FreeWave Continues to Invest in Employees and Future with Semi-Annual Bonus Payout

Company's first employee, Jack Howell, receives his 30th consecutive bonus check

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Mar 01, 2010, 09:05 ET

BOULDER, Colo., March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- If you ask Boulder resident Jack Howell if he thought he'd still be working at the same place he joined 15 years ago, the answer would probably be a resounding "yes." That's because as the first employee at FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, Howell knew he would be able to be challenged, grow and thrive – and be well-compensated for it. In fact, he has received FreeWave's semi-annual bonus payout consistently since joining the company in January 1995.

Howell had the chance to work closely with one of FreeWave's original founders, Jonathan Sawyer, before being offered the first official employee position at FreeWave back in January 1995. Even then, Sawyer and co-founder Steve Wulchin were determined to run FreeWave differently than most other businesses. They knew that finding and retaining top talent was a key factor to their future success. And they put their money where their mouths were. From the outset, they created a bonus compensation plan that rewards full-time, permanent employees with a stake in the business's success. Based on meeting aggressive yearly company goals and achieving individual performance objectives, employees (including Howell), are eligible to receive a semi-annual bonus that often can range in the thousands of dollars (depending on tenure and performance).

Despite continuing economic challenges, FreeWave continues to invest in its employees and its future growth. Its number one goal is to achieve "110 percent customer satisfaction." Every single employee at FreeWave is dedicated toward achieving this objective. By rewarding employees for their role in helping the company achieve this goal, Wulchin and Sawyer believe they all can be collectively more successful. This philosophy is a key reason why FreeWave boasts 10 consecutive years on Deloitte LLP's Fast 50 list of top growing companies in Colorado.

"We invest in our employees because without them, we could not be successful," Wulchin says. "We place a lot of value on hiring the best and the brightest talent. And we want to do what we can to ensure their longevity with FreeWave."

Just a few weeks ago, Howell received his 30th consecutive bonus payout from the company. Even though he has received the bonus each time the company has paid it out, it is something he doesn't take lightly or for granted. "It makes me feel like I make a difference in the company's success," he explained. "It motivates me to come in each day and do something valuable for the company and our customers."

And monetarily, the bonuses have made a big difference to him personally. "They have enabled me to do things I never would have been able to do otherwise," Howell said. "It gives me a cushion that I know is there in case I need it – which in this day and age – means a lot."

For Howell, his sights are set on the future too. "I have no intention of ever leaving FreeWave. There's no where else I care to work." He says the first person just retired from FreeWave recently.

"I plan to be the second."

About FreeWave Technologies

Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that is unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at [email protected]. Visit the company's website at www.freewave.com.