Charlotte, NC | July 18, 2016 – Just as we like to get to know you, we want to tell you a little about ourselves. Jackrabbit has a great team of people working together to make the best cloud-based class management software out there. One of the best things about the team is that we actually like our jobs. And how do we know? We’ve been recognized for it: each year since Jackrabbit’s launch, the company has earn an impressive ranking in either the local or regional anonymously surveyed great places to work programs. We have an enviable employee retention rate: not only are many of Jackrabbit’s original employees still with the company, the new team members are quick to comment that the happiness of employees they meet is incredible. The culture has qualities of family, investment, accountability and value that most companies don’t achieve.
Anyways, that’s why we wrote this blog. And we encourage you to share who you are in the comments, in our Facebook User Group, or email us directly at marketing@jackrabbittech.com.
Honesty and Integrity
It all started in 2004 when our co-founders Mark Mahoney and Mike Carper put their heads together based on their combined interests in software development. Their goal was to help businesses that offered classes for tuition to find a faster, simpler, and more convenient way to operate. Their solution was online dance studio management software.
Mark and Mike created a company based on the values of integrity, reliability, efficiency and function, with a company culture that revolves around working hard while having fun and delivering excellence. Making sure that everyone is happy and has the right tools to do their jobs translates into team members who do whatever it takes for Jackrabbit’s customers.It’s because they keep management, relationships and communication personal and they lead by example. To this day, honesty and integrity are one of the reasons Jackrabbit employees are so happy with what they’re doing and who they’re working for.
The Leaders
The leaders work as hard as the other employees. They lead by example. Help is always available if needed, and there is a “we’re all in this together” mentality. We all work hard so we can play hard. And the company encourages both!
The company encourages personal growth and autonomy – even though we are a team. There is a genuine love and concern among the employees for personal well-being for everyone, as well as the employee and as an individual.
“I get to work from home but still feel like a part of the whole group. My managers do not hesitate to step up when there are obstacles.”
A Virtual Company
Jackrabbit is a virtual company – meaning employees work from home. We have a shared office space that different teams meet regularly in for meetings and trainings, but you won’t see all of us working in one office together 40 hours a week. This brings flexibility to employees that is a big selling point for working here. And you know what? It works. More and more companies are allowing employees to work from home, because it increases productivity, and because having flexibility really makes people happy.
The most important thing about our hiring process is to hire the right type of person who can thrive in a position working from home. Jackrabbit sets everyone up at their home office for success. But trust is a huge factor in the employee and employer relationship. The good thing to know is that Jackrabbit has hired the right people. We have almost no turnover – once you’re here, you stay.
“I have the flexibility of working from home and have a brain-stimulating and helpful position.”
The Culture
One of the best parts about having a virtual company is that when we get together, it’s fun. Jackrabbit has a great company culture that our Co-Founders have passed through their leadership team and into each employee. We’re a big family, and the support is real. Because we aren’t all together often, when we are it’s like a family reunion. Work is put aside for our social events and we relax and enjoy spending time together. We also have family events throughout the year, so even the children of Jackrabbit employees are friends. But when it comes to our Annual Retreat and our Holiday Party, it’s adults only.
Being able to keep this company culture within a growing business is another challenge Jackrabbit faces – and it’s compounded by the virtual company format. With a quickly growing number of full time employees in the United States, several full time employees in Canada and contractors who work from across the United States, communication is vital. We use a group communication tool to keep in touch with each other individually and as teams. Whether we’re sharing a funny video or asking what’s happening with an enhancement to the system, you know there are LOTS of other people out there ready to laugh along with you or help you out along the way.
Why We Do What We Do
We are passionate about helping class-based businesses who want to boost their performance in an ever-changing, competitive marketplace. It matters, because when we work together, our shared success helps those who shape kids’ futures and supports lifelong learning for everyone.
Oh, and where else can you work in a place where everyone can rock a set of bunny ears?
