We’re honored to share that PJ Wallbank Springs has officially earned Certified Evergreen® status. This recognition reflects who we are today and who we’ll be for generations to come.
Why We Chose Certified Evergreen®
We’re not just building a company that’s great today. We’re building a company that will thrive 100 years from now.
That’s why we pursued Certified Evergreen®. While it’s not a widely known certification, it closely represents the values that guide us:
- Putting people first
- Staying rooted in purpose and impact
- Investing in growth for the long term
“This recognition isn’t just an award. It reflects how we live our culture and values every day, and it’s a promise to our employees, our customers, our partners, and our community that we’re building a company designed to last.”
Chris Wallbank, CEO of PJ Wallbank Springs
What It Means to Be Certified Evergreen®
Certified Evergreen® is a rigorous third-party assessment led and awarded by Tugboat Institute®, an organization our CEO has been a part of for more than three years. The designation is given only to private companies who demonstrate the ability and intent to grow profitably for 100 years or more.
Compared to “Great Place to Work,” Certified Evergreen® is a more wholistic evaluation focusing not only on culture, but on purpose, resilience, decision-making, innovation, and long-term stewardship.
To be named a Certified Evergreen® company, organizations are evaluated against seven defining characteristics:
- Purpose: A clear reason for existing beyond profit
- Perseverance: Commitment to long-term vision, even when it’s hard
- People First: A belief that people are the foundation of every enduring company
- Pragmatic Innovation: Innovating in capital-light ways that create real, meaningful value
- Private: Independence that supports long-term thinking
- Profit: Sustaining financial health that enables investment and fuels longevity
- Paced Growth: Growing with intention rather than urgency
These principles aren’t new to us. They reflect how we chose to operate today and in the future.
Why This Matters
Becoming Certified Evergreen® means we’re here for the long haul.
It helps us do two things:
- Attract great people who want to grow in a company with purpose and stability
- Partner with like-minded organizations that value stewardship and lasting impact
Simply put, it affirms what we stand for: people first, performance driven, and forward thinking.
We’re proud of what this recognition says about us and honored to stand alongside other Certified Evergreen® companies who are building something to last. But more importantly, we’re inspired by the work ahead.