Tennessee's Best Employers 2008

Pinnacle Financial Partners
Heading this year's list is newcomer Pinnacle Financial Partners. Pinnacle began operations in a single downtown Nashville location in October 2000. A recent expansion into Knoxville and the acquisition of Mid-American Bancshares has made Pinnacle the second largest bank holding company headquartered in Tennessee, with 32 offices in the Nashville area.
The firm provides a full range of banking, investment and insurance products and services designed for small- to mid-sized businesses and their owners, real estate professionals and individuals, as well as comprehensive wealth management services. The firm has a well-established expertise in commercial real estate.
Pinnacle recruits seasoned advisors—the average financial associate has 24 years of banking or brokerage experience. The firm's self-described passion for customer service begins with the first impression: a firm mandate is to answer all incoming phone calls—by a live person, not voice mail—by the third ring.
Pinnacle's employee retention rate of 96%, compared to industry norms of 65% to 75% at other comparable regional banks—and its leadership role as one of the fast-growing commercial banks chartered since 2000—suggest that something is working. An offbeat, personable culture promotes strong identification with firm values and a sense of belonging. All employees undergo a three-day orientation, largely conducted by president and CEO, Terry Turner, including a wall-climbing challenge at the YMCA. Regular training and social events forge connections, too: a book club that meets at the CEO's home, or anniversary parties complete with costumes and skits. Turner stays tuned in to employees through quarterly "listening sessions," and members of the company's leadership team are authorized to award up to 5% of an employee's annual base pay for outstanding achievements. The firm's annual workplace environment survey has a 100% completion rate and the unedited results are shared with all employees.
"We're genuinely focused on creating an atmosphere where people will become fully engaged, enjoy what they are doing and be successful," says Terry Turner, CEO. "Our hiring philosophy is to recruit experienced people, allowing our organization structure to remain flat. We don't have to build all the bureaucracy and control structure that is required by most large regional banks." "The associates of the firm are most responsible for this being a great place to work," he continues. "Assuming I do my job, it is the relationships between associates—how well they know, care about, and respect one another—that make it a great place to work."
Edward Jones Edward
Jones returns to the list in the number-two slot this year. The St. Louis-based firm has $400 billion in assets under management and 9,000 branch offices serving more than seven million clients throughout United States and, through its affiliates, in the United Kingdom and Canada.
The firm targets small business owners and individuals, and financial advisors promote a conservative buy-and-hold investment philosophy offering relatively low-risk, quality investments. Edward Jones has received several industry awards for workplace culture and support, including nine consecutive years on Fortune magazine's annual "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" listing. The firm captured the No. 4 spot on the list in 2008, and the No.2 spot in the Large Employers category. Edward Jones occupied the top ten for five years and number-one ranking in 2002 and 2003. Award rankings also include eight consecutive years on Training magazine's Top 125 training list, every year of the listing's history.
Each Edward Jones financial advisor is part of a team that includes a regional leader, academic leader and veteran financial advisor. Training offerings range from the Rotational Development program, a cross-training program that allows new employees to work in various divisions and departments around the country; to "track training," which allows veteran employees to specialize in areas of interest ranging from retirement planning to equities.
Jim Dickerson, a financial advisor who joined Edward Jones in 2005 following a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, was recently chosen for training as a productivity leader. Once completed, he will join the company's network of regional trainers. "Edward Jones was a natural transition for me, coming from the military," he says. "I found a similar value set here. Our employees are the most organically trained in the financial services industry. We have autonomy in the way we conduct our business, and access to a strong support system."
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz PC
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz has a long legacy of producing leaders—from high-ranking dignitaries to authorities in a specific practice area. Current and former associates include state governors, foreign ambassadors, U.S. congressmen and White House Chiefs of Staff.
Baker Donelson is one of the 100 largest law firms in the country, with more than 540 attorneys and public policy and international advisors. The firm has more than doubled in size since 2002 alone.
With offices in five states—Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee—as well as Washington, D.C., and a representative office in Beijing, China, the firm serves local, regional, national and international clients.
Growth has been accompanied by increasing diversity in the firm's lineup of legal talent. From 2002 to 2006, Baker Donelson's minority attorney population more than quadrupled. Since 2005, Multicultural Law magazine has consistently ranked the firm as one of its "Top 100 U.S. Law Firms for Diversity."
Community outreach is a priority as well, and the firm supports a variety of causes through funding, volunteer manpower or pro bono legal assistance.
"At Baker Donelson, we are dedicated to attracting and retaining the best and brightest people who embrace our shared beliefs of integrity, diversity, accomplishment, mutual respect and support and a commitment to the betterment of our communities and our profession," says Ben Adams, chairman and CEO.
Beaman Automotive Group
If you live in Middle Tennessee, chances are you've probably bought a car—or at least shopped for one—at Beaman Automotive. Beaman Automotive Group, founded in 1945, is one of the largest and most respected automotive groups in the country. Family-owned and run for the duration of its 63-year history, the dealership is run by CEO Lee Beaman, son of founder Alvin G. Beaman. Originally a Dodge and Plymouth franchise, the dealership switched to the Pontiac line, and grew over the years to include Toyota, Lincoln-Mercury, GMC trucks and Dodge.
The dealership has been headquartered in the heart of downtown Nashville since its establishment, and the Beaman Pontiac neon sign is one of the area's most recognizable landmarks. Many of Beaman's 450 employees have been with the company 20 years or more, with a couple topping the 40-year mark, says Ann Eaden, vice president. "Once people are here for five years, they're hooked for life," she says.
"I am very thankful and proud of this honor. Being named as one of the Best Employers in Tennessee validates the Beaman philosophy that people are the most important part of our business, and we believe we have the best people in place to be successful," says Beaman. "Our associates are the ones who actually do the work and deserve the credit for our long-term success. I have come to realize that by taking care of our associates, they will be inspired to care for our customers, and in turn, customers will continue to reward us with their business."
Mid-America Apartment Communities
Mid-America Apartment Communities manages 140 apartment properties in 13 states in the Southeast and South Central United States. Created in 1977, the company went public in 1994 as a self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). Today, it has a portfolio of 40,494 apartment homes. Mid-America's book of business includes acquisition, new development, redevelopment and property management. The company hires 35 to 40 community managers annually, and the industry turnover rate is 40%, so training is a priority. Mid-America has also won numerous awards for property management, marketing and charity work. "Our success in creating value through owning and managing apartment real estate lies in disciplined investment practices and strong systems," says CEO Eric Bolton, "but over the long haul is primarily dependent on our folks who work at our properties serving our residents and executing on the many tasks associated with creating great places to live." The company promotes employee retention through a tiered system of benefits that increase with length of service and include such perks as apartment discounts; computer, cellular phone or appliance discounts for personal use; fatherhood leave; health insurance premium discounts, adoption assistance and a scholarship program for employees' children. In keeping with its business focus, the company charity Open Arms provides free, fully furnished apartment homes near treatment centers for families in medical crisis who must be away from home for extended periods of time. Over the past 10 years, the program has helped more than 1,000 families.
Oak Ridge Associated Universities
Established in 1946 as the Oak Ridge Institute for Nuclear Studies, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is a nonprofit university consortium of 98 research institutions. ORAU links national laboratories and federal agencies with private industry to advance science and education programs. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education for the U.S. Department of Energy. More than one-third of the nation's science and engineering research, and a third of the country's science and education doctoral degrees, are produced by ORAU.
Focus areas include worker/public health and environmental stewardship, emergency response, and scientific research and education. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and has served as a contractor for the DOE the past 60 years, as well as more than 14 other federal agencies. "ORAU is truly honored to be recognized as one Tennessee 's best employers for the second straight year," says ORAU President Ron Townsend. "ORAU not only strives to ensure that we have the most talented and committed individuals working for us, but that they also feel valued and appreciated for the work that they do."
Locally, ORAU continues to encourage young scientists through more than $1 million in grants and funding for science and math activities in local schools, organizations and communities. ORAU places more than 5,000 students in programs across the country and hosts more than 11,000 students at Oak Ridge for science education programs.
Lifeway Christian Resources
Established in Nashville in 1891, LifeWay Christian Resources is one of the world's largest providers of Christian products and services, including Bibles, church literature, books, music, audio and video recordings, church supplies, research services through LifeWay Research, and Internet services through LifeWay.com.
Founded as the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, LifeWay began as a publisher of Sunday School literature. The current name, adopted in 1998, reflects the company's focus on providing biblical solutions that spiritually transform individuals and cultures. The word "LifeWay" is rooted in the words of Jesus recorded in the Biblical verse John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
"LifeWay has a proud heritage and a respected place in the community. We are an organization with a ministry purpose supported by a great business model," says Steve Lawrence, director of human resources. "It is always good to know that we work at one of the best employers in Tennessee as recognized by an independent party. Many of us always have thought that, but it is encouraging to have the validation."
"Our employees always have good things to say about their experience here, and their high morale translates into commitment, dedication and productivity." The company employs more than 4,200 full- and part-time staff, 1,500 of whom work at its home office in Nashville. Today, LifeWay offers vast array of products, services and ministries. The company also owns and operates more than 140 LifeWay Christian Stores throughout the United States, as well as two of the largest Christian conference centers in the country.
FirstBank
FirstBank was founded more than 100 years ago in 1906 as Farmers State Bank, a small rural agricultural bank in Scotts Hill, Tenn. Today, FirstBank has more than 44 locations in 22 counties across West and Middle Tennessee and more than 575 employees.
FirstBank's customer base of more than 40,000 households and $1.9 billion in assets places it in the top five of all U.S. banks in asset size. FirstBank is a full-service bank offering the latest technology and convenience with the culture and feel of a small regional community bank.
Personal service and community involvement are hallmarks of the bank's operating culture. The Ayers Scholarship Program (named for owner Jim Ayers) provides coaching, help with the application process and scholarship funds—up to $400,000 per student—for high school students in Decatur and Henderson County. Employees can also apply for scholarship funds for college-bound children through the FirstScholars program.
Hundreds of community first-graders participate in FirstBank's annual FirstArt contest. Winners are chosen in each FirstBank market, receive a savings bond and have their drawing featured on the bank's holiday card.
"At FirstBank, we work hard to maintain an atmosphere that encourages individual and team growth and motivates our associates to focus on helping customers succeed in reaching their goals. In doing so, FirstBank succeeds, too," says Craig Butler, senior vice president of human resource services. "Being named one of the best employers is a great honor, and we know that comes from having employees who are striving for excellence and helping one another to do their best."
Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance
Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance has helped home buyers to afford their dreams for more than 30 years. Founded in 1974 in Maryville, the company is the financing arm of Clayton Homes and handles more than 300,000 loans.
VMF's financial services include manufactured housing mortgage loans, land financing and loan servicing. The company has 917 team members in sales, finance (credit and collections), customer service call centers, credit investigations and accounting.
Career development programs, leadership training, tuition reimbursement, a generous slate of health and wellness programs, a training department resource library with personal interest and professional development topics available for check-out, an onsite restaurant and discounts on company-manufactured homes for qualified employees all help make the company a good place for associates to call home.
Toni Miller, bankruptcy department manager, has worked for VMF since her 2004 graduation from the UT-Knoxville. "The company's strength is the environment. They care. Even though it's a big company, everyone knows your name," she says. "Company leaders are accessible and easy to talk to. [President and CEO] Kevin Clayton has a cubicle just like I do."
"We focus on our team members so they can focus on our customers," says Sharon Kennedy, director of human resources. "We strive to be number one in value and number one in customer experience."
Memorial Health Care (tie)
Memorial Health Care System in Chattanooga is the area's only faith-based health system, a leading provider of cardiac, cancer and orthopedic services, and a leader in imaging and surgical care with a wide range of specialty services.
Serving the Chattanooga community since 1952, the Memorial system includes two acute-care hospitals, home health services, satellite facilities and 30 physician offices. The system involves more than 700 physicians, 4,000 employees and 630 volunteers.
Memorial has received numerous awards for excellence in clinical practice and outcomes, workplace environment and consumer satisfaction. "We are honored to be recognized for the fourth time as one of the state's best employers," says Debra L. Moore, interim president and CEO of Memorial Health Care System. "Recognition is one of the many blessings that results from a dedication to providing exceptional medical care with a compassionate spirit. Our associates exemplify that dedication and our values of reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence in their daily ministries."
Creating healthier communities is at the heart of Memorial's healing mission, which includes not only medical care but also outreach to individuals who are hurting or in need. Memorial partners with a variety of organizations—churches, health departments, and charities—to help improve access to health care. Outreach efforts range from health fairs and screenings to financial support to surrounding communities. Memorial works with area neighborhoods on community improvements ranging from parks to loans for home purchases and improvements. Memorial-funded scholarships help area students with school costs and job training programs.
In 2006 alone, community outreach programs impacted more than 260,000 people and represented a contribution of more than $22.7 million in charity care, unpaid costs, and community service.
Unum (tie)
Serving more than 20 million working people and their families, Unum is one of the world's leading employee benefits providers. The company provides FMLA services, disability reporting/ analysis, and integrated disability management.
Unum is headquartered in Chattanooga and has offices in Portland, Maine, Worcester, Mass., and Glendale, Calif. Subsidiaries include Colonial Life in South Carolina and Unum Limited in England. The company has 10,000 employees in the U.S. and U.K.
The company has ranked number one in the U.S. in group disability for 31 years. In 2007, Unum and its subsidiaries paid more than $6 billion in benefit claims, processed nearly 400,000 new disability claims and paid an industry-leading $4.3 billion in disability benefits.
"We pride ourselves on being a 'people' company, so we are especially honored to be named one of the best employers in Tennessee," says Bob Best, COO for Unum US. "We work to provide an environment that fosters collaboration and inspires enthusiasm and commitment. Our annual employee satisfaction surveys tell us we are doing a good job, but that doesn't mean we are complacent—we never stop trying to improve."
Flexibility is a key element of the company's alternative work program. Currently, more than 1,050 employees telecommute under one of the following arrangements: full-time, on selected days according to a pre-determined schedule, or as required by business or personal needs.
Health education is a popular offering for employees, as well. Newly added group health coaching sessions, presented by the company's Health Resource Center and overseen by a nurse educator, are now available in addition to individual health counseling. The group meetings, added by employee request, provide a forum for employees to work together on mutual health goals.