Team-building part of recipe for success for Gatski Commercial

Who says commercial real estate can’t be serious business and fun?

The 52 employees of Gatski Commercial Real Estate Services, Southern Nevada’s largest privately held full-service commercial real estate firm representing 8 million square feet of commercial space, get to experience both.

Most companies don’t allow their employees to wear flip flops, but Gatski, listed third-best workplace among small companies, celebrated National Flip Flop Day by encouraging employees to take part. They even held contests for best-looking and most creative flip flops. That’s something more associated with an online venture than a company whose services include property and facility management, investment sales and building maintenance.

“I think it’s probably one of the most important ingredients to have for a successful business in this day and age,” said Gatski President and Chief Executive Officer Frank Gatski.

“No matter what kind of business, your team is the most important commodity. Even with the economy as tough as it is, and a lot of companies are struggling financially to survive, I think there are a lot of things to do to make your employees want to come to work. I think it’s extremely important for your employees to be happy and feel comfortable in an environment that promotes growth. Something I work hard on every day and think about every day is how best to take care of employees and clients.”

Gatski Commercial offers 13 paid holidays a year . That includes days off such as Good Friday and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Even vacation time is not set in stone, with employees allowed to take more than the traditional one or two weeks as long as they get their work done.

“Our industry is a 24/7 one,” Gatski said. “That’s why our point of view is to focus on the work that gets done and not how many days you worked. We trust our team to get the job done.”

When there are successes, employees are recognized and honored, Gatski said. There are weekend staycations at a local hotel, and catered lunches and breakfasts . Dinners and gifts cards are also distributed.

“I am part of an amazing team and workplace. I enjoy what I do and I feel valued,” one employee said.

Gatski Commercial has supported community organizations since the start. Employees collected more than 300 pairs of socks and underwear to help LV Dream Center fill those needs for children at elementary schools.

Twelve team members walked in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Cancer walk and even had a bake sale that raised more than $700. The landscaping team volunteers at St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Boulder City.

“My job makes me feel like I am part of something meaningful,” one employee said.