Cultural Revolution

Revolution Custom/Civil Builders employees and their families very much anticipate the Issaquah-based builder’s annual company retreat to Chelan. Pizza is served on Friday night, followed by an elegant dinner the next day at a winery.

Last year, one disappointed worker was unable to attend the company-paid bash. You’d never know it by looking at a group picture, though, because co-workers photoshopped him into a picture shared on the company’s team chat.

“It says a lot when employees stick up for each other,” says Managing Member JC Clementz. “We could make sure he felt included.”

Revolution ranked No. 1 among all companies, regardless of size, on Seattle Business magazine’s Washington’s Best Companies To Work For 2023. It’s a nod to the 16-employee organization’s values and ethical guidelines, as well as its intense focus on open communication.

For founder and owner Clementz, that emphasis on communication is the cornerstone of the company’s collegial and collaborative culture. And it starts at the top.

Employees are expected to help guide new hires and answer all their questions. Company values of “Experience, Integrity, Quality, Commitment, Fun” hang on plaques and posters throughout the office. The team chat emphasizes work wins, giving employees a platform to show off their hard work and the progress of company projects. Conflicts are dealt with promptly and respectfully.

Weekly meetings focus on field productivity, and have shifted to include all office staff, so everyone gets a few minutes to tell their teammates what they’re working on. It’s a practice Clementz says “helps bridge the gap” between the office and field. Office manager Jessica Jackson even frequently visits workers at job sites, and brings them lunch once every month.

“We are pretty shocked what we learn from these meetings,” Jackson says. “Normal, everyday questions such as health care benefits, people didn’t get medical cards, questions on vacation pay, or other items that come up.”

Perks are another bonus. Flexible schedules help workers accommodate their personal lives. The company offers several professional education and mentorship opportunities. The annual holiday party includes giveaways for prizes such as tickets to sports events, the best ugly sweater, and goodie bags for kids to fish for.

At least once a year, all employees also receive profit-sharing bonuses, regardless of their job title. Things went so well last year that two bonuses were handed out, one during the summer, and another at year’s end.

Revolution pulls all this off despite actively discouraging remote or hybrid work. Clementz admits that the company’s business as a general contractor specializing in custom homes makes remote work difficult, but there’s another reason.

“People coming into the office aligns more with company values,” he says. “We believe we work better as a team, and there really isn’t anything you can compare to walking over to someone’s desk, asking a question, or helping them solve problems.”