BestCompaniesAZ Founder & CEO Denise Gredler Featured in AZ Big Media’s Generations of Leadership Issue
As BestCompaniesAZ prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary this July, we are honored to recognize Founder and CEO Denise Gredler for her feature in AZ Big Media’s “Generations of Leadership” issue. This feature highlights Arizona business leaders representing multiple generations of leadership across our business community, including several BestCompaniesAZ clients and partners we are proud to celebrate.
For Denise, this recognition reflects more than an individual honor. It represents the hundreds of Arizona companies that have invested in their people and participated in credible workplace culture recognition programs over the past two decades — helping raise the bar for workplace excellence across Arizona.
Advancing Workplace Culture Recognition and Employer Branding in Arizona
For 25 years, Denise Gredler has played a leading role in advancing workplace culture and employer branding in Arizona.
As Founder & CEO of BestCompaniesAZ, Denise introduced Arizona’s first Best Places to Work program in 2003 in partnership with the Great Place to Work Institute, the research partner behind FORTUNE Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For program. The initiative brought credible workplace recognition to Arizona employers and helped elevate employee experience as a measurable business priority. BestCompaniesAZ selected the Phoenix Business Journal as the inaugural media partner to publish the first metro Phoenix rankings — helping launch a workplace culture program that continues to thrive today under the management of the Phoenix Business Journal in partnership with Quantum Workplace.
At a time when “Best Places to Work” programs were just beginning to emerge nationally, Denise helped introduce the concept in Arizona and educated employers on how workplace culture, leadership, and employee engagement drive business performance, talent attraction, and long-term growth.
Her vision was inspired by her own leadership experience as VP of HR for the first Arizona company to rank #12 on FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list in 1999 — helping shape her long-term commitment to elevating people-first organizations.
Building a Legacy Through Collaboration and Community Partnerships
Denise Gredler’s impact extends far beyond workplace awards. Her career has been defined by long-standing collaborations with media partners, workforce organizations, and community leaders across Arizona — all focused on elevating workplace culture, employer branding, workforce development, and community impact.
Her leadership has always been grounded in collaboration, creativity, mentorship, and servant leadership.
- A 17-year collaboration with AZ Big Media as co-founder of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies
- Arizona Brand Ambassador for the Arizona & Tucson Top Workplaces programs published by Energage and azcentral, and the Tucson Media Partners and the Arizona Daily Star
- A 17-year partnership with Career Connectors, helping connect job seekers with Arizona’s top employers
See the full BestCompaniesAZ timeline highlighting programs, partnerships, and workplace culture initiatives here.
BestCompaniesAZ … An Exclusive Employer Branding & Media Platform
While BestCompaniesAZ has collaborated with leading media and research organizations to help launch and amplify workplace recognition programs in Arizona, there is often confusion about its role.
BestCompaniesAZ is NOT the research company that surveys employees or selects award winners. Instead, BestCompaniesAZ serves as a neutral, exclusive employer branding and media platform that helps amplify award programs, promotes calls for nominations, and showcases companies recognized through credible local and national workplace awards.
BestCompaniesAZ helps organizations stand out by:
- Elevating employer brand visibility and reputation
- Attracting and retaining top talent
- Strengthening customer and community trust
- Positioning leaders as trusted industry voices
- Amplifying nonprofit and community impact
As BestCompaniesAZ celebrates 25 years, Denise Gredler remains focused on expanding the platform’s reach, spotlighting organizations with strong culture and leadership, and inviting more Arizona companies to share their story with the broader business community.
Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter
As BestCompaniesAZ enters its next chapter, Denise is passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation of leaders who will continue expanding the platform’s mission and impact for years to come.
She also plans to continue growing Arizona’s Best Give Back – The Heart Tank™ initiative, helping unite employers, nonprofits, workforce organizations, and community leaders to create lasting statewide impact.
Honoring Leaders Who Helped Shape Arizona’s Workplace Culture
As BestCompaniesAZ celebrates 25 years, we are proud to recognize the following “generational leaders” who have supported our mission over the years:
- James Goodnow, Fennemore – Millennial
- Josh Isner, Axon – Millennial
- Sandra Torre, LAVIDGE – Generation X
- LaDonna Weaver, Northern Trust – Generation X
- Jeff Meshey, Desert Financial Credit Union – Baby Boomer
See full list here.
Closing
“Thank you to AZ Big Media for highlighting so many inspiring generational leaders helping shape Arizona’s business community and workplace culture. I’m truly honored to be included among such a respected group of leaders,” shared Denise Gredler.
As BestCompaniesAZ prepares for its 25th anniversary storytelling campaign, we look forward to showcasing AZ’s great companies, culture leaders, and innovators who have helped define Arizona’s workplace landscape over the past two decades.
Stay connected and follow Denise Gredler and BestCompaniesAZ on LinkedIn for upcoming anniversary stories and features.
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For 25 years, Denise Gredler has been a pioneering force in elevating workplace culture and employer branding in Arizona. As Founder & CEO of BestCompaniesAZ, she helped introduce Arizona’s first Best Places to Work award program in 2003 in partnership with the Great Place to Work Institute—helping bring national-level workplace recognition to employers across Arizona. |
