Gwen Humby, technical manager, at Genoa Design International.Supplied
Sixteen years after joining Genoa Design International Ltd., Gwen Humby has a unique vantage point, not only having witnessed the company’s tremendous growth as one of its longest-serving employees but being able to envision a bright future.
“Genoa is always looking forward, looking to grow and thinking of their employees in that growth,” says Humby, technical manager.
Based in Mount Pearl, just outside St. John’s, N.L., Genoa is one of the shipbuilding industry’s leading detail design and 3D modelling firms. Started 30 years ago at a kitchen table, Genoa now has offices in Vancouver and the United States and extensive experience working on navy and coast guard programs.
“The company’s origin is rooted in family values and that really guided the growth of Genoa. We’ve never lost touch with that,” says CEO Gina Pecore.
Remaining firmly rooted in Newfoundland and Labrador and committed to its employees are key to Genoa’s next phase of growth. Earlier this year, Membertou First Nation and St. John’s-based Horizon Naval Engineering acquired it.
“This is perfect timing for the company to take the next step in its evolution,” says Pecore.
Driven by one of the company’s core values, “never stand still,” she envisions it continuing to evolve by investing in employees’ technical and leadership skills through an in-house academy, as well as ensuring that their ideas and concerns are heard.
“The ability to have a voice is something our employees tell us they like,” says Pecore. “There are many ways employees can contribute.”
Contributions might be through employee surveys, town hall meetings with the CEO, or the Strategic Council — a semi-annual event where all levels of management bring forward the views of employees.
“We aim for creating a sense of openness, transparency, accessibility and recognition,” says Pecore.
Genoa Design also aims to retain its employees. After graduating from the Marine Institute at the Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s with a diploma of technology in naval architecture, Humby went to the United States for work. She spent several years working away from home.
Wanting to return to Newfoundland, she applied to Genoa and was hired as a structural designer. With the encouragement of her supervisors, she moved into positions with increasing responsibility. This year, Humby is interested in getting her project management certification and has the support of her employer.
“It has long been a practice of Genoa to recruit internally first before we go external,” says Pecore.
As a mother of three, Humby also counts on the flexibility her employer offers to allow her to maintain a balance between work and a busy family life. If a child is sick, she has the option to work from home.
“It is an incredibly family-oriented company. It is okay that I put my family first,” she says.
Recognizing employees for their service is essential to the company’s drive to put people first whether it is through annual awards, a “feel good” program, which allows employees to recognize each other for living Genoa’s values, or the office’s treat trolley that offers free candies or artisan chocolate.
“You never know what is going to come along,” says Humby. “The treats put a pep in your step.”
Outside of the company’s design work, Genoa places importance on meeting community needs. Every employee is entitled to eight volunteer hours per year and encouraged to use them. They might go toward delivering furniture on Fridays with the Home Again Furniture Bank, or helping four-legged friends through Genoa’s partnership with SPCA St. John’s.
“Genoa is committed to strengthening our community,” says Pecore.
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Advertising feature produced by Canada’s Top 100 Employers, a division of Mediacorp Canada Inc. The Globe and Mail’s editorial department was not involved.