Upon arriving down the long tree-lined drive, one is greeted at the front door with a smiling face. One look around and you realize this space has been created with timeless style. You will notice the subtle southwest decor, friendly employee faces and probably see a Labrador Retriever eager to show you the rest of the building. Welcome to Wolverine Mutual! That’s the proposed review intro from the nominator for Wolverine Mutual which has been a part of the fabric of Michigan’s Great Southwest for 103 years and running. The perceived super powers enabling them to Protect and Persevere are the very core of the amazing story they have become. Founded by the Laing family in 1917, the third generation of the family is now at the helm of a truly family-focused firm. Looks like a company lunch might be in the books to celebrate arrival on the list of the 20 Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan at Wolverine Mutual in Dowagiac.
What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Wolverine Mutual Insurance Company
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
The company was started by the Laing family in 1917. Jim Laing is the current President.
Business Contact Information
Valerie Coates
One Wolverine Way, M-62 East
Dowagiac, Mi 49047
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
45
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
Wolverine Mutual is a property/casualty insurance company started by E. Bruce Laing in 1917. It is situated on 80 beautiful acres in Dowagiac, Michigan. The company has over two hundred independent agencies in Michigan and Indiana. The personal service that customers get at Wolverine Mutual is what sets them apart from other companies. The employee turnover is extremely low and management continues every year to make Wolverine an even better 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?
Wolverine Mutual Insurance should be one of the 20 best places to work in Michigan’s Great Southwest because it is! Management knows that happy, content employees do a better job because they like their company. At Wolverine it’s family first. That means a lot to us.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
Wolverine employees are proud of their jobs and the company because of management. They tell us everyone is important and every job is important.
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.
Upon arriving down the long tree-lined drive, one is greeted at the front door with a smiling face. One look around and you realize this space has been created with timeless style. You will notice the subtle southwest decor, friendly employee faces and probably see a Labrador Retriever eager to show you the rest of the building. Welcome to Wolverine Mutual!
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
1. Family-oriented…2. Positive…3. Rewarding
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company has on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
Super Power One Protect! It’s our job to take care of you and your family.
Super Power Two Persevere! We are over 100 years old. We’ve been through economic changes, automation updates and every bump in the road. We continue to excel for our customers.
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? Company events
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? Staff meetings regarding industry changes and ideas
C] Keep communications open? Excellent management, transparency among staff
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.
We were able to celebrate our 100 year anniversary in 2017. We had three generations of Laing’s at the company and it was amazing. D. Bruce Laing, G. Bruce Laing, Jim Laing, Barbara Laing and Andrew Laing.
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard. How does the nominated company:
A] Honor or reward success? Company lunches
B] Socialize as a team? Nights out, lunches, dinners, golf, etc.
C] Get involved in community events? The company is especially likely to contribute to anything to do with the school system. Also, events and charities local to our city and county.
D] Celebrate life? The company gives generous vacation time to employees to enhance their lives.
Write a brief, but compelling, recruitment ad telling people about why they should come and work there, too.
Come work at a company where you are challenged but appreciated, busy but enveloped by calming beauty and not related but surrounded by your work family. This is Wolverine Mutual Insurance.
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?
I’m not sure it’s that unique or cool but we have an in-house cat and dog visits daily. Sometimes it’s several dogs on the same day! They make the office comfortable and relaxing.
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. Vacation days, sick days, well pay
2. Gym Membership
3. Health, dental and vision insurance
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.
WE’RE STILL THE ONE! Wolverine Mutual included in top 20 selection of best places to work in MICHIGAN’S GREAT SOUTHWEST! To celebrate I’d host a company lunch to thank management and employees. I’d also create an annual scholarship for students with the same values and goals as Wolverine employees.
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?)
The company is amazing. Most of my loyalty comes from working for D. Bruce Laing who passed away in 2018. He spent most of his life building the company and he loved it with all of his heart. I can’t communicate how special he was. I can only say he made me want to come to work every day and do best job I could possibly do.
