Employee Testimonials

In 1997 my partners and I had an opportunity to spin off a division from an existing company and make it our own. We had many discussions around what “values” we wanted to inject into the new operation. We had all worked in environments where the question was always “how much more can you do for the company”. Extra effort and hours were expected and never recognized positively. Our desire was to create an environment which emphasized respect and fairness and recognized a need for balance between our personal and professional lives. Through the early years of NRI we maintained a rapport within our team that was similar to a family. We enjoyed the chance to share humor while working together, sometimes for long hours, always getting the job done. All were encouraged to take personal time when possible and enjoy outdoor activities or their family and our culture grew from there. One of the greatest rewards I have experienced has come as a result of the atmosphere we maintain in our company and the people it attracts. We have found that this group have an enormous appetite for giving. Whether it is within the NRI family, in the community or internationally our team has stepped up and shown their generosity in both monetary donations and personal time on community projects. We allow them to lead us in determining whom, where and how and they never let us down. As we move toward 300 employees we see the challenge in maintaining this culture and adapting to the issues of growth. With the inability for myself and my partner to have direct contact each day with every employee it is essential that our management team convey the attitude and key values we brought to NRI in the beginning. All of our business units operate on the same core values and they are focal point of every meeting or discussion providing constant re-enforcement. This has and will continue to be a key to the success of NRI as a company and is an area where we will not compromise.

NRI is a very flexible workplace to be in. When I mentioned that I had been accepted to my school program, they were very aware of how important it was to me. Not only did they allow me to fluctuate my hours to travel and attend school, they basically let me set up my own shift.

                                  ~Talia Garayt, CSR

Another well kept secret at NRI is the support of community charities. My son benefitted from NRI Management’s commitment to support local athletes. I approached the owners of NRI and inquired if there was any company support for athletics. I explained that our son Denver had made it onto a baseball team in the lower mainland which would require him to move there during the season. This would add a great expense to our family. The owners asked if I would write a letter to them with the particulars and they would get back to me. A couple of weekends later I received from the owners a sealed envelope with little fanfare. I opened it at home and fell over as they had covered his room and board for 6 months! This is unheard of generosity in this day and age and I am both thankful and grateful to NRI for these things.

In my 10+ years here at NRI, I’ve held multiple different positions and in each and every one of them, I’ve always felt like I’ve contributed to the big picture. Every position here at NRI is one that is respected and fits into our company direction, and you know that every day you work here

I’ve been with NRI for five and a half years and have come to think of it as my extended family. It nice to see a company that promotes from within and gives so many opportunities to their employees  (man up, fork lift and first aid tickets). Although the company has grown in leaps and bounds in a very short time, the owners have never made themselves unapproachable. NRI is a great company to work for especially if you like to be physically active.

 

~Sherry Makarra, Production Coordinator

 

I have worked at NRI for 7 years and have been through many changes with the company as it has grown at a rapid pace.  NRI  has worked well for me and my family; they have always been flexible and accommodating to my needs.  NRI also has some of the best perks that I have ever seen within a company.  There are many different positions, always something new to learn and opportunities to advance personally and career wise.   It is a relaxed atmosphere and overall a great place to work.  If you are looking for something different and unique, then NRI is a great choice.