'People want to stay': Why Pinnacle Solutions was voted best small business to work for

Nearly two decades ago Pat Clements didn’t like what was going on at his place of employment. Although he was vice president and on the board of directors his efforts at change fell short.

So he left and in 2004 founded Pinnacle Solutions Group, an IT consulting company.

In its first year of participation, Pinnacle was named the Enquirer’s Top Workplace for 2023 in the small business category, based, in part, on employee surveys.

“Things needed change and I could not make them change,’’ Clements said. “Mostly they centered around things that were better for employees.”

Making a good working environment for its consultants has been a focus for Pinnacle. Clements said it is why few consultants leave.

“We only hire senior-level people. Within that realm they often have very good options,’’ Clements said.

“Your product – consultants – walk out the door each night so you have to give them a really good reason to come back.”

Principal consultant Jeff Cook is one of four who have been with Pinnacle since its inception. Since the beginning, the focus of the firm has been matching client needs with consultants’ skillsets.

“It’s the ownership model and emphasis on training and education and transparency within the organization that makes people want to stay,’’ Cook said.

“We feel like we offer something good and hopefully that will make people stay. We try to make Pinnacle a place where people want to stay.”

In their comments employees mentioned fun assignments, flexibility, continuing education, they feel valued, and supportive team members.

“It’s challenging and engaging while also being fun – the greatest joy coming from the comradeship with others in the company,’’ one respondent wrote. “I feel like I’m cared about and my future in the company is very important to not just myself but those around me.”

Consultants are encouraged to keep current with new and emerging technologies. Toward that goal the company pays for training – whether in person, online, or at conferences – and all related expenses.

“If you’ve got an employee that’s trying to make themselves better, why wouldn’t you be behind that? They’re more fulfilled, happier and will do a better job,” Clements said.

Once hired, employees can choose from several compensation packages.

“We give them more flexibility to choose a compensation plan. Their needs vary based on their situation in life,” Clements said.

Every month the financials are reviewed with employees – providing full financial disclosure, Clements said.

“Everybody in the company is on a path to being an owner. As they progress, they are granted or purchase stock. It allows us to have people who are more bought in,’’ Cook said.

“Anytime you give people stock you give up a little bit of the kingdom. On the plus side people stay a long time, they appreciate transparency. They appreciate being an owner. I feel it makes us a little unique.”

Pinnacle Solutions has 51 consultants in its Kenwood office and another 20 in its Charlotte and Nashville offices.

Last year $12 million of its $16 million in sales came from the Kenwood office, Cook said.

About Pinnacle Solutions Group

Business: IT consultants

Founded: 2004

Headquarters: Kenwood

Employees: 51, locally; 71 total

Website: www.pinnsg.com