When Robert Dillon bought Unique Home Solutions in 1993, he had only 11 employees. Under his leadership, the company has enjoyed tremendous growth, even during a faltering economy.

“The remodeling business is fairly consistent,” he said. “If you have the right kind of products and the right kind of payment plans, you can withstand most economic pressures.”

Dillon’s leadership philosophy is simple: “I try to treat everyone fair. I try to give employees an ethical work environment and a job and position they can be proud of. And I try to compensate them well. Ethics and fairness are the two cornerstones that make everything worthwhile.”

That philosophy contributed to the company landing at No. 5 among midsize businesses in The Indianapolis Star’s Top Workplaces survey.

Education is taken very seriously. Procedures are explained in terms of why they benefit the company and the employees, by extension. Every department conducts training sessions weekly — some more frequently. The company also provides training for those on a leadership track and, on a case-by-case basis, may pay for external training.

Employees are appreciative of the “excellent potential for advancement” and opportunities to “make a great living” and “be successful.” As one employee says, “from day one, the message is sent to us that the sky is the limit.”

Each month, Unique Homes has a Bonus Breakfast where employees bond over a meal and receive the latest company information. Employees who met their goals are honored with a plaque and bonus check. Employees are also recognized at the annual Christmas party, where each department honors its employee of the year. There’s also an annual fishing trip and numerous tokens of appreciation throughout the year, such as free pizza when the weather is bad.

All installation crews are employees and eligible for company benefits — not an industry standard.

Perks include the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, an on-site gym, flexible work schedule for administration staff, 401(k) and profit sharing.

Dillon wants the culture he cultivated to continue long after he retires. He recently opted to gradually transfer ownership of the company to the employees. Currently, the company is one-third employee-owned.

Originally posted at: No. 5 — Midsize Companies: Unique Home Solutions- IndyStar.com
Written by Shari Held, Star correspondent