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Fancy coffee maker is just one clue to the supportive atmosphere at H.H. Barnum Company

Portrait of Scott Talley Scott Talley
Detroit Free Press

When Edward Koza, CEO of Brighton-based H.H. Barnum Company, talks about his team members being able to make fancy coffee or latte with a push of a button, it is apparent that he takes everything connected to his company’s operations seriously, including the kitchen at H.H. Barnum’s headquarters.  

“Every team member should expect a good work environment, good pay, good benefits and a company that cares,” says Koza, who leads the No. 2 ranked midsize company in the 2023 Michigan Top Workplaces competition.   

"After all of these years, it still feels like a family," says Edward Koza, CEO of H.H. Barnum Company, which was founded in 1946.

A distributor of products, solutions and controls for factory automation, H.H. Barnum’s mission is to “provide products and services that meet the customer’s requirements not only the first time, but every time.” 

Koza appreciates the company’s history and mission better than most given that his father Ken, an engineer and World War II bomber pilot, was key to the early development of the company, which was founded in 1946. However, during an October phone call, Koza was most interested in talking about the family vibe that exists at H.H. Barnum today.

“After all of these years, it still feels like a family,” stated Koza, whose words could be heard over the barking of dogs, which revealed that his company’s family environment includes dog-friendly office space with a dog park. “I think that is the reason we are able to attract and retain high-quality people. We keep things very basic. Everyone knows they are respected, cared for and paid well, and everyone respects each other.” 

Supporting charitable causes is part of the company culture at H.H. Barnum Company founded in 1946.

Despite the guarantee of good pay and good benefits, Koza says his company realizes that misfortune can still touch the lives of his team members and he says H.H. Barnum will step up when that happens. As an example, Koza talked about a team member whose son suffered severe injuries following an automobile accident. This team member received a year’s salary to be away from the office to ensure that enough time was given to make the team member’s home accessible for the injured son.

“That is just something a family would do for a family member,” Koza explained. “When you take good care of your team, they will take good care of your company.”

H.H. Barnum

Industry: Distribution, Logistics and Freight

Top leadership: Edward Koza, CEO

Home: Brighton

Employees: 285

Website: hhbarnum.com