May 7, 2021
Applewood Ranks in Top 20 of Midsized Top Workplaces
Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric placed 14th in the Denver Post’s Top Workplaces/Midsize category, marking their ninth time being recognized through this program for their dedication to being one of the best places to work.
Applewood has grown to more than 160 employees with more than 300,000 service calls in their company history. This year’s ranking was out of 55 organizations in the midsized category and is the sixth consecutive year they have received a Top Workplace honor. The company’s 96% on-time performance and a 60% return customer ratio contributes to their longevity in the home repair service industry, where customers can be fickle.
“We have held steadfast to our family-owned roots and tried our best to ensure we are always providing the highest quality service with the most knowledgeable technicians,” said Josh Ward, owner of the Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric. “It takes strong commitment on everyone’s part to year-over-year perform at the highest levels. This kind of recognition is such an honor after all that hard work.”
A comprehensive survey is done to gather insights on company culture and performance from the employee’s perspective. Seven categories help rank organizations on their performance, culture and ability to provide a Top Workplace environment for staff, customers and the community. The outstanding markers are tied to confidence in leadership, company values and vision, compensation and benefits, employee development and growth, recognition, recruitment and retention and performance.
The company’s high ethical standard stems from its founder, John Ward. Even after his retirement in 2019, his core values have remained at the foundation of Denver’s largest family-owned plumbing company. Steeped in a strong commitment to the community, Applewood increased its Caring Community Giveaway last year with a $5,000 quarterly commitment to small, local nonprofits nominated by employees and selected through community votes.
The company has also invested in the future of the trades by supporting three scholarships at Red Rocks Community College, one each in plumbing, heating and electrical trades each year. This support has helped increase educational opportunities at a time when trades need new talent.
Other community involvement includes support of the Wheat Ridge High School’s Farmers 5000, Denver Dumb Friends League’s Furry Scurry, the Hudson Gardens annual concert series, Littleton Lions 5K and many other local events and organizations.
Internally, Applewood has long recognized the value of their employees. This appreciation extends to a generous benefits package, wellness programs and incentives, annual celebrations and service milestones. These employee investments have remained consistent through the pandemic and have not wavered in the company’s history.
“These kinds of investments in our personnel and the community have contributed to our longevity,” Ward said. Applewood serves as an industry role model and example, a role they plan to continue long into the future, according to Ward. Applewood was also recently recognized in Boulder Weekly’s “Best of Boulder” listing through a write-in popular vote.
