Wonderful Workplaces for Young Professionals 2021

CityPulse Columbus has recognized “Wonderful Workplaces for Young Professionals” in and around Columbus since 2013. In partnership with the Columbus Young Professionals Club, Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio, and Human Resources Association of Central Ohio (HRACO), local employers are nominated in categories of Coolness (Attraction), Stickiness (Retention), Community Impact, and Growth Opportunities for emerging leaders. We are pleased to celebrate the Top 40 Wonderful Workplaces in Central Ohio for 2021:

ACCEPTD, INC.

Acceptd was founded to better connect applicants with opportunity and streamline the recruiting and review process for performing and fine arts programs. Their team is “all in on their people and their purpose,” and the company has been described as a “fantastic and fabulous” place to work.” Acceptd cares deeply about their people and “everyone wakes up every day fired up to help the arts community flourish.” There are “lots of growth opportunities” and “the chance to advance quickly.” Team members volunteer regularly throughout the community via non-profits like Little Bottoms, Stowe Mission of Central Ohio, and Amplified Voices, as well as community groups like Columbus Leadership Council, school boards, and churches. Acceptd is “an awesome place for YPs to live, work, and play!”

4000 Horizons Dr, Columbus, OH 43220
getacceptd.com
@acceptd
@acceptd

 

AMERICAN NEGOTIATION INSTITUTE

American Negotiation Institute helps companies and organizations around Ohio and beyond on how to have difficult conversations about race in the workplace, specifically through the art of negotiation. The team at ANI is “hyper focused on maximizing growth” which naturally leads to “our team being compensated well above the industry standard.” They partner with Fortune 100 on diversity and inclusion initiatives where “change is sustainable and visible” and which makes working there “a great place to be.”

35 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
americannegotiationinstitute.com
@negotiateanything
@negotiateanything

 

ARY ROEPCKE MULCHAEY, P.C.

Ary Roepcke Mulchaey (ARM CPAs) prides itself on the number of long-term relationships they have with their clients, many of whom have been with the firm since it was founded in 1979. ARM CPAs offers “flexibility,” “a great team environment” and “a wide variety of awesome clients to work with,” as they continue to provide “accelerated growth and advancement” opportunities within a workforce devoted to a “diverse client base” and “great organizational culture.” There are plenty of team-building experiences too, such as ziplining, bowling and “a recent trip to Las Vegas to celebrate a partner’s 40 years with the firm” all while consistently participating in a number of food drives around Thanksgiving and an annual coat drive during the holiday season. ARM continues to prioritize “a great firm culture,” “growth from within” while ensuring quality work as part of their “dynamic” culture.

2 Miranova Pl, Suite 600, Columbus, OH 43215
armcpa.com
ARM CPAs
@armcpa
@armcpa
@armcpa

 

AXIA CONSULTING, INC.

AXIA Consulting brings powerful technology and business expertise to its clients to solve their most complex challenges. AXIA is described by employees as a “pivotal organization” that places “people first,” where “autonomy is encouraged” and “the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well.” Young professionals are “highly encouraged” to pursue their “path and passions” to grow within the firm “at whatever speed [they] would like.” AXIA also supports employee owners’ philanthropic efforts through a “donation match” while sponsoring “multiple organizations and events” to provide “outreach opportunities” within the community, along with “flexible work schedules” and a “strong emphasis on work/life balance.”

1391 W 5th Ave #320, Columbus, OH 43212
axiaconsulting.net
AXIA Consulting
@AXIAConsulting1
@AXIAnet
@AXIAnet

 

BARNES & THORNBURG LLP

Barnes & Thornburg is a “supportive and engaging community of people.” “Everyone is always willing to offer help or advice regardless of their position,” providing “excellent” benefits to employees that “increase in value every year.” The firm is “flexible” with schedules and “understanding” when it comes to unexpected illness or vacation days. Various members of the firm also continue to engage young employees in different projects and research, allowing them to “learn and grow in the same environment.” Barnes and Thornburg participates in philanthropic campaigns every year, including Light the Night and United Way. The Columbus office also “performs community service as a team” and the attorneys make “diligent efforts to incorporate pro bono work” into their weekly schedules. Ultimately, Barnes & Thornburg is a “great place to continue to work at or to consider a future with because they want you to succeed.”

41 S High Street, Suite 3300, Columbus, OH 43215
btlaw.com
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
@BTLawNews

 

BBI LOGISTICS

Built on Better Integrity (BBI) is a freight brokerage firm based out of Columbus that focuses in helping customers find the most cost-effective and reliable carrier while also maximizing load potential. Being able to do both allows the folks at BBI to maintain great relationships between their customers and carriers. BBI is a great place to work for young professionals because it is “the perfect place to start a career,” investing in employees via 401k with match, PTO, health benefits and free parking in downtown Columbus. They seek to “hire within, not externally” and have increased their workforce from 3 employees in 2017 to more than 140 in 2021. The mantra at BBI is to “work hard and player harder!” Among the benefits of working at BBI include: “bar carts when we hit goals,” “frequent happy hours,” “free pizza every Friday,” “monthly masseuse visits” and more. Philanthropy is one of their core values, with community support given to St. Jude and Columbus Humane. Young professionals proclaim they work with “the coolest team around.”

80 E Rich St, Columbus, OH 43215
bbilogistics.com
@BBILogistics
@bbilogistics

 

CAS

When it comes to wonderful places to work, CAS is “one of Columbus’s best kept secrets.” This is a company that is “committed to employees’ professional and personal growth” with an “incredibly intelligent and diverse workforce.” Their campus near OSU has a “walking path, outdoor pavilion and patio for the summer months,” and they host community events such as Wonderbus and Steps for Sarcoma. CAS is “committed to career development opportunities for every level of employee,” offering them “cutting edge leadership development programming.” Oh, and employees gain “access to free parking for OSU games,” too!

2540 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43202
cas.org
@CAS
@CASChemistry

 

COHATCH

The culture at COhatch “provides young employees the opportunity to operate and activate” communities across Central Ohio and beyond. Employees benefit from leadership & career development as well as “learning from all of our COhatch members businesses,” offering some of the “most unique workspaces” including amenities such as “arcade games, breweries, makers markets, a beach house” and more. COhatch offers a Give Scholarship to “over 60 central Ohio non-profits to learn and operate within our communities” and serves as an incubatator for small businesses, providing them with “the tools needed to grow as they need to and when they need to.”

Various locations across Central Ohio, including Worthington, Upper Arlington, Polaris and more
cohatch.com
@COhatchCommunity
@cohatchlife

 

COMMUNITY SHELTER BOARD

Community Shelter Board was created almost 35 years ago as a “collective impact organization” driving the “best outcomes for people facing homelessness,” having served 14,000 people last year and considered a “national model for organizing a community’s response.” CSB offers a “remote work environment” with many “appealing” perks, including “flexible work schedules,” “Summer Fridays,” “Quarterly Cheer lunches to celebrate progress and achievements,” and a “Bring Your Dog to Work program” that welcomes furry visitors on Fridays and helps to boost “good feelings all around.” An Anti-Racist, Inclusion & Diversity Committee is “shaping the culture further” and gives non-leadership staff “authority to create change” to promote “a community of respect that honors the humanity of all.”

355 E. Campus View Blvd., Suite 250, Columbus, OH 43235
csb.org
@Community-Shelter-Board
@commshelterbd

 

CONTINENTAL OFFICE

Continental Office leadership has a vision “to be an organization where people can’t wait to work with us,” and they’ve worked hard to build a community where young professionals “feel heard, challenged, appreciated, developed and mentored.” “Centered around what they do for their clients,” the office environment at Continental Office is one that allows “maximum flexibility.” Employees can “sit at a desk, stand, get comfy on a couch, collaborate with others or have a private quiet space” in a “collaborative environment that likes to work hard but play harder.”

130 E Chestnut St, Columbus, OH 43215
continentaloffice.com
Continental Office
@continentaloffice
@continentaloffice
@continental1939

 

COVERMYMEDS

CoverMyMeds “genuinely cares about their employees” and a lot of those employees are young professionals. Leadership values its workforce by offering time for “honest” and “transparent conversations” with the company to help better address changing needs. “Everyone you meet at the company has a ‘passion project’ and it really speaks to the caliber of employee they hire and the type of people they attract.” CoverMyMeds also offer all the “fun” and “exciting” corporate perks you love like “cold brew & local beers on tap” and “catered lunches,” but add to that “free Apple watches” and a true “sense of community” while investing in “counseling services and building community” to advance employees’ overall well-being. They also “set you up with mentors” who are a level up so “you have someone who can offer advice and support” to “help you reach your full potential within the company.”

2 Miranova Pl, Columbus, OH 43215
covermymeds.com
CoverMyMeds
@CoverMyMeds
@CoverMyMeds
@CoverMyMeds

 

CRIMSON DESIGN GROUP

Crimson Design Group is a nationally recognized interior design firm that pays its success forward in all of the right ways; from employees, to global philanthropies, to the local community. Employees at Crimson feel theirs is an “amazing” place to work because of the “passion,” “camaraderie” and “true intent” to make sure they are “creating beautiful lives through interior design.” This is an atmosphere where “mimosa breakfasts” are served in the morning while “incorporating everyone into the team” as “a family.” The staff currently counts Millennials as half their workforce who are always “excited” to see the “new ideas and vision” of an “accessible founder.” They are also “inspired” to work for a “woman-owned and operated business” that is “very successful” and “constantly growing.” Crimson supports Habitat for Humanity and “recently built a playhouse for a family in need.” Employees are allocated 8 paid hours of volunteer time per year to dedicate toward a cause or philanthropy of their choice. Crimson is also heavily involved in Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio and Rahab’s Hope, by redesigning the latter’s space and providing furnishings at no cost. The team also recently raised nearly $200,000 to build a new Asia’s Hope home in Thailand that is home to more than 20 children.

15 E. 6th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
crimsondesigngroup.com
@Crimson-Design-Group

 

DAWSON

Dawson is “passionate in regard to giving back to the community” and this is reflected in their philanthropic efforts. Dawson has a “Community Champions committee that spearheads volunteer efforts” including “volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House” and “participating in race water stops.” With “year-long early release Fridays,” “paid birthdays off,” “volunteer time off,” and “wellness and volunteer programs,” Dawson offers many great work perks. The work environment is “free of micromanagement, making it a great workplace for a self-starter.” Additionally, Dawson recognizes colleague achievements through their annual awards night, the DAWSCARS.

1114 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215
dawsoncareers.com
@DawsonColumbus

 

ENCOVA INSURANCE

Encova has a lot of “momentum” with “considerable upward mobility available” and “cutting edge technology” that has increased the avenues available to associates, particularly young professionals. The company “values wellness and work life balance” and is “committed to philanthropy” by making the local communities they are involved in better, supporting causes like Ronald McDonald House and the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Leadership is “trustworthy,” they like to “promote from within” and they “graciously pay and reward associates” for career-advancement and certain educational endeavors. Encova has recently become a “super regional” insurance company (i.e. bigger than many regional mutual insurance companies), so they have the “cool perks” of working for a bigger company, but they are still “small enough for you to feel like you are person who matters to the organization.”

471 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
encova.com
@encovainsurance

 

EVENT MARKETING STRATEGIES

Event Marketing Strategies is a “living case study of what investing in young professionals looks like,” with perks like “flexible work-time policy, a professional development fund and young people in leadership roles.” The flex time program “allows everyone to work at the times they are most productive and engaged,” whether they’re a “night owl or an early bird.” An added bonus? “Office dogs Wesley, Mojito and Shiloh often come in for visits and make their rounds to all our employees.”

580 N 4th St #230, Columbus, OH 43215
eventmarketingstrategies.com
@EventMktgStratg

 

FAHLGREN MORTINE

“Culture is the driving force behind Fahlgren Mortine” where employees enjoy “several slightly off-the-wall celebrations throughout the year, and create opportunities to interact with our colleagues in a fun and meaningful way” among other things. As for community impact, “the agency has committed over $2 million in agency time to support nonprofits” in the last five years alone.

4030 Easton Station #300, Columbus, OH 43219
fahlgrenmortine.com
@FahlgrenMortine

 

GBQ PARTNERS, LLC

GBQ Partners, LLC is “changing the way people think about accounting” with a workplace made up of “highly-motivated,” “passionate,” “personable,” “responsible,” “savvy” and “sociable” people. The company offers a “flexible work environment” while maintaining a solid “trust in employees” and offering a “sound benefits package.” Leadership inspires a “compassionate,” “supportive,” and “engaged culture” contributing to significant “happiness and vitality” here because, “our associates deserve it.” Young professionals then share this energy, compassion and engagement with all of their clients. GBQ also provides “breakfast and dinner throughout the week,” happy hours and an annual “end of busy season party.” At GBQ, the clear purpose is to “empower growth of people, communities and their clients’ businesses.”

230 West Street, Suite 700, Columbus, OH 43215
gbq.com
@GBQ_LLC

 

GRANGE INSURANCE

Employees at Grange Insurance can expect “benefits of working for a large company with the feel of a family-owned business.” Additional perks include an “onsite fitness center, cafeteria, coffee shop, garage parking, and park space” alongside “company-wide mentoring and job-shadowing programs.” “Grange gives heavily to United Way” and supports various other community nonprofits throughout the year. Associates are “encouraged and rewarded for volunteering their time,” demonstrating that “giving back in actions is just as important as donating monetarily.”

671 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
grangeinsurance.com
@grangeinsurance

 

GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER

The Greater Columbus Convention Center is full of “really great people” who “enjoy working in the heart of the city” where “you know that you’re in a good place when you other colleagues have been there for years.” From the “amazing location” in the Short North Arts District where “there is always something going on” to the onsite art collection, employees at the Greater Columbus Convention Center enjoy “an awesome place to work.” Perks include “new events every week,” “concerts in the company suite at Nationwide Arena,” “Jean’s Day Fridays for charity,” and “volunteering with the Hubbard Mastery Field Day and Ice Cream Social.”

400 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
columbusconventions.com
@CBusConventions

 

HAMILTON PARKER

At Hamilton Parker, “supervisors and managers are always there to help the young professionals here grow in their current position or move on to another position within the company.” Always “striving for greatness,” the company has recently launched a “mentoring program with our leadership team and some of the upcoming young professionals in the company.” They get extra bonus points for “stickiness” as “30% of employees have been there for over 10 years.” The “ice cream socials and chair massages” don’t hurt either!

1865 Leonard Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
hamiltonparker.com
Hamilton Parker
@HamiltonParker1934
@hamiltonparkerco
@hamiltonparkerc

 

HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK

Huntington is large enough that it allows young professionals the opportunity to have “real world experience” without being treated as a number. The company is “very strong” in “giving back to the communities,” but “none more than here in Columbus” where it is headquartered. Management “treats its employees with respect” and “gives every employee a voice.” Young professionals will find Huntington a wonderful workplace that allows “professional development” and “continuous improvement.”

7 Easton Oval, Columbus, OH 43219
huntington.com
@HuntingtonBank
@Huntington_Bank

 

JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams “encourages young professionals to grow with the company” and “motivates” team members to shape the future of the company by “involving them in important conversations” to “impact the environment and communities while we work.” Jeni’s “lives and breathes inclusion and diversity,” which they strongly believe every young person should have a stake in. “Community is the heart” of it all, where “doors are open to people of any race, nationality, gender, age, and political stance” and employees consistently feel “supported,” “acknowledged,” and “rewarded” for the effort they put in every day, whether checking in at their “numerous scoop shops” or their “humble headquarters” in Columbus.

1145 Chesapeake Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
jenis.com
@JenisIceCreams
@jenisicecreams

 

MEDVET

MedVet is a “growing” organization “primarily owned by our doctors” that “enhances the lives of pets, their loving families, and the veterinary community.” Here, “everyone contributes” and “team members have the chance to solve problems” and be part of building a “great company” that is also an “inclusive workplace.” “Everyone at MedVet is a leader” and you’ll get to do work that stretches you while allowing you to “actively engage in events that support pets,” especially service animals. The people are “truly values-based” and “growth is going to continue” since the company “does amazing medicine.”

300 E Wilson Bridge Rd, Worthington, OH 43085
medvetforpets.com
@medvetforpets
@medvetforpets

 

OHIO DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY

“Attention and commitment” to each individual employee is “unparalleled” at Ohio Dominican University. “True to its mission,” ODU was founded by the Dominican Sisters of Peace who are “always expanding opportunities to get staff involved in the community.” Young professionals benefit from “employee fitness programs and challenges,” tuition-free master’s programs, and a work environment filled with “faculty and staff who are devoted to the university, its mission and its students.” And because it is a “more intimate-sized institution,” employees get to “frequently interact with students” leading to a “more personalized work experience.”

1216 Sunbury Rd, Columbus, OH 43219
ohiodominican.edu
@OhioDominican

 

OVERMYER HALL ASSOCIATES

“The company’s culture is that of a family” at Overmyer Hall Associates, “celebrating each person’s achievements, in the office and outside of it.” With a growing need for young professionals in the insurance industry, who wouldn’t want to work at a place that makes “coming into work enjoyable and turns coworkers into life-long friends.” Additionally, the CEO has a “warm personality and takes everyone’s ideas into consideration with our open door policy.”

1600 W. Lane Ave #200, Columbus, OH 43221
oh-ins.com
@overmyer-hall-associates
@OvermyerHall
@OvermyerHall

 

PNC BANK

With “extremely worker-friendly benefits” and a “consistent focus on progressive social issues” from Black Lives Matter to being an ally for the LGBTQ+ community, PNC offers a workplace that “talks the talk and walks the walk.” Their philosophy on work is to be “flexible,” with “generous benefits for new parents, “full benefits for higher education,” and a “robust” mentorship program that seeks to bring together “like-minded employees across the company.” PNC has also contributed $15 million in central Ohio to the coronavirus recovery and has committed $1 billion to racial justice nationwide. Their volunteer work is “impressive,” focused on empowering women business professionals and youth literacy.

155 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
pnc.com
@pncbank

 

QUANTUM HEALTH

Quantum Health serves as “an exemplary role-model of servant leadership” for young professionals, where going to work is described as “joyful,” “edifying,” “engaging,” and “as satisfying a place to work as you can ever imagine.” The company’s culture provides “the three keys to employee engagement: safety, agency, and worthy work” and “people go out of their way to make each other feel special.” “Hard work” and “dedication” are highly valued as the company continues to grow, offering “generous tuition reimbursement” and “higher education partnerships” to associates and to their families. Their philanthropic arm, Quantum Thrives, manages their giving to “staff member families in need” and also works with Meals on Wheels, Pelotonia, and several local food banks. Quantum also gives through their Pep Club and several Diversity and Inclusion ERGs; including Warrior Pride, Quantum Women’s Initiative Network, Quantum Black Voices, Quantum Unidos, and Quantum Military Veterans, each of whom consistently “give to local charities.”

5240 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, OH 43017
quantum-health.com
@QuantumHealth1
@quantumhealth1

 

UPSTART

Based in Silicon Valley, Upstart opened their second headquarters in Columbus in 2019, hiring many “recent graduates” who have “already been promoted to leadership positions.” Young professionals love the “flexible” schedules, “casual work environment,” “generous PTO,” and many employer resource groups such as a “Superwomen group to promote women leadership.” Associates also have the ability to work with colleagues on the west coast. Locally, Upstart supports many community initiatives, including Columbus Pride Festival, Pelotonia, Women In Analytics, BlackTech, and StirTrek. And during Upstart Community Week, employees (know as ‘Upstarters’) are encouraged to organize “community service projects across the country.”

711 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
upstart.com
@Upstart

 

ZIPLINE LOGISTICS

Zipline Logistics is a place where “highly successful team members are resourceful, proactive and take accountability for all aspects of serving customers and growing the business.” Their purpose is to improve the lives of transportation professionals, and employees are definitely “serious about customer service, teamwork, and collaboration.” Employees enjoy “work perks” including a relaxed dress code, “PTO for birthdays and work anniversaries, monthly happy hours, and ‘Friday beers,’” among other things.

2300 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
ziplinelogistics.com
@ZiplineLogistic