At Palmer-Donavin, employee ownership is more than a benefit, it’s the foundation of how we work together every day.

Our first Purpose-Driven Principle is Think and Act Like an Owner. That means understanding that the decisions we make impact the value of the company we all share in. It means asking questions like: What can I do to make this a better company? What would I do if this were my own money? Will this help the company succeed?

Employee ownership shows up in the pride our people take in their work and the way they approach problems. A long-standing motto at PD is “Do it right the first time.” For employee-owners, that means looking for root causes instead of quick fixes and taking the time to solve problems the right way. Owners collaborate across departments, support one another, and focus on doing what’s best for the long-term success of the company.

Ownership Drives Growth and Opportunity

When people think like owners, they naturally look for ways to improve processes, develop new skills, and take on greater responsibility.

At PD, we believe that investing in our people helps the entire company grow. We support continuing education through degree and certification programs, provide coaching and mentoring, and offer internal early career and leadership development programs. Many of our senior leaders started their careers here and grew into leadership roles over time.

Employee ownership also creates a culture where people step up. Whether it’s joining a committee, helping solve an operational challenge, or supporting a teammate, employees know their voice and contributions matter. Ownership encourages initiative, accountability, and continuous improvement- qualities that build long-term careers.

Recognizing great work is an important part of our ownership culture. Employees who are promoted are celebrated in our monthly company newsletter and on our intranet, plus they receive a handwritten congratulatory note from our CEO. Each year, we also recognize an Employee Owner of the Year, selected through nominations and voting by fellow employees who recognize coworkers living the PD Principles every day. These moments of recognition reinforce the behaviors that make our company strong.

Employee Ownership in Action

Ownership at PD is visible in the way employees support one another and the organization.

When employees face unexpected medical or family crises, coworkers often rally around them through our Peer-to-Peer Donation and PTO Donation programs, contributing thousands of dollars and hours to help colleagues during difficult times. It’s a powerful example of how ownership extends beyond the business and into caring for each other.

Ownership also shows up when teams step outside their day-to-day responsibilities to help the company succeed. During facility moves or racking projects, employees from across the organization regularly travel to other locations to lend a hand, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and safely.

Employees also take active roles in shaping the company through involvement on committees such as the ESOP Communications Committee, Safety Committee, and 401(k) Committee. These groups bring employees together from across the organization to share ideas, improve programs, and strengthen the employee-owner experience.

What This Means for Your Career at PD

People who thrive at PD are those who embrace responsibility, look for ways to improve, and care about the success of their teammates.

That mindset is one reason many employees build long careers here. It’s common to see team members celebrating 20, 30, or even 40 years of service. Over time, employees grow their skills, take on new opportunities, and often advance into leadership roles. Our culture of promoting from within reflects the investment we make in people who invest in the company.

Ownership at PD also extends into our communities. Employees serve on nonprofit and industry boards and participate in charitable initiatives such as United Way campaigns, Salvation Army efforts, school supply drives, and scholarship programs like the RJW Education Foundation Book Scholarship. Giving back is part of how our employee-owners live out the values of the company.

Join an Ownership Culture

Employee ownership means your work matters to your teammates, to the company, and to the communities we serve.

If you’re looking for a place where you can take pride in your work, grow your career, and be part of a team that thinks and acts like owners, we invite you to join Palmer-Donavin. Check out our careers page and apply today!