27. Blackdog Builders 7 Red Roof Lane, Salem • blackdogbuilders.com
Top Employee Engagement Survey Measures: My manager is interested in my well being: 100% agree. I am actively encouraged to volunteer new ideas and make suggestions for improvement of our business: 100% agree
President: David Bryan
Years in Business: 35
Full-time Employees: 65
Years on List: 1
At Blackdog Builders, a six-month sales and design training program lets trainees shadow seasoned pros from initial contact to project completion. Mentorship is central: As team members rise, they mentor newer colleagues, fostering leadership, autonomy, and trust.
“We know that investing in our people is one of the smartest decisions we can make,” says CEO David Bryan. “Career development is a strategic priority and a core part of our culture.”
Blackdog offers clearly defined career paths with transparent salary bands and written role expectations. Compensation is reviewed annually to ensure market competitiveness. Many employees have stayed for 10, 15, even 20 or more years, growing their careers entirely within
the company.
Employee-led initiatives like the Advisory Committee and Communication Improvement Team give staff a voice and drive innovation. Based on employee feedback, Blackdog Builders piloted a flex-schedule program for select departments, allowing team members to adjust start and end times. Early results show improved morale and no drop in productivity. The company also offers a program allowing team members to purchase tools through payroll deductions.
Annual work anniversaries are marked with a congratulatory email, newsletter shoutout, and a spin of the “Wheel of Fun,” a lighthearted tradition with prizes like gift cards and scratch tickets.
Major milestones come with bigger rewards. Ten-year veterans receive a personalized wooden plaque and a $1,500 weekend getaway. At 20 years, it’s a $5,000 customized gift or vacation coordinated secretly with a loved one. At 30 years—a milestone reached once so far—another $5,000 gift or experience is awarded, plus a commemorative plaque.
Blackdog’s values show up day-to-day, including a manager who not only offered support to an employee after a personal loss but showed up at the funeral.
