Building Culture and Breaking Barriers by Embracing Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity for a Stronger Team

In July 2024, Gage Brothers proudly participated in the PCI (Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute) Production Manager Summit held in Sioux Falls, SD, offering a unique platform for PCI Certified Plant managers to explore best practices for creating and sustaining an exceptional workplace culture. This year’s summit was particularly special as attendees had the opportunity to tour our state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and witness firsthand how our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity has fostered a stronger, more cohesive team.

The summit began with an introduction to the core challenges faced by managers in today’s industry, such as harmonizing diverse personalities, disciplines, and meeting customer expectations. Through interactive sessions and discussions, attendees delved into real-world challenges and effective strategies to transform these obstacles into opportunities for fostering a positive plant culture.

Guided by a seasoned professional consultant with a proven track record in leadership and culture development, attendees discovered the pivotal role of a supportive and collaborative workplace environment. Investing in culture, they learned, can significantly enhance talent retention, boost productivity, and elevate safety standards.

Touring Gage Brothers: A Model of Cultural Excellence

The tour of Gage Brothers was a highlight of the summit, providing a live example of how our company culture is put into practice. Here are some key takeaways from the various stops on the tour:

1. Gage’s Core Values:
Our company culture is built on four foundational core values:

• Find Solutions – We encourage team members to come up with an idea, not a complaint, to find solutions for our team members and customers.
• Show Commitment -We operate as one team with one goal, and we don’t give up before we try.
• Take Ownership – Take responsibility for mistakes and don’t ignore a problem.
• Expect Excellence – Impress our customers and be better than we were yesterday.

These principles guide our daily decisions and actions, ensuring a unified approach to achieving our goals.

2. Retention and Awards: Our new facility, built in 2018-2019, reflects our commitment to creating a safer and more enjoyable work environment. With a steady decrease in turnover rates since our move and initiatives like the Gage Best award, which recognizes employees for demonstrating our core values, we continually strive to improve our team’s experience.

3. Diversity and Inclusion: Our break room is a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusion. The flags proudly represent 23 countries, two U.S. territories, four branches of the U.S. military, and gay and transgender pride. Our fully bilingual company ensures all communications are accessible in both English and Spanish.

Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in our policies, training programs, and the way we collaborate, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. By embracing diversity, we create a stronger, more dynamic team capable of meeting the evolving needs of our industry and our clients.

4. Women in Manufacturing: We are dedicated to breaking down barriers for women in manufacturing. With female supervisors and leads in various departments, we ensure that women have the necessary support, including appropriate PPE and facilities that include separate locker rooms and nursing mothers’ room, to succeed in their roles.

In 2024, we introduced a 12-week paid parental leave policy for all new parents, women and men, offering 2 weeks at full pay followed by 10 weeks at 60% pay. This initiative reflects our commitment to recruiting and retaining team members who prioritize family, while also fostering longevity and stability within our workforce.

5. Safety Initiatives and Training: Safety is a top priority at Gage Brothers. We encourage team member participation in hazard reporting and providing solutions to ergonomic concerns, demonstrating our commitment to creating a safe work environment.

Many of our team members have been cross-trained across various products, giving us the flexibility to adapt to changing market demands. Through monthly technical training in each department and leadership development in peer groups, our team members actively share ideas and continually advance in both personal and professional growth.

7. Metrics and Bonus Plans: Our bonus program metrics focus on productivity, quality, and safety. Regularly reviewed and communicated through all-staff meetings, these metrics help us maintain high standards and reward team members for their contributions.

Interested in working for Gage Brothers? Learn more:

• Why Work for Gage Brothers
• Current Employment Opportunities

Gage Brothers: Leading the Way in Precast Concrete Solutions

As one of PCI’s leading architectural and structural precast concrete producers since the 1960s, Gage Brothers has continually evolved to meet industry demands. Our transition to an employee-owned business through an ESOP in 2007 marked a significant milestone in our journey, emphasizing our commitment to company culture and employee empowerment.

Our innovative use of Architectural and Structural Precast Concrete and Ultra High-Performance Concrete Products positions us at the forefront of sustainable building solutions. From precast concrete building systems to energy-efficient wall panels, our products contribute to the construction of beautiful, safe, and sustainable communities.

If you’re interested in learning how Gage Brothers can bring your next project to life, reach out to our sales team today and discover the difference our expertise can make.

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