Nurturing a Company Culture that Fosters A Supportive Work Environment and Encourages Work Life Balance

CEI Materials has prioritized company culture and work-life balance since its inception in 2008. Founders Jeff Henry and Jason Sherill saw these as essential elements for building a successful and sustainable business. As Sherill, the COO, puts it, "Our team is our greatest asset. Without their commitment, we can't achieve our goals."

Henry, the CEO, echoes this sentiment: "Innovation isn't just about products or technology; it's about how we treat our people. We believe a strong company culture is the foundation for long-term success."

CEI Materials has consistently maintained its core cultural values throughout its growth. This commitment to a positive work environment has been a key factor in the company's success. Our team resonated with our values and company culture, as well as our mission to build lasting relationships by approaching every opportunity with commitment, enthusiasm, and integrity.

Q&A with founders Jeff Henry and Jason Sherill:

What was the culture you wanted to create, and how has it changed, if any, since its conception?

I believe we have always been aligned with the same culture based on the core values that we have today. However, over time we have seen the need to champion them openly with our team in various ways. Buying clothing (Swag), taking time to do team-building activities, posting our core values, and ultimately recognizing our team members when they exhibit them. 

What is your retention philosophy, and how has it adapted over time?

Promote and train from within whenever possible. Provide the tools and help grow the skills necessary for every team member to impact the organization positively.

You are no longer a small company. How are you going about keeping the family feel?

It's critical to stay connected with our team. That becomes more difficult over time as we gain numbers. We also expect and respect our team's family commitments, prioritizing responsibly and covering roles as people have family obligations outside work.

We are not the same as [16 years] ago when it comes to the "life-work balance" how are you adapting?

Cross-training is crucial for individual freedom. It also leads by example and respects space when people are away on personal time.

How important is the employee to CEI?

Employees are our greatest asset. Without them, we will not realize our most significant potential. Employees are an investment in the company. They are nurtured to support the overall organization and the greater good.

What are your thoughts on the future of CEI hiring policies? Regarding flexible hours, four-day week, working remotely, and mental health?

We understand the evolution of the traditional work environment. We also see the value in retaining our team members and adding to their quality of life by adapting. We also want to keep the personal connection between our team members, and there is no better way to do that than in person. Understanding these nuances and being flexible to individual needs makes sense to CEI's leadership team. 

With multiple offices, how do you see the cultural aspects working together as one CEI unit?

In today's environment, we don't work in silos. We are one design team and one estimating team. Our production teams collaborate on the best means and methods. We are fortunate that we have so many tools that even though we are many states away, we can work together daily to contribute to the culture we seek for the company.

Our team members can best describe what it’s like working on the team and experiencing our company culture. 

Emmanuel Damilare Ogundare had his start with CEI Materials as an intern before joining us as a design engineer following his graduation from Eastern Michigan University. As an intern, Emmanuel shared, “...CEI Materials' track record of delivering cutting-edge solutions for architectural projects aligns well with my career interests and aspirations. By joining CEI Materials, I saw an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the realm of facade design and construction, which is an area of particular interest to me. CEI Materials' dedication to delivering high-quality products and services while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment resonated with me.” 

Project Manager Natalie Mogrovejo reflected on her decision to join our team, remarking, "...I had heard good things about CEI from the estimating team at PCC who are currently working on the Bridge district project. This along with Angie and Jeff’s confidence about the company’s goals and established processes cemented my decision to work with CEI Materials."

Project Manager Colin Morel stated, "I look forward to working with cladding again because I enjoy the spatial problem solving that is involved with wrapping a building. Also, CEI is affording me the flexibility I require to take care of my family, which is not always easy to find."

Preliminary Design Coordinator Maisam Al-Halabi, who has been part of our team for 9 years, said, “What I love about working at CEI is the positive collaborative environment and the challenges that make the work enjoyable and far from routine. I also appreciate the constant opportunities for development and learning.”

Henry reaffirms, "Jason and I both believe that we have created something special here at CEI Materials, and we never want to lose sight of our key asset, our people. As the marketplace changes and the workforce evolves with new generations and needs. We will evolve with our people and ensure we all garner success in our lives moving forward."