ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND DESIGN FIRM
Kalamazoo, MI

TowerPinkster, a West Michigan-based architectural firm, is behind the top-to-bottom composition of buildings across the state.

TowerPinkster, a west Michigan-based architectural firm, is behind the top-to-bottom composition of buildings across the state.

This creativity-centric company tackles architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape, security, and technology projects. But to keep its team in tip-top shape, TowerPinkster has also constructed a workplace environment that towers above the rest. For CEO Bjorn Green, the company’s stand-out culture is built on a foundation of good working relationships. “It all starts with trust,” he says. “When employee relationships grow from a strong foundation, the ways in which they will collaborate are boundless.”

That all-important trust between teammates begins to take shape even before an employee’s first day on the job. As soon as a new hire accepts the position, a team-wide email is sent out with the individual’s photo and background information detailing their likes, dislikes, and passions. “We want to get to know each other as people. We want to know if you like dogs or cats, what your favorite pizza topping is, and what grades your kids are in,” says Green. The get-to-know-you process, however, doesn’t end after the first week of work. “We want our team members to feel like they’re a part of the TowerPinkster family, but we want to get to know their families too,” he says.

To bring everyone a little closer together, employees, their spouses, and their little ones look forward to fun-filled company-wide events throughout the year. In the summer, everyone working at TowerPinkster’s Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo offices converge for a family picnic that Green refers to as a “little family reunion.” And for Halloween, TowerPinkster team members and their kids dress up for some spooky trick-or-treating.  “Hopefully no one gets too scared,” he laughs, remembering a time when a miniature Stay-Puffed Marshmallow Man became a little uneasy when he came face-to-face with a team member who coincidently chose an identical costume.

“We’re all working collectively towards the same goal, so it’s critical that we can trust each other. You have to carve out time for togetherness,” says Green. “Culture is always worth it. When employees are happy, it shows through in our work as we create remarkable outcomes for our clients, and that’s always the goal.”