Company Name: Anthony Wilder Design/Build Inc.
Location: Cabin John, MD
Nature of Business: Construction/Engineering
Founded: 1991
Revenue: $7.7 million
Number of Employees: 30
Average Tenure: 6 years
Those who doubt the power of "whimsy" should consult the track record of Anthony Wilder Design/Build, a full-service, high-end architecture, interior design, landscape design and construction firm founded in 1991 and practically built on the power of creative spirit. Like the value of "fun" at Southwest Airlines, "whimsy" doesn't just ensure a nurturing atmosphere for its 30 associates, it sustains a profitable business and results in unique structures that truly reflect the identity of the client. After the 2008 housing market recoil, when many remodeling agencies had fallen completely flat, Anthony Wilder was able to post one of its best years. A prolonged drag in the construction market meant AWDB was forced to adjust, and all employees accepted a collective pay reduction. The staff argue that the company's priority is more about helping individuals better themselves and live satisfying lives than anything else, which perhaps explains the low turnover in an industry that isn't often known for retention. At least once a month everyone in the office visits an active jobsite, where carpenters, designers and admin professionals can see how their efforts and inspiration have come together to form a new home for their clients. In the end, all employees remain well informed of the hard numbers behind the company's performance, confident that whimsy, dedication and financial savvy have indeed paid off through the years.
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