WE'RE A COOL PLACE TO WORK

For four consecutive years, our companies have been recognized Cool Places to Work by Crain's Detroit Business.

This statewide survey and awards program was designed to identify the best places of employment in Michigan, benefiting the state’s economy, workforce and businesses. The final list is made up of 100 companies in three size categories: small (15-49 U.S. employees), medium (50-249 U.S. employees) and large (250+ U.S. employees).

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

  • Have at least 15 employees working in Michigan;
  • Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity;
  • Be a publicly or privately held business;
  • Have a facility in the state of Michigan; and
  • Must be in business a minimum of 1 year.


If your boss Knows your...

Hot dog order then you might work at Midland Tool & Supply.

At the company’s headquarters in Oak Park, it wouldn’t be unusual to see its president, Brian Boychuk, roasting dogs and flipping burgers during a Friday extended lunch hour. It’s not a one-off novelty or a show for his staff; the way he sees it, he’s entertaining family.

“I like to make people feel at home,” Boychuk says. “I consider the people I work with family. I love to barbecue and I love to entertain, so it’s right up my alley to do it here at work as well.”

Staff barbecues are just one of the perks that made the tool and equipment supplier stand out in Crain’s 2019 Cool Places to Work survey. Midland Tool & Supply ranked 55th overall, earning praise for paying 100 percent of the health and dental insurance premiums for its 58 employees and their dependents, among other benefits. 


The company also provides free short- and long-term disability coverage, plus 401(k) contributions.

“Every year at renewal we continue to give the best that we can for free,” Boychuk says.

Other workplace features include endless snacks and breakfast items, frequent catered lunches, holiday meals, team-building events, volunteering days, and the freedom to use company trucks and equipment when needed.

“If people added up all the time throughout their lives, I think they would be shocked how much time they spend at work. I figured why not make it as home-like as I can?” Boychuk explains. 

“When you get to a certain age, as far as I’ve seen, you’re not out meeting new friends. Where do you meet new people? The people you work with mostly. I love hearing that relationships and friendships are being built here at work.”