What’s it take to receive the Family-Owned Business of the Year Excellence Award? Read our interview with Marc Brownstein, President & CEO of Brownstein Group, as we highlight one of the excellent small businesses that drive the Greater Philadelphia region. Join us to celebrate the 33rd Annual Excellence Award winners on Thursday, November 5 »
What is your business philosophy?
My business philosophy is two fold. First and foremost it’s important to create a company where the best talent and the most attractive clients want to be. Establish a very high standard of work product and then hold your team accountable for executing on that work product. Secondly, it’s important to give back to the community. Yes, it’s essential to have a certain amount of paid clients but it’s also important to make sure that you make a positive impact in the business community.
What’s so special about the Philadelphia region business community?
Philadelphia is the little big town where businesses can really make a dent and an impact. Developing meaningful and lasting relationships are important, as a business’ reputation is what allows recommendations to happen. There’s a certain intimacy in the business community that compels and implores you to do the right thing all the time. Word spreads quicker in a city like Philadelphia as opposed to New York or Los Angeles.
What does it mean to you personally and/or to your business to be named an Excellence Award winner?
To receive the Family Business Award is special to us because Berny and I work really hard to make sure that our business is a functional family business where all employees feel like they are part of the extended family. Family businesses can be difficult and awkward for the family members as well as the non family members to work in so we work hard to professionalize the environment, while also having the nurturing quality of a family. The fact that the business community is recognizing it, is pretty amazing and special.
What resources do we need more of in the region to help small businesses succeed?
We need more companies to move here to Philadelphia. It not only creates more client opportunities for businesses but it also creates more jobs in the industry and brings more talent to the area.
What’s something that you think would surprise people about your business?
People would be surprised to know that we are in our fourth year of offering unlimited paid time off to our employees. We tell our employees that we trust them and to take the time that they need. We find that it takes the stress and worry away from our employees and that ultimately they are more invested in our company because they feel appreciated. The system only works because we hire people with similar values and work ethic and we know that no one will take advantage of that freedom.
People would also be surprised to know that we have been in business for 51 years and are the longest running independent advertising agency in Philadelphia.
