Michigan’s state motto says, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” In our region of the state, one of the most prolific providers making this part of our peninsula particularly pleasant is the team at Arcadia Gardens on Hinchman road in Bridgman. Anna & Todd Brooks and their crew have been transforming the landscape project by project for more than 30 years now, and what team members love is the high regard that the Brooks family has not only for clientele, but for the team as well. As the nominator suggests, “The quality of work is excellent, the working atmosphere inclusive, and the regard and respect for the employees outstanding, which reflects back in the quality of work,” adding, “Arcadia Gardens provides a welcoming and supportive atmosphere to do your best work, with a company that has a high level of integrity and aesthetics. They provide their clients with a beautiful end result, and make getting there a rewarding and collaborative experience.” If you seek to enhance your personal slice of this great peninsula of Michigan, don’t hesitate to check out the team at Arcadia Gardens in Bridgman, another among the 20 Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan for 2022. Read on for more.
What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Arcadia Gardens LLC
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Anna and Todd Brooks
Business Contact Information
Arcadia Gardens LLC
2721 Hinchman Road, Bridgman, MI 49107
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
25
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
Arcadia Gardens has a very high regard for their employees and customers. The quality of work is excellent, the working atmosphere inclusive, and the regard and respect for the employees outstanding, which reflects back in the quality of work.
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?
Because they are above and beyond similar businesses in the area. They are very community oriented and respectful of their obligation to a high quality of life for their employees and customers.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
- They love their jobs and working for Arcadia!
- They are proud of the work they do.
- They have a high level of respect for the company and owners of Arcadia Gardens.
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.
Arcadia Gardens provides value, a high level of craftsmanship and excellent end product for their customers. This is the result of a well-trained staff that reflects the culture, respect and mission that Arcadia espouses.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
- Respect
- Trust
- Values
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: Ability to motivate employees to do their best.
Super Power Two: Pervasive atmosphere of showing pride in the employee work product.
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? — Positive spirit + feedback
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? — Encourage education at all levels; request and incorporate employee ideas
C] Keep communications open? — Talk WITH employees, not TO employees. Keep everyone informed at all times
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.
I’ve only been with the company since March, so this is a hard question. That said, I ran my own business for 20 years prior to working for Arcadia and despite trepidations about working for someone else, am very happy to be working for them!
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? — Verbal recognition, encouragement , financial rewards
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? — Annual company-wide events, in-office pow-wows, occasional after-work get togethers
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? — Encourages involvement in community activities to further education and contribute to the community
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? — By maintaining an upbeat and thankful attitude towards employees, customers and what they do!
Write a brief, but compelling, recruitment ad telling people about why they should come and work there, too.
Arcadia Gardens LLC provides a welcoming and supportive atmosphere to do your best work, with a company that has a high level of integrity and aesthetics. They provide their clients with a beautiful end result and make getting there a rewarding and collaborative experience.
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?
A small farm is kept on the premises- it is so cool to take a break and be with the chickens and sheep!
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Educational grants for employee’s children
- An autonomous atmosphere of trust and care for employees
- A fun and inclusive atmosphere to work
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.
Arcadia Garden’s dedication to excellent service and respectful, thankful care of their employees is recognized in the community they have serviced for over 30 years!
We will celebrate with a company-wide party for all!
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?)
Arcadia is a family run business and has contributed to beautifying this corner of Southwest Michigan for over 30 years. Their dedication to this service reflects in multi-generational employees, many long-standing customers and beautiful gardens throughout the region!
