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BL Companies' Prestigious Recognition as a Top Workplace in 2026

On June 24, 2026, BL Companies, a prominent employee-owned multidisciplinary firm specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental services, and land surveying, received a remarkable accolade. The firm was named one of the Best Firms to Work For by the Zweig Group, a leading consultant in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

This recognition places BL Companies among the elite in the AEC sector, ranking 11th in the 200+ employee category and 20th among multidiscipline firms nationwide. These rankings reflect BL's commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace environment based on employee feedback and a thorough evaluation of workplace culture, professional development, and employee experience.

President and CEO Carolyn Stanworth expressed pride in this achievement, noting, "At BL we strive to be a place that is truly considered a Best Firm to Work For by our employee owners." With the firm approaching its 40th anniversary, Stanworth emphasized the importance of reflecting on the past 20 years as an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and indicated that this ownership model is a core strength. She highlighted that the firm’s culture is vital to its ongoing success.

The survey results provided compelling insights, revealing that an impressive 97.4% of BL’s employee owners believe that the firm rightly deserves to be acknowledged among the best in the industry. Employees particularly praised the supportive workplace culture, the ample opportunities for professional growth, and the robust benefits package, demonstrating that BL Companies is more than just a workplace; it is a community.

"BL Companies makes its employee owners feel supported, included in decision-making, and empowered to go beyond the call for their clients," shared one anonymous survey respondent. This sentiment underscores the collaborative spirit that prevails within the company, where employees engage in challenging yet rewarding projects in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

Among the key strengths identified by employees were the ESOP model, open communication channels, competitive compensation packages, and flexible working arrangements. This shared sense of ownership and pride fosters high engagement levels, with low employee turnover rates marking the firm’s workplace dynamics.

Chad Clinehens, the president and CEO of Zweig Group, noted that the Best Firms to Work For award recognizes entities that recognize a profound truth: great companies are established by investing in their people. He stated, "These firms have demonstrated a commitment to creating environments where employees can grow, contribute, and succeed. We are proud to recognize their achievements." This honor will be celebrated at the 2026 ElevateAEC Conference Awards Gala in Park City, Utah.

BL Companies is a fully employee-owned enterprise and provides an extensive range of architectural, engineering, environmental, and land surveying services to clients across the United States. It consistently ranks among the Top 500 Design Firms in the U.S., as recognized by Engineering News-Record. With over 375 employee-owners operating across numerous states including Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, and Texas, BL Companies is a shining example of a firm that stands by its employees.

As BL Companies marks this significant milestone, it continues to push the boundaries of excellence in the AEC industry, proving that by valuing employees, a company can foster both a positive workplace culture and a thriving business.

For more details on the Best Firm to Work For rankings, visit The Zweig List, the digital platform of Zweig Group that highlights excellence in the built environment.

For inquiries, contact:
Mike Wollschlager
Phone: 860-526-1555
Email: [email protected]