What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Sundance and the Secret Garden
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Amelia and Kirby Briske
Business Contact Information
4917 Territorial Rd
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
(269) 325-2583
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
10
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
Sundance is a beautiful wedding venue with a dance hall (once a blacksmith shop) and dining hall full of vintage touches. Sundance is so special because we get to be a huge part of one of the best days of someone’s lives. We get to work with couples from all over and assist them in making the wedding of their dreams. Having a job like this is truly not like working at all. It is set from other companies because of the fun vintage feel and it’s joyous work environment
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 think Sundance deserves to be in the top 20 places to work because the owners are amazing and flexible. You get to work with happy couples and families and it’s so inviting. The space feels like a second home when you are there. I absolutely love the opportunities Sundance offers me. I have learned so many social skills and I always feel so appreciated. Working with happy families is so uplifting and rewarding in many ways.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
Something that makes Sundance’s staff proud to be there is that we are a huge part of someone’s wedding. We are there to guide people and help answer any questions that may come about. The team also is so friendly to each other because of the positive energy that it doesn’t feel like work at all
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.
Come work for Sundance studios! Where you get to help people make their wedding day the best it can be and still enjoy the fun environment. You get to work with DJ’s and different catering companies every time you work. Sundance is an industrial building that was once a blacksmith shop and a Farm equipment station full of antiques. Making you feel like you are taken back in time. Spend your weekends at weddings and listening to fun music while getting paid to do it.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
1. Fun
2. Inviting
3. Rewarding
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?
– Ability to lift anyone’s mood
– Power to create an amazing wedding day
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? Motivation is high because we are able to choose tasks and split it amongst eachother so you aren’t always doing the same things.
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? Open communication amongst staff, owners and manager
C] Keep communications open? Stopping in and keeping managers on call to check in on everyone
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.
Turning an old blacksmith room into a beautiful dance hall with gorgeous blue windows.
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? Always pointing out what everyone is doing right and always remaining positive.
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? Group meetings and meeting for hot chocolate over the off season.
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? Holding tastings for local catering company to help them book couples.
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? Meeting off season and holding meetings to all chat about the new seasons coming up
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?
Most people are unaware we are an event space! The building is gorgeous and vintage and people are so surprised to see all of the secret elements! When you walk in each room is themed slightly different with a beautiful lush green garden in the back. This is so special and I wish more people knew about the beautiful garden in the community!
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. Yearly bonuses
2. Different shift options and getting to work at our other venues too
3. Getting to be at weddings every weekend!
Anything else you’d like to mention about this company, its’ leadership, etc?
The team and owners work very well together to make the venue clean and perfect and our staff happy! Everyone’s success is a huge goal!
