By Tippi Rasp
The recording that plays when callers are waiting to be transferred to one of the many departments of Parrish Enterprises has all the usual advertisements used to attract patrons. It includes phrases like “quality and craftmanship” and “made in America,” but it also includes the phrases “family owned and operated” and “third generation,” company and that’s because the business is as proud of its heritage as it is of its products.
Parrish Enterprises was one of three local businesses decorated with Spirit of the Family awards during a banquet last September.
Jim Parrish, owner of Parrish Enterprises, the parent company of Central Machine & Tool and a number of other companies, was proud to accept the award, said Lola O'Daniel, public relations and benefits administrator for Parrish Enterprises.
“He had planned to be out of town that day, but waited until the ceremony was over to leave,” O’Daniel said.
Parrish Enterprises is a large company with small-town employee policies. Since Central Machine & Tool was founded in 1951, it has expanded to include PT Coupling Co., Punch Lok, ProGrip Coupling and Specialty Plastics, all of Enid; Seeker Rod Co., of Long Beach, Calif.; Pioneer Precision Solutions and Perfection Tip, of Denver; and Oklahoma Investment Casting Co., of Blackwell.
O'Daniel has worked for Parrish Enterprises for about 10 years.
“I’ve always appreciated that they care ... about their employees,” O’Daniel said.
The businesses completed a survey presented by Enid Success By 6, the organization sponsoring the awards, in order to recognize the most family friendly companies. Enid Success By 6 is staffed by Community Development Support Association.
“We want to encourage family friendly practices,” said Paula Waters, Enid Success by 6 coordinator.
Waters said family friendly practices help businesses retain employees and provides loyal employees who love their jobs. Waters said she hopes the awards encourage businesses to continue current practices and to implement even more family friendly programs.
The Spirit of the Family awards highlight those businesses based on survey questions involving community involvement, family resources, flexibility of work schedule, retirement and savings plans, health insurance and financial offerings, parental leave and dependent care.
Parrish Enterprises officials feel their most important family and workplace objectives include providing at no charge to employees and family on the company health plan a doctor and nurse on site twice each week. Parrish won the Spirit of the Family award in the over 100 employee category.
They also offer their employees paid time off to volunteer and matching funds toward retirement plans.
Parrish Enterprises has about 400 employees nationwide, including 275 in Enid.
