The 2015 Family Business Awards: Midsize Firms

WINNER

Family Home Care
Liberty Lake

Afast-growing segment of health care delivery involves service in the home an area in which Family Home Care (FHC) can show nearly 50 years of experience providing one-on-one assistance.

The business employs certified nursing assistants who provide residential care for more than 500 families in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Through a recent acquisition of a local competitor, FHC now employs 325 people and its revenue is expected to top $10 million this year.

President Jeff Wiberg credits two factors for FHCs growth: a solid reputation in the community and higher demand for in-home care. We can deliver high-quality care for less cost than other options, explains Wiberg, who acquired FHCs home-care division from Michael Nowling in 2013.

FHC has seven active Wiberg family shareholders, five of whom work for the company and have clearly defined roles. Wiberg runs day-to-day operations, and an operating agreement governs any change in family shareholder status.

FHC has received more than 10 awards for quality care and excellence as an employer. The company provides charity care for people unable to pay and contributes thousands of dollars to the local hospice program and other nonprofit groups.

Expanding its coverage area could come soon. My next target, Wiberg notes, will probably be another location outside our service area to extend our footprint.

SILVER AWARD
Andersen Construction Company
Seattle
As a construction manager and general contractor, 65-year-old Andersen Construction often tackles technically challenging projects. The Oregon-based firm is known for quality work delivered on time and on budget. With offices in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, Andersen projects cover the gamut from a $1,000 remodel to a $222 million hospital campus. Family shareholders meet regularly and stay informed through an executive management team. Andersens employee count in Seattle is at a record high of 95, and so is the number of Seattle projects. Andersen donates a pro-bono community job for every contract it wins, no matter the size, resulting in dozens of give-back projects in recent years.

SILVER AWARD
Van Doren Sales Inc.
Wenatchee
Founded in 1946, Van Doren Sales has a history entwined with Wenatchees storied orchard industry. Employing 90, Van Doren creates equipment for cleaning, waxing, sorting, packing and boxing fresh apples, pears and cherries all under the company slogan, Quality Pays. Family leadership spans three generations and the business has invested heavily in community sponsorships. The owners also have a clear succession plan requiring education of family members specific to how one can qualify. Van Dorens principals were prime creators of the ChelanMan triathalon, adding another benefit for area residents.