17. Mainstay Technologies • 25 Sundial Ave., Suite 504W, Manchester • mstech.com
Top Employee Engagement Survey Measures: My manager is interested in my well being: 99% agree. My manager displays the behaviors and traits that are consistent with the company’s values: 99% agree
CEO: Jason Golden
Full-time Employees: 99 (89 in NH)
Years in Business: 21
Years on List: 6 (plus 2 years in the Hall of Fame)
At Mainstay Technologies, success isn’t measured by profit margins; it’s measured by its people. With a mission to “give more than we get,” the firm has built its culture around purpose, authenticity, and human flourishing. “We believe that work should serve one’s life, but not dominate it,” says Founder and Chair Ryan Barton.
From day one, new hires are welcomed into a culture of mentorship, recognition, and transparency. This includes direct check-ins with executives and open-book financial management that invites team-wide ownership.
Perks at Mainstay go far beyond the standard benefits package. Team members receive ESOP shares and generous PTO starting at three weeks and growing to five weeks by year seven. Sabbaticals begin at year five with an additional two weeks off or a $2,000 bonus and scale all the way to a 10-week leave or $10,000 bonus at year 25. Employees also enjoy flexible scheduling, the option to work remotely, and offices stocked with snacks, tabletop games, and virtual reality headsets.
Feedback is embedded in the company’s DNA. Employees take part in quarterly one-on-ones with the CEO or senior leaders and are encouraged to help shape policies, choose tech tools, and improve workflows. Programs like “Defender’s Quest” incentivize employees to report cybersecurity gaps, resulting in bonuses and additional paid time off.
The “Living the Values” awards celebrate those who embody Mainstay’s mission, granting winners extra PTO and $500 bonuses. Development is constant, with training stipends, certification bonuses, and promotion tracks designed to grow careers. Employees can also receive up to $3,000 per year for college coursework and access regular lunch and learn sessions through Mainstay University.
Barton says people respond to authenticity. “People are genuinely valued, decisions are made in the open, communication is shared, friendships are fostered, and meaningful work is performed,” he says.
