When 9/11 caught New York City (and the rest of the country) by surprise, PURVIS Systems Inc. wasted no time sending employees to the site to offer support. Technicians with the professional-engineering services firm are well-versed in the communication systems used by the New York Fire Department, because the company helped redesign and modernize the system.
The systems-integrating company made sure that systems put in place by them were up and running the very same day of the disaster.
“Our systems dispatch calls into all of the boroughs there,” said Susan Craft, vice president of administration and human resources for the company. “We designed the systems and placed most of them underground in the city so we’re very familiar with how they work.”
Craft started at Purvis 26 years ago as a receptionist. “On my first day here after having a conversation with one of the senior managers, I was told I’d go places in this company, and I did. Over time I’ve worn many hats and after all this time I’m still happy here,” said Craft.
The company was founded in 1973 and currently employs 150 people in locations including Virginia, Arizona, Washington, D.C., Florida and New York. The Rhode Island office employs 90 in Middletown. However, despite its growth, the company has managed to retain a small-company feel, Craft said.
“Everyone is very close here, almost like a big family, and people really care about each other,” Craft said. She added that the company CEO and president are on site most of the time.
In 2004, employees – many of whom have been with the company for 15 years – were given the option to buy stock in the business. Today 30 percent of the company stock is employee-owned. Craft said owning a little piece of the company has motivated employees to be even more of a team.
“A thing like this makes people notice and care about every little thing more than ever,” she said.
The company benefits are on a competitive scale with other Rhode Island employers that are similar in size and include traditional health and medical plans as well as a 401(k) as part of the retirement plan. Employees are encouraged to join a company-assisted education program. Long-term employees can also achieve six weeks of vacation time. In addition, Craft said extra perks in the form of additional life insurance for spouses that don’t work and long-term adult care are available.
Purvis engineering and technological services are used by clients that include the department of defense, government agencies, commercial businesses, the Naval Underwater Warfare Center in Newport and dozens of fire stations throughout New England.
“One really nice thing about working here is that we’re not all about sales and quotas,” Craft said. “People that work here are very conscious of everything that goes on here by choice.” •
