Deliberate, Direct, Decisive

Don’t be confused by Tony Johnson’s use of the word “deliberate” to describe the culture at his insurance company. Think thoughtful, not laid-back. And it all begins before an employee even sets foot in the door.

“We are ‘deliberate’ about ensuring personalities will mesh well with our culture in the hiring process,” says Johnson, principal and president at Vancouver-based Davidson & Associates Insurance. “There is no such thing as a perfect workplace, but our team knows that upward management is encouraged, and feedback is always welcome.”

Davidson appeared on Seattle Business magazine’s 2023 list of Best Companies in the small-company category. It had previously been honored in 2022 as well. The independent insurance broker primarily serves the Pacific Northwest but is licensed in many states across the country.

“Talk is cheap when it comes to culture. It is about action, and how we treat the team and each other.”

Tony Johnson, Principal and President, Davidson & Associates Insurance

The agency offers personal, commercial and life/benefits insurance, with dedicated teams for each category.

Twice each year, employees give formal feedback to management — once over a nice meal, and again in the middle of the year with an employee support team to make sure “we are hitting the mark related to our company culture,” Johnson says. “Of course, we have a stellar HR department for when direct communication might be uncomfortable.”

Perks are numerous. Employees are given their birthday off and a $50 gift card to a favorite restaurant. Birthdays are celebrated with a monthly happy hour. On work anniversaries, employees receive a bouquet of flowers delivered with a card.

The company holds team events four to six times a year, and provides food, beverages and prizes, typically during work hours. Sometimes invites are extended to families as well. The pet-friendly company gives employees one Friday off each month during the summer. Davidson also donates to local nonprofits based on suggestions by clients and employees. There’s even a company book club.

Davidson is mostly remote, and employees who do decide to go into the office have access to a “relax room” equipped with a massage chair, something Johnson says creates a “warm and flexible” environment. All employees, however, can work from home if they desire — no one is required to come into a physical office. Every employee also receives unlimited time off.

As much as anything, Johnson emphasizes open and honest communication, even if it’s not related to work. Employees are encouraged to “build up one another” whenever possible, especially between different branches.

“Talk is cheap when it comes to culture,” Johnson adds. “It is about action, and how we treat the team and each other.”