Other midsize top workplaces: Service Express, Zach Hart Agency, Kapnick Insurance

Nov. 04--Service Express, Zach Hart Agency and Kapnick Insurance are Top Workplaces, taking the third-, fourth- and fifth-place spots, respectively, in the midsize category this year.

Service Express

Service Express, founded in 1986 and based in Grand Rapids, is a privately held company that provides maintenance services to data centers and servers for hospitals, manufacturing plants, universities, banks and other companies in 18 states.

"We are proud to be recognized as a Top Michigan Workplace," said Service Express President and CEO Ron Alvesteffer. "Our business model is built on our vision of working with employees to help them achieve their personal, professional and financial goals.' "

The company offers a variety of events and activities, such as ugly sweater contests, team happy hours, cooking class, paintball outings and even bringing in a frozen yogurt truck for a day.

"Our team thrives in this employee-focused environment, and our success as a company is a direct result of the talented and dedicated team members we have the pleasure of working with," Alvesteffer added. "I'd like to thank the entire Service Express team for their continuing contributions to our culture and company."

Zach Hart Agency

Zach Hart Agency in Troy has grown quickly since the owner, Zach Hart, took over the Troy-based firm in 2014.

What makes it a top workplace?

"if you ask me, I'd love to be biased, I'd love to say it's strictly a leadership thing," Hart said. "But, I've got some pretty awesome people. A lot of passion, straight positivity -- we don't deal with negativity. I always tell people if you have negativity, bring it outside, throw it on the ground, step on it 15 times, come back in with some positivity."

ost of the Troy-based insurance firm's 326 employees are in Michigan. The company, which offers life insurance and financial investments, aims to offer customers a personal touch, while also providing benefits for employees.

He said agents' pay generally starts at $60,000. A big bonus is also possible.

In the summer, the company has family picnics and softball tournaments.

The agency, Hart said, is about uplifting his employees.

"Without them, this company wouldn't exist," he added. "No matter what, they come first."

Kapnick Insurance

Elmer Kapnick started a namesake agency in 1946 in a small, storefront in downtown Adrian.

When he first opened his doors, the company said, he built the business on a commitment to customer service, hard work and giving back to the community.

As the company grew, Kapnick's son, Douglas Kapnick, joined, and his grandsons, Jim and Mike Kapnick, now own it. In the past couple of years, a fourth generation of the family has joined the organization. It offers both personal and businesses insurance policies.

"We just celebrated 70 years last year," said Kristin Foerg, the human resources employee who put together the company's application. "Even after 70 years, we try to keep that family culture. We have fun events every month and we try to keep things fun and light, even though we work hard."

The company has identified its core values as integrity, respect, stewardship and innovation.

"We have a monthly meeting. The owners sit down with everybody and fill them in, this is where we're at, these are are our goals," Foerg said. "It goes back to that family atmosphere, knowing that our owners really care about each person individually."

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

Service Express

Industry: Data center maintenance

President, CEO: Ron Alvesteffer

Home: Grand Rapids

Employees: 342, including166 in Michigan

Revenue: $70 million

Website: www.serviceexpress.com

Popular employee benefits: 16 hours of paid time off to support community groups and charitable causes, reimbursement for yoga classes.

Zach Hart Agency

Industry: Life insurance, annuities, retirement investments

Owner: Zach Hart

Home: Troy

Employees: 326, including 310 in Michigan

Revenue: $8 million

Website:www.zachhartagency.com

Popular employee benefits: Agents start at about $60,000 a year with a bonus package.

Kapnick Insurance

Industry: Insurance consultants, brokers

Top leadership: James Kapnick, CEO; Michael Kapnick, president and chief operating officer; Stephen Peck, president Kapnick Benefit Services

Home: Adrian

Employees: 157, all in Michigan

Website: www.kapnick.com

Popular employee benefits: Contributions to health savings accounts, maternity leave for six months.

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