Page 98 - How America's Best Places to Work Inspire Extra Effort in Extraordinary Times

Steering the Ship and Inspiring the Crew C85

: “I think it is quite a rare and beautiful thing when the CEO/
chairman refers to himself as Your Humble Servant—and he lives
up to it!!! I can honestly say that I love coming in to work every
day—and truly mean it!!!”
: “Phenomenal place to work. Leadership is second to none, and sev-
eral relationships formed within the company will be lifelong. The
company truly cares for the individual over the company and is
exemplified first and foremost through our gracious and humble
CEO.”
: “The company gives back more than I can ever give.”

: LEADING “SCARED RABBITS” AND “ARROGANT
JACKASSES”: THE QUALITY LIVING STORY

Many successful leaders have a set of principles (what they believe)
that they work to translate into practices (what they should do) with
their employees. This is entirely in keeping with the generally ac-
cepted notion that success in leadership is best achieved by aligning
actions with beliefs. Quality Living, Inc., a nonprofit provider of ser-
vices to individuals with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or severe
physical disabilities, takes this concept further than any other organi-
zation we know, and the result of its meticulous and passionate efforts
is nothing short of astounding.
In its 20-plus years Quality Living (QLI), based in Omaha, Ne-
braska, has become the largest facility of its kind in the United States.
The Pentagon sees QLI as a “model program,” one where injured
soldiers can secure the services they need and deserve. QLI is only
as good as “quality staff,” and maintaining that staff is something in
which the organization excels. Its employee turnover rate is a quarter
the national average in the industry.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Kim Hoogeveen,
founder and CEO, and directors Alicia Elson, Jen Karolski, and Jon
Pearson.