Dixon Schwabl has steadily grown over the years, expanding its offerings while maintaining its culture by recruiting employees who embrace the can-do attitude that helped found the firm 28 years ago.
“FUN” is a line item in Dixon Schwabl’s annual budget, ensuring there are funds available to dedicate simply to enjoyable activities. Dixon Schwabl focuses on a series of 5 core values embodying respect, integrity, teamwork, community, and fun to guide and support the company culture. By empowering employees and building a sense of camaraderie, the firm blends the aesthetics of its corporate headquarters with a mix of talented employees.
People are the focus at Dixon Schwabl and the office is a colorful and creative reflection of Dixon Schwabl’s culture. A metal slide extends from the second floor to the main lobby; murals from local artists decorate the walls; the public relations and interactive teams are in communal areas to share ideas and maintain cross-functionality; even the lactation room is called the “Lactation Lounge” and has been renovated twice.
The large main lobby functions as a party area and the Director of First Impressions (there is no “receptionist” or “operator” at Dixon Schwabl!) welcomes local favorite Bruster’s Real Ice Cream every Thursday at 3 p.m. during the summer. Her desk converts to a full-service bar at parties. The agency hosted a Snowman Building Contest during the winter and a Paper Airplane Contest.
Dixon Schwabl has retained, carried over, and even expanded all of its employee perks in 2015. When employees reach the 20-year tenure milestone, for example, they are given a “trip of a lifetime”—choices include London, the Caribbean, an Alaskan cruise, or Hawaii. The agency is involved on the board of the CMAC outdoor concert venue in Canandaigua, NY and offers presale codes for acts including Ed Sheeran, Dierks Bentley, Santana and others.