What started as a team of only five people has grown to a multi-faceted marketing agency worthy of the title Best Places to Work 2022 in just a few short years since opening its doors.
But becoming one of the Best Places to Work isn’t something that happened over night or a title that is given to any business in the area. The title must be earned.
What is the Best Place to Work Award?
The Albany Business Review aims to honor local businesses each year with its Best Places to Work program. Companies who make the list go above and beyond what is expected to create a stellar work environment for the employees.
This year marks the 19th year of the Best Places to Work program and Elevation Ten Thousand was honored to make the list.
Businesses first need to be nominated, then a survey is deployed to the staff, which asks questions about their experience with the company. A significant number of employees have to not only complete the survey — but also rate the workplace in a favorable way.
A third-party deploys and collects survey responses, compiling the data to determine which businesses makes the list. Surveys are anonymous and employees are encouraged to be completely honest with their answers.
7 Questions with the President and Director of Operations
In this interview, I’m talking with Elevation Ten Thousand President, David Miclette and Director of Operations, Meg Lemerise to see what it takes to become one of the best places to work in the Capital Region.
How Many Staff Members Were on the E10K Team When the Company Began?
David Miclette (DM): Five team members.
Meg Lemerise (ML): David and I have been here since the company began, watching it grow from a team of five to where we are now has been truly amazing.
What Do You Think Makes This a Great Company to Work For?
DM: Elevation Ten Thousand is built and designed around our culture. When I’m asked to describe our culture, I often find that I’m at a loss for words as our culture isn’t something that we defined in a boardroom session and then set out to adhere to. Our culture is defined by the energy and passion that is brought everyday by every member of our team. Our culture is to unique mixture of all our strengths, interests, personalities, and momentum. Our culture is what makes Elevation Ten Thousand a great company to work for and what excites me every single day.
ML: I’m not sure my answer can top David’s, haha. Our staff is truly remarkable and their ability to create a video, design, website, campaign, or piece of content from a few words always astounds me. Our team and their passion are what makes this place what it is, David and I are just fortunate to be part of it.
What Makes the Company Different Than Other Agencies in the Area?
DM: Elevation Ten Thousand has a unique approach and range of services for our clients to serve as a one-stop-shop for branding, marketing, and advertising. We’re able to consolidate multiple vendor relationships into one point of contact to ensure brand consistency across all facets of marketing and advertising — including web, film, photo, design, apparel and hard goods, social media, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, digital marketing, and traditional advertising — all under one roof.
ML: And really, that’s only part of it. The entire team works hard and are dedicated to their craft, nothing is phoned in. But it doesn’t stop there, we actively help each other. If someone from our paid search marketing team wants a second set of eyes on the verbiage used in an ad, someone from our content department is always happy to help. So just because we have structured departments, doesn’t mean we aren’t working together to achieve a common goal.
Where Do You See the Company in the Next Five Years, 10 Years?
DM: The growth path for the company in the coming years is nearly vertical with expansion into new geographic markets and strategic acquisitions.
ML: That path is exciting, and one I’m eager to see come to fruition. We have already grown so much in a few short years. It honestly would not be possible without the team that we have. Our success is only possible because of them.
Is There a Moment That Stands Out to You That Makes You Proud of the Team?
DM: Moments such as this make me especially proud as it’s recognition for everything we’ve created and strive for as a workplace community.
ML: Aside from being proud every day? The ability to shift gears at the drop of a hat when the novel coronavirus pandemic hit. Going from seeing each other each day to working fully remote without missing a beat was astounding. Although I never doubted their ability to do so, it was still a proud moment.
E10K was on the list in 2018, Any Other Years?
DM: Only these two years — for now.
ML: For now, is right! But considering the fact that we’ve only been open for a few years, it’s an impressive feat.
If You Could Tell the Team One Thing, What Would it Be?
DM: I say it often, but this is a great moment to reiterate that this is the most amazing team and by far the best version of this team we’ve ever had. Every member of this team is integral to the future and success of Elevation Ten Thousand. I’m so thankful to be a part of this team.
ML: I wholeheartedly agree, I am so thankful for this team. Thank you for putting your best foot forward with each project, no matter the size of the campaign.
Work with E10K
Whether you’re looking to partner with a group of professionals that are dedicated to increasing brand awareness for our clients or if you’re looking for a career opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.
