3Z Brands, a vertically-integrated manufacturer and retailer headquartered in Phoenix, was named a 2025 Breakthrough Culture Award winner.
Presented by Hyer, the award spotlights exceptional workplaces across the United States, honoring companies of all sizes that are redefining what it means to put people first and cultivating forward-thinking, inclusive cultures where employees can thrive, according to a news release.
“We are honored to win a Culture Award and be recognized as one of America’s most loved companies to work for,” said John Merwin, CEO of 3Z Brands. “The award reflects our ongoing efforts to build a workplace where innovation, collaboration and employee engagement are at the forefront. Our team is the driving force behind our success, and we remain committed to nurturing a culture that supports and values every individual.”
To determine the honoree, Hyer evaluated thousands of companies based on their current and future employee, initiatives, results and accountable commitments to determine their rank in employee feeling and employee innovation. In 3Z’s case, they held discussions with Human Resources and reviewed people practices, future plans and company priorities.
“This is an incredible honor for 3Z and a true testament to the culture we’ve built,” said Jen Bruno, chief people officer for 3Z Brands. “At every level of the organization, our core values of care, curiosity and commitment serve as our foundation. We care deeply about our people and their growth, we stay curious about how we can innovate and improve our products and systems, and we’re relentlessly committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and powered to thrive. This recognition belongs to our entire team, who bring our values to life every single day.”
Hyer noted in its announcement: “No matter their size, the Breakthrough Culture companies for 2025 have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their employees and meet verified employee benchmarks, setting them apart as leaders in people-first culture. These companies understand that maintaining a truly progressive work environment isn’t a mere checkbox exercise. It’s a long-term commitment, a promise to every individual that they matter, that they’re more than just their job title.”
3Z adds the Breakthrough Culture Award to its growing list of workplace honors, which includes Furniture Today’s Best Places to Work, Phoenix Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in Manufacturing, and two Most Admired Leaders awards.
