For the sixth consecutive year, American Portfolios Financial Services — a privately-held, independent broker/dealer that provides services and support for financial advisors across the United States — has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State for 2021 by the New York State Society for Human Resources Management (NYS-SHRM) and the Best Companies Group (BCG), ranking No. 2 in the “Medium Companies” category.

The annual awards recognition program identifies, recognizes and honors the best places of employment in New York, whose corporate practices benefit the state’s businesses, economy and workforce. AP was first recognized by the NYS-SHRM and the BCG in 2016, ranking No. 1 in the category of small/medium-sized employers. The independent broker/dealer once again ranked within the top 10 each year thereafter.

“We are thrilled to have earned the No. 2 spot in our category for 2021,” Vice President of Human Resources Lisa DiBella, said. “It is extremely validating to be recognized for our unique corporate culture and work environment for a sixth consecutive year.”

AP believes that its employees play an important role as stakeholders in the company’s overall success and its continued mission to seek financial pathways for people in pursuit of their American Dreams.

“Our company ethos stems from a dedication to give employees the support and tools they need in order to best serve our valued customers,” Chief Administrative Officer Dalchand Laljit said. “When employees understand how they are a vital part of the company’s success, they’re motivated to achieve bigger and better things to serve AP’s Just Cause.”

AP CEO and President Lon T. Dolber’s business philosophy is firmly rooted in the tenets of stakeholder capitalism, owning to a belief that a company has an obligation to justly serve the interests of all stakeholders: customers, employees, shareholders and the community.

In 2021, AP’s executive and senior management teams led a home office initiative that required all AP staff members to take part in group discussions of “The Infinite Game” by Simon Sinek. The book’s concepts sparked a healthy debate, enabling AP to build upon its mission statement to establish a Just Cause. The firm’s Just Cause, “American Dreams,” is weaved into the fabric of our nation and steeped in American values that provide opportunities for prosperity, success and upward mobility. There are many stories of American Dreams that, through AP’s efforts, have come true and more that have yet to be fulfilled.

AP’s 100-plus employees work collaboratively to service the business needs of 850-plus independent investment professionals and their affiliated assistants, as well as support staff, located in 394 branch offices throughout the United States. Employees are aligned with the company’s strategic roadmap for sustainable growth, which is built on six equally important, interconnected company perspectives—People, Innovation, Process, Customer, Financial and Community—and the foundation from which all planning and executions are derived.

Deemed an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic, AP determined to ensure its employees were afforded a safe and supportive work environment. The firm’s quick response to the pandemic saw the transition of 95% of its employees to remote working environments to ensure their well-being; the 5% of employees who remained at AP headquarters to handle vital on-site processes were subject to strict safety protocols aligned with state and federal requirements. AP made a steadfast promise to all employees, stating that they would not face financial hardship in the face of the pandemic. Despite the economic uncertainty, AP staff members still received yearly bonuses and merit increases.

With each incremental advance in growth, AP looks to enhance its total rewards program, whereby employees receive a robust benefits package, including health insurance, free life insurance, unprecedented 401(k) matching, stock options, bonus incentives, merit increases, and performance and service awards. The firm is highly invested in the educational betterment of its employees, offering tuition reimbursement, free license testing, and unlimited training seminars and courses. AP also provides Six Sigma training and strong customer service guidance to help staff firmly establish the “Voice of the Customer,” resulting in the ability to consistently exceed client needs and expectations. Additionally, the company recognizes the importance of work-life balance by offering employees a flexible work schedule, shortened working hours on Fridays throughout the year, a casual dress code and appreciation events. AP employees also receive full pay for up to 12 weeks of leave while out on FMLA in order to maintain financial stability. The firm has also enacted an employee mentorship program that is designed to groom AP’s emerging business leaders.

As an integral part of its strategic focus, ingrained in its corporate culture is a keen awareness to the community by taking part in many socially responsible programs through its non-profit, American Portfolios Foundation, Inc., namely its ongoing association with other non-profit organizations (NPOs), including World T.E.A.M., The Center for Discovery, Virtual Enterprises International, Inc., Life Arts, Inc., The Butterfly Effect Project, The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, Long Island Cares and Honor Flight Long Island, to name a few.