Photo by Toshi Tasaki
The 18 firms that scored top marks from employees have one thing in common: creating a sense of community and family in the workplace.
By Paul Adler, Nick Brandi, Cristiana Caruso, and Joe Cesarano
1) PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP
Harrison
pkfod.com
Westchester Employees: 217
This year marks a return engagement for the Harrison office of this elite international accounting and advisory firm — except this time, PKF occupies the top spot. No surprise, considering the myriad perks and benefits the firm offers employees, including flex hours, profit sharing, first-day healthcare eligibility, and five weeks’ paid parental leave. PKF also provides employee mentorship, supported by formalized career-development and job-advancement programs. Additionally, this multi-award-winning industry leader offers chair massages, Fresh Fruit Mondays, Healthy Snack Day, Trivia Thursdays, and daily Bingo during peak season, as well as such team-building activities as the annual summer picnic, JP Morgan Corporate Challenge, after-tax-season party, monthly DEI events, and Women’s Initiative-sponsored events. PKF supports the community, as well, through such agencies as Habitat for Humanity, Golden Scoop, Toys for Tots, Nourish Now, and the Winter Wishes Gift Drive.
“We’re committed to providing a meaningful work/life balance and rewarding our high-performing team members,” says Dawn Perri, chief human resources officer. “In the past year, we’ve remained flexible with our hybrid work policy, introduced a four-day Summer Schedule Pilot Program, and implemented an enhanced bonus schedule. These benefits, among many others, reflect the appreciation we have for the great work our team members do day in and day out.”—NB
2) Copy & Art
White Plains
copyandartny.com
Westchester Employees: 25
With a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a cutting-edge workspace in Downtown White Plains this past October, employees are sitting pretty at this boutique advertising agency. Founded in 2011 by Elena Rivera-Cheek, Copy & Art is a woman-owned company servicing both midsize and large businesses across the globe. Employees enjoy a wellness/yoga room with a Peloton at their new office, as well as an all-expenses-paid trip to the Caribbean for two years running, team-building days, a hybrid work schedule, career and personal-development opportunities, a 401(k), long- and short-term disability, and even free snacks to sweeten the deal. This attention is paying off, as the agency was inducted into the Business Council of Westchester’s 2022 Hall of Fame and twice named one of America’s fastest-growing private companies in the annual Inc. 5000. —PA
3) Prospero Equipment Corp
Pleasantville
prosperoequipment.com
Westchester Employees: 24
Appearing in the top rankings for the second year in a row, Prospero has not only cemented its legacy as a titan of beverage distribution across the country and Canada but also as a welcome staple to the county. For its employees, Prospero provides an equal balance of work, play, and paying it forward. While the company provides institutionalized training and mentoring for its staff, Prospero also contributes 100% toward health insurance and offers life insurance, dental, 401(k), PTO, and holiday pay. In tandem with those corporate benefits, Prospero offers such fun perks as company lunches, birthday celebrations, free wine for employees on holidays and special occasions, an annual wine dinner, and employee discounts on products from the company store. —CC
4) DAC Group New York
Purchase
dacgroup.com
Westchester Employees: 48
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion” aren’t just buzzwords at the Purchase office of this global digital-marketing agency. DAC’s internal DEI Committee ensures that no employee feels discriminated against, deprived of opportunities, or treated differently due to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. The company partners with the Mom Project for mothers re-entering the workforce as well as veteran’s associations as part of its hiring efforts. A few times a month, employees have meditation sessions with an instructor, and Thursdays at the firm are marked by staff enjoying bagels and afternoon food and drinks, dressing down, and even bringing well-behaved dogs into the office. The company also offers employees one wellness afternoon each quarter, maternity leave with full pay for 16 weeks, cross training on a variety of media platforms, and tuition reimbursement. The Purchase team even created an Office Olympics, during which employees played games and competed for bragging rights, last summer. —JC
5) Slalom
White Plains
slalom.com
Westchester Employees: 72
So what is the secret sauce behind the success of this global consulting company and their White Plains division? “Simply put, Slalom puts people first — and we always will,” note local Slalom executives. And putting people first starts with partnering with diverse groups to assist recruiters in filling positions and launching Me@Slalom, a career framework designed to guide employees toward growing their careers. The company regularly presents awards to its employees for various service distinctions and accomplishments, and offers a Slalom Moves program to promote outdoor activities and wellness. Every year, employees have an all-expenses-paid retreat, which includes an invitation for a plus-one and a company picnic. Employees can also earn “thrive dollars” to spend on any well-being expense — from exercise equipment to a spa weekend. Finally, there is Slalom City Limits, a weeklong festival of learning that gives employees a chance to “take the stage” and share a passion or some personal expertise with their colleagues. —JC
6 RM Friedland
Harrison
rmfriedland.com
Westchester Employees: 31
With a half-century of experience and in-depth knowledge of the commercial real estate landscape in Westchester, RM Friedland has demonstrated that it also cares about its workforce. Employees cite things like providing a safe work environment, copious company support for personal and professional growth (including mentoring, job-shadowing, and cross-training), and a sense that each employee is essential to the success and growth of the company as key reasons RM Friedland is a great place to work. Other sources cite the vision and nurturing spirit of company president Sarah Jones-Maturo, who not only endorses flex time for parents’ school events and doctors’ appointments in addition to company happy hours but is also credited with having created a close-knit team with a best-in-class mentality that permeates everything the company does.—NB
7) Lockard & Wechsler Direct
Irvington
lwdirect.com
Westchester Employees: 90
Perhaps one of the most eloquent testaments to LWD’s success — not just as a modern, forward-thinking direct-and-performance-marketing agency but also as an employer — rests in a culture of emphasized work/life balance that has produced a workforce with an average 10-year employee tenure. The company proudly offers employee bonus and incentive programs in addition to 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans. Staff also benefit from on-site wellness and fitness programs; tuition reimbursement and/or assistance for advanced or post-grad degrees; mentoring, job-shadowing, and cross-training, as well as free or discounted tickets to local family entertainment and sporting events. Twice-weekly massage therapy sessions are available to every employee, as are quarterly team-building outings, summer barbecues and softball games, holiday-themed celebrations, bimonthly birthday celebrations, and team volunteer opportunities. —NB
8) Citrin Cooperman
White Plains
citrincooperman.com
Westchester Employees: 141
This full-service tax, assurance, and business advisory firm is known to go to bat for both its clients and its employees. Citrin Cooperman is serious about cultivating and supporting a satisfied workforce. The company offers workers a new-hire advisory program, combined with events like holiday parties and monthly happy hours, a staff sabbatical program, sports competitions, annual meetings with the CEO, and benefits such as ID Theft Protection, short- and long-term disability plans, and a paid parental-leave program. This attention to employees has paid off beyond its recognition on our Best Places to Work in Westchester list, with Citrin Cooperman having been ranked in the top three of five categories in “The Best of 2022” by The Legal Intelligencer as well as a “2022 Best Company to Work For” by Vault.com. —PA
9) Atlantic Westchester
Bedford Hills
atlanticwestchester.com
Westchester Employees: 27
A commercial HVAC company might not be the first place you would think of as a top place to work, but it’s hard to argue with major benefits and a stellar retirement plan. Not only does Atlantic Westchester subsidize health and dental insurance premiums (including both types of coverage for dependents) 100%; it also sees to the future needs of its workforce. After two years of employment (which equates to being fully vested), the firm contributes 5% of the employee’s annual salary each year into a defined contribution retirement plan for them (unless otherwise modified). Atlantic Westchester also offers tuition reimbursement for employees attending business education conferences or workshops. Pair that with support from those in leadership positions, and what you have is a great company that sets up employees to climb the ranks. —CC
10) A.S.A.P. Mortgage Corp.
Peekskill
asapmortgageinc.com
Westchester Employees: 39
A.S.A.P Mortgage Corp. knows how to make both clients and its workers happy. Founded by Irene Amato in 2001, this full-service mortgage brokerage firm — led by loan originators licensed and bonded through the National Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS) as well as by state regulatory agencies — not only guides its many customers through the mortgage process but also understands the value of happy employees. Workers are offered complimentary professional social media photo shoots monthly as well as paid days off for birthdays, a company-subsidized weekly office lunch, discounted tickets to concerts and events, and even glitzy company retreats to spots like Fort Lauderdale and Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson. —PA
11) Cuddy & Feder LLP
White Plains
cuddyfeder.com
Westchester Employees: 56
Cuddy & Feder is known to be one of Westchester’s premier law firms, but did you know it’s also a great place to work? In addition to bonus and incentive programs, after two years of employment, the firm contributes 5% of the employee’s annual salary each year into a defined contribution plan (unless otherwise modified). Cuddy & Feder also offers on-site wellness and fitness programs, with health-club fee reimbursement in whole or part; adoption assistance; lactation facilities for breastfeeding mothers; and free or discounted tickets to local family entertainment and sporting events. An employer-sponsored Employee Assistance Program provides counseling for marital, parental, or financial problems, along with assistance for conditions like substance abuse, smoking, and gambling. There are also on-site personal development and/or stress-management workshops and seminars. —NB
12) Thalle Industries Inc.
Briarcliff Manor
thalleindustries.com
Number of Westchester Employees: 32
Focusing on community service, top-tier materials, and the health and happiness of all employees, it’s easy to see why this Briarcliff-based supplier has been in operation for 76 years. Offering quality aggregate, asphalt, and recycled products to the construction industry as well as to local builders, Thalle was nominated by the State Department of Environmental Conservation and received the Outreach Award from the National Association of State Land Reclamationists. Thalle encourages this progress through unwavering support of its employees, with benefits like classes, training, and certifications as well as plenty of perks, including off-site retreats, employer-sponsored eldercare assistance, and tickets to sports games. —PA
13) Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers
Yonkers
mhacy.org
Westchester Employees: 49
As a government agency dedicated to providing affordable, safe housing opportunities to residents of Westchester’s most populous city, the Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers (MHACY) is always focused on the needs of people. The agency partners with local nonprofit Greyston to help offer meaningful job opportunities to individuals facing barriers to employment. As a relatively small agency comprising 49 people, MHACY can offer its employees personalized assistance. The agency also provides free COVID testing, OSHA compliance training, and other job-related training to employees at different stages of their careers. On-site stress counseling, holiday parties at Thanksgiving and Christmas, an annual summer barbecue, and events such as Pizza Fridays round out the perks for MHACY staff members. —JC
14) LGS Specialty Sales, Ltd.
New Rochelle
lgssales.com
Westchester Employees: 15
This New Rochelle-based wholesale-food company prides itself on a team environment that is as unique as its history. LGS Specialty Sales, Ltd. began as a one-man operation when founder Luke Sears become involved in the first batch of clementines being imported to the U.S. from Spain nearly 30 years ago. The company grew to expand into avocados, grapes, and oranges, and is currently a leading importer of fresh produce. LGS employees never stray far from the company’s core values of being driven, accountable, respectful, loyal, innovative, nimble, and grateful. In return, the company provides cultural holiday celebrations, in-office chair massages, free citrus and avocados, as well as flexible hours to accommodate employees with families. Each department within the company is also tasked with creating a quarterly team-building activity, which could be an in-office event or a field trip to a sporting event, meal, or wine tasting. —JC
15) Madison-Davis, LLC
Tarrytown
madisondavis.com
Westchester Employees: 37
Thanks to satisfied employees and a tremendous work ethic, Tarrytown-based executive-search-and-consulting firm Madison-Davis is on the rise. In fact, the staffing company has grown by an impressive 65% since 2020, doling out 20 promotions in 2022 alone. Focusing on IT, credit services, risk management, legal and compliance, corporate finance, investment banking, and equipment and commercial finance, Madison-Davis has already filled more than 10,000 jobs for Fortune 500 companies and hedge funds alike. Employees are the driving force behind this success, with the company offering them training programs and quarterly company events in addition to bowling and happy hours, President’s Club trips, summer Fridays, and a benefits package that features a 401(k) with company matching. —PA
16) Million Air HPN
West Harrison
millionair.com/locations/hpn
Westchester Based Employees: 40
Flexible work hours and free food from the cafeteria are just two of the major perks offered by luxury full-service, fixed-based operator (FBO) Million Air, which operates out of Westchester County Airport. Additionally, meetings and staff-only events are scheduled during business hours exclusively, in order to maintain a healthy work/life boundary. Million Air HPN also offers Employee of the Week and Month incentive programs, along with recognition of employees’ birthdays and anniversaries. It’s no wonder its White Plains hangar was in the top 20% of the highest-rated FBOs in the Americas in 2021. —CC
17) Orange Bank & Trust Company
Middletown
orangebanktrust.com
Westchester Employees: 38
Since 1892, this Middletown-based independent bank has worked hard to offer the very best financial services to community and business clientele alike, today boasting more than $2.2 billion in total assets. Its portfolio includes business banking, cash management, personal banking, and wealth management, such as trust services and investment strategies. This dedication to great work is matched by the firm’s devotion to its employees, who enjoy a 401(k) with a “Safe Harbor” company contribution, enhanced short- and long-term disability, EAP and wellness benefits, tuition reimbursement, summertime ice cream days, employee discount programs, a paid volunteer day, raffles, theme days, ongoing professional development, length-of-service recognition, as well as a host of other attractive perks and benefits. —PA
18) DeCicco & Sons
Pelham
deciccoandsons.com
Westchester Employees: 141
A family business at its core, DeCicco & Sons views each employee as an extension of its family tree. Caring about and catering to each employee’s needs, the company offers vocational opportunities for programs that help special-needs individuals enter the workforce. To keep morale boosted, the stores also engage in the celebration of cultural holidays on top of free lunches every day and discounts at local gyms. The company also offers bonuses for employees who refer new hires. For long-term planning, DeCicco & Sons matches employee contributions to retirement plans up to 4%. But the benefits buck doesn’t stop there. The company not only hosts an annual outing to Playland Amusement Park in Rye; it also announces the coveted Employee of the Year award at its annual holiday party. —CC
Related: These Are the Best Places to Work in Westchester County in 2022