PFSbrands, the parent company of Champs Chicken, recently received three national awards for its excellence in employee ownership, greatness and growth and franchise affordability.
“We have always had a great culture at PFSbrands. However, when we became 100% employee-owned, it elevated our team to yet another level,” said PFSbrands Founder and CEO Shawn Burcham. “Everyone here at PFSbrands truly cares and acts as an owner because they are one. This team is committed to being the best. Not only with our products, but with our people, processes and support. It is our responsibility to ensure every one of our retailers are successful and this team makes it happen.”
In May at the ESOP Association’s National Conference in Washington, D.C., PFSbrands was selected as the runner-up winner of the 2019 Annual Award for Communications Excellence (AACE) in the Employee Ownership Marketing, 250 or Fewer Employees category.
The AACE Awards recognize companies that have excelled in communicating the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and its meaning to the company’s employees. Awards are based on: overall quality and quantity of employee owner education, contributions of employee owners, integration of the ESOP into company culture, frequency of ownership communications, involvement and/or response of employee owners, encouragement of ownership attitudes, clear explanations, creative ideas, graphic design and technical quality.
In April, PFSbrands was named to the 2019 Forbes Small Giants: The 25 Best Small Companies of 2019 list.
Being recognized to value greatness over growth, the award takes into consideration six common qualities: purpose, leadership, culture, finance, relationships and community. All 25 companies on the list are privately owned and share a commitment to being the best at what they do, providing stellar service to customers, offering employees fulfilling, rewarding work and being vital members of their communities.
Lastly, Champs Chicken, the flagship franchise brand within PFSbrands, was listed #43 on the Entrepreneur 2019 Top Low Cost Franchises list.
“It is an honor to be recognized for the culture and structure we have developed over the years and live out on a daily basis,” said Burcham. “The hard work and passion demonstrated by our employee-owners is the only reason for our continued growth and the reason why any of this recognition can be possible. We are proud that our industry has recognized the quality, service and affordability we seek for our customers.”
