Do work and happiness go hand in hand? Ask any Schell Brothers team member and you’re likely to get a resounding “yes!” In fact, the company’s generosity-fueled warriors can’t really imagine one without the other. It comes as no surprise, then, that Schell Brothers has earned a coveted position as #62 among Fortune 100’s Best Workplace for a Medium-sized Company.
Based on straightforward feedback, the Fortune 100 rankings are determined by an analysis of anonymous employee responses about topics ranging from team dynamics and managerial relationships to work conditions, benefits, and overall culture. The transparent format ensures that companies on the final list exemplify true workplace excellence across a variety of business sizes and sectors.
With its corporate office in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Schell Brothers is a nonconforming builder that delivers stunning, production-style homes with a luxurious twist, offering countless, personalized selections and finish choices, as well as a deep focus on extraordinary customer care. Schell homeowners don’t just move into their homes; they find happiness there—along with an atmosphere of pride that seamlessly extends to the surrounding community. From their first model home visit to contract signing and beyond, customers are treated like family and afforded an intrinsic sense of belonging, instantly becoming part of the charismatic Schell culture. By the time the moving boxes are unpacked, Schell homeowners already regard their neighborhoods in the same way that devoted sports fans relentlessly support their beloved team.
“I believe in empowering our teammates, which means inspiring them to thrive and be their best. A happy team makes me happy.” – JAMIE, Director of Sales
How is this possible? Company co-founder and president, Chris Schell, is quick to say that the company’s resourceful spirit begins and ends with its people. “The kind of environment we have attracts the kind of individuals who are self-motivated and basically propel this company forward without the micromanagement and oversight that goes on in other companies,” he explains. Team members appreciate the ability to make decisions and work together toward a common goal.
The concept is intriguing, but what is the magic formula for creating—and sustaining—a rewarding work experience inspired by happiness? Here’s the secret: it’s not really about magic at all. It’s about walking the talk when it comes to culture. At Schell Brothers, culture isn’t a buzzword, it’s just business as usual. From newbies to veterans, everyone is empowered to elevate their daily responsibilities to a whole new level … and then reach even higher.
“Happiness is ultimately the only thing that’s important because anything else you might be pursuing is driven by a hope that it will lead to happiness.” – CHRIS SCHELL, Co-Founder & CEO
The team’s enduring energy is driven by Schell’s down-to-earth mission that puts well-being at the forefront. “I happen to believe there are things in life that are more important than your bank account,” Schell says. “Happiness is ultimately the only thing that’s important because anything else you might be pursuing is driven by a hope that it will lead to happiness.” Motivated by this mantra, the company has broken all the rules, incorporating a financial model that flips the script, putting happiness above the bottom line. This requires a true commitment to people, with real-life employee benefits such as building a Schell home at cost, getting daycare reimbursement, enjoying company boat days, and many more. It extends to a genuine concern for customers that includes getting to know each family personally, and then adding surprising touches in each home—called “happy stories”—that are designed specifically for the residents. Trade partners feel like part of the team, with awards and ceremonies devoted to their individual contributions.
And how does Schell Brothers keep the happiness going? They recognize generosity and make innovation a priority. For example, the company’s Project Kudos began organically, giving teammates the opportunity to show gratitude to each other at company meetings and events. Like everything at Schell, the coworkers dreamed bigger, extending Project Kudos to the greater community, giving locals and tourists the ability to write a shout-out of thanks on a Project Kudos-branded sticky note and attach it to the side of a one-of-a-kind bus that traverses the area. Other outreach opportunities include employee participation in canned food drives, building playgrounds and other civic facilities, and purchasing, boxing, and delivering food staples to hundreds of families in need. Most recently, the company created a one-of-a-kind theme park called Schellville, drawing thousands of visitors to its annual Enchanted Winter Celebration and other seasonal events, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
“I don’t think I could see myself at any other company—ever. I think I’m a lifer.” – GRACE, Community Sales Manager
The result of this investment in people? Happy teammates, happy customers, happy trade partners, and, ultimately, happy numbers on the financial spreadsheets. As evidence of the unconventional business model’s ongoing success, Schell Brothers was honored by Professional Builder as the 2023 Builder of the Year. With 14 communities in its flagship Delaware market, the company continues to grow nationally, expanding to Richmond, Virginia, Nashville, Tennessee, and, most recently, Boise, Idaho.
“Our mission makes us better in every way,” Schell says. “It has shown the true value of running a company differently. Maybe we can get other companies to take notice and try to emulate it and then this sort of movement will grow. That’s my hope.”
As the saying goes, hope may not be a strategy. But, at Schell Brothers, happiness is. And, according to the coworkers, it’s a winning one, earning the company a spot among the country’s best workplaces.
