Best Places to Work in Maine

11 B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 1 6 SMALL COMPANIES [ 15 - 49 employees ] Over the years, Landry/French Construction Company partners Denis Landry and Kevin French arrived at the decision to listen to co-workers on how to make the company a truly great place to work. "We make a conscious effort to listen to all of our co-workers, not just make decisions based on adding to the bottom line," said French. "Both Denis and I thought that, if everyone enjoys coming to work, they'll provide our clients with exceptional work, and it pays off for everyone." That strategy has been successful—and also pretty simple. "We just try to have open communication," said French. "Our doors are always open, in the offi ce and in the fi eld. We're all a big think tank, and everyone helps with ideas." The big news is that Landry/French this year became an employee-owned company, with Landry and French still in the lead and with employees now able to see a direct return from the company's profi ts. The ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) is a big change—but in a sense, it's not. "Denis and I have never looked at our staff as employees," said French. "We're all co-workers. We've asked everyone t o a c t l i k e owners and make decisions with everyone's best interest at heart, and that includes our clients. That's been a successful a p p r o a c h — s o successful that it's become a major factor in everyone b e c o m i n g a n owner of the company." The ESOP hasn't meant any operational changes. "But now I think I see, almost, a sense of pride of ownership," said French, himself speaking proudly. With experience in a diverse range of projects, Landry/French has received several awards: Inc. 5000's list of fastest-growing companies in America; Associated General Contractors Build Maine, for 2015 and 2016; MaineBiz's Fastest Growing Company 2015; and Best Places to Work 2015. And French and Landry took that last award very seriously. "The feedback we received was unbelievable," said French. "We took all of that and, the categories we didn't excel in, we changed every single one." For example, the company increased its benefi t package to, now, one of the best in the state. It converted vacation and sick leave to paid time off. And it now offers educational reimbursements, and dental and disability insurance for those who want to opt in. "A lot of people look at change as frightening," said French. "We're all about change." Landry/French Construction Pride of employee ownership Landry/French employees embrace the transition to ESOP. # 7 Landry/French Construction Company 160 Pleasant Hill Road, Scarborough 04074 Top local executive: Denis Landry, president Year established: 2010 Maine employees: 36 Website: www.landryfrenchconstruction.com Human resources contact: Karen Huard 207-730-5566 khuard@landyfrench.com OFFICIAL INSURANCE BROKER OFFICIAL SPONSOR C R O S S A G E N C Y. C O M When it comes to looking out for your best interests, you can count on Cross for prompt, professional service. By selecting policies from only the top carriers, our experienced professionals can find the right coverage for you. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MANY FINE CLIENTS & BUSINESSES WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED WITH THIS DISTINCTION

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