During a year of global pandemic we saw many business ventures forced to close down completely and sit on the sidelines wondering and waiting about their ability to return to action. Likewise, many individuals were sidelined and kept from the things that many needed just to try to keep motivated and moving. For members of the community of Michigan’s Great Southwest, the Renaissance Athletic Club, affectionately known simply as The RAC, found a way to keep all those wanting to keep moving and exercising able to do so through free virtual classes for anyone willing to tune in and check it out. Even in better weather when such facilities were still relegated by state mandates to stand down, The RAC team progressed to their large outdoor turf space for socially distanced engagement. That dedication resonated not only with the community, but with key staff members who place high regard on The RAC as an absolutely qualified member of the 20 Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan. Read more of the great things employees love about The RAC by continuing their story below.
What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Renaissance Athletic Club LLC.
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Sean Todman
Business Contact Information
Sean Todman
501 Graham Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
26
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
RAC is a small locally-owned business. The athletic club is always thinking of members first and their physical and mental health, especially during this uneasy time in the pandemic.
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?
RAC is a positive and enjoyable atmosphere that employees can look forward to come to every day. It’s likely that several times a day you will hear the staff’s loud laugher throughout the club.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
RAC takes the time to know you and your strengths so you can make a positive influence in the club as well as in the community. Employees of RAC feel valued and appreciated.
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Yelp! or Trip Advisor. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
The club is clean and safe. The staff really enjoys their jobs. They are friendly and always willing to help with anything. The club offers several group classes, has knowledgeable personal trainers, child care and up to date equipment.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
- Rewarding 2. Supportive 3. Fun
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company seems to have on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
Super Power One: Enthusiasm – Positive attitude is such a highly valued superpower.
Super Power Two: Motivation – “Don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done today.”
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? Takes the time to get to know employees on a personal level.
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? No idea is ever a bad idea, investing in continuing education / research and development
C] Keep communications open? Every manager’s doors are literally always open.
Explain a specific “wow!” moment in this company’s history that is virtually “Hall of Fame” or “Best Practices” worthy, as an example to other companies in the region.
Throughout the pandemic while RAC’s doors were closed to the public and not charging for memberships, they found a way to keep people moving and exercising. Starting the first day of the “Stay Home Order” the group exercise staff offered daily virtual classes and then progressed into outdoor classes with the change of seasons and warmer weather that were free to not only members but people in the local community as well as those engaged through the country on our social media.
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard.
A] How does the nominated company honor or reward success? Honored daily with positive feedback and encouragement.
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? Meeting at local establishments outside work hours to maintain personal relationships that extend beyond the workplace.
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? Sports performance for local athletes and participating in local events (i.e. hosting 5k and 10k races, providing warm ups to other local racing events).
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? Keeping people active and healthy, they focus on both their physical and mental health. Celebrating all victories no matter how small.
Write a brief, but compelling, recruitment ad telling people about why they should come and work there, too.
RAC offers fun, light hearted, positive work environment with meaningful community connections every day. Our work uniform is a bonus as you are required to wear athletic wear you can move in!
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
Our turf field is available to rent out to non-RAC affiliated competitive sporting teams and events! We are the only Health Club in the area with a Turf Field!
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Free Gym Membership
- Positive Work Environment
- Inclusive
If this is your company and you win, write the best headline ever for your company newsletter describing your successful selection to the list, and be as specific as you can about how you would celebrate the win if money were no object.
UNLIMITED VACATION TIME! Renaissance Athletic Club has been voted the BEST place to work, read to find out why!
Tell us anything else you want about this company that you suddenly realize we haven’t asked you about, but you’re sure will be the thing that puts you squarely into the winner’s circle! (Wait a minute! Can you put a square in a circle?)
Have you ever worked for a company that makes you look forward to the sound of your alarm clock going off as early as 5am? That’s how much people love working here. We can’t wait to get up and start our work day at the best company on the planet!
