This is the second year Shared Technologies has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Connecticut.
Jim Reilly, senior operations manager, explains that there’s no magic formula for success. His goal is simply to attract, hire and grow the best and brightest people in the industry.
It’s a simple goal to define, but not a simple one to achieve.
“The voice and data industries have gone through lots of ups and downs in the last decade. The people who are with us now are the best of the best. Our employees are survivors. They’re tough,” he explains.
The company, which was recently purchased by Arrow Electronics Inc., provides voice and data technologies, network security, and traditional telephone networks through 22 branches across the country. Even though the company has a national footprint, Reilly explains, “we’re not a huge company. There isn’t a lot of red tape or bureaucracy, and we aren’t micromanaged. That makes it easier to do our jobs effectively and affects employees at every level.”
One of the ways Shared Technologies has attracted, hired and gown the best employees is by identifying and focusing on its unique core values. Core value leaders are elected from each branch and are asked to help train and acclimate new employees. They also plan monthly meetings where success stories are shared, MVPs are recognized, and employees are updated about company news.
“The core value leaders bang the drum so everyone knows what’s going on,” Reilly says. “Their meetings really help everyone stay on track.”
The company offers a $5,000 per year education benefit to all employees and offers extensive online training programs to keep people up-to-date as technologies change. Financial incentives are offered to encourage employees to participate in the online training programs. A small bonus is paid up front, and a larger one is paid after a year, which helps to retain the company’s best employees.
“The online training programs are voluntary and I‘m proud that our employees participate,” Reilly explains. “I want people to stay with the company and to be successful. In order to do that, they have to know the newest technologies. Voice and data technology has changed so much over the years and the training can be intimidating. Going through the online training is a challenge for some of our folks, but our team has the courage and the motivation to learn new things.”
Shared Technologies has always focused on supporting its employees. From 2008 to 2010, it has been recognized as one of Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in the U.S., and over the last few years, local branches across the country have also been recognized as Best Places to Work.
Many Connecticut employees have been with the company for more than a decade.
Andrea Reboyras, core value leader for Connecticut, is proud of the camaraderie among technicians. “We are a very close knit group. Our technicians have each other’s back and always help each other out.”
Reboyras and Reilly also attribute the company’s success to the corporate management team. Glenn Means, the company’s president, has only been in the role for a few short months, but has made a strong impact already, they said.
“Glenn is charismatic and very sharp,” Reilly says. “He is a great leader. He joins us for our monthly calls and recognizes the hard work done by our team. Our employees really appreciate that.”â
