For the fifth year in a row, Ramaker has been named a Top Workplace by the Wisconsin State Journal, an honor made even more meaningful because it’s based entirely on employee feedback. This year’s winners were announced on March 18. In the same month, Ramaker was also recognized as ESOP Company of the Year by the Wisconsin Chapter of The ESOP Association.
Ramaker is a multidiscipline architecture and engineering firm. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, the firm works on a range of projects across the country, such as hotels for major brands, multifamily communities, waterparks, telecommunications tower sites and municipal buildings.
“The ESOP award is especially meaningful because it reflects how deeply employee ownership is embedded in how we operate every day. At Ramaker, ownership is about open communication, understanding how decisions are made, and knowing that every individual’s work truly matters. When everyone understands how their contributions impact the bigger picture, it creates pride, accountability and long-term success for both the company and our employee-owners,” said Mike Pinske, Ramaker’s president and CEO.
The Top Workplace recognition celebrates the people who show up every day to support one another, serve clients with care, and do work they’re proud of. “Everyone is willing to step in and help where needed, and that collaboration really makes a difference,” said Ramaker’s telecom market leader, James Kaiser, in the company’s blog. “The flexibility allows me to balance leadership, client relationships and family life. It’s a big part of what makes Ramaker such a great place to work.”
Ramaker’s culture was built through trust, collaboration and shared ownership. That shared ownership matters because Ramaker is a 100% employee-owned company. The firm’s employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP, gives employees an ownership interest in the business, creating a direct link between the work they do and the success they help create.
Ramaker’s ESOP accounts grow in two ways: through company contributions and through increases in share value as the company grows and succeeds. That model helps shape the kind of workplace Ramaker has become. Employee ownership creates a stronger sense of accountability, pride and motivation in business outcomes.
This business model also encourages employees to think beyond their job titles. Leadership may set the strategic direction, but employee-owners are empowered to make an impact in meaningful ways and share in the value they help build.
Just as important, Ramaker backs that culture up with real support for employees. Employees consistently point to accessible, engaged leadership, flexible work arrangements that respect life outside the office, comprehensive benefits that support long‑term well‑being, and opportunities to grow professionally without sacrificing personal priorities. This balance allows people to do their best work while staying connected to what matters most.
The architecture and engineering firm also offers competitive pay, insurance, a 401(k) with company match, wellness resources, continuing education, professional licensure support and on-the-job training.
Employee-owners take pride in giving back through ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts supporting the communities where they live and work. Each year, Ramaker leads initiatives such as the annual 12 Days of Giving campaign, which directs donations to local organizations focused on food insecurity, education, public safety, health and family support. In addition to charitable giving, employee-owners regularly participate in food drives and community service projects, reinforcing Ramaker’s commitment to making a positive, lasting impact beyond the workplace.
For professionals looking for a new opportunity, consider Ramaker. Visit ramaker.com for more information.
