More Than Marketing: How Front Burner Builds a Culture of Joy

We spend a lot of time together (physically or virtually), and we’ve learned that when people actually enjoy being here, the work gets better, the ideas get sharper, and the vibes stay strong. 

In fact, according to a study by Oxford University, happy employees are 13% more productive—and honestly, we think that number might be low. Our team thrives because we’ve created a space where people feel supported, seen, and celebrated. 

So, what does that look like in real life? Keep reading to see how we intentionally cultivate joy (and a little chaos, in the best way) every day. 

Supporting Real Life, Not Just Work Life 

We’ve talked before about how much we prioritize flexibility and work-life balance around here—and yes, we’re going to brag about it again. (Because honestly, it’s a big part of why we have the incredible team that we do.) 

Many of our account managers are parents, which means life doesn't always fit neatly into a 9-to-5 box. School buses run late, doctor's appointments pop up, and sometimes you just need a morning to breathe. That’s why we offer the flexibility to work from home or shift schedules when real life demands it. 

The result? When our team members show up, whether it’s in the office or on a Zoom call, they’re energized, focused, and able to do their best work. Flexibility isn’t just a perk here; it’s part of the secret sauce that keeps our team strong. 

“Working at Front Burner gives me the best of both worlds—a meaningful career where I can grow as a marketer and collaborate with clients, and the flexibility to be present for my family at home.” - Rebecca Verlezza, Account Manager & Mom of 2 

Beyond the Desk 

At Front Burner, we’re big believers that work should be more than just... well, work. That’s why we make it a point to set aside time to hang out together away from our desks. 

One of our new favorite traditions? Dip Madness, the brainchild of Kendra. Picture a March Madness-style bracket, but instead of basketball teams, it's all about dips. Everyone brought in their best dip creations, and we battled it out to crown a champion (yes, there was a trophy—handmade by Kendra herself). Even some of our clients got in on the action when they stopped by for meetings. Let’s just say... joy levels were dangerously high. How could you not be happy after a day filled with endless dips? 

We also make it a point to get out of the office every month for some team bonding time. Thanks to a dedicated budget for social events, you’ll usually find us grabbing lunch at a local spot. (Although Noelle is currently campaigning hard for a karaoke night.)

"It's nice getting out of the office with the team. Turns out we’re not just good at our jobs—we’re also pretty fun to grab a drink with." - Jay Kozar, Growth Strategy Director and Chief Fun Officer

Praise and Perks 

We bake recognition into our culture with Bonusly. If you’re not familiar, Bonusly is a recognition platform that turns points into real dollars. 

One important thing to know: our agency owner, Jan, stays out of it. Bonusly is completely peer-to-peer. It’s just teammates shouting each other out for all the amazing work happening every day. 

Here’s how it works: every team member gets 100 points at the start of the month and the mission is simple, give them all away. (Cue the Oprah voice: "You get a point! And you get a point!") 

Each time we recognize someone, we tie it back to one of our core values, so it’s not just about the what—it’s about the why. And once you rack up enough points, you can cash them in for gift cards to just about anywhere. 

It’s a little thing that makes a big difference. It feels good to be noticed, and extra cash for date nights, vacations, or shopping sprees? Even better. 

The Front Burner Formula  

From flexible schedules that support real life, to monthly outings and Bonusly shoutouts, we intentionally build moments of connection, recognition, and fun into our everyday. If you think about it like a workflow: Joy sparks engagement. Engagement fuels motivation. Motivation drives retention and loyalty. It’s a cycle that keeps our team energized, connected, and doing their best work—for each other and for our clients. 

Want to see what life’s really like at Front Burner—or find out if we ever make that karaoke night happen? Join our Marketing Rockstars program for a peek behind the scenes and stay in the loop with all the fun stuff we’re up to.