Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com February 20, 2017 • Hartford Business Journal 25 Lockwood Group keeps focus on employee development, retention CT Headquarters: Stamford Industry: Advertising/Public Relations/Marketing Website: www.thelockwoodgrp.com Top CT Executive: Matthew Schecter, President/CEO By Karen Sackowitz Special to the Hartford Business Journal A family trip to a luxury suite at Citi Field to see the Mets play is just one of the many benefits offered to the Lockwood Group's 100-plus employees. And the perks aren't all fun and, well, games. "Work-life balance is part of our core val- ues. We believe in taking downtime when it's available," says Lockwook Human Resources Director Christine Hinckle. Employees of the medical communica- tions firm have the opportunity to work from home as needed. Those based at the office enjoy amenities like access to a gym, lactation facilities for nursing mothers, and catered lunches several times a month. Keeping and maintaining quality team members is a priority at Lockwood, where over a third of the staff hold advanced degrees in science or medicine. Specialized expertise is directed toward work with a spectrum of clients in the pharmaceuti- cal, biotech, genetic and medical device industries. Through the company's RISE pro- gram, employees can nominate a person or team within the company for recognition. "RISE was introduced last year by a new employee. Our first year, we had 10 nomina- tions; this year we've had 20, so it's gaining popularity," says Hinckle. "We are looking to reward people, in the hopes that it inspires oth- ers to help a team member out." In one notable instance, a RISE winner's medical expertise was critical in a real-world situation. Lockwood's senior scientific direc- tor, Malik Cobb, was flying home from a business trip with a colleague when a fellow passenger reported severe chest pain. Cobb immediately tended to the passenger — who was in real danger given his medical history — administered therapy, stabilized him, and stayed with him until he could be safely turned over to an emergency team upon landing. "He didn't hesitate to help a stranger. He is special in every way," wrote colleague Susan Goldberg, who was on the flight with Cobb, in her nomination form. Hinckle says word spread quickly about Cobb's critical action. "Malik's response from colleagues was equally impressive as the act itself," she says. The Lockwood Group also tries helping each and every employee meet their professional potential. Through a formally designed career ladder, training is provided for managers and employees several times a year to encourage dis- cussion about development. In addition, Lock- wood's human resources department reviews the career path of each employee with their managers to ensure there is a plan in place to help them develop according to their own goals. "It's on-the-job training and lots of mentor- ing. One-third of our company was promoted this year, and that's typical," says Hinckle. "We also start every year with an annual meeting focused on career development as well as growing the company as a whole." Topics at the meeting, she says, include building team trust, delegation and construc- tive feedback. Lockwood Group employees are also encouraged to take part in activities that sup- port causes such as Children of Fallen Patriots — an organization that provides college schol- arships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty — and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. n Creativity builds loyal workforce at Mintz + Hoke CT Headquarters: Avon Industry: Advertising/Public Relations/Marketing Website: www.mintz-hoke.com Twitter: @MintzHoke Top CT Executive: Ron Perine, President By Karen Sackowitz Special to the Hartford Business Journal K athy Morelli started at Mintz + Hoke 10 years ago as an account coordinator. Today, she heads up the firm's digital technology department. She is just one of many employees who exemplify the agency's commitment to professional growth. "Kathy expressed an interest and Ron saw the potential there. This company is going to encourage you," says Human Resources Manager Christine Matonti, referring to the agency's president, Ron Perine. "Those who want more responsibility will be proactive. That's what I'm looking for," adds Perine. "If you have the wherewithal to create an opportunity, by all means, bubble it up." The philosophy fits Mintz + Hoke, an Avon- based agency specializing in branding, media, adverting, public relations and digital marketing. "Here, I found an environment that is not only a culture of energy and passion, but also has the opportunity for people to be creative, bring ideas, and move up in the company," says copywriter Carli Preli. "You are hired with the expectation that you have something to bring to the table, and you are valued from day one." Becca Sheehan, a senior media planner for the firm, agrees. "I've been here 10 years and know wheth- er someone's been here five minutes or 10 years, they are just as passionate," she says. "It's exciting when you see the way everyone strives to be their best." Perine says total inclusion and exchange of ideas is vital to the success of his agency. "One way we keep tabs on what our staff wants is by using TINYpulse — a pro- gram that sends out a question every two weeks and allows employees to answer anonymously," he says. "It's a tool that's helped us immensely. We've made modifi- cations to our pro- cess by using it, and employees know that we care what they think." That inclusion bolsters loyalty. According to Matonti, it's easy to name employees who have been with the company 20 years or more. Dedication is rewarded through work anniver- sary gift cards and other ways. On the community involvement front, company team building exercises are cre- ated around projects to support any number of local organizations. "I just did my fourth year at the Habitat for Humanity build," says Preli, referring to an initiative that involves dozens of agency employees rolling up their sleeves to rehab homes in the Hartford area. Sheehan says that kind of effort comes naturally to the Mintz + Hoke team. "These are people who like to donate time as it is, then having support from the com- pany — it's inspiring," she says. "They really care, and we don't forget about people. It makes you want to be here." In addition, agency leadership adds in some fun and games for employees in the form of discounted tickets to local fam- ily entertainment or sporting events. Friday massages courtesy of a licensed masseuse are also a favorite perk. Career development is a priority at Mintz + Hoke, and employees are given every oppor- tunity to excel in their area of expertise, or to learn a new one if they show interest. Employ- ees are encouraged to discuss their goals, which may lead to the development of a semi- nar focused on an area of expressed interest. "I'm going for my MBA right now and they are funding it," says Matonti. "They know that in the long run, it will benefit the agency as a whole." Being named among the best places to work in Connecticut — again — is an honor Perine doesn't take lightly. "It says a lot about our culture, and that, in turn, resonates with our clients," he says. "It's a big piece of business development and it's an accomplishment for the whole agency." n SMALL / MEDIUM COMPANY CATEGORY Lockwood employees enjoy a summer Met's game with their colleagues, families and friends. Mintz + Hoke employees are holding Gold Awards at the 2016 CT Ad Club Awards ceremony. # B ES T P LA C ES TO W O R K I N C T 2 L o c k w o o d G r o u p # B ES T P LA C ES TO W O R K I N C T 3 M i n t z + H o k e

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