SpareFoot, which provides an online marketplace for self-storage customers, was recently named among the 15 best young companies to work for by Turnstone, a designer of office furniture for small businesses. The award was given through a partnership with Peter Cappelli, a management professor and human-resource expert at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The 2013 Best Young Companies to Work For award recognizes innovative and forward-thinking young companies that demonstrate excellence in a number of areas, including positive work culture, forward-thinking leadership, talent retention, business innovation, community outreach and an intentionally designed workspace.
To be considered, the companies had to be less than 10 years old and employ no more than 100 people. Candidates could not nominate themselves. Evaluation was based on four main criteria, each given equal weight, including business goals and societal impact, outstanding leadership, positive culture and workspace design, and success potential.
An intentionally designed workspace can bring people together to foster collaboration, attract and retain top talent, build a brand and culture, and ultimately promote growth, said Kevin Kuske, Turnstones general manager and a chief anthropologist. These 15 companies have created environments that embrace the companys personality by vividly representing their culture, fostering a tight community and exuding fun.
Turnstone received more than 100 nominations from small businesses across the country that offer a range of products and services, from social media to staffing. The winners were discovered through a nationwide search, and selected by an esteemed panel of judges, including Cappelli and Kuske as well as Marc Nager, president and CEO of UP Global, and Lesa Mitchell, vice president of innovation and networks for Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
What sets Best Young Companies to Work For apart from the countless other listings out there is there were no self-nominations, Cappelli said. These companies were nominated by industry leaders and peers, partners, customers, or other professionals who witnessed their success in building a place where everyone wants to work.
Based in Austin, Texas, and founded in 2008, SpareFoot.com helps consumers find and reserve self-storage units, with comparison shopping tools that show real-time availability and exclusive deals. With a network of more than 6,500 storage facilities ranging from mom-and-pop operations to real estate investment trusts, the company reaches prospective storage renters though partnerships with brands including SelfStorage.com, Apartments.com and Penske Truck Rental.
Turnstone is a brand of Steelcase Inc., a global, publicly traded company based in Grand Rapids, Mich. The company offers a portfolio of workplace products, furnishings and services.