Atmosphere of Mutual Respect
As published in the Orange County Register by Bill Quinnan, a freelance writer.
Culture, diverse service offerings and philanthropy are among the qualities that earned Brea-based information technology consulting firm PlanNet a spot among the Orange County Register’s Top Workplaces for 2014, according to the company.
“PlanNet is honored and humbled to be named one of Orange County Register Top Workplaces for 2014. Since our founding in 2001, PlanNet has strived to create the type of work environment where people feel appreciated, respected and valued, not only by management, but by each other,” says Steve Miano, founding partner and managing principal of PlanNet.
The company describes its work environment as collaborative, friendly and professional. The company eschews the stuffy, impersonal feel found in some organizations, striving for an atmosphere of mutual respect, in which the role each person plays within the company is valued.
Leaders continue to foster a positive work environment by communicating expectations to team members clearly and concisely; by promoting collaboration and mentoring at all levels; and challenging and empowering employees to think outside the box and act creatively and responsibly.
The firm encourages career growth and development by exposing employees to new challenges and opportunities on a daily basis, and by accompanying these challenges with mentoring, guidance and feedback. The company encourages and financially supports ongoing technical and career-development training and certifications for its employees.
According to the firm, PlanNet employees are recognized as leaders in their fields and are frequently requested to speak at major industry trade conferences throughout the United States.
In recruiting new employees, PlanNet looks for individuals who share its passion for the work the company does, as well as positive “can-do “attitude, a belief in the team concept, strong interpersonal, communications and leadership skills, and an unwavering dedication to meeting client commitments.
A veteran of the I.T. and telecommunication consulting industry, Miano founded PlanNet in 2001. From its roots designing and overseeing the implementation of voice, data, audio visual and physical security technology infrastructures for major public and private sector building construction projects (which remains as a major segment of the company’s business), the company has expanded in synergistic areas to become a recognized leader in the data center industry, providing data center consulting, design, engineering and construction capabilities worldwide.
While many consulting firms have established partnerships or alliances that require the firm to sell or market
the products or services of their partnering firms, PlanNet notes that as an independent firm, it is able to offer its clients an objective viewpoint in its advisory, design, project management and construction services.
Currently, PlanNet is involved in two of the biggest office projects currently underway in downtown Los Angeles:
The Bloc, a $200 million renovation of Macy’s Plaza, and Wilshire Grand, a $1.1 billion project culminating in a 73-story hotel and office tower, slated to be the tallest skyscraper in the United States west of Chicago.
The company believes that its commitment to its associates, clients and vendors has resulted in business growth and a winning culture. Among the hallmarks of PlanNet’s thriving workplace is its low turnover, with many of team members having been with the company for 10 years or more.
PlanNet’s diverse and rapidly growing clientele comprises more than 1,000 global, Fortune and middle-market companies and institutions throughout the United States and abroad. Its team of consultants and data center construction professionals support a variety of engagements from workplace technology and systems migration to critical facilities design and construction.
The company also strives to be a partner in the community, providing volunteers and donations to several Orange County and Southern California-based charities, such as Orangewood Children’s Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, the Southern California Architectural Guild and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
