships to an on-site fitness club.
| Founder & CEO: | Arran Stephens |
| Established: | 1985 |
| Number of Employees: | 95 |
| 2005 Revenue | $82 million |
| % Growth | n/a |
Corporate Office
9100 Van Horne Way
Richmond, BC V6X 1W3
604.248.8777
www.naturespath.com
ParkLane Homes
What they do: One of the largest residential developers in Western Canada
Why they're on the list: Employees get fantastic health benefits on top of 4% discounts on houses. They are also encouraged to volunteer by being offered up to five paid days off to do so.
| Founder & Owner: | Peeter Wesik |
| Established: | 1980 |
| Number of Employees: | 51 |
| 2005 Revenue | n/a |
| % Growth | n/a |
Corporate Office
Suite 2000, Four Bentall Centre
1055 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver, BC V7X 1L5
604.648.1800
www.parklane.com
QLT Inc.
What they do: A global biopharmaceutical company specializing in developing treatments for eye diseases as well as dermatological and urological conditions
Why they're on the list: QLT workers not only get fuzzy satisfaction from producing products that make a positive difference, they also get generous stock options (which jumped 180% in 2004) and access to an on-site health club.
| CEO: | Robert Butchofsky |
| Established: | 1981 |
| Number of Employees: | 313 |
| 2006 Revenue | $175.1 million |
| % Growth | 23% |
Corporate Office
887 Great Northern Way
Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5
604.663.5486
www.qltinc.com
MacDonald, Dettwiler & Associates (MDA)
What they do: The highest of high-tech firms, MDA develops and supports technology for satellite and information systems industries (think "NASA").
Why they're on the list: To compete, the firm must stay at the cutting-edge of technology. Therefore, each employee is given a generous training allowance. Stress is reduced with daily yoga classes (lead by an executive VP!) An on-site gym and cafeteria make for a convenient and welcoming work environment.
| CEO: | Daniel Friedmann |
| Established: | 1969 |
| Number of Employees: | 1,351 |
| 2006 Revenue | $1.052 Billion |
| % Growth | 9.7% |
Corporate Office
13800 Commerce Parkway
Richmond, BC V6V 2J3
604.278.3411
www.mdacorporation.com
Intrawest Corporation
What they do: A world leader in resort and adventure travel, known most for owning Whistler Blackcomb (and Vancouver.com)
Why they're on the list: Vancouver-based staff are rewarded with free season's passes to Whistler (good for spouses, too!) Other perks include discount travel to many of its resorts and a better-than-average flex benefit program that gives each employee a say in what kind of coverage he or she gets.
| CEO: | Joe Houssian |
| Established: | 1975 |
| Number of Employees: | 380 (Vancouver) |
| 2005 Revenue | $1.7 billion |
| % Growth | 7% |
Corporate Office
Suite 800, 200 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 3L6
604.669.9777
www.intrawest.com
Coast Capital Savings
What they do: Canada's second largest credit union with $7.2 billion in assets and 46 branches across the Lower Mainland.
Why they're on the list: The corporate mantra of balancing work and life is more than just lip service to this Surrey-based financial juggernaut. They also support employee's life-long learning initiatives with a corporate university and offer one of the most lucrative compensation packages in the industry.
| CEO: | Lloyd Craig |
| Established: | 2000 |
| Number of Employees: | 750 |
| 2005 Revenue | $181 million |
| % Growth | 3.5% |
Corporate Office
15117 - 101st Avenue
Surrey, BC V3R 8P7
604.517.7000
www.coastcapitalsavings.com
Vancouver International Airport Authority
What they do: The governing body that oversees day-to-day operations of the second busiest airport in Canada (YVR expects to welcome 17.5 million passengers in 2007).
Why they're on the list: Flexibility and an ongoing commitment to lifelong learning make this bustling hub one of the city's most respected employers. Transit subsidies also help employees get to work the sustainable way.
| CEO: | Larry Berg |
| Established: | 1992 |
| Number of Employees: | 284 |
| 2005 Revenue | $329.8 million |
| % Growth | 11% |
Corporate Office
3211 Grant McConachie Way
Richmond, BC V7B 1Y7
604.207.7077
www.yvr.ca
Bull, Housser & Tupper
What they do: One of Canada's most respected law firms, and one of Vancouver's oldest.
Why they're on the list: Far from the stuffy corridors of most law firms, B,H & P fosters a relaxed workplace environment that encourages balance. It is the only law firm to ever appear on BC Business Magazine's "Top 25 Places to Work" rankings, thanks to its superior human resource management practices.
| Managing Partner: | David Bain |
| Established: | 1890 |
| Number of Lawyers: | 95 |
| 2004 Revenue | n/a |
| % Growth | n/a |
Corporate Office
3000 Royal Centre
1055 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 3R3
604.687.6575
www.bht.com
Keg Restaurants Ltd.
What they do: One of Canada's most successful restaurant chains with locations in 90 markets across North America
Why they're on the list: Management subscribes to the theory that in order to show people a good time, employees must have a good time themselves. So over $1 million is spent annually on employee events. The corporate structure also supports promotion from within.
| President & Owner: | David Aisenstat |
| Established: | 1971 |
| Number of Employees: | 6,200 |
| 2006 Revenue | $372 million |
| % Growth | n/a |
Corporate Office
10100 Shellbridge Way
Richmond, BC V6X 2W7
604.276.0242
www.kegsteakhouse.com
