Guidant Financial Recognized as One of the Best Companies to Work For by Washington CEO Magazine

July 9, 2007; 01:52 AM
Bellevue-based financial services firm Guidant Financial Group, Inc., has been named one of the Best Companies to Work For in 2007 by Washington CEO Magazine and is listed among the top 15 small businesses in the publication. Guidant officers learned of the company's ranking at the awards dinner, June 28, at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. The much-anticipated lists of small, medium, large and non-profit businesses will be published in the July 2007 issue of Washington CEO.

Guidant was selected from among more than 200 companies nominated for consideration. Employees from all participating companies completed anonymous surveys, and judges ranked the companies based on the survey information. The survey examined work-related categories including attraction/retention of employees, organizational communication, working environment, decision-making and supervision, performance management, rewards/recognition, employee benefits, career development, learning and leadership.

"This recognition is particularly meaningful for Guidant," says David Nilssen, president and CEO of Guidant Financial Group. "When this company was founded, we had less than $10,000 and only a couple of computers; we knew recruiting, training and retaining great staff would be difficult given our limited resources. So we endeavored to create a unique and fun environment to attract great people. And it worked! The culture we have enjoyed over the past four years is very special, and I sincerely appreciate the vital role Guidant's staff has played in making this an award-winning company." Today, Guidant employs 86 employees across four states.

Guidant Financial Group was founded in 2003 to provide people with safe, innovative ways to utilize and maximize their individual retirement accounts before retirement age. Since its inception, Guidant has grown each year by 200 percent. Guidant continues to gain local and national recognition; awards include 2007 U.S. Chamber Northwest Region Small Business of the Year, 2007 Bellevue Chamber's Eastside Small Business of the Year, and the SBA National Young Entrepreneur of the Year (shared by Guidant's co-founders).

About Guidant Financial Group, Inc.
Guidant Financial Group is the premier provider of self-directed IRAs and business-funding solutions through IRAs and 401(k)s. Guidant's services allow investors the freedom to make investments in real estate, franchises, businesses, tax liens and more by accessing their retirement accounts without penalty before retirement age. For more information on self-directed IRAs or business financing, please visit www.guidantfinancial.com.