2010 Choice Employers, 101 to 300 Employees No. 2: The Track

With a year-round full-time staff of 20, business for the family fun parks under The Track banner rely on as many as 180 seasonal workers. The company’s benefits include flex time and tuition reimbursement for staff members for any continuing education. Scholarships and tuition assistance also are available for employees’ children. Every week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the company designates three Crew Member of the Week. Community involvement includes company participation in Loaves and Fishes, through which owners and managers buy, prepare and serve food to the needy.

President Larry Schmitt answers SBJ’s questions:

How would you describe your company’s culture?
Like a family. We are a pretty small company so we try to instill a family atmosphere and environment. Titles don’t mean a lot. If I have to act like an owner, then I am probably not doing a very good job of being one. We have a lot of fun, but every person serves a role and is willing to help others out when they need a hand.

When employees ask for raises, what factors do you weigh?
Performance is the No. 1 criteria we use in determining raises. We review their performance in the areas of customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, safety and financial success. There also are subjective measurements such as attitude, teamwork, dedication and overall chemistry with co-workers.

Give us some examples of how your benefits package has evolved to meet work-force needs.
We offer a scholarship plan to all employees that helps us recruit and retain high school and college students from year to year. The basic concept is the more hours and more years you work, the more scholarship money you receive. We gave out almost $30,000 for 2010. Every two weeks from Memorial Day to Labor Day we (name) Crew Members of the Week that each receive a $50 debit card. After Labor Day, three crew members are chosen and each receive $500 at a dinner in September. Every summer, at the end of July, our three owners go out to each track and grill hamburgers and hot dogs for all employees … as they start and end their shifts. It is a great way for the employees to interact with (managers), discuss any issues they may have and get to know them.

How does your company support professional development?
Each year, we send six managers and one owner to the Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers Safety Seminar in Orlando, Fla., (for a week of) training and certification in amusement safety. Biannually, we send managers to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo, also usually in Orlando. We hired a marketing consultant to serve as a mentor for our marketing manager. … We have allowed two employees to complete the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy.

What makes your company a family-friendly employer?
We are flexible with scheduling and understand when our employees have family commitments. We allow our employees to take their family to The Track during our slower times.

Just for Fun
If there were no limitations – budget or otherwise – what benefit would you begin offering employees tomorrow?
Company vehicles for all full-time year-round employees, each with wraparound logo/graphics of The Track, and a cookout or free meal for all employees every payday, with all meetings catered.[[In-content Ad]]