No. 5, five–24 employees: CJW Transportation Consultants

Since its inception in 2005, Wynn has hired 10 employees and has stretched the Springfield-based company’s service area to include Joplin.

“I’m fortunate – everyone I work with is the best of the best,” Wynn said. “Working with them is a pleasure because they are all experts in their area.”

Wynn said he feels business is important, but wants his employees to put family first.

“That’s why I give them flex time,” he said.

Wynn, a family man himself, said he understands the world of parenting and understands there are certain needs that must be met.

“I don’t have to keep track of my employees,” he said. “It comes down to trust.”

CJW gives expectant mothers four to five weeks of paid maternity leave, and the company pays all insurance premiums for employees and 70 percent of family members’ coverage.

First-year employees are given six to 10 vacation days and three to four sick days, though when it comes down to hours, Wynn is accommodating.

For example, an employee had to attend to a sick child and left three hours early.

Wynn said he still received full pay because he had his work done.

“We’re flexible,” he said. “He got his work done. You shouldn’t punish someone for being competent.”

Despite the small number of employees, Wynn said the work environment is professional. Because of the size of the company, everyone works together.

“Everyone is well-qualified in their area,” Wynn said. “They also have to lean on each other.”

CJW also reports in its Best Places survey that a high percentage of employees – between 70 and 89 percent – take advantage of tuition reimbursement for continuing education.

The company spends between $501 and $1,500 per employee for between 40 and 60 hours of formal employee training every year, and there is an employee mentoring plan program in place.

“I try to treat employees how I would like to be treated,” Wynn said.