Best Places to Work: Sur-Seal motto more than just words

CINCINNATI—"Rapid. Right. Reliable." Sur-Seal's motto serves as the foundational principles for everyone at the custom sealing solutions company.

"Embracing the motto 'Rapid, Right, Reliable' is what makes the culture here at Sur-Seal truly unique," said Ryan Patterson, a second shift area leader.

"Our team understands that our flexibility and ability to make quality parts makes us a dynamic tool in meeting our customers' supply chain needs. No one complains about an expedited timeline for a job. They embrace the challenge and do whatever they must to ensure that our customers' parts are out the door."

Sur-Seal's focus on culture has led it to being named one of Rubber & Plastics News' Best Places to Work for 2019 as determined by its employees through a survey conducted by Best Companies Group.

Creating a positive work environment is not just about having a well-maintained facility with a top-notch safety program, even though Jenna McHugh, vice president of human resources, said Cincinnati-based Sur-Seal has that too.

There is a trusted executive leadership, led by CEO and President Larry Faist, who she said are hands-on and approachable and believe in transparent communication.

"Our mid-level leadership treats people with respect and continues the chain of communication with daily huddles throughout the company," McHugh said.

She added that through new hire orientation and coaching, employees have a good understanding of what is expected of them in the company values of "Caring, Curious and Courageous."

To allow team members to take on the company values, Sur-Seal supports continued training and education. It has a tuition reimbursement program and also offers internal on-the-job training for new hires, McHugh said. The firm allows employees who wish to change roles within the company to shadow someone already in that position.

There are currently 232 employees.

"There is a lot of respect shown and given to one another here. There is also a profound amount of professionalism displayed throughout the whole company," said Kyle Rader, material control team leader.

Maria Ernstes, human resource specialist, shared a similar sentiment.

"Sur-Seal has an engaged leadership that cares about people, that is open to new ideas, is customer focused, and has a culture of working together. Everyone works hard and knows what they do matters," she said.

One way Sur-Seal keeps an engaged team is through its various employee initiatives, such as "Living the Values," its peer-to-peer recognition system, and "Lunch with Larry" where Faist takes six or seven employees out to lunch every month.

Sur-Seal also likes to highlight team members with its Sur-Seal Spotlight Employee program and a yearbook that features individual pictures of all employees with their area, longevity and a favorite quote or fun fact.

"People here care for each other and make the environment enjoyable," said Nander Le of the New Product Introduction department.

Sur-Seal also takes time to celebrate holidays, both traditional and non-traditional. The company hosts a Veterans Day celebration and also Thanksgiving, where employees receive a personalized card from their supervisor and $25 gift card.

The fall season is kicked off with an annual chili cook-off where Sur-Seal invites the local fire department to judge, and ends the year with a festive holiday lunch for everyone.

The company also extends celebrating with its team for Opening Day in Cincinnati with Skyline Chili Cheese Coneys.

"We celebrate our diverse culture of employees from 15 different countries with Culture Day, with employees sharing food and the customs of their countries with everyone," McHugh said.

With such a dynamic culture, Sur-Seal ensures it takes its time bringing new hires in.

"Our No. 1 go to in the hiring process is our Employee Referral Program," Ernstes said.

"We have found out that our employees typically only refer people that they know well, want to work alongside of, and they know will be a good fit for Sur-Seal."

With wellness programs, employee spotlights and celebrations, Sur-Seal puts in the work to be a great place to work.