In an age where corporate values often seem like lip service, Sun Home Saunas is showing the world what truly being a great place to work means—and they're getting recognized for it. Fortune has placed the sauna and cold plunge company at No. 17 on its 2026 Best Workplaces in Retail list. This ain't just fluff. We're talking about real employees, 100% of them, touting this privately held company as a fantastic place to work. It's like finding an honest review in a sea of paid endorsements.
Leading with Integrity
Founded back in 2021 by Tyler Fish and Adam Fischer, Sun Home Saunas isn't your run-of-the-mill business. These two started it on their own terms. No outside investors, just a gutsy vision and a dream—all crafted under the sunny skies of San Diego. Fast forward five years and here they stand, a testament to sticking to your guns.
In a best workplace contest where actions speak louder than any corporate handbook, Sun Home Saunas has employees singing tunes of approachable management and ethical practices. Talk about walking the walk. Everyone's on the same page here, saying management would only consider layoffs as a last resort. That's something worth its weight in gold in today's cutthroat world.
The Power of Employee Trust
Here's the kicker: This ranking isn't some puff piece concocted in a PR meeting. It's driven by employees' honest feedback, folks. Through the Great Place To Work's surveys, insights are gleaned from the heart of the workforce. Sun Home's team members didn't hold back, and their positive vibe is contagious. Furthermore, it separates them from generic stories of employee disengagement across industries.
"Of everything we have been recognized for, that is the result we are proudest of," declared co-founder Tyler Fish.
Diverse Offerings With a Touch of Class
Let's not forget what Sun Home Saunas puts on the shelf. With standout products like the Equinox indoor full-spectrum infrared sauna and the Luminar outdoor sauna lined with aerospace-grade aluminum, they're shaping the market. Toss in the Cold Plunge Pro series and various red light therapy devices, and it's a portfolio steeped in innovation. Quality isn't just an aim here; it’s a baseline.
Certification That Says It All
To even be eligible for the Fortune list, companies need to be Great Place To Work Certified™. Let's face it, that kind of accolade doesn't come wrapped in a bow. It's earned. With only 17 employees stateside, Sun Home Saunas qualified based on rigorous criteria, alongside others bustling with up to 999 staffers. The message here is clear: size doesn't dictate greatness.
This accolade is joined by other honors, like being named the best home sauna by Fortune and the top cold plunge tub by Forbes. Not too shabby for a company that started from scratch.
A Bright Future Ahead
As investors, we often weigh the tangibles: profits, growth metrics, and market positioning. Sun Home Saunas leads with intangibles—employee satisfaction and corporate ethics—which ultimately drive sustainable success. It's the kind of story that doesn't just warm the investment outlook but inspires it.
For Sun Home Saunas, the future looks robust. With their heartfelt approach and innovative edge, it's no wonder they're making waves in the retail world. While they may not be publicly traded yet, anyone who values integrity and innovation should keep an eye on these trailblazers.