For the second time, Fortune Magazine has recognized Southern Pipe & Supply as one of the Top 100 Employers for Millennials in the country.
Southern Pipe and Supply, with one hundred and thirty locations in seven states, is the largest privately-owned distributor of plumbing, heating, air-conditioning (HVAC), industrial, mechanical and waterworks materials in the Southeast. Southern Pipe is the only distributor in the United States to have been selected to the Fortune list.
Fortune worked with its long-standing research partner Great Place to Work to help find the best employers for those born between 1981 and 1997—a generation known for appreciating firms with strong values and thirst for growth opportunities. Fortune has been compiling this Millennial designation since 2015, when the youngest group of Millennials turned eighteen years old and first entered the workforce.
To be considered for this honor, companies must submit an application documenting over two hundred data points describing their human resource programs and practices. Fortune compiles this list annually with its research partner, Great Place to Work. “Family members”, how Southern Pipe & Supply refers to employees, submit anonymous feedback through an extensive cultural survey.
Southern Pipe’s consistent effort to be the construction industry’s Employer of Choice has made a massive impact through the years, resulting in countless accolades and recognitions. These efforts are continuing to make inroads with young demographics like Millennials, who according to Pew Research now make up over a third of the entire labor force.
“I have never worked for a company that I feel is more cohesive across the board,” an anonymous family member said. “I almost do not feel the hierarchy. Everyone is very giving of their time and never makes you feel like it is a burden when you ask for help.”
Ninety-five percent of respondents rated the company a great place to work, compared to the national average of fifty-seven percent. In Fortune’s analysis of the company, the top two reasons employees gave for ranking Southern Pipe and Supply so highly were the remarkable sense of family and working with people that care for each other.
Southern Pipe and Supply’s Director of Culture and Development, Doug Kennedy, recently commented on the honor.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized by Fortune.” Kennedy said. “As a company, one of our primary objectives is to invest a great deal of time and effort into being a company that attracts and retains great people. But the real reason we are a best place to work is because of our family members. They create an amazing, inclusive culture of respect that allows everyone to be themselves and have fun at work. “
President and CEO, Jay Davidson, is the fourth-generation leader of the family owned company that opened its doors in 1938. “I am thankful to be working with the best on the planet”, said Davidson. “The Millennials working here are making an incredible impact on our organization.”
While Southern Pipe is celebrating eighty-five years in business this year, it appears with this Millennial honor the future is bright.
