Issue 12

We sat down with Bill Fluharty, Director of Design at Stryker, to hear about his background and thoughts on the design industry. What does a director of design do? At a high level, my job is to build and maintain the competencies of design within the Medical division of Stryker. By developing talents of our […]

The beauty of diversity in the workplace is much more than skin deep. Workplace diversity no longer merely denotes the color of one’s skin in the workplace, but rather implies the range of differences belonging to the people of an organization. Differences in race, gender, ethnicity, age, education, place of birth, tenure, position within the […]

Catalyst Development Group builds a climate of caring—inside the office and out. CATALYST DEVELOPMENT GROUP; KALAMAZOO, MI | Catalyst Development Group, responsible for constructing and maintaining many striking structures across Michigan, knows that it takes the whole team to get a project off the ground. They have therefore created a scaffolding of strong values and […]

We spent some time with Lori Green, Director of Business Development and Marketing at CSM Group, to hear her thoughts on leadership, Millennials, and more. Define leadership. If you don’t have self-awareness, you can’t lead other people. Who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? I’ve learned great things from the many […]

Leadership at Special-Lite opens the door to engagement. SPECIAL-LITE; DECATUR, MI | At Special-Lite’s headquarters in Decatur, Michigan, CEO Henry L. Upjohn II is a regular sight on the production floor. A visionary in both leadership and engineering, he has played a pivotal role in the history of this entryway manufacturer. Not only has Upjohn […]

There are a few key ingredients for workplace success; National Flavors is intent on using them all. NATIONAL FLAVORS; KALAMAZOO, MI | What could be more rewarding, or more delicious, than creating the latest flavor of ice cream? The experts at National Flavors aim to do just that by blending enticing essences that go into […]

Culture is all about finding the right fit at Consumer’s Credit Union. CONSUMERS CREDIT UNION; KALAMAZOO, MI | Regular cookouts, gift exchanges, football tailgates, and charity walks are all a way of life for an employee at Consumer’s Credit Union. “The best part about working here is definitely the atmosphere—and our CEO’s grilled chicken, which […]

At Wightman & Associates, a unified workforce is top priority. WIGHTMAN & ASSOCIATES; KALAMAZOO, MI |Connecting diverse disciplines like architecture, engineering, and surveying across multiple locations in Benton Harbor, Portage, and Allegan has proven to be a unique challenge for Wightman and Associates. However, over the years this dynamic has bonded its employees together creating […]

Nulty Insurance proves that, at the end of the day, it’s all about community. NULTY INSURANCE; KALAMAZOO, MI | A family-owned business since 1945, Nulty Insurance has always focused on people over profits. “It’s beyond just checking boxes. Everything we do is centered on the relationships we have built here. When we walk into work, […]

JVTR volleys for exceptional workplace culture. JANSEN VALK THOMPSON REAHM PC; KALAMAZOO, MI | Jansen Valk Thompson Reahm PC (JVTR) makes sure its hardworking accounting, tax, and consulting experts are excited to get up in the morning by taking steps to make its office is a great place to work. “Up until about five years […]