The survey that earned HB Chemical the top spot in Best Places to Work, conducted by the third-party Workforce Research Group, is based on policies, practices and demographics, along with community outreach and "stress-relieving" activities for employees.
"Honestly speaking, I can't imagine working anywhere else," Rachel Cistrunk, a senior buyer with HB Chemical, told Rubber News. "I have felt like part of the family since day one and even though we've grown so much over the years, it still feels like home. I love the close-knit feel between departments and I always feel like I can go to anyone with questions I have.
"We really work well together as a team and I only see us getting better as time goes on."
Last year, the firm (and parent Ravago) hosted turkey bowling and forklift rodeos for employees, while this past year has included a trip to Top Golf in Independence with former Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco as guest of honor.
"We sponsored the bar, so we were popular," Moran said.
HB Chemical folks also volunteered their time with Haven of Rest Ministries, a shelter for the homeless in Akron.
"We send several groups on different days to Haven of Rest," Pierson said. "It is important to remember you are part of a community and you need to give back. We take some sales people, some people in customer service and put different groups together to go and we build that vibe.
"There is no barrier because of what someone's roll is at HB Chemical. We are all pulling the rope in the same direction. This is something I've really enjoyed and never experienced before at another organization, building these relationships and that family feel that we have here."
Moran said the labor market has changed drastically post-pandemic, and setting up a work week to fit a nuanced and uniquely different work force can be a challenge.
"People have been back in the office for a long time now, but we are dealing with new challenges," Moran said. "Things are not like they were 30 years ago. We offer flexibility and some work-from-home opportunities now, but you have to be performing at a pretty high level."
This past year also featured a fishing trip for HB Chemical teammates, and the company has pot luck lunches, parties in the summer with games and food, and an annual Christmas party.
HB Chemical also is known for tapping into its employees' taste buds with a local craving, bringing a food truck to the industrial parkway location throughout the year.
Employees continue to volunteer at the Akron-Canton Food Bank and have sent "thank-you" baskets to the local Twinsburg police and fire departments.
Even as the rubber industry landscape continues to evolve on a number of different fronts, generational leadership has guided HB Chemical since its founding nearly four decades ago.
Moran said it is prudent to consider a succession plan to ensure that the culture of HB Chemical, and its unique team-oriented atmosphere, remains.
"As we get older it is never too early to start looking at succession planning," he said. "I am focused now on bringing younger people into the business. We have multiple people younger than 30 now.
"What happens if I step away? How do we build the right team? Have we built the right team? It's been fun, frustrating ... it's been everything.
"Today, there is a younger work force, with different ways of doing things. But it's been an education ... and succession and flexibility are traits that are very important to this business."