Even with 35 employees, The Throne Depot in Billerica, Massachusetts, feels like one big family, says Steve Brodeur, owner alongside Mike Cormier. He says that taking care of those employees is a top priority and one of the keys to their success.
Work slows down in the winter, but employees are guaranteed 40 hours of work all year with full pay. Seasonal help is hired in the spring to supplement the staff for the busy event season. In addition to good pay, the company offers health insurance and a 401(k) plan, fully vested after 90 days.
But the company likes to give their employees more than just good pay and benefits to ensure they enjoy their jobs and know they’re valued.
Staff and their families are treated to a big party at Christmas time. And in the fall the company takes everyone to a local farm for an apple-picking event and to enjoy the farm activities.
Summers are busy as they are open 20 hours a day, seven days a week, but they still occasionally bring in an ice cream truck or a taco truck for a special treat. “It’s all about team building, family building, building our culture,” Brodeur says.
The company gives out many incentive bonuses, for example, employee of the month, driver of the month and safety records. “We’re constantly looking for somebody who goes above and beyond,” Brodeur says. “We vote for the person. They get a bonus, a gift card, a big plaque and their own parking spot.”
He says they also make a big deal about family milestones. “When somebody has a baby, they get a onesie for the infant,” Brodeur says. “We have all kinds of fun merch we pass out for different things. We take our employees very seriously. They are the backbone of the company. We cannot do our job without them. I’m here every day, talking to them, shaking their hands.”
Read more about The Throne Depot in this month’s issue of Portable Restroom Operator magazine.
