Story from Des Moines Top Workplaces 2023: Redefining the contracting industry culture at Midwest Foundation

nCino, a rapidly growing financial services technology company based in Wilmington, has designed its global corporate headquarters with a strong focus on employee well-being and a commitment to local community and sustainability. The company, known for its recent IPO and significant global expansion, achieved over $250 million in revenues in 2021 and serves more than 1,200 financial institutions worldwide. This growth is mirrored in its workplace design philosophy, which aims to create a 'home away from home' for its employees. The interior design of the headquarters on Parker Farm Road at Mayfaire is characterized by a warm and casual ambiance. It incorporates noise-dampening accent walls, natural stone, and soft textures and hues, reflecting the company's investment in its workforce. Katie Smith, senior vice president of finance and operations, highlights that the relaxing indoor environment is crucial given the demands placed on employees. The design balances modern elements, such as stainless steel and expansive interior glass walls, with natural features like hardwood ceilings and ledger stone accent walls. The entrance lobby sets the tone with a water wall, vintage light fixtures, and lush botanicals. A popular upper-level conference room features a large botanical accent wall from Kim Fisher Designs, which, along with a custom-fabricated metal logo, symbolizes the company's forward-focused technology rooted in nature. This approach also considers the potential for plants to enhance indoor air quality. nCino's dedication to its employees extends to providing unique amenities and fostering a supportive internal culture. The headquarters includes a Bitty and Beau’s coffee shop, marking only the second such partnership for the company that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The first floor also boasts a rec room with ping pong and foosball tables, a kegerator, a full kitchen, and a 'jam zone' for musical talents. Currently, these areas overlook a construction site for a new 90,000-square-foot nCino building, which will further enhance employee facilities with professionally designed outdoor spaces for gatherings and alternative work environments. A surfboard check-out zone is also available, promoting outdoor activities and work-life balance. The company’s internal culture is a key factor in its recognition as one of the 25 highest-rated public cloud computing companies to work for by Battery Ventures, and its inclusion on Comparably lists for best company for diversity, best company culture, best work-life balance, and best company happiness in 2021. CEO Pierre Naudé emphasizes that fostering a positive culture and taking care of employees fuels their passion and commitment to nCino’s continued growth, which saw its workforce expand from 1,200 to over 1,500 in 2021. Candice Gurganus, operations project manager, explains that coastal-themed artwork and extensive use of rich wood accents contribute to an inviting and casual space. The design intentionally balances large glass expansions with warm textures and natural elements like the main water wall and botanical accents. The company also prioritizes repurposing existing materials and supporting local artists and designers. An executive-level conference room features a massive live-edge resin table crafted by a local Raleigh artist, which had to be installed via crane through a window. Reclaimed wood is utilized in cubicles, and phone booths with a modern twist offer quiet spaces for focused work or calls, further illustrating the careful consideration given to every detail of the workplace environment. #WorkplaceDesign #CorporateCulture #EmployeeWellbeing #SustainableDesign #OfficeInteriors #FinancialTechnology #WilmingtonNC #CommunityPartnerships #ModernArchitecture

Margaret White, an LA native and general contractor, established Power2Workers to facilitate construction career opportunities for local residents, particularly those facing employment barriers such as homelessness or being former foster youth. The organization aims to connect these individuals with projects in their communities, specifically focusing on affordable housing developments which often have local hiring requirements. White's motivation stemmed from observing the changing landscape of Los Angeles and rising rents, and her desire to effect positive change through her extensive experience in construction. White's journey in the construction industry began at the age of twenty as a temporary administrative assistant. Through patience, consistency, and dedication, she advanced her career to become a project manager and, in the current year, obtained her general contractor's license. As a single mother starting at twenty in a male-dominated field, she faced significant challenges balancing her career and single parenthood. She credits hard work, dependability, networking, and the ability to connect with people as key factors in overcoming these obstacles. Today, Margaret White serves as the board president of Power2Workers and the president of California Construction Compliance, a sister organization specializing in labor compliance for affordable housing projects. Combined, these organizations employ twenty-four individuals. White emphasizes that clear communication is vital for a successful organization and that her primary responsibility is to support her employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance. When asked about recommendations for visitors to Los Angeles, White outlined a comprehensive itinerary. This includes an immediate stop at In-N-Out Burger upon arrival at LAX, followed by a hike at Griffith Park, a movie at the Mann Chinese Theater, and a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard to see the Walk of Fame, culminating in a late-night dinner at Toi Thai. The itinerary also features Venice, her favorite part of the city, where she suggests observing roller skaters, exploring graffiti walls, having lunch at the Sidewalk Cafe, and biking to the Santa Monica Pier. A trip to downtown LA would involve visiting the Broad Museum, riding Angel's Flight, exploring Little Tokyo Mall, enjoying sushi at Sushi Gen, and drinks at the Far Bar. For relaxation, she suggests a spa day at Olympic Spa or WiSpa, depending on company. A visit to Leimert Park is also recommended, specifically to see Ben Caldwell’s KAOS Theory exhibit before its closing date and to grab a latte at Ora Cafe. Finally, a beach day at Zuma Beach in Malibu, a sunset walk at Charmlee Park, and a drive along Mulholland are highlighted as essential Los Angeles experiences. White also acknowledges Brad Carson, whom she refers to as the 'godfather of local hire' in Los Angeles. Carson, an LA County probation officer in the 1990s, founded PV Jobs after recognizing that 'Jobs Create Peace' in the Venice Oakwood area. His initiative established a partnership with builders at Playa Vista to ensure that local, targeted, and transitional residents could access construction job opportunities generated by the development. This recognition underscores the foundational principles and inspirations behind White's work with Power2Workers and its mission to empower local communities through employment. #MargaretWhite #GeneralContractor #Power2Workers #ConstructionIndustry #LocalHiring #AffordableHousing #Entrepreneurship #LosAngeles #CommunityImpact

Sioux Chief Manufacturing, a plumbing product manufacturer based in Peculiar, Missouri, emphasizes its commitment to American-made products and direct engagement with industry professionals. The company regularly hosts plant tours for contractors, wholesalers, reps, engineers, young executives, and students, conducting about 15 to 20 such tours annually. These tours include a roundtable session where Sioux Chief gathers feedback from attendees, which is then used to inform the development of innovative products designed to solve real-world plumbing problems. This direct feedback loop is central to their product development strategy. The core objective of these tours and roundtable discussions is to demonstrate to visitors that manufacturing quality products domestically at a fair price can offer a competitive edge. Attendees learn about the cost and labor savings, quality control, and vendor management benefits associated with Sioux Chief’s extensive product line. A project manager from Horwitz NS/I Mechanical Construction & Service noted that direct interaction with the Sioux Chief design team was particularly impressive, highlighting the company's responsiveness to customer needs rather than simply dictating product use. This customer-centric approach, coupled with the high quality of American-made products, helps contractors remain competitive and deliver value to their clients. Sioux Chief's identity as a "Made in America" company is a significant point of pride, supporting approximately 350 families and contributing to the local economy. Michael Foster, regional sales manager, states that being an American manufacturer grants Sioux Chief control over its destiny, supporting not only its own workforce but also numerous domestic suppliers of raw materials and equipment. This commitment ensures the production of high-quality products for the plumbing industry. Rex Baer, Vice President of Product Development, reiterates this sentiment, stating the company's aim to be a leader in innovation by building better, quality plumbing products at a fair price domestically. Dominic Ismert, CFO and Director of Marketing, further clarifies that manufacturing in America is a strategic advantage for customers, enabling the creation of superior products. The company positions itself as a single-source provider for rough-in plumbing and specialty needs, offering a comprehensive range of products from supply and access solutions to commercial and residential drainage systems, as well as hangers and brackets. All products, including popular items like water hammer arresters, OxBoxes, commercial on-grade Finish Line floor drains, and future proprietary PowerPEX lines, are manufactured and tested at their Peculiar facility. This broad product offering allows distributors and contractors to efficiently source innovative and quality products, streamlining vendor management. Sioux Chief boasts an impressive 99.9% on-time shipping rate within 24 hours for over 7,000 SKUs, an uncommon feat for a company of its size and product diversity. Training is another crucial aspect of Sioux Chief's operations. The company is dedicated to educating all levels of the industry, including contractors, distributors, engineers, and building owners, to ensure proper understanding and utilization of its products. This commitment extends to providing not only innovative products but also the necessary training for licensed professionals to fully leverage their benefits. Despite economic fluctuations, Sioux Chief has maintained its focus on developing solutions for field problems by actively listening to contractors and embracing vertical integration. This integration enables the company to design and build products that directly address contractor needs, ensuring continued innovation and success as an American manufacturing entity. #SiouxChief #AmericanMade #PlumbingIndustry #ContractorRelations #Manufacturing #ProductInnovation #SupplyChain #WorkforceSupport #QualityControl