What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Freedom Boat Club Michiana (St. Joseph, South Haven, Saugatuck & Holland Michigan, plus Michigan City and Hammond, Indiana)
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Tom and Joni Armon
Business Contact Information
505 Pleasant St
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
Freedomboatclub.com
2699990625
Access is located at Anchors Way Marina
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
Between 12-80 during our season
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
Freedom Boat Club is a membership club that provides access to boats. It is nationwide as well as global. It makes boating simple. The company is run like a big family and it shows in how the members are taken care of. Great place to 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?
I cannot think of a better company that would defined as one of the top 20 Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan. The service which they provide and in the way in which they provide it, is fantastic. It’s easy when what you do is fun, enjoyable, relaxing, and creates memories. It truly is a Happy Place to work! This is a company with a team approach and provides great customer service to its’ members.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
Again, it’s the environment that has been created. Provide a service where people will enjoy themselves, with family or friends, and one can take pride and enjoyment in what they do. It is fun!! We are making people happy everyday.
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Google or Indeed. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
Do you enjoy being on the lake, exceeding members expectations, love boating, working as a team, and enjoying the outdoors? There is no better place the Freedom Boat Club Michiana. Come join us!!!! Every time I take a boat out the staff is friendly and willing to help. They are knowledgeable about the water and the boats are clean.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
1. Service, Team
2. Enjoyment, Friendly
3. Family, Accessible Anytime
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?
– Able to consistently exceed expectations, Passion for boating
– Provide a safe and fun environment, Ability to work together
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? They care about the individual; Always acknowledge hard work
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? Interested in continual improvement; Provide a great working environment
C] Keep communications open? Staff meeting and open door policy; Accessible
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.
Recognizing special events and making one feel special. Whether it’s providing a fun planned event or surprising someone on a birthday, wedding party, family reunion, etc., with little to no knowledge.
One of our members lost a family dog who loved the boat rides the family too. They asked us to name a boat after the dog, it wasn’t exactly a boat name, but there was no hesitation. The boat is now named after the dog!! The family was incredibly thankful.
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? Staff appreciation days
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? Friendly location competitions
C] How does the nominated company celebrate life? Recognizes importance of work/life balance
A] How does the nominated company honor or reward success? Through pay increases for returning every season
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? We have company events with our members at each location throughout the season
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? We have provided boat rides to those less fortunate
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? Decorating boats for member and their special occasions
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?
Exceptional customer service; Everyone who works for Freedom Boat Club work where they are needed, including the owners who have worked the dock and cleaned boats.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
1. Outside environment; Happy People
2. Compensation both hourly as well as tips; Nice swag (T-Shirts & Sweatshirts)
3. Employee membership potentially after 1 year; Employee Boat Membership
Anything else you’d like to mention about this company, its’ leadership, etc?
It’s not a job when you do something you enjoy!
The Captains have so much patience when it comes to instructing members to drive the boat. The have taught non-boater’s to be comfortable at the helm.
