For a second year in a row, Cohen Closing & Title, owned by Kelly Cohen, was selected for the Hall Fame of the Best Companies to Work For competition. Courtesy photo

BEDFORD – For the fifth year in a row, Cohen Closing & Title was selected as one of the Best Companies to Work For by Business NH Magazine.

This also marks the second year that the real estate company has been in the competition’s Hall of Fame. From the 10 companies that were selected for this year’s Hall of Fame, only three of them have been there before.

Owner Kelly Cohen said she feels fortunate to be back in the Hall of Fame, particularly with the challenges of the political and economic landscapes.

“There’s so much uncertainty,” she said.

Cohen also underscored the passion that she and her employees have for the real estate business.

“We enjoy the work that we’re doing,” she said.

In addition to its Bedford office, Cohen Closing & Title has locations in Hampton, Lincoln, Gilford and Wells, Maine.

Having been in business since February 2015, the company currently has more than 40 employees and is adding commercial real estate to its list of services.

“The growth is exciting,” said Cohen.

Katrina Williams, director of Community Outreach, has been with the company for the past two years.

“I feel incredibly lucky to work at Cohen Closing & Title and to be part of a company that has created such an amazing culture. One of the things I love most is the mindset that work should be a place you actually enjoy coming to every day, not somewhere you dread being,” she said. “There is such a strong sense of teamwork here, but we also genuinely have fun together and enjoy the people we work with.”

Title Coordinator Eric May has also been with Cohen for two years.

“It’s the best work environment I’ve ever experienced,” he said. “I’m truly grateful to be part of such a supportive and positive team.”

Rise Private Wealth Management took the number one spot in the regular rankings and will be eligible for next year’s Hall of Fame.

“This recognition belongs to every member of our team. They are the reason we’ve earned this honor. Their dedication, professionalism and commitment to each other create the kind of workplace where people are excited to come to work and make a difference every day,” said CEO Brent Kiley. “While we’re honored by this recognition, we’re even more excited about what comes next. We’ll continue listening to our employees, evolving our workplace, and investing in the people who make our success possible.”

Chief Operating Officer Christopher Guzikowski said this year’s designation is “incredibly meaningful.”

“It reflects the experiences of our people,” he said. “We have always believed that when you invest in employees, support their growth and foster a culture of trust and collaboration, both our team and our clients’ benefit.”

Other Bedford businesses that were recognized include Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, the Altair Group, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. and TFMoran. The Altair Group and TFMoran were both on last year’s list as well.

This year’s winners will be honored at Business NH’s Breakfast with The Best on Sept. 22 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Manchester.

Since 1998, Business NH has recognized businesses for their camaraderie and office culture. To qualify for this elite group, companies must pass a meticulous selection process. This includes an office tour and employers submitting a detailed summary of benefits and workplace practices. Employees are also asked to complete engagement surveys and to participate in a focus group.

“Even as other businesses continue to struggle to attract and retain workers, the Best Companies to Work For consistently are examples of the different ways businesses can create cultures that make employees feel valued, empowered and engaged,” said Executive Editor Matthew Mowry.