Three companies on Middle Tennessee's 2022 Top Workplaces list for small companies that employ fewer than 125 people have appeared on the list every year for the last decade.

Hastings Architecture, STARS and MP&F Strategic Communications can all celebrate again this year after being named among the top small companies by their employees.

The overall winner in the category is Kia of Murfreesboro, an auto dealer with 45 local employees.

The winners: See Middle Tennessee's list of Top Workplaces

The methodology: How the top workplaces were determined

Hastings Architecture

Since its founding in 1985, Hastings says it has been deeply committed to design and community, producing award-winning work that is both accretive and impactful to its clients and the communities it serves. The staff of more than 85 architects, interior designers and planners collaborate in the company's open studio in downtown Nashville.

Hastings is consistently recognized nationally for its work and progressive company culture. In 2019, the Journal of the American Institute of Architects ARCHITECT magazine, named Hastings No. 3 overall, No. 7 in design, No. 10 in Business, and No. 35 in sustainability on their annual ARCHITECT 50 ranking.

Employees at Hastings cite a fun and creative work environment and a strong company culture among the top reasons it is a great place to work.

"I feel extraordinarily lucky to be here as often as I am," one employee said. "Such a fantastic team of people who are always inclusive and encouraging."

Another added: "I feel included and trusted despite having recently graduated and being relatively new to the office. I am given high-level responsibilities that help me to learn and develop quickly."

STARS

Since 1984, the mission of STARS has been to help young people pursue their unlimited potential. STARS has served some of the area's most disenfranchised populations by providing school-based prevention and intervention services, as well as intensive outpatient treatment services for adolescents with substance use and co-occurring disorders.

STARS' services have produced consistent outcomes, including increased school attendance and grades, youth attachment to school/community, individual resilience, and reduced suspensions, expulsions, bullying, violence, delinquency and alcohol and other drug use.

STARS CEO Rodger Dinwiddie said being a recipient of The Tennessean's Top Workplaces award each year since the process began is an honor.

"STARS is committed to providing the kind of workplace where everyone experiences a positive culture and climate," Dinwiddie added. "We have an amazing staff and it is so great to receive their feedback through this process each year. We collectively celebrate the positives and take seriously those areas where we still have work to do."

STARS employees cite the proven successes as well as the ability to make a difference in their community as reasons they love where they work.

"I love my job because I am able to plant seeds of love and kindness to help nurture the spirit of someone else and help them where they are," one employee stated.

Another added: "I get to work with kids and their families on a personal level. I like to think that the time and attention I give to students will have a positive impact on them."

Top midsize companies: Nashville Predators, Churchill Mortgage on list 10 years running

Top large companies: Change Healthcare, HealthTrust and MAPCO Express are newcomers to list

MP&F Strategic Communications

McNeely Pigott & Fox is an award-winning, full-service public relations and marketing communications firm based in Nashville. MP&F’s Nashville office is home base to the majority of the company's 65 staff members.

MP&F began in 1987 as a one-person consultancy. Today, it is a team of 70-plus communications and public relations strategists that works with clients from all over the country in a variety of industries, including health care, technology, hospitality and tourism.

The company says it prides itself on hiring staff with varying backgrounds. Doing so allows the company to expand the breadth of knowledge and ability of their talent pool and gives them the ability to tailor teams to specific clients and projects for the best possible results.

“We’re incredibly honored to be included on this list,” managing partner Jennifer Brantley said. “The culture of work and the city of Nashville are changing constantly, and it’s a testament to every single person on our team that we’re able to keep up with it all. Everyone here works hard every day to make sure our colleagues feel included, respected and able to deliver their very best work.”

Employees say they feel their work is meaningful and opportunities for growth are plentiful.

"I love my job because of the people and because of the breadth and depth of work," one employee said. "Every day brings an opportunity to work on something new and do it alongside some of the best minds in the industry. My coworkers are creative, dedicated, hilarious and inspiring and make even the busiest days fun. All ideas are welcome and I truly feel motivated to give my all because of everyone else does the same."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Hastings Architecture, STARS and MP&F Top Workplaces 10 years running