Two years ago, Jessie Sears didn’t tell her parents about a planned interview at Renovia. Why? She didn’t have experience in the commercial construction industry. Her background was in the non-profit realm. And she doubted the position would interest her.

But she was unhappy with her current employer and figured it was worth a shot.

“I literally left within a one-hour conversation with Matt (Rolfsen, president and partner) and I was like, ‘I have to work here!’ ” she recalls.

Established in 1999, Renovia specializes in coatings and repairs. Headquartered in Indianapolis, its corporate mission is to “be a light.”

Sears has rapidly progressed. Today, she’s the Christian-based organization’s first human resources director.

“I’m writing the role and learning the role as I go along with the allies and the education they’ve given me,” she explains. “I’m able to use mentors outside the company; they allow me to do that during my work time. I’m set up for success. It’s difficult to write the whole job description, learn it and do it. But it’s very exciting!”

Renovia is among 125 Hoosier employers named to the 2019 Best Places to Work in Indiana list. It ranked No. 6 in the small company category.

“Part of our reason for growth isn’t about paychecks and profits,” Rolfsen comments. “If we can’t keep our culture engaged and together, it’s not worth growing.”

Paul Strack, national director of sales and marketing, is a former teacher. He joined the team five years ago and says working at Renovia has introduced him to “some of the greatest mentors and friends I’ve ever had.”

Read more about Renovia’s winning ways in the current issue of BizVoice® magazine.

Symone Skrzycki is the communications manager for the Indiana Chamber. She is also a writer for the Chamber’s award-winning BizVoice magazine and has been with the organization for 19 years.