To promote a work environment built on fairness, respect for one another, and pride in the firm; to respond to the changing needs of employees and, as a result, to attract and retain top talent in the industry. Value: Increased employee satisfaction from training programs, recognition of achievements, and staff-developed initiatives, with achievement measured by the firm’s being voted one of the Bay Area’s best places to work in 2010 and 2011. Initiatives: To provide unparalleled customer satisfaction by continually improving customer service, fostering open communication, and building rapport using skills and technology to understand and respond to clients’ needs. Value: Continued growth in business despite the economic downturn, attributable to the firm’s comprehensive 5-Star Training, a 13-week customer service program required for all employees. Initiatives: To be a philanthropic leader in the Bay Area business community by contributing firm resources to the communities being served; to align the valuable expertise, talent, and time of the firm’s professionals with the needs of the community to make substantial contributions to local programs and business enterprises. Value: Recognition by community leaders of the firm’s not-for-profit board training initiative, which was designed to develop employees into well-qualified board members for local and regional organizations.