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B12 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MARCH 9, 2026 BEST PLACES TO WORK | SMALL/MEDIUM EMPLOYER CATEGORY (15 TO 199 U.S. EMPLOYEES) 18 DOWNES CONSTRUCTION HEADQUARTERS: New Britain INDUSTRY: Construction WEBSITE: www.downesco.com TOP EXECUTIVE: David Patrick, President & CEO F ounded in 1934, the construction firm evolved from a third-gener- ation, family-owned business to a fully employee-owned company. It specializes in K-12 education, public safety and municipal projects as well as healthcare facilities. Employee Benefits: Eighty-three per- cent of medical, dental and vision costs are absorbed by the company. After six years of service, employees become 100% vested. Downes also fully funds maternity and paternity leaves. Good Times: Employees enjoy a summer picnic, festive party, two golf tournaments, chair massages and Yard Goats games. Employee Recognition: Monetary gifts are awarded for work mile- stones. Superlative awards and on-the-spot gift cards are given for exemplary safety behaviors. Project manager and superintendent of the year are recognized annually. Recruit & Retain: Downes recruits and connects with the next genera- tion of builders through career fairs, job fairs and internship programs. A mentorship program supports early career growth and development. 17 JOHNSON BRUNETTI HEADQUARTERS: Wethersfield INDUSTRY: Finance WEBSITE: johnsonbrunetti.com TOP EXECUTIVE: Joel Johnson, Managing Partner E stablished in 2003, Johnson Bru- netti is an independent retire- ment investment and specialty firm with more than 7,000 clients. It has offices in Connecticut, Massachu- setts and Georgia. Employee Benefits: e company pays 86% of medical costs for em- ployees and 73% for dependents, and covers 86% and 69%, respectively, for dental. New employees receive 10 va- cation days, with another week added after three, five and 10 years, capped at 25 days. Staying Connected: Sixty percent of employees work remotely. e com- pany provides laptops and software that allow employees to connect to its network for videoconferencing, chat and IT support. Good Times: Employees take part in team-building activities such as a Grit 'N Wit obstacle course, trivia and go-karting. Employee Recognition: Staff achievements are recognized through social media, meeting an- nouncements and internal emails. Good Health: Employees receive a $100 wellness stipend for items such as gym memberships, books, athletic gear and vitamins.