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our footprint and expanding into more states. I think it says something that we were able to keep at it and grow in this kind of economy without growing into new states. Now, think what will happen as we move into new states. The potential there is huge. ONLINE: Click to see a video of Ben Salzmann discuss Acuity's business practices and style. offering the latest technology that keeps him up-to-date on customers and any claims they may have. "They are an extremely well-run company and help me provide my customers with a great product. (Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development) during the past 12 years as well as being named one of the Information Week Best 100 Technology Companies for the past eight years in a row. Ademino also appreciates the annual education programs Acuity received 53 technology awards from ACORD " thinks that could just be the tip of the iceberg. First up is the addition of underwriters and processors and once they bring new business online, there will be the need for additional help in claims. And then eventually the need for business support employees. "It will be measured, well-planned growth," he says. While Acuity plans to hire 50 people initially, Salzmann " The place to be to help stay updated on the latest industry trends. By the way, all Acuity employees receive the same information given to agents and company leaders oſten have town hall meetings or lunches with groups of different employees to make sure the communication keeps flowing. Waldhart says Acuity also differs in the way it does in what he does every day. During the recent economic downturn, he was able to keep Acuity going – and growing – through discipline and following its underwriting guidelines. That also includes empowering Acuity underwriters to "just say no" to unacceptable risks, Schuler says. "We focus on writing the best business and year aſter year, that sinks in and you continue to grow," he says. "If business by understanding that its sales support its underwriting – not the other way around. "We don't go out there with any stated growth goals to our underwriters because they are then forced to make some not-so-good decisions," he says. For Salzmann, making good, solid decisions is integral you're writing something just to write something, that's not going to work. We succeeded because of Ben's vision and sticking to it. in income. "By staying true to our mission, we now see a huge potential to grow," Salzmann continues. "Not only are we growing thanks to the economy, but we are also growing In 2011, new state expansion generated $200 million " www. insightonbusiness.com have been special employee activities such as bringing in a mechanical bull, creating personalized Wheaties boxes for employees or encouraging employees to roller skate around the spacious headquarters – helped the company receive multiple workplace honors. In addition to winning the Entrepreneur Great Place to uring the economic slowdown, the company never did layoffs, kept giving raises and made 401(k) contributions. That kind of dedication along with a whimsical air – for example there Work Award as the best middle-sized employer for the past two years – it has also been among the top five each of the past eight years – Acuity received a top 20 employer award from AARP for the past six years and a Top 10 Leadership Development Award from Executive Excellence Publishing for the past two years. The more than 600 employees in Sheboygan work in an expansive 400,000-square-foot building that sits on 100 acres of land just off Interstate 43 (Acuity has about 200 employees who work off-site in their own homes or at regional offices). In addition to traditional corporate headquarter amenities, such as an onsite fitness center (with free massages) and café, there's also a torture chamber. Yes, a torture chamber. Aſter a visit to Europe, Salzmann was inspired to create a small room filled with a couple of chains, a replica of the "rack" and plenty of promotional materials. He jokes that it's "torture" for employees to go in and get items such as hats, golf shirts and more to give to clients. "It also definitely serves as a talking point, including seven hand-blown glass starbursts by artist Robert Kuster suspended from all three galleria ceilings. The collection is called "The Seven Sisters" aſter the Pleiades star collection in the Taurus constellation. "At the end of the day, it's just a place you feel good about working at," says Schuler. The light-filled building is full of stunning artwork, " he says. June 2012 • INSIGHT | 23