For them, it’s simply about getting the basics of workplace culture right.

“It’s just the little things,” said Matt Becker, 28, a former teacher turned Realtor.

Overwhelmingly, Wood Brothers Realty employees say they feel valued and appreciated by owners Patrick and Buddy, a rarity in their previous workplaces.

What many employees enjoy is the flexible schedule which allows for a greater work-life balance.

The Wood brothers say their philosophy to running the business is pretty simple.

They treat their agents like family and believe that if their agents succeed then they succeed. So they do all they can to put their agents in a position to win.

That means supporting them with marketing materials, sales leads, lock boxes and even tasers, a form of protection for when agents showing houses alone.

At other realty companies, this level of support is unheard of, said Emily Sensmeyer, 23. At her previous office, she wasn’t even provided a desk.

“I had no sense of place,” she said. “I feel very a part of the team here.”

Plus, other firms charge the Realtors fees for everything from marketing materials to the lock boxes on the doors, the Wood brothers said.

“We don’t fee our people to death,” Patrick Wood said.

Sensmeyer is currently excelling, averaging a sale a month.

“It’s a very, very happy atmosphere,” Sensmeyer said. Even though she can work from home if she chooses, she enjoys coming into the office where she feels supported.

She has even noticed a change in her overall happiness level by working at a place she loves.

“My mood and energy have changed,” she said.

Becker agrees. He’s happier in his new career where he no longer feels like just a number but a valued member of the team.

“You have to enjoy where you work, or otherwise what’s the point?” Becker said.

That’s the goal, according to the Wood brothers. If the agents are happy and feel supported that’s the attitude they’re going to have with potential homebuyers.

The brothers also try to support the charities and events their agents attend and by matching any donations.

“When they’re out there we know we’re out there,” Patrick said.

Wood Brothers Realty was founded in 2011 and the family-owned realty company now has 148 employees, and hoping to add an additional 30 Realtors within the next year.

The company does not provide health benefits to the Realtors who are considered independent contractors, but they are able to access benefits through the local association of Realtors.

This is the fifth consecutive time the company has been among the top-ranked workplaces in the small category.

Runners-up

Beckner Painting and Contracting, which has been servicing St. Louis area homes and businesses for 50 years, came in second in small employer category. The company has a low-turnover rate and providers its 70 employees with health and dental benefits. Beckner is looking to add 30 positions in the next year.

ARCO Construction Company came in third in the small employer category. Employees say they enjoy the culture and the fact that they’re surrounded by hard working employees who care about seeing the company succeed. ARCO is looking to hire 31 individuals within the next year.