by Jen Karolski
“….generating survey results that are unprecedented in the history of the Best Place to Work survey, the #1 Best Place to Work in Omaha, for the fourth time, is awarded to Quality Living, Inc.” Thunderous applause rings wall to wall in the QwestCenter from all 800 luncheon attendees. As our CEO takes the stage to accept the award, all 175 of the QLI staff in 
attendance rise to their feet. I look around at the faces of our staff that tirelessly place their entire hearts, minds, souls, not to mention countless hours, into their company as they beam with pride. The feeling is palpable and moistens many eyes.
Dr. Kim Hoogeveen, our CEO, was asked to be the keynote speaker at the luncheon. As he describes a few basic tenets of his MindSet leadership philosophy, which plays a huge role in creating QLI’s amazing culture, I grin as I recall the thousands of times I have heard our staff say “It’s the culture, stupid!” Unfortunately outside of QLI, most of my friends stare at me blankly when I mention ‘work culture.’ They assume I am referring to some new motivational book or passing HR fad. To us, culture is as important to our success as the air we breathe is to life. We pride ourselves on creating a work environment, or culture, that attracts, builds, and retains THE BEST employees – an environment that encourages our staff to love their work. As Dr. Hoogeveen says, “We create exceptional people, and exceptional people provide exceptional services.”
The next day QLI enjoys Best Fest – a company-wide celebration of our award. As Mike Hon, Vice President of Residential Services and Dr. Kim Hoogeveen address our staff, they recall 20 years ago when QLI first opened its doors, “As we looked at the one small brick building we had back then, we said to ourselves, ‘one day QLI is going to be a big deal… one day QLI is going to lead this industry… one day QLI will be bigger and better than any other provider of our kind in the nation.’ That day has come – because of you (our amazing staff)!” Indeed, that day has come. In fact, we’ve been there for years.
Wild congratulations! I may be living down in Wichita in tornado alley, but the cyclones have not kept the great news away! So proud of what all (each!) of you do! Blessings to my precious niece, Kristin, who is a part of what you do.
Dr. Ginger F.
thank you for your sharing. I like it.
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
Really nice post,thank you, best website ever
This is really fantastic news. Thank you for sharing it with all of us!
[...] lack of knowledge was “no excuse for doing what you know is right for your business” or Kim Hoogeveen saying, “Leadership is not that different from integrity. It’s not that hard to know [...]
Truly inspiring, touching and moving true stories. Every human being is a bunch of different life stories. Let us keep knowing and learning.
Your comments have provided me needed information. My boyfriend had a head injury in December. The rehab services in our city has recommended QLI in Omaha, Nebraska. Reading about this facility has lessened my fears and anxiety. Thank you for sharing this valuable info.
I toured QLI last week and was truly impressed. My dear wife suffered a ruptured brain aneurism on March 23, 2011. We have been in hospitals for 4 months. Currently we are at Madonna Rehab Hospital in Lincoln. Our August 15 release date is rapidly approaching. Although she has progressed well beyond expectations, she will need additional inpatient care before returning to our now handicapped accessible home in Sioux City. Staff here at Madonna touted QLI as the best choice to continue Angela’s rehabilitation. After my tour I wholeheartedly agree. This blog intensifies my desire to see her there. If this is the best place to work it translates that those satisfied, happy employees will make it the best place for my wife to heal.
[...] lack of knowledge was “no excuse for doing what you know is right for your business” or Kim Hoogeveen saying, “Leadership is not that different from integrity. It’s not that hard to know [...]