Generations of Strength: How WPI’s People Drive It's Past, Present, and Future
WPI often says its employees are the backbone of the company. How does leadership ensure that this philosophy is truly embedded in day-to-day operations?
By staying closely connected to the workforce through training and mentorship initiatives. We take time to understand everyone’s career aspirations and actively support their growth. Just as importantly, leadership is intentional about cultivating a culture that promotes healthy development and a strong team environment, making sure every employee feels valued and set up for long-term success.
What are some recent initiatives or programs that have been implemented to support employee development and well-being?
WPI has implemented several initiatives designed to support employee development and well-being:
- Technical Apprenticeship & Mentor Program – This program pairs less experienced team members with skilled mentors, offering hands-on technical training and invaluable career guidance. It’s a practical, structured way for employees to grow their skills.
- WPI University – WPI has made significant investments in its internal learning platform – WPI University – to provide employees with ongoing educational resources. It supports upskilling, cross-departmental knowledge sharing, and access to courses that help employees thrive in their roles.
- Annual & Mid–Year Evaluations – To ensure continuous development, WPI conducts both annual and mid-year performance evaluations. These check-ins allow feedback from employees and leadership to track progress against goals, reassess priorities, and adjust individual development plans to better align with evolving needs or aspirations.
These are just a few initiatives that create a strong framework for professional growth, promote internal learning, and ensure employees have the ongoing support they need to succeed.
How does WPI create an environment where employees at all levels feel heard and empowered to contribute?
Employees are empowered by fostering a culture rooted in teamwork and open communication. With an open-door policy that extends all the way to the Chairman of the Board, Louis Pearce III, employees are encouraged to share ideas and voice concerns freely. By operating the business as one team, WPI sets itself apart and ensures that every team member feels valued and included in the company’s success.
What role do long-tenured employees play in preserving WPI's culture and values across generations of ownership?
Their deep knowledge and experience help pass down the principles that have defined the company for over a century. These individuals not only mentor newer team members but also help instill the kind of culture WPI strives to maintain for the next 100 years, one built on reliability, dependability, and a strong sense of purpose. The presence of employees who have been with the company for 40+ years is a testament to WPI’s stability and commitment to its people.
Can you share examples of how WPI recognizes and celebrates employee achievements - both big and small?
Across departments, we consistently evaluate performance and work closely with our teams to highlight accomplishments. For example, our safety department regularly shares both positive outcomes and areas of improvement to keep safety first and recognize strong performance.
Communication plays a key role in how we celebrate wins, especially given the size and geographic reach of our workforce. We work hard to ensure that employees, even in remote locations, feel informed and included.
We also celebrate through appreciation meals, contests, and other team-building events that foster a sense of a family environment and recognize the hard work our employees put in every day.
Now that Louis Pearce IV and Lloyd French IV have taken over as Co-CEO's, how does WPI's history and legacy influence the way it values and treats it's employees today?
WPI’s long-standing history and legacy continue to shape the way the company values and treats its employees. Since its founding in 1924, WPI has maintained a people-first philosophy—empowering employees to manage their responsibilities with confidence and providing strong support from leadership. This approach, established by the Pearce family over 100 years ago, remains a cornerstone of the company’s culture. Louis and Lloyd are carrying that legacy forward while also recognizing today’s workforce challenges. They are deeply committed to addressing the evolving needs of employees, especially around hiring and retention, ensuring WPI remains a safe, supportive, and rewarding place to work.