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“Hire to Retire” | How Great West Engineering Invests in its Employees Futures

Organizational Snapshot

At Great West Engineering, the company’s purpose is to provide a better quality of life by improving the world in which people work and live and creating a sense of community for its staff. Since 1984, the company has been dedicated to delivering high-quality engineering solutions. Great West Engineering believes that investing in its employees is the key to its success, fostering a culture where people are hired to retire. Its core values of Client Commitment, Empowered Employees, and Quality Solutions guide everything it does, from the projects it builds to the supportive, transparent environment it creates for its team. Great West Engineering strives to build a family-friendly community-focused firm that sets it apart from other companies in the industry.

Policy

Best Place Designation

Region

Helena, MT (Headquarters)

Additional locations in Spokane, WA; Billings, MT; Great Falls, MT; Boise, ID

Industry

Engineering

Size

Small Business

130 Employees

Male/Female

67% / 33%

Founded

1984

“Great West Engineering’s core value of “Empowered Employees” guides how we support and care for our people. We believe in helping employees succeed both in and out of the office so they can show up as their best selves each day. Flexible options encourage work-life integration that fits individual lifestyles, while programs like Montana’s Zero to Five initiative help address child care needs. Together, these benefits foster a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.”

Bill Lloyd

President

Family Friendly Policy Overview

Great West Engineering’s leadership actively seeks feedback through annual surveys. Great West Engineering then uses this feedback to help the company’s effort to shape benefits that better support their employees, maintaining a family-friendly culture as the company grows.

Home Buyer and Student Loan Benefits: Great West Engineering goes the extra mile to support its employees’ financial well-being, relieving stress at home and helping their families succeed. These benefits include a first-time homebuyer’s program, which matches up to $5,000 of an employee’s down payment and currently has 12 employees enrolled. Another key benefit is the student loan repayment program, which matches payments up to $2,000 annually until the loan is paid off, promoting significant retention for younger employees; 15 employees have used the program since it started in 2021.
Child Care Assistance: Recognizing that child care support is one of the most impactful benefits a company can offer with significant ROI through increased employee retention and productivity, Great West Engineering secured the Zero to Five Child Day Care Grant for its Montana employees. This program helps alleviate the financial burden of child care by reimbursing a portion of the costs for employees with children under ten, making it easier for them to balance their careers and family life.
Flexibility and Family Support: While employees are generally encouraged to work in-office, the company prioritizes family support through flexible schedules that can adjust to employee needs such as pregnancy-related challenges or caring for sick children. Great West Engineering also provides nursing benefits in a dedicated wellness room, and generous paid time off.
Recognition Programs: Great West Engineering prides itself on a caring culture, with programs like the highly anticipated annual ROSE (Recognition of Special Efforts) Award, where employees can nominate their peers for their contributions. The Longevity Program financially rewards employees for their years of service, and the Challenge Coin Award is given by leaders, colleagues, and partners for exceptional work. In times of crisis, employees can also donate sick days to colleagues in need, showcasing the team’s family-friendly atmosphere.
Health and Wellness Benefits: Great West Engineering’s comprehensive employee support includes 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums and subsidized costs for dependents. The company offers a robust 401(k) program with up to a 5% match, 48 hours of sick leave each year, and a pickleball court at their building to encourage physical activity.

Policy Implementation Overview

Retention and Engagement: Great West Engineering’s motto is to “hire to retire” and their commitment to flexibility, recognition, and financial benefits has boosted employee engagement and retention, with a steady increase in employee satisfaction from 2023 to 2025. The first-time homebuyer and student loan programs are strong recruiting tools and key retention strategies. This commitment is reflected in the company’s minimal turnover rate. Even in a challenging labor market, the company maintains a healthy talent pipeline, clear evidence that its culture and benefits make it an employer of choice.
Financial Transparency: Great West Engineering empowers its team by being financially transparent, sharing company stats with employees each month. This initiative came from direct feedback from employees who wanted to understand the company’s financial standing. By sharing this information and maintaining an open-door policy, leadership builds a culture where everyone feels invested and can contribute to creating a financially healthy business.
Positive and Supportive Culture: Employees describe the company culture as positive, supportive, and family-oriented. The environment is often referred to as “close-knit,” with a strong sense of community where colleagues are genuinely friendly and helpful. This is balanced by a “work hard, play hard” mentality, blending a shared dedication to high-quality work and client service with an appreciation for social connection and fun. The company culture is also known for being welcoming and inclusive, with approachable and responsive leadership.

The Impact

Great West Engineering’s commitment to its people is a core part of its identity. Benefits like first-time homebuyer assistance and student loan repayment empower team members to thrive professionally while building their lives. The company’s leaders believe that being proactive and enhancing their offerings is essential for attracting and retaining talent in today’s market. By investing in their staff, they have demonstrated that a people-first approach leads to better business outcomes and makes you an employer that the community is eager to work for.