Marketing agency forges connections with employees Butler/Till is an independent, results-driven marketing agency in Rochester.

The women who own the business describe it as 100% employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Its passionate, collaborative ownership culture reduces turnover, increases productivity, and helps deliver real business outcomes, Chelsea Salitan, senior marketing manager, said.

The company’s work environment made it one of Rochester’s Top Workplaces. Its purpose is to “create connections and make a difference,” Salitan said.

“Butler/Till is all about forging connections with our employees, our clients, our partners, and our communities,” she said. “But, it goes even deeper than that. Company culture is about sharing values. We ensure that ours are clearly defined, well communicated, and connected to observable behaviors.”

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To Butler/Till’s owners, an organization should go beyond simply providing jobs.

They are committed to improving the overall well-being of their workers and “recognizing that employees who can come to work unencumbered and engaged will make a greater business impact – and be happier doing it,” Salitan said.

They make an investment in their employee-owners that goes beyond a paycheck. Butler/Till bills itself as a purpose-fueled marketing agency for individuals seeking a best-in-class work environment.

To stay at that level, the agency is always evolving and fostering its culture and the employee experience to ensure that it remains a top workplace, Salitan said.

Each employee has a defined growth plan that includes annual goals and professional development plans.

“One of the key agency goals, year over year, is to secure, keep, and unlock the potential of every employee-owner,” Salitan said.

To track whether the company is meeting that objective, its owners conduct annual employee engagement surveys in an effort to get a score higher than 85%. They also measure employee retention rates.

If that sounds like a high standard, it’s no wonder that Butler/Till is looking for people who not only want to make a living but make a difference, too, Salitan said.

The ESOP allows staff to directly benefit whenever the company succeeds.

“This creates a dedicated, highly engaged workforce to not only our clients, but each other,” Salitan said.

The company’s owners look for prospective team members who are purpose-driven and thrive in an atmosphere where their contributions matter.

Butler/Till’s benefits and perks package is designed as a way to invest in the employees as whole people; the company aims to take care of them mentally, physically, and financially.

“We create a work environment that gives employees the space and support they need to live their healthiest, best life – inside and outside the workplace,” Salitan said.

Employees receive flexible work solutions that include a mix of office and remote work; a generous PTO plan; a matching 401(k) plan, competitive pay, and the ESOP; access to social events, including ones that staff members suggest; the ability to bring well-trained dogs to the office; professional development courses; a culture that thrives on diversity; health insurance, paid parental leave, paid parking at the Midtown Garage, an office gym membership; and more.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Butler/Till on Rochester Top Workplace list for 2023