Yesterday, I came across a Brains on Fire blog post discussing company culture and the role it plays in running a thriving business. Today, many companies are toying with the idea of creating a position to be in “charge” of company culture. Who can blame them? Everyone wants to be the next Zappos. And, after viewing the ‘Delivering Happiness’ power point from their CEO, Tony Hseih, at South by Southwest I can see why.

However, I stand on the opposite side of the fence. Much like Spike Jones from Brains on Fire, I too would argue no one person should be in ‘charge’ of the company culture. I would think within any successful business an individual or group will naturally facilitate and define the culture, be it through miscellaneous events or actions.

I am fortunate enough to say I am part of a strong company culture at Squeaky Wheel Media and for us there is no question it comes from the top and trickles down. What I’ve discovered is when you give employees the freedom to express themselves as individuals, no matter what the size of a company, a successful environment will form organically.

Everyone knows about successful cultures like Google and Whole Foods so we thought to give a shout out to companies who get less notoriety but are just as distinguished, like Stew Leonard’s. Good people, good culture, great business.

By Jacob Ramos