This award recognizes an organization that displays a unique sense of passion, energy, and excitement toward its mission and toward creating a great workplace.

Winner: Findaway World

Findaway World is a workplace built on hard work, fun, energy, and passion. Every aspect of this workplace breathes the mantra of creativity and innovation, from employees wearing jeans and flip flops, individualized office spaces, product innovation, and customer appreciation feedback. Employees (or "Findawayers" as they are called) inspire and challenge each other on a daily basis to think outside the box, addressing both internal and external customers with this philosophy. Creative employee ideas and suggestions are not only welcomed – they are expected.

There are no set hours at Findaway World. Findawayers are encouraged to enjoy their life at work and in their personal lives. The organization goes above and beyond in terms of personal time off of work. In their own words: “Want to see your kids in an afternoon soccer game? Go for it! Want to work from home so you can take care of your sick spouse? No problem!” In this environment, results count, not just time spent at the office. It is entrepreneurial and associates own their respected areas and are responsible for delivering results. Associates can figure out the best way for them to deliver the results they need while balancing their own personal lives.

Fun and teamwork are the essence of Findaway World’s workplace. The organization is organized into self-managed teams, such as a Cost-Savings Team and Green Team. These teams have been fun, challenging and very effective in producing results for Findaway. Teams take organized outings to restaurants, play games during work hours such as Playaway Pictionary, have fun at local bowling alleys during a spontaneous afternoon, make trips to the movies, go go-carting, or even sail the Lake Erie islands. Within the office Findawayers enjoy fresh-brewed Starbucks coffee all day long and Sirius radio receivers. The organization also provides the ability to listen to iTunes or Pandora at their desks.

This workplace emphasizes the importance of laughter and lot of high fives. When employees have “wins” they can expect to receive a “high five” from the CEO or member of the Production team. Wins and great feedback from customers fuel their energy. Findawayers are frequently given spot rewards, including gift cards, bonuses, and tickets to Cavs and Indians games for jobs well done.

One of the core values at Findaway is to “Pursue Growth.” Findawayers are encouraged to seek growth for themselves and the organization, to stay open to new opportunities and be willing to fail in an attempt to learn. As many Findawayers are in their positions for the first time in their career, they challenge and develop those individuals so they find success and engagement daily. Supervisors and managers push their associates to the next level and constantly develop their team.

Celebrating success is important at Findaway World. This past year, the organization celebrated its success with a large event called Findawayerfest, a day long festival thrown at the organization’s headquarters. The day began with a surprise celebration of its one-millionth unit sold: a high school marching band parading through the building followed by a line of Findawayers following close behind. Upon landing in the production facility while their one millionth unit was packed, balloons dropped and a toast was made to the continued success of Findaway World. A catered lunch was given, followed by an afternoon of games with thousands of dollars worth of prizes. Other celebrations included a birthday party for the company with an ice cream truck delivering novelties for all employees and a Fall Fest which involved sampling different Ohio grown apples and pies, root beer floats on a random summer day.

The numbers speak for themselves. Findaway World grew its sales by 70% in 2008. It created many new jobs for Northeast Ohio and continues to expand its business. There have never been layoffs at Findaway World and the organization continues to grow strategically and at a rapid pace.

When asked what their organization’s greatest strength is, top performers at Findaway World speak to their organization’s energy and passion:

“People with a sense of passion.”

“This organization’s greatest strengths are the vast amount of talent, the casual, yet focused attitude towards company goals, the energy, the lack of "layers" of management, and the product.”

“Without a doubt, the people of this organization are the greatest strength. From the level of talent to the common thread of personalities, getting up for "work" is an absolute joy. Everyone has this inherent sense of purpose and responsibility to one another as well as energy. We are more than the products and services that we offer. That's part of it and we take that seriously. But we are also building a culture and attitude that can't be matched by any other employer that I am aware of. Additionally, is the ability to be allowed to do your job! That comes back to the level of talent. But also, the sense of appreciation for your contribution to the company. It's very rewarding. I've always said that I will never be as miserable as I was at my previous job and I'll likely never be as happy as my current. There's something to be said for that.”

“The entrepreneurial spirit is very strong at Findaway World. We are constantly trying to improve and come up with new ways of growing the business. Additionally all of the people that work here are young and energetic. We feel that we are creating world class, innovative products right here in Northeast Ohio.”

“The ability to contribute one's ideas to others in the organization - no matter if it's your supervisor, a member of the management team, or the CEO. At Findaway, everybody's ideas are wanted and valued.”

“The greatest strength of Findaway World is our ability to adapt and change. This ability comes as a direct result of an extremely diverse workforce. We have such a unique collection of gifted employees, that I cannot imagine a hurdle that we could not jump.”

“We are a tight knit community, committed to developing each other and our product to be better and better each day. I have seen it grow to the successful company we are today and take pride in everything we do, but most especially our ability to adapt to the changing market and economy. Our core values truly shape who we are and are instilled in each "Findawayer" every day. Do what’s right...embrace change...Give Respect & Take Accountability are just a few of our values and it sounds cliché but we really do live by them each day.”

"My organization's greatest strength as a workplace is in its ability to utilize its core values to make each of its employees a special part of every aspect of its growth and success and to accomplish short and long-term goals without even trying."