Certain qualities are essential to happy families – mutual respect, shared values, trust, a nurturing environment and good listening and communication, for example. W. L. Butler Construction Inc., which has ranked among the Orange County Register’s Top Workplaces for the last seven years in a row, believes those qualities are also essential to a positive work environment.

Last year marked the 40th anniversary since company founder Bill Butler launched a small construction business from the back of his pickup truck. Butler focused on building the enterprise as a family business, and that the company believes that this family atmosphere continues to be an essential component of its continued success.

According to the firm, Butler has always had an innate ability to surround himself with people who share his values. The company prides itself on the longevity of its team and is committed to maintaining a culture of trust and respect, where people actively listen to one another, communicate ideas and share experiences.

“We believe that good people are the foundation of a successful company. We are one of the best places to work because of our people,” said Margaret Sims, Director of Relations for W. L. Butler Construction.

In-depth communication

W. L. Butler Construction has implemented a variety of measures to ensure that everyone is informed of the company’s direction. Its internal website offers access to the company’s latest news, best practices, current forms and links to department information. Company goals are published and updated so that everyone on the team is working toward common objectives, according to the firm.

The firm’s quarterly employee newsletter includes project updates, team highlights and other Butler family news. Department meetings are conducted to keep everyone connected and to review procedures. Annual meetings and year-end celebrations enable employees from each of the offices across the western region to share in the success of the current year, plan for the future, brainstorm ideas as a team, and simply spend valued time together having fun.

Caring environment

The leadership team of W. L. Butler Construction believes that its people are the essence of why it is a great company, according to the firm. Therefore, the leaders strive to treat their internal customers – team members – with the same regard as they do their external customers.

A company representative explained that the Leadership Team guides by example, setting the expectation on how individuals throughout the organization must treat one another in order to foster a positive culture and successful team.

“It is understood that people are our greatest asset and that by taking care of each other and providing a respectful, professional, and caring environment, we will all find success,” the representative said. “The leaders at W. L. Butler Construction Inc. are dedicated mentors and active listeners who believe that we can and must learn from each other to build a greater understanding of how each department works and the impact we have on each other.”

Recruitment and development

When it comes to recruiting, W. L. Butler Construction looks for smart, motivated individuals who can excel in a fast-paced, caring work environment that encourages collaboration, dedication, loyalty and “outrageous customer service,” according to the representative.

“Beyond skill set, we look for what we call the ‘B’ personality, or the Butler personality – individuals who work with integrity, demonstrate a willingness to learn, are dedicated to quality, committed to the team and doing the right thing,” the representative added.

Believing that growth comes through learning, W. L. Butler Construction provides training in many formats. Offerings include in-house training, online training and educational reimbursement benefits.

“We believe that self-development is a personal choice, and by hiring the right people and providing a learning environment where individuals can grow and learn, we have established a culture that provides opportunity and supports continuous learning,” the representative noted.

Examples of successful career development throughout the organization include W. L Butler President Frank York, who started as a part time laborer, as well as Vice President Brett Crail, originally hired as a project manager.

“W. L. Butler Construction Inc. is a place where each individual is recognized for their contribution through praise, promotion, service awards, fun day activities, a complete and competitive compensation package and respect,” said the representative.

Comprehensive benefits

W. L. Butler Construction, Inc. offers a host of comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance and Aflac programs. Its wellness program provides tools and information for leading a healthy lifestyle, such as gym-membership discounts and an annual onsite health fair.

Personal financial wellness is also encouraged through a matching 401-K plan; flexible spending plans for health care, dependent care and commuter expenses; a workplace 529 savings plan; and direct-deposit options. Other rewards include paid time off from work, paid holidays, educational reimbursements, onsite training and development, a talent referral program and employee-recognition awards.

Supporting the community

Giving back to the community is an integral part of W. L. Butler Construction’s history and culture, according to the firm. The company offers team members a range of community-service opportunities by providing resources, financial support and the freedom to take time away from work to participate in such activities. In the Orange County area, the company partners with such organizations as Make-A-Wish, Donate Life, Thomas House and Kids Day, among others.

The company-match program was established to assist team members in supporting the charitable programs that matter to them personally, providing both financial support to local non-profit organizations and company support to team members and their families.

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