Doctors Todd Christy and Eric Balsis have built a reputation as a premiere dental team at Berrien Dental with locations in both St. Joseph and Berrien Springs, and their team of loyal workers are proud to carry on that tradition and reputation. Their ability to handle patient issues with excellence in customer service has also afforded the Berrien Dental team the opportunity to share the wealth with the community-at-large. In fact, Berrien Dental ha made free professional grade mouth guards for community football teams for years, while also supporting Berrien County Cancer Services, Relay for Life, and many other area non-profits. Dr. Christy’s service on the board of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber was long running and he is still a member of the Chamber. He also serves as Speaker of the House for the Michigan Dental Association, helping local dentists through advocacy on a statewide basis. Armed with the ‘Super Powers’ of Painless Power and Community Cheerleading, the team at Berrien Dental has changed people’s lives across the region. Read on for more of the ways in which Berrien Dental has gained a spot among the 20 Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan for 2022.
What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Berrien Dental
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Todd Christy & Eric Balsis
Business Contact Information
Berrien Dental, 911 Cummings, St. Joseph, MI 49085
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?
Berrien Dental does many wonderful things to support Berrien Springs and St. Joseph. They have made free professional grade mouth guards for the community football teams, support Berrien County Cancer Services, Relay for Life, have had multiple bake sales for area non-profits, have giveaways that promote local businesses, Todd is a member of the SW Michigan Regional Chamber and is a former board member there. They sponsor a hole at the annual Chamber Golf Outing, Todd is a Speaker of the House for the Michigan Dental Association that helps local dental issues and provides free care for local kids. Berrien Dental has sponsored many local youth and high school sports all over Berrien County. They have participated in trivia nights to support prom/after grad parties. Berrien Dental has sponsored Blossomtime programs, Todd and Eric have both been president of the Berrien Springs/Eau Claire Rotary Club. They have also participated in career days at various middle/high schools. Berrien Dental has always supported our community and is very proud of that fact!
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?
Berrien Dental is a shining star for Berrien County. They believe in paying it forward for their employees and our community. We are only as good as what we give back. At Berrien Dental, giving back is the heart of their business.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
At Berrien Dental, their mantra of teamwork is stressed at their monthly staff meeting and every day. They are constantly working on better communication with team members and patients. A happy family atmosphere is one of their guiding principles.
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.
Berrien Dental is the best! Their staff was awesome and professional. They explained everything from procedure to payment in a very clear manner. I am looking forward to my 6-month check-up.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
- Friendly
- Caring
- Professional
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: Painless Power
Super Power Two: Community Cheerleaders
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? — Always finding/pointing out a person that helped during a staff meeting. The person with the most “helps” that month gets a local gift card.
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? — Monthly book club on new professional advances or communication skills.
C] Keep communications open? — John Maxwell workshops or other motivators
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.
Berrien Dental has changed people’s lives. They have had countless patients cry in their chairs because of the amazing work that has been done.
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? — Local gift cards
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? — Todd makes a homemade birthday cake for each team member. They celebrate with this and a local gift card.
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? — They sponsor many things as listed above.
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? — Homemade cake, cookies, eating at local restaurants, retreats and local escape rooms, ax throwing and yoga studios.
Write a brief, but compelling, recruitment ad telling people about why they should come and work there, too.
They care about you and will do anything to give you a healthy smile. Their professionalism and compassionate care will knock your socks off. You will look forward to an awesome visit with the team at Berrien Dental.
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?
They give back joyfully to their community and patients.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Homemade birthday cakes
- Local Gift Cards
- Retreats to local fun places
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.
Berrien Dental takes an all-expense paid cruise around the world!!
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?)
Berrien Dental has also taken their employees on a Caribbean cruise and retreats to Northern Michigan.
