Best Companies: Q&A with Dan Staggs of iMatch

What does it take to be voted one of the “best companies to work for in Seattle?” That depends on who you ask, of course, as everyone has a different measurement of what makes a great boss, team, and work environment. Seattle Business magazine went straight to the source, asking executives at five of the highest-scoring companies in the annual Best Companies To Work For survey about what makes their workplaces stand out among the rest—from summer boat outings and holiday activities, to an emphasis on creating a collaborative in-office culture where everyone feels like they are adding value to the team.  

Here, Dan Staggs, managing partner at Seattle staffing and recruiting agency iMatch, talks company culture, leadership, and teamwork. 

Seattle Business magazine: How do you build a positive working culture at your company?

Dann Staggs: iMatch was founded by close friends who have known each other for 25+ years, and that spirit still defines how we work. Our Seattle and Phoenix teams collaborate daily, celebrate wins together, and support one another. The atmosphere is fun, real, and refreshingly un-corporate. We meet each morning as a team, ring a bell when deals close, spin a wheel for gift cards, and stand up to cheer for each other. After twenty-five years with zero layoffs, people know they can count on stability and a culture built on trust and long-term relationships.

How does your company support employees in their career development?

Growth at iMatch happens through hands-on learning with leaders who have twenty plus years of experience. Team members take on real responsibilities early, including leading meetings, managing clients, and training others. We offer mentoring, job shadowing, leadership development workshops, and industry conferences. There is a clear path from recruiting to sales to leadership for anyone who wants to grow.

What is your in-office versus work-from-home policy?

We offer a hybrid model. Most people prefer to be in the office because the energy and collaboration are hard to beat, but everyone has set work-from-home days each week. The environment is fun and motivating, and celebrating wins together is part of what keeps the team connected.

How important is cross-team and departmental collaboration?

It is central to how we operate. Our Technology, Accounting and Finance, and Executive Search divisions work together daily, share clients and candidates, and brainstorm as one unified team. Seattle and Phoenix collaborate constantly. Helping each other is the norm, not the exception.

Holiday party at Pike Place Market

Photo courtesy of iMatch

How do you build trust with employees?

We build trust by keeping our word. Commission plans remain consistent, expectations are clear, and leadership is transparent and steady. When someone struggles, we support them through coaching and open communication. Decisions are never abrupt. Our history of twenty five years without layoffs speaks for itself.

What are some fun perks you provide employees?

We celebrate often and genuinely. Deal wins mean bell ringing, wheel spinning, and team-wide recognition. We host Mariners outings, boating days, happy hours, holiday events, and friendly competitions. The office has ping pong, darts, and TVs playing major sports. We also offer early release Fridays, flexible schedules, and a culture where people actually enjoy each other.