2013 Choice Employers, 5 to 24 Employees No. 1: Paragon Architecture Inc.

Paragon Architecture Inc. employs seven full time and four part time. The company pays 100 percent of health insurance premiums for full-time employees and their dependents and offers benefits to employees caring for aging parents and domestic partners. Employees are allowed more than 20 paid days off a year, and new mothers and fathers can take advantage of six paid weeks of maternity and paternity leave. The average annual salary increase for full-time employees is 10 to 15 percent, and all employees are eligible to receive annual bonuses that average more than $1,000. Paragon closes its office between Christmas and New Year’s to allow employees family time, and the group takes quarterly outings to bond on Friday afternoons to areas such as Table Rock Lake and Incredible Pizza.

Editor’s note: Answers provided by multiple Paragon Architecture employees.

What do you find makes the business a desirable place to work?
“Paragon is a desirable place to work because of The Paragon Approach. The philosophy and process of how architecture is approached is interesting. I really enjoy the studio atmosphere in the office and how we work together as a team rather than as individuals. I feel that we as a team and as co-workers develop friendships and become a family throughout the process.

The atmosphere, while relaxed, also encourages a high quality of work done in a timely manner. If there are any questions, it is an open platform for discussion. This type of platform allows for various ideas and input to be shared across the office. The freedom to explore new ideas and processes has also never been discouraged. Employees are encouraged to develop their leadership and professional skills not only for the benefit of the company but also more as a benefit to me personally.”

What innovative ways has the company developed to reward employees?
“One of (President Brad Erwin’s) strengths is rewarding his employees uniquely and individually. He is very in tune to our personal and daily lives outside of work – enough to personalize our rewards. Paragon rewards employees with boat outings, great coffee, flexible scheduling, occasional lunch outings, random ice cream trips, customized T-shirts from 5 Pound Apparel, company swag, Cardinals’ games and the ability to listen to music while working.”

What is the most celebrated perk among staff?
“One of the most celebrated benefits is the sharing of information and opportunities for mentorship. Another benefit is the ability to attend initial client meetings. In addition, Paragon allows employees to attend local social events that promote networking.

The following employee benefits are the most celebrated: fully paid health, dental, vision and life insurance for the employee and one dependent; individual retirement account with a 3 percent company match; a company car; and the office being closed between Christmas and New Year’s, if the work load allows.”[[In-content Ad]]