Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/252322
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m F e b r u a r y 2 0 14 • I nsIgh t | 27 fast metal slides that connect each floor, adding yet another element of oeat functionality to this already unique venue. "At the core of sparknEt is an obsession-level of energy that has gone into the intentional design of our environment and the great care that goes into attracting the best/perfect-fit team members. none of this happens by chance or accident," says Knight. "We don't like the idea of work/life separation. you integrate your life, your play and your work." social media content specialist Jenna Kast has worked at sparknEt for five years, in both editorial and social media roles. she appreciates the amenities for what they bring to the employees' productivity. "We have a lot less burnout," says Kast. "It's really fun and really health-conscious too. e important part about our culture is having these amenities … and they are a bonus in addition to pay," she adds. While some past employees have taken to the social media universe to grouse about the company — inferring that glorified amenities don't make up for what some consider low pay — Knight is keenly aware of those detractors. "As you know, there are always two sides to every story. It's been on my mind for a few months now, and it's time we shared our side of the story," he says. "hell, yes," he says, such complaints bother him, especially when the company goes so far beyond what others even dream of. "e reality is everyone is at a different place in their career, and we're oen the first real job many new college graduates have. ey either have no point of reference or a very limited point of reference of what others in the market offer." In 2006, Knight says the company paid $8 per hour for editorial positions and was inundated with applicants. But turnover was high. ey later tested $10 per hour, and that cut turnover by half, Knight says. Base pay now for editorial staff is $12 per hour, although the team works on salary, not an hourly basis. programmers make $12 to $15 per hour, a rate Knight considers "great for right out of college." he notes that sparknEt has seen many of its developers receive generous pay increases of 8 percent to 15 percent in a year, "only to have them quit because they needed yet … Indeed, there is a free lunch – healthy fare is homemade daily by full-time chef and corporate Ping-Pong champ Ben griggs. The fastest way to get to that free lunch? Try the lightning fast metal slides that connect each floor, adding yet another element of offbeat functionality to this already unique venue. SparkNet Founded: 1996 CEO and president: Christopher Knight Employees: 40, with plans to hire 24 to 40 in 2014 Website: www.sparknet.net [continued ] »