Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1517137
4 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MARCH 18, 2024 BEST PLACES TO WORK | SMALL/MEDIUM EMPLOYER CATEGORY (15 TO 199 U.S. EMPLOYEES) Johnson Brunetti emphasizes service to clients, employees and community By Susan Gonsalves " S ervice, service, service" is key to Johnson Brunetti's continued success, ac- cording to Joel Johnson, managing partner of the Wethersfield-based retirement planning and invest- ment management firm. At the helm since 2005, Johnson said he started the company to fill a gap in providing financial ser- vices for "hardworking, non-ultra wealthy people." Working with 5,500-plus house- holds today, Johnson Brunetti provides information in digital, hard copy and in-person formats and plac- es a "hyperfocus" on communication, both with clients and employees. "We make a huge effort to keep in touch and meet their financial and emotional needs," Johnson said. e firm's 50 employees, who range in age from their 20s to 60s, share a dedication to community service that differentiates Johnson Brunetti from others in the financial planning industry, he said. "e young people we attract want more than just work," Johnson said. "ey want to make an impact on the community they serve and the world, so they go above and beyond." For example, the company has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation for several years. Firm employees helped build a court for a basketball fan and provide flying lessons to a young woman. "Each one is hard to forget. ese are kids with serious diagnoses and health challenges," Johnson said. Employee engagement Chief Operating and Marketing Officer Laurie Tobias, who has worked at Johnson Brunetti for 14 years, said the firm's community service and "entrepreneur mindset" are among its most appealing quali- ties to employees. Each quarter, employees sign up to help charitable causes during work hours. A designated donation is also given on behalf of each new client. Tobias noted team members volunteered at House of Heroes, painting, weeding and installing a deck for veterans, as well as meet- ing their families. She said the firm does not have minimum-asset requirements, and tries to help people, even if they ultimately do not become clients. "Our advisers will give a few pieces of advice to start them working to- ward a better retirement," she said. What impresses Tobias the most, however, is that employees "always try to be better within ourselves and for clients." "ere is a `hey, let's just run for- ward,' environment. Let's try things and experiment and always move ahead," she said. Johnson said the firm prioritizes diversifying its workforce with un- derrepresented groups in the indus- try like women and minorities. e diversity inclusion com- mittee recruits through colleges and groups such as the Nation- al African American Insurance Association and Hispanic Latino Professional Association. Johnson Brunetti holds an A+ rat- ing by the Better Business Bureau, and offers benefits like 85% med- ical coverage and 100% dental, as well as matched profit sharing, life insurance and short- and long-term disability, the company said. Appreciation events like "Sip n' Paint Night," performance-based bonuses and year-end, goal-incen- tive trips are other perks. For telecommuters, Johnson Bru- netti provides employees with laptops and software to communicate in the company network, and web confer- encing, chat boards and IT support. Johnson added, "Constant in-person events keep employees engaged. We have a lot of fun." at enjoyment includes piz- za Tuesdays, ice cream trucks, ax-throwing, go-karting, corn hole, chair massages, reiki and more. And Johnson's top tip for individ- uals approaching retirement age? "Definitely save 15% of income," he said. 1 ST PLACE WINNER SMALL/MEDIUM EMPLOYER CATEGORY (15 TO 199 U.S. EMPLOYEES) JOHNSON BRUNETTI HEADQUARTERS: Wethersfield INDUSTRY: Finance WEBSITE: www.johnsonbrunetti.com TOP EXECUTIVE: Joel Johnson, Managing Partner