In general, no two businesses are exactly alike. A law firm may have little in common with a logistics company; a restaurant chain and a retail hardware chain are rarely linked. There are different workspaces and disparate customer bases. But regardless of clientele or commodity, there are 21 businesses in Southwest Florida that all have one thing in common: They’ve each earned the distinction of being one of the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida.
While companies are most often judged by their bottom line, these businesses are being recognized for going above and beyond for their employees. Though they all take different forms, the difference is made in how each honoree takes care of the people who help their business function.
To earn recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida, local companies pay a fee to apply to Best Companies Group of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, an independent research firm focused on identifying and recognizing great places to work. BCG then administers a two-part survey — one for employers that details company policies, practices, benefits and demographics, and another for employees that includes an in-depth set of 77 statements they are asked to respond to on a scale of 1 through 5. This survey section also includes two open-ended questions and seven demographic questions.
The data collected is analyzed by BCG to determine the Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida; Gulfshore Business does not participate in the survey or selection process.
Eligibility is open to any publicly or privately held business, government or nonprofit entity with facilities or operations in Southwest Florida and a minimum of 15 full-time or part-time employees working in the region or reporting to a local regional office. Eligible participants must also have been in business for a minimum of one year. To find out more about the process, or to apply for future consideration, please visit BestPlacesToWorkSWFL.com.
The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company (pictured above)
City: Sanibel
Website: sancaptrustco.com
Year founded: 2001
Founder and Chairman: Albert D. Hanser
Industry: Financial Services
Employees in SWFL: 63
Established in 2001, The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company offers wealth management, investment management, estate administration and financial planning to individual investors, multigenerational client families, business owners and nonprofit organizations — it’s now one of the largest private trust companies in Florida. Founder and chair Albert D. Hanser noted that since its inception, the firm has always been committed to doing the right thing.
“Rule No. 1 is the client comes first. Rule No. 2 is don’t forget rule No. 1,” Hanser says. “Our employees are able to freely apply their talents to benefit the client, and have the opportunity to excel. We believe that if you take care of the employees, the employees take exceptional care of the clients.”
To help care for its employees, The Trust Company holds employee outings in each market for team building and networking, as well as periodic corporate-wide retreats to maintain and cultivate the employee culture. It also provides a generous health insurance package and ample vacation days and sick days, and donates $100 to the charity of each employee’s choice on their birthday. And going beyond financial advice and estate planning, the company’s employees have helped their clients secure doctor’s referrals, found safe hotel rooms during approaching hurricanes, sat with them in the hospital, helped when immediate family members weren’t available and even traveled out of state to provide assistance.
The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company has also been voted Best Financial Planner and Best Trust Company in the Island Reporter’s Community Choice Awards, named a Best Place to Work by Tampa Bay Business Journal and given Community Choice Awards by the Tampa Bay Times, Fort Myers News-Press and Naples Daily News.
Alpha Foundations
City: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Website: alphafoundations.com
Year founded: 2002
CEO: Joshua Joyce
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 42
Alpha Foundations, a Groundworks company, provides foundation solutions to homeowners and businesses in Fort Myers and beyond. While it specializes in fixing and protecting residential and commercial properties from foundation, water and concrete issues, the company also strives to provide a solid base for its employees.
“All employees are eligible for ownership in the company. And as an employee-owned company, every team member has a stake in our success, creating a culture of commitment and shared achievement,” a company spokesperson says. “The Employee Ownership Program provides a unique opportunity for all our employees to share in the value we will create together as a company. It also helps to bring us together even more as a team.”
To support its employees’ physical and financial well-being, professional growth and personal development, the company offers a variety of perks, including leadership development training with Echelon Front — led by former U.S. Navy SEALs — designed to equip employees with elite leadership skills. In addition, the firm provides a 401(k) match program to help employees build a secure financial future, and the Dave Ramsey Financial Wellness Program to provide expert guidance on managing finances effectively.
Alpha Foundations encourages continuous learning for its employees via free audiobooks from a customized library, which allows them to expand their knowledge anytime, anywhere. Employees can also take part in paid community service hours to give back to the causes they’re passionate about. Yearly employee appreciation events include Tribe Tour, which provides employees with brand-new Red Wing boots, and Serve & Support, a company-wide event where employees and their loved ones come together for food, fun activities and giving back to local communities.
DeAngelis Diamond
City: Naples
Website: deangelisdiamond.com
Year founded: 1996
CEO: David Diamond
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 164
DeAngelis Diamond is an award-winning construction management company committed to embracing change and innovation while building a better future together for its communities, clients and team members. And to do that, company CEO and co-founder David Diamond said the company focuses on developing a culture and work experience to attract top talent who share that passion.
“We know it’s really our people that make us a great company, and it’s our mission and culture that attract the best people. It’s a culture where high performers can achieve their best work,” Diamond says. “We challenge ourselves to think differently and create solutions that exceed expectations. Our team members are passionate about their work and constantly seek more efficient and effective ways to solve problems.”
Beyond its distinctive culture, the company has established the DeAngelis Diamond Wealth Builder Program to help team members earn enough to invest and save for a comfortable retirement through 401(k) matching up to 10% of an employee’s salary. The firm also provides generous paid time off, as well as the day off for employee birthdays, Veterans Day off for military veterans and two days to volunteer at a charity of the employee’s choice.
In 2024, the DeAngelis Diamond Team Impact, a volunteer organization of DD team members, served more than 2,400 hours engaging in local initiatives, forming community partnerships and addressing the challenges facing our neighbors. In addition, 2% of the company’s annual profits are donated to the DeAngelis Diamond Foundation to support local organizations in the communities it serves and beyond. That includes organizations focused on addressing hunger, clean drinking water, education, physical and mental health and the fight against human trafficking.
Priority Marketing
City: Fort Myers
Website: prioritymarketing.com
Year founded: 1992
CEO: Teri Hansen
Industry: Marketing/Public Relations
Employees in SWFL: 64
Priority Marketing, a full-service marketing, advertising public relations and digital marketing firm, was established 33 years ago by founder, President and Chief Creative Officer Teri Hansen. Many companies encourage balance between work and family; for Hansen, it was the reason for starting her own business.
“I established Priority Marketing at my dining room table — shortly after the birth of my daughter — because I wanted to prioritize my family,” she says. “Our leadership team established core company values to serve as a guiding light for our growing team. Values like initiative, collaboration, integrity, passion, resourcefulness, responsiveness, creativity, accountability and more help define our company culture and overall character. These factors helped create a workplace culture where people want to work, and some team members have spent 15, 18, 20, 25 and even 29 years with the company.”
That longevity at Priority Marketing is encouraged by an employee recognition program that recognizes employee “light bulb moments.” Kudos and recognition tied to the firm’s core values are noted for each team member and prize drawings are held monthly. Team members who receive the most recognition throughout the year are also honored.
Priority Marketing provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes free or low-cost medical, dental and vision care plans, life insurance and short- and long-term disability programs. The company also offers a guaranteed 401(k) with a matching plan, guaranteed profit sharing, a pension plan, generous paid time off and more.
In addition, the firm supports nonprofit organizations and charitable causes through donated or discounted services, has provided event services to dozens of nonprofit organizations and has helped raise more than $150 million to date to support their missions.
Wright Construction Group Inc.
City: Fort Myers
Website: wcgfl.com
Year founded: 1946
CEO: Fred Edman
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 64
For nearly eight decades, Wright Construction has been working to build and expand Southwest Florida. But the company has worked equally hard to build a family-oriented work culture and caring workplace environment.
“By treating our clients with respect and great care, the Wright team can provide quality products while developing long-lasting relationships based on trust. Because of this culture, many employees have been with us for over 20 years,” says Fred Edman, president. “Everything our team does is built around an uncompromising commitment to safety, quality, timeliness and value. Our goal as an employer is to listen to our team members’ needs, encourage them to dream, support their growth and empower them to succeed.”
In addition to supporting its employees, Wright Construction also encourages employee engagement and giving back to the community. The company supports several K-12 school and university fundraisers, the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Gigi’s Playhouse, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples and the American Cancer Society.
Finally, though developing a family-oriented work culture has been one focus for Wright Construction, its core principles of safety, quality, timeliness and value drive everything the company does. Put it all together, Edman said, and you have the recipe for a successful, and loyal, team.
“There are no egos here; just servant-oriented, hard-working people that care about each other and our clients. We don’t want to just be safe, we want to ensure safety is happening. We don’t just want to have quality, we want to have the highest level of quality,” he says. “We talk through these things regularly as a team. It’s that team effort that has led us to complete successful projects.”
Christopher Alan Homes
City: Fort Myers
Website: christopheralanhomes.com
Year founded: 2017
CEO: Ian Schmoyer
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 61
Since 2017, Christopher Alan Homes has been committed to building quality, attainable homes for people across Southwest Florida. Its stated mission is to provide exceptional value through innovative design, high-quality construction and superior customer service, and the company members pride themselves on a family-like environment founded on teamwork, accountability and a deep sense of purpose where every team member is empowered to contribute to the dreams of its homebuyers.
“What keeps me energized every day is the dedication of our team. Their passion and perseverance is the heartbeat of Christopher Alan Homes,” says Ian Schmoyer, chair, president and CEO. “This is the strongest team we’ve ever had, and I genuinely believe there’s nothing we can’t accomplish together.”
The company motto, “Dreams within reach,” applies to its goal of delivering the dream and pride of homeownership to its clients, as well as inspiring employees to advance in their careers, grow as leaders and achieve goals. Those core tenets foster a positive and collaborative environment that values the company’s employees as much as its customers.
Led by an employee culture committee that represents all departments, Christopher Alan Homes team members enjoy group activities, outings, team building and volunteer opportunities. Employees are also encouraged to donate their time and talent by actively supporting and participating in projects at food pantries, soup kitchens, local schools and other nonprofit organizations. Employees benefit from competitive compensation packages, including robust medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k) matching, paid time off, home purchase discounts and more.
Viles & Beckman LLC
City: Fort Myers
Website: vilesandbeckman.com
Year founded: 1995
CEO: Michael Beckman
Industry: Legal
Employees in SWFL: 42
A comprehensive, full-service Florida personal injury law firm established in 1995, Viles & Beckman LLC has strived to form a legacy of compassion, advocacy and excellence. From its work in the courtroom to its volunteer and fundraising initiatives, the firm is united by a shared commitment to changing lives for its clients, its employees and the community.
“Marcus Viles was not only a great business partner, but a true visionary. We spent countless hours together reflecting on what it truly means to be a great employer. For both of us, the answer always began with family,” says Michael Beckman, owner and CEO. “We believed, deeply, that everyone who worked with us should be treated like family — with respect, compassion and unwavering support. While it’s easy to speak those words, living them requires real commitment, a commitment Marcus and I made over 20 years ago. I’m incredibly proud that we’ve honored that promise. We’ve continued to grow this vision, not just preserving it, but strengthening it with every passing year.”
As part of that commitment, Viles & Beckman employees are treated with care, respect and opportunities for growth in an environment where team members are not just colleagues, but collaborators who are celebrated for their unique talents and contributions. Offering structured career development and fostering a culture of inclusivity, flexibility and well-being, the firm prioritizes the professional and personal needs of its team. In addition, through programs such as The Viles & Beckman Foundation, employees are encouraged to engage with the community, creating an atmosphere where purpose and effectiveness go hand in hand.
PBS Contractors
City: Naples
Website: pbscontractors.com
Year founded: 1986
CEO: Tim Dupre
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 23
Founded in 1986, PBS Contractors specializes in custom homes, luxury renovations and commercial projects across Southwest Florida. More than building structures, company officials said their broader focus is on building better lives.
“We build better lives for our team, for our clients and for our community. This purpose underscores everything we do and starts with our team,” says Tim Dupre, president and CEO. “Our focus is to turn our clients’ dreams into reality, which makes our community a beautiful place to live, work and play. We strongly support work-life balance for our team and encourage them to take time to unplug, spend time with family, take that dream vacation, go fishing or whatever it is that fulfills them and allows them to sharpen their saws.”
In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) with matching and paid time off, PBS employees also enjoy a culture of camaraderie and fun marked by organized team-building activities, shared meals and moments of joy to strengthen bonds and promote teamwork, pride and friendship. The company also supports numerous nonprofits in the community through volunteer work, partnerships and fundraising initiatives. That includes the firm’s signature fundraiser, Russell’s Barbecue, which is held twice a year and brings together the PBS team, partners and the community for great food and connection while raising funds for local nonprofits.
“Community isn’t something we just talk about — it’s something we show up for,” Dupre says. “Whether it’s helping a nonprofit thrive or mentoring the next generation of builders, we believe in doing good alongside doing well.”
Velocity Engineering Services LLC
City: Fort Myers
Website: velocityengineering.net
Year founded: 1982
CEO: Christopher Pacitto
Industry: Engineering
Employees in SWFL: 24
A full-service consulting engineering firm, Velocity Engineering specializes in structural engineering, forensic investigations, construction observation, reserve studies and a wide range of building science and facility improvement services. The company focuses on forging solid relationships with its clientele while also emphasizing a workplace culture built around collaboration, mutual respect and professional growth.
“What makes Velocity unique is the way we blend high-level technical expertise with a people-first mindset. We’re committed not just to solving problems, but to building long-lasting relationships with our clients,” says Christopher Pacitto, owner and president. “That same philosophy drives how we support our employees. Our team is like a family, and we believe that when our people thrive, our clients benefit, too.”
Highlighting its team as the company’s most important resource, Velocity fosters a collaborative work environment that encourages empowerment, open communication, mutual respect and professional growth. The firm offers mentoring, advancement opportunities, flexible schedules and competitive compensation. In addition, Velocity employees enjoy health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays and a healthy work-life balance. The company also celebrates anniversaries and birthdays, hosts social events and pays for continuing education courses.
By unleashing the potential of every team member and instilling a sense of belonging, Pacitto said, the individual skills and contributions of all Velocity employees drive the company’s success.
“We have built a reputation for reliability, responsiveness and technical expertise. Our team members are routinely sought after for their input on complex restoration projects and legal cases,” he says. “We are dedicated to building a culture where everyone has the opportunity to do meaningful work and be recognized for their efforts.”
Naples Airport Authority
City: Naples
Website: flynaples.com
Year founded: 1969
CEO: Christopher A. Rozansky
Industry: Hospitality/Travel/Tourism
Employees in SWFL: 146
The City of Naples Airport Authority, or NAA, is responsible for the operation, development and continuous improvement of the Naples Airport. And it’s also an ideal place for careers to take off.
“We look for extras that make life better for our employees. Offering convenient, on-site health services and providing employee incentives to use them is a recent addition. And we strive to remind everyone how important it is to care for their physical and mental health,” an airport spokesperson says. “These extras, when combined with our generous benefits, educational opportunities, life-work balance and pro-employee culture, are all part of our strategy to show employees that we truly care about them, their families and their futures.”
Team members at NAA enjoy a supportive environment anchored by competitive pay, outstanding benefits, leadership that truly cares and a culture that values fun, positivity and balance. Beyond the basic perks, NAA also offers employee loans, a robust recognition program, after-hours events for staff and families, frequent catered lunches, a tuition reimbursement plan and opportunities to attend national and state-level conferences and professional development events.
The support doesn’t stop when the workday ends.
“Last year, in recognition of the importance of personal health, we began offering a lifestyle reimbursement program that reimburses employees for things they do outside of work that will benefit their mental and physical health,” the spokesperson added. “We have made it a point to encourage employees to use the funds in a way that benefits them the most and we are being as flexible as possible in how they do this.”
Gulf Coast Business Bank
City: Fort Myers
Website: gcbbswfl.com
Year founded: 2022
CEO: William Blevins
Industry: Banking
Employees in SWFL: 26
Based on the core values of trust, integrity, passion, tenacity, accountability, coachability and 24 fundamental behaviors defining those values, Gulf Coast Business Bank, or GCBB, was established in 2022 to focus on the dreams and goals of its clients. While it offers a variety of business and personal lending and deposit products, GCBB also banks on interest in its staff.
“Our board of directors and management team care about every member of the team. There is a consistent effort to demonstrate to fellow colleagues that he or she is important and that their contribution is appreciated,” says William Blevins, president and CEO. “There is a level of respect, compassion and dignity among the staff that is encouraged. No senior manager here flaunts a title. We are all the same working to achieve our stated goals.”
As part of its investment in its team, GCBB pays 100% of dental, medical and vision benefits for every colleague, as well as term life insurance at two times their salary, plus short- and long-term disability coverage. Bank staff also receive a minimum of 20 days of vacation, paid time off and sick leave, the ability to roll over a maximum of five days into the following year and the option of taking their birthday off. Each colleague is also provided eight hours to volunteer for an organization of their choice.
Employees also receive stock options, and GCBB contributes up to 5% of salary in 2025 (increasing to 6% in 2026) to a colleague’s 401(k). Each colleague has a defined incentive plan or participates in a profit-sharing plan.
Suffolk
City: Estero
Website: suffolk.com
Year founded: 1982
CEO: John Fish
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 169
In Southwest Florida, building requires an emphasis on resilient and sustainable construction. Suffolk, a privately held construction management services company, is developing projects such as the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Naples, Elbert Elementary School and Tampa General Hospital at Babcock Ranch, while also working to develop its employees.
“At Suffolk, we’re combining innovative technology with deep construction and local expertise. Our team members don’t just build structures, we build people that help transform how construction is completed,” says John Fish, chair and CEO. “We’ve created an environment where professionals can grow and help forge a new way for construction.”
As part of that environment, Suffolk instills a comprehensive approach to culture that is driven by its people. In an industry that makes ambitious ideas a reality, the company places an intense focus on processes and teamwork throughout every level of the company.
Suffolk team members enjoy career advancement opportunities within a growing national organization. In addition, the company’s two-year Career Start rotational program allows recent college graduates to gain valuable experience and learn the fundamentals of estimating, project management and field operations. Suffolk also offers ongoing professional development and leadership training programs to support continued growth at all career stages and positions.
Through mentorship and training programs, Suffolk demonstrates a strong commitment to its people while fostering a culture that balances professional growth with volunteer opportunities that allow employees to make a meaningful difference in Southwest Florida and other regions across the country. Through its signature projects across Southwest Florida, Suffolk employees have the opportunity to help shape the community and have a lasting influence.
HM Restaurant Group
City: Fort Myers
Website: hmrestaurantgroup.com
Year founded: 1997
CEO: Joe Harrity
Industry: Hospitality
Employees in SWFL: 275
The owner and operator of the Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille brand, Dixie Fish Co. and Bonita Fish Co., the HM Restaurant Group is a family-oriented restaurant company with Florida roots, known for the quality, innovation and guest experience in each of its establishments. The company also cooks up a full menu of benefits, a fun work environment and a people-first culture for its staff.
“Our mission is to connect people with great food, exceptional hospitality and legendary guest experiences. We’re proud that our employees embrace that mission every single day,” says Joe Harrity, partner. “We try hard to elevate our people to be their best. We have the best people in the business, so any recognition for HM Restaurant Group is really on behalf of them.”
HM Restaurant Group employees are eligible for health insurance through the company’s group plan, lucrative referral bonuses and employee discounts on food and merchandise. The company promotes a healthy work-life balance with flexible scheduling, and with multiple locations and a growing portfolio of restaurants, employees are encouraged and supported in pursuing advancement opportunities. Team members also enjoy regular employee appreciation events, performance-based incentives and awards programs that highlight outstanding contributions. For Sanibel employees, the company even provides each employee with $200 per year for toll reimbursement.
In the community, the Doc Ford’s Hospital Drink program donates $1 from each sale of select drinks. That program has allowed HM Restaurant Group to donate $133,000 to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.
Stevens Construction Inc.
City: Fort Myers
Website: stevensbuilds.com
Year founded: 2003
CEO: Mark Stevens
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 65
Since 2003, Stevens Construction has specialized in construction management, general contracting and design-build services to create spaces that bring clients’ visions to life. Company president Mark Stevens said the Stevens Construction team is the foundation for the firm’s continued growth and success.
“Being recognized as a great place to work in SWFL is so meaningful because there are so many exceptional companies in our community. It is an honor to be included in this prestigious list,” Stevens says. “Additionally, the information gathered to qualify for this award comes from our committed team, who genuinely care about our clients and each other and want to make Stevens Construction even better.”
Stevens also noted that what sets Stevens Construction apart is the company’s process, which includes helping each client navigate the entire development and construction process to help save time and money, create the best construction experience and complete each project on time and on budget.
With a stated mission to “identify, hire and retain the very best people,” Stevens Construction promotes the well-being and professional development of its team members through opportunities for growth and investments in leadership development, as well as work-life balance, allowing ample family time and flexible policies that support a balanced lifestyle. In addition, the company celebrates work anniversaries and milestones and acknowledges daily wins to ensure that every team member feels valued. Finally, Stevens Construction promotes an inclusive environment and strives to foster a collaborative atmosphere where diverse perspectives are encouraged and everyone’s voice matters.
HBK CPAs & Consultants
City: Holmdel, New Jersey
Website: hbkcpa.com
Year founded: 1949
CEO: Thomas Angelo
Industry: Accounting
Employees in SWFL: 72
A multidisciplinary financial services firm, HBK CPAs & Consultants offers a range of services including tax, accounting, audit, business advisory, valuation, financial planning, wealth management, managed IT, cybersecurity services and more. With a fundamental operating principle of collaboration that brings together diverse expertise to address each client’s unique challenge, HBK strives to live up to its motto: “Working Together Sets Us Apart.”
“This honor reflects HBK’s foundational belief that organizational success and personal fulfillment go hand in hand. By prioritizing respect and integrity in all our interactions, fostering genuine collaboration and respecting the whole person beyond their professional role, we’ve created a workplace where people genuinely want to be,” says Michael DeLuca, principal-in-charge for HBK’s Florida region. “This recognition belongs to every team member who brings our values to life each day and affirms that our values-driven approach resonates with our team members and translates into outstanding client service.”
HBK offers multiple health insurance options with first-day eligibility, dental and vision coverage, retirement plans including 401(k) with employer matching, tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees, certifications and professional education, and even pet insurance. The company’s commitment to work-life balance is also encouraged through flexible work arrangements (35% of employees currently telecommute) and an unlimited paid time off policy. Family-friendly benefits include parental leave and lactation facilities and flexible hours to accommodate family needs and events.
The company also fosters professional development and growth through the “HBK Advance” model, which goes beyond traditional CPA licensure requirements and provides access to, and flexibility around, advanced learning opportunities. Leadership training sessions, conferences, workshops and seminars are also offered.
Scotlynn
City: Fort Myers
Website: scotlynn.com
Year founded: 2010
CEO: Ryan Carter
Industry: Transportation
Employees in SWFL: 412
From a humble beginning in 2010 with just four employees to the huge, thriving logistics and transportation company it is today, Scotlynn’s journey has been shaped by hard work, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence. And company president Ryan Carter said that success is a testament to the dedication, drive and passion of its people.
“We have so much to be proud of — not just for what we accomplish, but for the outstanding people who make it all happen,” Carter says. “Even in a highly competitive environment, our team members are always willing to support one another. We place great emphasis on recognizing and rewarding achievements, creating a positive and vibrant workplace where every team member feels valued and accomplished.”
For Scotlynn, recognizing and rewarding excellence is fundamental to the company culture. To that end, the company celebrates employee achievements through The President’s Club, Extra Mile Awards and Hidden Gems programs. Designed to honor top performers, those who go above and beyond and employees who work behind the scenes, each award winner is highlighted throughout the company and provided extra perks and rewards.
In addition to competitive salary and uncapped commission structure, Scotlynn offers comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plans with company match, paid time off and flexible work arrangements. The company also provides professional development and mentorship programs and sponsors all employee events, including sports outings and team-building activities. To promote employee health and wellness, the Scotlynn headquarters features a fully equipped gym featuring visiting trainers, a walking trail, basketball and pickleball courts and a running club.
Sunshine Ace Hardware
City: Bonita Springs
Website: sunshineace.com
Year founded: 1958
CEO: Michael Wynn
Industry: Retail
Employees in SWFL: 442
When Don Wynn established what would become the first Sunshine Ace Hardware in 1958, it was also the start of a family-owned business that has continued his legacy of service and community support to this day. As the 14th Sunshine Ace Hardware location in Southwest Florida is set to open this summer, the company remains true to its core mission: treating employees and customers like family.
“My grandfather believed that if you took care of your employees and your employees took care of the customers, the business would take care of itself. My family has championed a people-first philosophy, ensuring that company values remain the guiding force behind every decision,” says Michael Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware. “This has been a successful model for us and it allows us to be helpful to the communities we serve through our hardware stores. As we grow, it is important to us that we continue to stay true to our core values. One of those is to ‘Deliver Sunshine’ into every community that we serve.”
Beyond supporting its employees, the Wynn family extends its commitment by supporting the team and the organizations that influence the communities they serve. The Sunshine Ace Foundation was set up to help employees recover from natural disasters, medical emergencies and housing challenges. Sunshine Ace also supports local charities such as the Children’s Miracle Network and serves as the title sponsor for the Naples Take a Soldier Fishing tournament. The company even has a charity cooking competition, the Sunshine Ace EGGfest, which supports local youth charities.
St. Matthew’s House
City: Naples
Website: stmatthewshouse.org
Year founded: 1987
CEO: Steve Brooder
Industry: Nonprofit
(Health and Human Services)
Employees in SWFL: 340
St. Matthew’s House has been tackling hunger, homelessness and addiction in Southwest Florida since 1987 via a network that now includes a soup kitchen, client choice pantry, three shelters and a 12-month recovery program. To support this mission, the organization uses a special business model that includes thrift stores with delivery service and e-commerce, a restaurant, catering and a hotel. And to keep all these moving parts working takes the commitment of St. Matthew’s House team members, who promote an environment that is supportive, encouraging and empowering, for both the program participants and each other.
“For decades, our organization has been helping our neighbors who are experiencing poverty, food insecurity, homelessness and addiction, and it is because of this talented, caring and passionate team that we can make such a significant impact in our community,” says Steve Brooder, president and CEO. “To date, 938 men and women have graduated from our 12-month residential, faith-based, recovery program and we’re proud that 40% of our nearly 350-member workforce are graduates of our programs.”
In addition to their rewarding shared purpose, St. Matthew’s House employees enjoy traditional employee benefits, as well as some distinctive perks, such as learning and development opportunities, including the St. Matthew’s House Leadership Academy. The organization also offers its team members pet insurance, Bible studies, SMH swag, fellowship events, pastoral care and discounted entertainment.
St. Matthew’s House has been certified as a “Best Christian Workplace” during past applicable employee survey years, and was named a Best Place to Work in Southwest Florida in 2024. The organization was also recognized as one of America’s Best Workplaces for 2025.
Dorcey Law Firm PLC
City: Fort Myers
Website: dorceylaw.com
Year founded: 2007
CEO: Joshua O. Dorcey
Industry: Legal
Employees in SWFL: 35
Founded in 2007, Dorcey Law has grown into a firm where professionalism and compassion go hand in hand. Known for its work in estate planning, business law, elder law, asset protection and disaster planning, the team protects the future for clients, while the firm protects the future of its team members. And it all comes down to the company’s simple philosophy: Take care of your people — both inside and outside the firm — and the effect will speak for itself.
“It’s always been family first — our clients’ families, and our employee family,” says a firm spokesperson. “Being recognized as a best place to work confirms what we’ve always believed: When you invest in your people, everything else follows. We’re not just processing paperwork. We’re protecting families, futures and everything in between. We’re in this to make a difference.”
At Dorcey Law, teamwork is the engine that drives everything the firm does. To care for that team, the firm offers a flexible and supportive work environment that respects work-life balance. Dorcey Law Firm also provides competitive health benefits and wellness initiatives, ongoing professional development and training opportunities and a people-first leadership team that believes success should never come at the cost of happiness.
In addition, Dorcey Law employees are encouraged to contribute ideas, shape decision-making and be part of something bigger than just their roles, fostering pride and ownership in the firm’s shared achievements. With a clear focus on excellence, trust and respect, Dorcey Law Firm strives to be not just a workplace but a family where each team member is valued and empowered to succeed. This environment translates to satisfied employees, fulfilled clients and a legacy of excellence.
Patty Baker Humane Society Naples
City: Naples
Website: hsnaples.org
Year founded: 1960
CEO: Sarah Baeckler
Industry: Nonprofit
Employees in SWFL: 70
Patty Baker Humane Society Naples, or PBHSN, serves thousands of animals in the community each year through sheltering, fostering and adoption programs, while providing medical care through The Yawney Family Veterinary Clinic and the Patty and Jay Baker Mobile Veterinary Clinic. The organization also helps families with crisis boarding and behavioral training services, as well as a community pet food pantry. And when it comes to opportunities for employees, PBHSN offers one perk few employers can match.
“Patty Baker Humane Society Naples is a great place to work for many reasons, but mostly puppies and kittens!” says Sarah Baeckler, CEO. “In all seriousness, beyond the ‘decent employer’ basics of paying a living wage and providing generous benefits and PTO, people love working here because we share common goals and passions. We are all crazy about pets and we’re happy to come to work each day. Not only do we get to share in the joy when newly adopted animals hop into cars with their new families, but we are so fortunate in Naples to be empowered to find solutions that result in keeping animals and families together, too. To me, that is what makes working here so special.”
Benefits offered to PBHSN employees include medical, dental and vision coverage, no-cost life insurance and affordable voluntary benefits including disability, accident, hospital and critical illness. Employees also enjoy 23-33 paid time off days a year, paid parental and emergency leave, a positive work-life balance, staff lunches, 403(b) retirement plan with up to 3% employer match and, most importantly, the opportunity to bring their pet to work.
Storm Smart Holdings LLC
City: Fort Myers
Website: stormsmart.com
Year founded: 1996
CEO: Scot Burris
Industry: Construction
Employees in SWFL: 433
Since 1996, Storm Smart has provided outdoor enhancements, innovative solutions and hurricane protection to over 100,000 homes across Southwest Florida. Although the business is focused on helping people protect their homes, the company places even greater emphasis on protecting its employees and supporting the community during recent storms.
“Before and after the hurricanes, our team came together to support one another and those in need. Many employees worked tirelessly, even up until the storm’s arrival, to help others prepare,” says Scot Burris, CEO. “After the storms passed, we encouraged team members to first address their own family needs. Then, they united to assist colleagues and the community. For employees affected by the hurricane, we offered relief grants, interest-free loans and transitional housing support.”
Regardless of season, Storm Smart works to maintain a positive workplace culture by investing in its people. The company emphasizes internal training and promotion, allowing employees to cross-train and gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire process. At the same time, Storm Smart ensures its team members feel valued and appreciated.
To enhance that, Storm Smart employees enjoy a generous paid time off package, tuition reimbursement, professional growth, financial wellness programs and employee incentive referral programs for both recruiting and customers. In addition, the company offers time for volunteer opportunities, cookouts, on-site ice cream socials, a casual dress code and monthly celebrations of birthdays and work anniversaries.
In addition to many company-driven initiatives, Storm Smart sponsors several local events that benefit the communities it serves. Those include the SWFL Wine & Food Festival, the Uncommon Friends Gala, the Harry Chapin Food Bank Hunger Walk and many more.
