What is the name of the business you are nominating?
St. Joe Kickers Sports Club, Inc.
Who are the owner(s) and/or principal leadership in this company?
President: Neil Harris
Vice-President: Victoria Haack
Sports Director: Christopher Haack
Location:
Arden
Nominator’s Name:
Christopher Haack
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
There are 300 adult members, but only two actual employees. Most work is volunteer.
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
Currently in its 71st year, this organization brought soccer to Southwest Michigan. It sponsors four adult outdoor teams in two leagues, an indoor soccer program with over 200 teams, and hosts over 150 youth outdoor soccer games a year. It also sponsors an outdoor coed soccer league. We are the only soccer venue that has on-site management and features concessions for all games. We also host banquets, dances, weddings, parties, etc. in our clubroom and hall.
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 of its service to the community, its attention to details, and its positive, people-oriented management.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
The satisfaction gained by those who pass through our doors.
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.
“We have a long history of promoting soccer in Southwest Michigan. Through our efforts, a sport once considered foreign has become mainstream. The Kickers has always been at the heart of these developments, sponsoring the first youth teams in the area and donating to the first varsity high school programs in order to jump-start the sport’s popularity. The club offers a chance to be part of a historic and community-focused organization.”
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard but also for playing hard.
Recognition of all winning teams via Facebook. Daily updates on the club’s page for positive achievements by members. “Club nights” every Thursday that include food and drink. Drop-in soccer programs twice weekly. Sponsorship of four teams for members.
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?
The TOPSoccer event should be of special note. This is often the only night of the week that parents and their special-needs children can have a community event related to sports.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Opportunity for all skill sets to shine
- Chance to be part of an organization that brought soccer to this area
- Weekly chances to have “gemuetlichkeit” with fellow members and those of like mind
Anything else you’d like to mention about this company, its leadership, etc?
Over and over, despite the club’s extremely small infrastructure, the St. Joe Kickers has been told they have the best organized leagues, most immaculate fields, and most impressive staffing (and concession stand!) of any soccer venue in any league in West Michigan and Northern Indiana!
