build a ramp that connected her home to the street, giving her safe and reliable access to the outside world. It was more than a construction project. It was about restoring dignity, independence and freedom. Seeing the joy on her face when she used the ramp for the first time was incredibly moving. Moments like that remind us why we do what we do. Our work is not just about building structures. It is about caring for people and strengthening the communities we are part of. Steve Ritchie: We recently took our entire firm along with their significant others on a long weekend to San Diego. There were no presentations or work sessions. We just spent time with each other to build relationships and create lifelong memories together. We also rolled out our KS Keystones program last summer, which encompasses and defines our company culture. We believe strongly in One Firm, Whole Life—we operate as a team and care for the whole person, supporting each other’s work, growth and lives beyond the office. Steve Seguin: In 2025, we launched our first year-round wellness campaign, focusing on holistic health: mental, physical and emotional. From expert speakers to healthy recipes, prizes, a summer step challenge and even in-office chair massages, we covered it all. Supporting our employees’ well-being is important because it helps them thrive not just at work, but in everyday life. Amber White: The creation of the profit sharing plan. For approximately 25% of our employees, this marked their first dollar contributed to a retirement plan. I am very proud that this plan was established, as it demonstrates the company’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the hard work of its employees. Not only does it provide financial security for staff, but it also reinforces our dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone’s contributions are valued. How do you promote professional growth, learning and career advancement for employees? Alex Colas: We invest in our people by giving them meaningful autonomy to shape their career trajectory. We encourage team members to bring forward interests, ideas and opportunities for growth. Advancement is earned through ownership, performance and authentic alignment with our core values. The individuals who embody those values consistently are, in my view, among the strongest professionals in our industry. Marc-Daniel Domond: We intentionally invest in our people and give them real support in shaping their development. We provide educational stipends and encourage continuing education so team members can expand their skills and stay sharp in a constantly evolving industry. We do not put artificial caps on what is possible. If someone wants to stretch into a new role, take on more responsibility or lead an initiative, we create space for that to happen. Steve Ritchie: We like to see every new hire as a potential future partner, so we invest in our team’s professional and personal growth. Our Kernutt Stokes University training program provides technical training at every level as well as invaluable training in areas such as leadership, marketing, business development and more. Additionally, our KINSHIP program provides mentoring and coaching to provide support and guidance from the first day on the job all the way through becoming a partner within our firm. Steve Seguin: We support professional growth and career advancement in ways that fit each employee’s everyday work, including training, professional organizations and other learning opportunities. Associates and team members work alongside senior partners, receiving mentorship tailored to their goals. Career development isn’t one-size-fits-all; we help each person build on their strengths and interests. Partly because we are a mid-size firm, we offer an entrepreneurial environment where employees can take initiative and grow through client responsibilities, team projects and active participation. These experiences build transferable skills, including networking, communication and collaboration, beyond formal leadership roles. Amber White: Our approach has centered on robust training and development initiatives. Notably, the HR Director established a leadership cohort program designed to identify STEVE RITCHIE Managing Partner | Kernutt Stokes STEVE SEGUIN Chief Operating Officer | Sussman Shank LLP AMBER WHITE President | Oregon Pacific Bank 11
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==