Tugboat Institute

At Tugboat Institute?, we celebrate Private, Purpose-driven companies that prioritize their people and long-term success. This week we’re shining the spotlight on Torch Technologies, Inc.! Founded in 2002, Torch Technologies is 100% employee-owned and provides superior research, development, and engineering services to support the Department of Defense. Their unwavering focus on mission success and employee well-being has driven their growth and reputation as a trusted partner. As a Certified Evergreen? company, Torch Technologies embodies: → Purpose-Driven: Delivering innovative solutions that enhance national security while prioritizing integrity and excellence. → Employee Ownership: A 100% employee-owned structure fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared success. → Community Impact: Actively supporting education, veteran initiatives, and charitable causes to give back meaningfully. Torch Technologies proves that companies can lead with purpose, grow sustainably, and make a lasting difference for their people and communities. Want to learn more about Torch Technologies’ Evergreen journey? ?? Check out their story in the link below. #TorchTechnologies #EmployeeOwned #PurposeDriven #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen

How do you build a strong culture when your team changes every season? wade binkley, President of Alaska Riverways, focuses on one thing: Hiring for character. In our latest Evergreen Journal? article, Wade shares how his seasonal tourism business in Alaska has maintained a strong culture through a unique hiring approach. With hundreds of new employees each summer, Wade and his team focus exclusively on character traits like kindness, optimism, and enthusiasm—ensuring the right fit for their culture. Here are the key insights from Wade’s article: → Hiring for Character: Developing interview questions to identify traits that align with their company’s culture. → Rebuilding Culture: How focusing on character helped rebuild their team after losing key return employees. → Universal Lessons: Insights on maintaining culture that apply to both seasonal and year-round businesses. Want to learn how Wade prioritizes character to protect and strengthen his company’s culture? ?? Click the link in the comments to read the full article. #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen #Leadership #CompanyCulture #PeopleFirst

At Tugboat Institute?, we celebrate Private, Purpose-driven companies that prioritize their people and long-term success. This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Text-Em-All! Since 2005, Text-Em-All has specialized in delivering personalized mass messaging solutions that help organizations connect with people at scale. From staffing agencies to healthcare providers, their platform supports meaningful communication with compassion and reliability. As a Certified Evergreen? company, Text-Em-All is dedicated to: → Purpose Over Profit: Focused on making a positive impact by helping organizations connect with people when it matters most. → People-First: Offering team members flexibility, support, and growth opportunities, with policies shaped by transparency and trust. → Community Giving: Proudly donating 1% of profits and dedicating resources to community initiatives, reflecting a deep commitment to giving back. Text-Em-All proves that a company driven by purpose and people can create enduring value while fostering a joyful workplace. Want to learn more about Text-Em-All’s Evergreen journey? ?? Check out their story in the link below. #TextEmAll #PeopleFirst #PurposeDriven #MassMessaging #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen

In an unpredictable industry, growth needs to be carefully designed. John Weir knows that sustainable success means balancing discipline with flexibility. In his latest Evergreen? Journal article, John, President & CEO of MCG Explore Design, shares how his architecture firm has thrived through both highs and lows by committing to Paced Growth and a distributed leadership model. Key insights from John’s article include: → Paced Growth: Choosing steady, intentional growth over rapid expansion, even in boom times. → Distributed Leadership: Empowering leaders at all levels to drive projects and stay agile. → “Leaning Over” Leadership: Supporting team members while preserving their autonomy and trust. Want to learn more about how John and his team build resilience by design? ?? Click the link in the comments to read the full article. #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #Architecture #Leadership #Resilience #CertifiedEvergreen

At Tugboat Institute?, we celebrate Private, Purpose-driven companies that prioritize their people and long-term success. This week we’re shining the spotlight on Test Double! As a Certified Evergreen? company, Test Double is a software consultancy that prioritizes sustainable growth and community impact over quick exits or financial shortcuts. In the words of CEO & Co-Founder Todd Kaufman, “Certified Evergreen exemplifies what we're trying to do at Test Double: grow sustainably for decades as we work towards our purpose to improve how the world builds software." Test Double embodies: → Purpose-Driven Focus: Dedicated to raising the standard of software development, creating real value for clients and the tech community. → Sustainable Growth: Prioritizing resilience and longevity over short-term gains. → People-First Culture: Fostering an environment where team members feel valued and empowered. Test Double proves that Purpose-driven companies can thrive by focusing on quality, integrity, and meaningful impact. Want to learn more about Test Double’s Evergreen journey? ?? Learn more in the link below. #TestDouble #SoftwareConsultancy #PurposeDriven #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen

We were honored to have Elizabeth Glasbrenner, CEO of Smiley Technologies, Inc., speak at Tugboat Institute? Summit 2024. Elizabeth’s talk was a powerful reflection on resilience, leadership, and navigating unexpected transitions in both her personal and professional life. Facing change on multiple fronts, she leaned into her authentic self, embraced vulnerability, and found purpose in supporting her team—transforming Smiley Technologies in the process. Her presentation highlighted: → Embracing Vulnerability: How openly asking for her team’s support became a catalyst for unity and growth. → Turning Challenges into Opportunities: The unexpected trials that helped her evolve both personally and professionally. → People-First Leadershi*: Creating an environment where team members feel empowered, valued, and dedicated to the company’s mission. Elizabeth’s story is a must-watch for leaders who seek to lead with authenticity and purpose. ?? Click the link in the comments to watch Elizabeth’s full presentation! #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen #Leadership #Resilience #PeopleFirst

At Tugboat Institute?, we celebrate Private, Purpose-driven companies that prioritize their people and long-term success. This week we’re shining the spotlight on Savage! For nearly 80 years, Savage has been a leader in transportation, logistics, and industrial services, helping their customers thrive across multiple industries. Their focus on innovation and service has been a hallmark of their long-standing success. As a Certified Evergreen? company, Savage embodies: → Purpose-Driven: At Savage, there is a deep, shared understanding among employees of the company’s purpose, influencing every decision and action to ensure they honor this commitment. → Long-Term Vision: Committed to sustained, strategic growth while remaining privately owned. → People-First: With policies that value and support team members, Savage fosters a culture of high satisfaction, commitment, and loyalty. Savage proves that Purpose-driven companies can grow sustainably and make a lasting impact on industries and communities alike. Want to learn more about Savage’s Evergreen journey? Check out their story in the link below. #Savage #TransportationSolutions #PurposeDriven #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen

Can a 77-year-old business still think like a startup? Capitol City Produce proves it can. In our latest Evergreen? Journal article, Darin Arceneaux, President of Capitol City Produce, shares how this fourth-generation family business has stayed agile and innovative, all while prioritizing relationships and exceptional service. Here are some key takeaways from Darin’s story: → People-First Approach: Relationships with customers and suppliers are at the core of Capitol City’s growth and success. → Creating the “Wow Zone”: Going beyond expectations to deliver memorable experiences that build loyalty. → Agility Meets Legacy: Balancing a startup mindset with the stability of a family business built over decades. Curious to learn how Capitol City Produce combines tradition with innovation? ?? Click the link in the comments to read the full article. #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CapitolCityProduce #CustomerExperience #FamilyBusiness #Innovation

At Tugboat Institute?, we celebrate Private, Purpose-driven companies that prioritize their people and long-term success. This week we’re shining the spotlight on Telligen! For over 50 years, Telligen has been a leader in improving healthcare outcomes through data-driven solutions and personalized care management. Their dedication to innovation and community health has made a lasting impact on both patients and healthcare providers. As a Certified Evergreen? company, Telligen exemplifies: → Long-Term Vision: Committed to paced growth and healthcare innovation, while remaining privately held. → Purpose-Driven Impact: Focused on improving lives through better healthcare, personalized care, and data insights. → Community Engagement: Supporting local and national initiatives that enhance healthcare outcomes and patient well-being. Telligen proves that Purpose-driven companies can lead with innovation and make a lasting difference in the communities they serve. Want to learn more about Telligen’s Evergreen journey? Check out their story in the link below. #Telligen #HealthcareInnovation #PurposeDriven #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen

We were honored to have Kirk Aubry, CEO of Savage, speak at Tugboat Institute? Summit 2024. Kirk’s talk centered on the "secret sauce" behind Savage’s success: Connection. He emphasized how building deep, trusting relationships across the company has been key to creating a strong culture and driving sustainable, paced growth over the years. His presentation highlighted: → The Power of Connection: How relationships built on trust and collaboration are the “secret sauce” of Savage’s success. → Guiding Principles: "Do the right thing, find a better way, and make a difference" shape the company’s operations and culture. → Long-Term Partnerships: How embracing challenges and finding solutions has led to stronger relationships with customers. Kirk’s talk is a must-watch for leaders looking to build enduring companies with purpose and connection at their core. ?? Click the link in the comments to watch Kirk’s full presentation! #TugboatInstitute #EvergreenCEO #EvergreenJournal #CertifiedEvergreen #Leadership #Connection #BusinessGrowth