Honored
Leader: Graham Weston, Chairman and CEO
Company Name: Rackspace Managed Hosting
Location: San Antonio, Tex.
Nature of Business: Managed hosting solutions specialist
Founded: 1998
Revenue: $139 million
Growth Rate (2005): 60 percent
Number of Employees: 1,000
Rackspace executives, under the direction of Graham Weston, are committed to the ongoing development of their 1,000+ employees, or "Rackers," at all levels of the company. Rackspace manages enterprises' Web applications providing the network infrastructure, hardware, power and other IT elements. Executives believe education and training is a key element in building a passionate workforce, and instituted Rackspace University in 2004 to provide technical, professional and personal development training throughout Rackers' careers. Rackspace has carved out a niche in the ever-competitive technology industry by placing great value in customer service, which the company refers to as "Fanatical Support," and openly engaging employees in improving it. Under Weston's leadership, the organization has devised some truly unique employee recognition programs. Managers have access to Weston's convertible "Racker BMW" to reward employees when they over-perform and, in turn, they can reward their staff with a weekend stay at his Texas river home. In addition, each quarter one Racker is rewarded with the "Fanatical Straightjacket Award" and is strapped into the straightjacket for a photo that is then added to the coveted "Straightjacket Wall of Fame."
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