Thompson Thrift is a nationally recognised real estate company with employees across 23 states and more Top Workplace awards than most companies dream of. 

In this episode, Luke Fisher is joined by Kristin Tolliver, Senior Vice President of HR, and Lily Tikijian, Senior Director of Communications and Engagement at Thompson Thrift. Together, they share how the company has scaled culture while doubling headcount, launching innovative benefits, and empowering managers as everyday carriers of culture.

This episode is packed with practical lessons on employee retention, recognition and reward, internal communications, leadership development and wellbeing benefits. If you want to know what it really takes to become a Top Workplace in a competitive industry, you’ll want to listen in.

Guest Information

Kristin Tolliver is Senior Vice President of HR at Thompson Thrift, overseeing training, benefits, compensation, recruiting and team member relations. 

Lily Tikijian is Senior Director of Communications and Engagement at Thompson Thrift. Since 2021, she has shaped the company’s communications strategy.

Episode Outline

1. From Growth to Culture Strategy
   How Thompson Thrift’s rapid expansion from 350 to 700 employees triggered a deliberate focus on culture and becoming a Top Workplace.
2. Communication That Engages
   Why a weekly newsletter transformed internal communications, creating visibility, recognition and connection across dispersed teams.
3. Recognition at Every Level
   How programmes like Living the Core celebrate employees, and why recognition drives higher engagement and retention.
4. Managers as Culture Carriers
   Why Thompson Thrift calls site managers “CEOs of their sites” and how they’re empowered to lead with values and embed culture daily.
5. Family Impact Benefits
   The story behind a leadership idea that grew into a national benefits programme covering healthcare, wellbeing, flexibility and financial support.
6. Measuring Impact on Retention and Recruitment
   The results: stronger retention, lower recruitment costs thanks to referrals, and employee tenure of 15+ years in key teams.
7. The Secret Sauce for a Top Workplace
   Kristin and Lily share their advice: culture can’t be faked, it has to be lived daily by every employee and reinforced by authentic leadership.

Click here for the full transcript of this episode

Host & Show Info

Host Name: Luke Fisher

About the Host: Luke Fisher is the CEO of Mo, a platform that's all about helping teams create workplaces where people genuinely want to be. Luke's on a mission to show that brilliant company culture isn't just a nice-to-have but what makes teams thrive, feel connected, and do brilliant work together. Mo helps organisations around the world turn their values from poster-board promises into real, everyday habits that bring teams closer and give everyone a sense of purpose. It's culture you can actually see and feel in action.

Podcast Website: Culture in Action

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