Being pleasant may not sound like it’s part of a recipe for succes
s at a firm operating in a space where people survive and thrive by making sales, but it’s among the core philosophies at Kulchin Ross Insurance Services LLC.
The small agency seems more focused on growing its own people–professionally and their personal well-bein
g–than growing its book of business. However, Kulchin Ross has also grown its customer base considerably in recent years.
This year, Kulchin Ross won the Gold Award for the Best Agency to Work For in the West region. In nominating their
firm, many employees noted the atmosphere and kindness that managers and employees show each other, as well as the opportunities for professional growth they receive.
Derek Ross, president and chief operations officer, said the ag
easant one has been key to what most would agree is a stellar retention record.
“In the 15 years now that we’ve been in business, we’ve only lost one employee. That’s it,” Ross said. “The majority of our folks stay, and they stay because of the con
cept of being pleasant and being heard and being in an environment that actually cares for who they are, not just while they
’re in the office but outside of the office–their family, their children, all of that. It’s just really coming from a sense of being compassionate toward others.”
As Ross was talking about this firm, he was in the middle of planning a get-together at his home for everyone in the offic
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e. “They come because they enjoy spending time with me and my wife and my kids and my dog. They come and we hang
out–we don’t talk work, we don’t talk office, we just talk life,” he said.
In nominating the firm for the award, one employee wrote that Kulchin Ross stands out among other firms be
cause of their commitment to professional growth and having a supportive team culture.
“We foster an environment where all team members’ ideas are valued and collaboration is encouraged across
all levels,” the employee wrote. “The owners invest in ongoing training and development, ensuring that emplo
yees have the resources and knowledge to excel in a constantly evolving insurance landscape.”
“We celebrate achievements and recognize hard work. Our agency also prioritizes work-life balance, offering
flexibility and understanding to help employees thrive both personally and professionally.”
Another employee called out the agency’s commitment to professional development, including an in
ternship program with the local high school that brings interns into the office for a few days a week after school. O
ne student started working for the firm after participating in the program and graduating from college.
The attributes of helpfulness, teamwork, and understanding were part of many employee comments. “This is a great place to work,” another employee wrote. “The people are awesome, everyon
e helps each other, and the agency really cares about us, which shows…Our bosses are very easy to talk to, get along w
ith, and if we need anything to help with our jobs, they would do everything possible to provide what’s needed.”