Nashville Predators and Churchill Mortgage make Top Workplaces list 10 years running
In addition to the seven new midsize companies (125 to 399 employees) to make the Top Workplaces list for the first time, two Middle Tennessee businesses this year celebrate making the list 10 years in a row.
Both the Nashville Predators and Churchill Mortgage have been ranked top-rated places to work by their employees every year for a decade.
The overall winner in the midsize category is Acopia LLC, a residential mortgage lender that has 127 local employees.
Top Workplaces: See the list of winners
The methodology: How the top workplaces were determined
Nashville Predators
While the Predators are known for being a great hockey team on the ice, employees of the organization say the team off the ice is special, too. What is the secret ingredient to being named one of Middle Tennessee's best workplaces 10 years running? Preds Chief Operating Officer Michelle Kennedy said it's having the best staff in the business.
"Our employees make our organization the special place it is, and we are incredibly proud to have been selected as a Top Workplace award recipient for the tenth time," Kennedy said. "Thank you for recognizing our commitment to creating a great workplace; we are eager to celebrate this achievement with all of Smashville, and to thank the best staff in the business."
The Predators organization employs 210 people, and many cite a fun environment, team-focused mentality and fun people as the top reasons they love working for the Preds.
"I work in an environment that is willing to listen and adapt," one employee said. "We have a mission to help our community and beyond. This place is special."
Another employee added: "I am made to feel like I matter and so do my ideas. Career growth is important here."
Being part of a national sports league whose energy penetrates the entire region doesn't hurt either.
"The collaboration and beating of the drum for the entire of community of Nashville makes each day an exciting new day and opportunity to get better and work hard."
The Predators organization has two goals: to make Bridgestone Arena the No. 1 venue in the U.S. and to bring the Stanley Cup to Nashville. According to the Predators, all employees are united behind this goal and make every effort to ensure that fans and season-ticket holders have a memorable experience each and every game.
The Predators reopened the doors of Bridgestone Arena to full capacity during the 2021-22 season, energizing the city of Nashville en route to their eighth consecutive playoff appearance. The arena was also nominated for its 14th consecutive Pollstar Venue of the Year Award, having ended 2021 first in both the United States and the world for concert ticket sales.
The Predators organization also supports the community through the Nashville Predators Foundation.
Top large companies: Change Healthcare, HealthTrust and MAPCO Express are newcomers to list
Top small companies: Hastings Architecture, STARS and MP&F on list 10 straight years
Churchill Mortgage
Churchill Mortgage has consistently been at the top of Middle Tennessee's Top Workplaces in the midsize company category. Employees mention work-life balance, mix of autonomy and accountability and great people, from coworkers to management, as reasons they love working for Churchill.
"I work for an incredible company that actually lives by its values," one employee stated. "I have an incredible manager, team, and colleagues and I get to help people with one of the most important decisions in their lives every day."
Said another: "My manager cares about my success, and I am treated with respect. When I make a mistake or need extra help I am given attention and care, not anger or backlash."
Mike Hardwick, president of Churchill Mortgage, said to be named a Top Workplace 10 consecutive years is a testament to the company's dedication to cultivating a remarkable team and culture.
“Our employees are our most important assets and what allows us to deliver an experience unlike other lenders," Hardwick said. "Their commitment to this service has led to tremendous growth, allowing us to better support families nationwide get on a path to a smarter mortgage plan.”
Churchill was founded in 1992 and is privately owned by its employees. A full-service and debt-free leader in the mortgage industry, the company provides conventional, FHA, VA and USDA residential mortgages across 40 states. Churchill Mortgage is a wholly owned subsidiary of Churchill Holdings Inc.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Predators, Churchill Mortgage named Top Workplaces list
