By Mike Jackson from Special to Indianapolis Star
Though the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc with supply chains and the labor market, several sectors of the economy began to experience explosive growth as the result of nationwide lockdowns and remote work arrangements.
For Indianapolis-based Bath Experts, a time that was initially filled with uncertainty quickly became the start of rapid expansion and job creation. Founded in the summer of 2019, just seven months before COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the bathroom remodeling company now operates in five markets in Indiana and Ohio and employs 110 people.
This year, Bath Experts makes its inaugural appearance as a Top Workplace in the annual survey of Central Indiana employers by the IndyStar in partnership with Energage.
“COVID was a big driver in home improvement across the board just because people were stuck in their homes for a long time and they were looking for things to upgrade and improve inside their homes,” said Bath Experts co-founder Jeff Worzala.
“A big part of that is upgrading that bath and shower area that allows them to either stay in their home longer or give them a safer bathing environment, and we saw a steady flow of interest because of that.”
Employees say they enjoy the variety and excitement that comes with the job, as every day presents a new experience. They say management cares about the success of their team, while still allowing them to have a healthy work-life balance.
Though the company makes customer appointments seven days a week, Worzala said COVID helped change the organizational structure and strategy as it relates to creating a positive work-life balance for employees. Sales representatives typically work from home, while other traditional office roles have evolved into hybrid roles over time.
“It allows for us to have a little bit more flexibility with some of those roles that are working on the weekend and making most of that work remote,” said Worzala, who admitted that having an open mind about remote work has benefited the company.
“There are a lot of people that are now asking for that type of (remote) position, and I think we’ve adjusted to that accordingly.”
In addition to feeling respected and valued, employees say they love their job at Bath Experts because of the opportunity for growth and learning, and the positive company culture.
For many employees there is also a sense of fulfillment that comes from helping people. Bath Experts is committed to supporting a variety of philanthropic causes, including children’s hospitals and veterans’ support.
After launching their Indianapolis location in 2019, they initiated a program to give back to Riley Children’s Hospital by donating $25 for every “sold job” completed in a particular month. In addition to extending the program to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Bath Experts also participates annually in Baths for the Brave, a program designed to give back to veterans in need.
“These organizations do so much for our community, and it just made sense for us to partner with them,” Worzala said.
He said as the company continues to grow, they plan to deploy more philanthropic giving in the Columbus, Ohio, area later this year.
“We’re excited about what the future holds, whether that be more locations or just additional opportunity for our employees,” Worzala said. “We think the future is very bright for the organization. We’re excited to be where we’re at right now.”
