BC Business
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Number of Employees: 62 Head Office: Vancouver “There’s a very flat hierarchy here. All of the managers perform consulting functions – they are in touch with everything”
Number of Employees: 62 Head Office: Vancouver
Started in 1996 by ex-BC Hydro engineer Steven Fitzgerald, Habañero found early success developing external websites for clients such as BCAA and Philips Hager & North and has since evolved into a well-rounded IT consulting business. Well-rounded is also how employees describe their company, with an emphasis on work/life balance that starts at the top. “There was a period early on where I knew I was a workaholic,” says Fitzgerald, “and I knew that in order to be involved in my kids’ life the way I wanted to, I had to do something. So I had Daddy Day every Thursday.” Fitzgerald believes that by establishing clear accountabilities for each employee he can in turn offer them things like Daddy Days and extended vacations. “We’ve had a guy go to dentistry school. We’ve had a guy go to medical school. It’s part of our approach to building the culture: if we really believe that we want people to live in harmony, and build sustainable careers, then we’re going to give up good people and, sometimes, actually help them leave the company.” Click here to look at the next winner