Employees and employers alike have faced unprecedented challenges throughout the past year as a result of the pandemic. Most were forced to pivot by shifting schedules and finding ways to work from home while still acting as a cohesive unit and delivering goods and services with little to no interruption.
Although it was not an easy feat, 63 Garden State companies garnered praise and admiration from their associates, who named them to New Jersey’s Top Workplaces list.
How did these organizations achieve this distinction? Employee engagement platform, Energage, reached out to New Jersey-based employers with at least 50 employees and surveyed staff members to determine the state’s Top Workplaces. Public and private companies, nonprofit organizations and government entities were eligible. This is the third year of the initiative, which is run in partnership with NJ.com and Jersey’s Best.
Employers whose staff members took the 24-question survey received a free overview of the results, providing insight into where their company succeeded and where there was room for improvement.
“You don’t get on this list by accident,” said Bob Helbig, media partnerships director of Pennsylvania-based Energage. “We give credit to every company that asks their employees, ‘How are we doing?’ and is open to that feedback. The really good companies — that’s how they operate. They’re willing to hear the criticism because that’s the only way you can improve. Otherwise, you’re just operating in a vacuum, and you don’t know what’s wrong until it’s too late.”
Communication is the Key to Staying Connected
As this past year was unlike any other, Helbig noted that communication was a main focus for employees.
As this past year was unlike any other, communication was a main focus for employees in this year’s Top Workplaces list. (Photo courtesy of Family First Funding)
“Because of the fact that more people are working remotely, companies have had to go the extra mile to communicate with their employees, and employees are really appreciative of that,” Helbig said. “People are feeling more in the loop than ever. They’re feeling more connected with their companies, and that’s so important even during normal times. But, because of the pandemic, everybody’s stepped up in terms of what they’re communicating, how they’re communicating and making sure the message is received.”
Communication is a hallmark at LS Technologies (LST), (small, No. 3), which provides engineering, technical and professional services for federal and state government agencies, and was named a Top Workplace in the small company (50-149 employees) category.
LST CEO Allison Poltorak said the company “strives to create a safe, inclusive environment conducive to open communication that respects, informs and empowers all employees so we can be more innovative, productive and successful.” Poltorak added that the company is “very proud of this workplace recognition, and of the LS Technologies employees in New Jersey who work so hard to support the Federal Aviation Administration’s mission.”
Dawn Coyle, a program analyst who joined LST during the pandemic, said working with the company has been a great experience.
“LST makes it a priority to stay connected and consistently engaged by providing a level of communication and transparency unmatched by any other entity I have worked for in the past,” Coyle said.
Working as a team during a global crisis was a challenge for larger organizations as well, but again, communication and collaboration prevailed at Plymouth Rock Assurance, (large, No. 1), a financial services company, which placed in the top three among large-sized organizations (500 or more employees).
“The last year has been difficult amid the ongoing pandemic, but our employees have worked exceptionally hard to benefit our customers, agents and local communities,” said president and CEO Jeff Briglia. “The culture and spirit that the Plymouth Rock team has built is special, and it is wonderful to be recognized as one of the state’s top employers.”
Briglia’s sentiments were echoed by employees of the Woodbridge-based company. One anonymous staffer who responded to the survey stated, “I am able to work in an environment that feels encouraging and safe. Now, working from home during the pandemic, we still have that feeling of camaraderie and feel connected to make sure our work is complete and we continue to grow and learn as a team.”
A culture of caring is one of the primary reasons residential mortgage lender AnnieMac, (midsize, No. 3), was named one of the Top Workplaces in the midsize company category. (Photo courtesy of AnnieMac)
Residential mortgage lender AnnieMac, (midsize, No. 3), was named one of the Top Workplaces in the midsize company (150-499 employees) category. CEO Joe Panebianco attributed this honor to the culture of caring that’s been cultivated “since day one.”
“Our entire working dynamic changed in 2020 when we shifted to working remotely, but with everyone’s commitment, our bond as teammates remains stronger than ever,” Panebianco said. “We help, teach and appreciate each other like we always have, and we’re delighted that this award is decided by input from our own employees. It tells us that they feel genuinely fulfilled working with our company, and we couldn’t be more pleased to hear it.”
Fellow mortgage lender Family First Funding, (midsize, No. 1),was named to the list in the midsize company category for the second consecutive year. Diane Kinoian, training and development coordinator at the mortgage company, said this is just the beginning.
“The year of 2020 will go down in history, not only due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the record low mortgage rates that resulted in tremendous growth for our company,” Kinoian said. “With all of the pivoting that was required to equip employees to work remotely, service our clients virtually, hire and train many new ‘Family’ members, all while remaining poised throughout a challenging year, we couldn’t be more thrilled that our employees and New Jersey have taken notice.”
Digital Marketing Coordinator Leah Beganie added, “Working here, our employees know that Family First Funding is one of the best places to work; we love that New Jersey knows it, too!”
Making a Difference
In a year when many felt powerless and isolated, having an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others fostered a sense of connection and gave employees feelings of positivity and well-being.
Edison-based MTF Biologics (large, No. 3) advances the science of tissue transplantation by awarding grants that fund groundbreaking research. (Photo courtesy of MTF Biologics)
Edison-based MTF Biologics, (large, No. 3), named one of the state’s Top Workplaces in the large company category, advances the science of tissue transplantation by awarding grants that fund groundbreaking research.
Joe Yaccarino, president and CEO of MTF Biologics, stated that being named to the list “validates our company-wide efforts of not only achieving our mission but of creating a workplace of both inclusion and impact,” adding, “At MTF Biologics, all of our employees are committed to one singular mission — saving and healing lives.”
MTF Biologics’ employees value knowing how much their work matters.
“I know that when I come to work, I have a greater purpose,” wrote one survey respondent. “To be a part of that greater goal inspires me every day. My favorite part of the job is getting to hear the stories from both our donor families and our tissue recipients on how the foundation has changed their lives for the better. I worked in other jobs for 30 years before I came here and never once felt the level of inspiration I do now working for MTF Biologics.”
A fellow MTF employee agreed, stating, “I feel as if I am part of something that is actually making a difference. The real-world application of our daily endeavors are widely apparent.”
Helbig noted that many of the companies that made the list received “high marks for innovation,” which shows that employees are “feeling really invested in what they do.”
“Now it doesn’t mean it’s easy,” Helbig said. “It means that everyone is working harder to make sure that they’re getting things done effectively.”
In addition to feeling connected and part of a forward-thinking company, employees also treasured knowing that they’re part of a shared mission.
Chairman, president and CEO James S. Vaccaro of Manasquan Bank, (midsize, No. 2), said he and his colleagues are honored that the financial institution was once again recognized as a Top Workplace in New Jersey in the midsize category.
Employee-focused events have created an impressive level of connection and camaraderie at Manasquan Bank, (midsize, No. 2). (Photo courtesy of Manasquan Bank)
“At Manasquan Bank, our employees have always been the epicenter of our fine institution, and this award reaffirms that we have created a workplace where colleagues feel motivated, inspired and connected to our shared mission,” Vaccaro said. “By fostering and practicing our people-first culture, we continue to build meaningful employee experiences that are collaborative, transparent, engaging and rewarding.”
Employees appreciate that level of connection and camaraderie. “I have a great group of people that support me and the bank,” said one survey respondent. “I get to make a difference in our customer’s lives, whether it’s purchasing a home, starting a business, having a baby, we are with them every step of the way. I also get to lead and mold and develop new talent and help them get to where they desire to be.”
Finding Fulfillment
Chief Operating Officer of Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, (large, No. 2), in Ridgewood, Michael Oppler, said the company is grateful to receive this recognition of Top Workplace in the Garden State in the large company category “because it means we have created an environment where people feel fulfilled in their work.
“We have always focused on building relationships in our business, and that produced great results for our company as well as the clients and community we serve,” Oppler added.
Helbig noted that the survey illustrates that people are motivated by more than money.
“You could be paid very well, but if you are treated poorly, you are not going to want to give your very best,” he said. “When we look at how you get the very best out of people, you make sure to create an organization where everybody’s headed in the same direction and people feel important and people feel valued, that what they’re doing matters. They feel appreciated. They have trust in the people they work with, particularly the leadership of the organization. If you don’t have those things, I don’t care how big your paycheck is, you are not going to want to give your best. But you do want to give your best when all those other factors are present.”
The following are 63 companies named to New Jersey’s Top Workplaces list as nominated by their employees and evaluated by Energage, based on questionnaires answered by their employees. They’re broken down by size and ranking.
Large Companies (500 employees or more)
1. Plymouth Rock Assurance
Headquarters: Woodbridge
NJ Location: Woodbridge
Industry: Financial services
Founded: 1992
Employees: 982
2. Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
Headquarters: Ridgewood
NJ Locations: 3
Industry: Agents/brokers
Founded: 2008
Employees: 730
3. MTF Biologics
Headquarters: Edison
NJ Locations: 3
Industry: Biotechnology
Founded: 1987
Employees: 724
4. CACI
Headquarters: Arlington, Va.
NJ Location: Florham Park
Industry: National security, expertise and technology for enterprise
Founded: 1962
Employees: 533
5. CompoSecure LLC
Headquarters: Somerset
NJ Locations: 3
Industry: Secure payment products
Founded: 2000
Employees: 717
6. Cedar Crest Village – Erickson Living
Headquarters: Catonsville, Md.
NJ Location: Pompton Plains
Industry: Senior living
Founded: 2001
Employees: 932
7. RWJBarnabas Health
Headquarters: West Orange
NJ Locations: 14
Industry: Health care
Founded: 2015
Employees: 35,000
Midsize Companies (150 to 499 employees)
1. Family First Funding LLC
Headquarters: Toms River
NJ Locations: 8
Industry: Mortgage lending
Founded: 2011
Employees: 215
2. Manasquan Bank
Headquarters: Wall Township
NJ Locations: 15
Industry: Banking
Founded: 1874
Employees: 207
3. AnnieMac Home Mortgage
Headquarters: Mount Laurel
NJ Location: Mount Laurel
Industry: Residential mortgage lending
Founded: 2011
Employees: 438
4. Robert Half
Headquarters: Menlo Park, Calif.
NJ Locations: 9
Industry: Staffing and recruiting
Founded: 1948
Employees: 168
5. Bridgeway Senior Healthcare
Headquarters: Bridgewater
NJ Location: Bridgewater
Industry: Care and rehabilitation
Founded: 1987
Employees: 383
6. MANE USA
Headquarters: Parsippany
NJ Locations: 2
Industry: Flavors and fragrances
Founded: 1871
Employees: 190
7. Computer Design And Integration LLC
Headquarters: Teterboro
NJ Locations: 2
Industry: Value added reseller – IT
Founded: 1995
Employees: 150
8. Sax LLP
Headquarters: Parsippany
NJ Location: Parsippany
Industry: Accounting, tax and advisory
Founded: 1956
Employees: 150
9. Express Stores
Headquarters: East Brunswick
NJ Locations: 25
Industry: Wireless phone sales
Founded: 2008
Employees: 213
10. Knipper
Headquarters: Lakewood
NJ Locations: 4
Industry: Biotechnology
Founded: 1986
Employees: 366
11. Pine Belt Enterprises Inc.
Headquarters: Lakewood
NJ Locations: 3
Industry: New and used car sales, leasing, parts and service
Founded: 1937
Employees: 226
Small Companies (50 to 149 employees)
1. Staffing Alternatives
Headquarters: North Brunswick
NJ Location: North Brunswick
Industry: Temporary staffing service
Founded: 1994
Employees: 68
2. Primary Financial
Headquarters: Edison
NJ Location: Edison
Industry: Life insurance, annuities and retirement investments
Founded: 2013
Employees: 70
3. LS Technologies LLC
Headquarters: Fairfax, Va.
NJ Location: Atlantic City
Industry: Federal contractor
Founded: 2000
Employees: 46
4. All American Ford in Old Bridge
Headquarters: Old Bridge
NJ Location: Old Bridge
Industry: Auto dealerships
Founded: 2009
Employees: 101
5. Slalom
Headquarters: Seattle, Wash.
NJ Location: TBD
Industry: Consulting
Founded: 2001
Employees: 131
6. Senior Helpers Bergen County
Headquarters: Paramus
NJ Location: Paramus
Industry: Home health care
Founded: 2013
Employees: 90
7. RegentAtlantic Capital LLC
Headquarters: Morristown
NJ Location: Morristown
Industry: Financial advisers
Founded: 1982
Employees: 56
8. DPR Construction
Headquarters: Redwood City, Calif.
NJ Location: Edison
Industry: Commercial construction services
Founded: 1990
Employees: 56
9. Fire and Safety Services LTD
Headquarters: South Planfield
NJ Location: South Plainfield
Industry: Emergency vehicle sales and service
Founded: 1964
Employees: 59
10. DLA LLC
Headquarters: Fairfield
NJ Locations: 2
Industry: Accounting
Founded: 2001
Employees: 54
11. Madison Trust
Headquarters: Montvale
NJ Location: Montvale
Industry: Self-directed IRAs
Founded: 2009
Employees: 50
12. Resources Real Estate
Headquarters: Shrewsbury
NJ Locations: 3
Industry: Residential and commercial real estate
Founded: 2000
Employees: 103
13. Institute of Management Accountants
Headquarters: Montvale
NJ Location: Montvale
Industry: Education
Founded: 1919
Employees: 123
14. Panda Restaurant Group
Headquarters: Rosemead, Calif.
NJ Locations: 11
Industry: Restaurants
Founded: 1973
Employees: 111
15. DOWC
Headquarters: Ringwood
NJ Location: Ringwood
Industry: Automotive service contract provider and administrator
Founded: 2014
Employees: 52
16. PB Roofing
Headquarters: Elmwood Park
NJ Locations: 2
Industry: Commercial roofing
Founded: 2007
Employees: 50
17. Princeton Child Development Institute
Headquarters: East Windsor
NJ Location: East Windsor
Industry: Autism intervention
Founded: 1970
Employees: 70
18. KPM EXCEPTIONAL LLC
Headquarters: Landing
NJ Location: Landing
Industry: Commercial outdoor power equipment and snow/ice management
Founded: 1957
Employees: 52
19. EverythingBenefits
Headquarters: New Providence
NJ Location: New Providence
Industry: HR technology software
Founded: 2015
Employees: 73
20. InspiriTec Inc.
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pa.
NJ Location: Newark
Industry: Contact center and IT help desk services
Founded: 2000
Employees: 52
21. Visiting Angels
Headquarters: Marmora
NJ Location: Marmora
Industry: Private duty home care
Founded: 1998
Employees: 90
22. Horizon Pest Control
Headquarters: Midland Park
NJ Location: Midland Park
Industry: Consumer services
Founded: 1970
Employees: 60
23. Certified Financial Services
Headquarters: Paramus
NJ Locations: 2
Industry: Financial advisers
Founded: 1986
Employees: 104
24. Savvas Learning Co.
Headquarters: Paramus
NJ Location: Paramus
Industry: K-12 education publisher
Founded: 2019
Employees: 106
25. Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC
Headquarters: Bloomfield
NJ Location: Bloomfield
Industry: Reverse mortgage
Founded: 2012
Employees: 62
26. Otterstedt Insurance Agency Inc.
Headquarters: Englewood Cliffs
NJ Locations: 7
Industry: General insurance
Founded: 1919
Employees: 114
27. Discovery Data
Headquarters: Eatontown
NJ Location: Eatontown
Industry: Financial services, insurance data and analytics
Founded: 2002
Employees: 50
28. AvePoint
Headquarters: Jersey City
NJ Location: Jersey City
Industry: Software company
Founded: 2001
Employees: 80
29. Viking Pest Control
Headquarters: Liberty Corner
NJ Location: Liberty Corner
Industry: Full-service pest control company
Founded: 1980
Employees: 71
30. Merola Tile
Headquarters: Manalapan
NJ Location: Manalapan
Industry: Wholesale distribution
Founded: 1988
Employees: 98
31. Eastern Christian School
Headquarters: North Haledon
NJ Locations: 4
Industry: K-12 education
Founded: 1892
Employees: 128
32. CMC Food LLC
Headquarters: Elizabeth
NJ Locations: 3
Industry: Production plant – eggs
Founded: 1984
Employees: 86
33. Visual Lease
Headquarters: Woodbridge
NJ Location: Woodbridge
Industry: Lease management software
Founded: 1995
Employees: 111
34. All American Subaru in Old Bridge
Headquarters: Old Bridge
NJ Location: Old Bridge
Industry: Auto dealerships
Founded: 2009
Employees: 54
35. Health Recovery Solutions
Headquarters: Hoboken
NJ Location: Hoboken
Industry: Health care – other
Founded: 2012
Employees: 111
36. A3 Technology Inc.
Headquarters: Egg Harbor City
NJ Location: Egg Harbor City
Industry: IT – other
Founded: 2001
Employees: 76
37. Woodmont Properties LLC
Headquarters: Fairfield
NJ Locations: 10
Industry: Integrated development, construction and management
Founded: 1963
Employees: 122
38. Capitol Lighting
Headquarters: Boca Raton, Fla.
NJ Locations: 3
Industry: Lighting, home furnishings and accessories
Founded: 1924
Employees: 65
39. Iris Software Inc.
Headquarters: Edison
NJ Location: Edison
Industry: IT services
Founded: 1996
Employees: 81
40. Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Headquarters: Marlborough, Mass.
NJ Location: Fort Lee
Industry: Pharmaceutical manufacturing – other
Founded: 2010
Employees: 88
41. PLM Trailer Leasing Inc.
Headquarters: Newark
NJ Locations: 2
Industry: Refrigerated trailer leasing
Founded: 1971
Employees: 73
42. Collabera
Headquarters: Basking Ridge
NJ Locations: 2
Industry: IT – other
Founded: 1991
Employees: 109
43. Advanced Digital Data Inc.
Headquarters: Flanders
NJ Location: Flanders
Industry: Computer software
Founded: 1973
Employees: 132
44. Navicore Solutions
Headquarters: Manalapan
NJ Locations: 2
Industry: Nonprofit financial services
Founded: 1991
Employees: 106
45. Marketsmith Inc.
Headquarters: Cedar Knolls
NJ Location: Cedar Knolls
Industry: Advertising and marketing
Founded: 1999
Employees: 61
If you wonder why a particular company is not on the list, it might be because it chose not to participate in the survey, or because it did not score well enough in the survey process. Sometimes, Energage disqualifies employers based on questionable results detected through statistical tests it runs to ensure organizations are accurately administering the survey.
