The Starr Conspiracy, a strategic marketing and advertising agency for enterprise software and services companies, has been named one of the 10 best private companies in the United States for taking care of its employees. The Principal® 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security — 2013 recognizes outstanding commitment to employees through company benefits, cultures that support work-life balance, and career advancement through training. The Starr Conspiracy was selected from among 240 companies that have been in business at least five years, employee five to 1,000 people, and were among this year's Inc. 500 | 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in the United States.

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THE STARR CONSPIRACY AMONG BEST AT TAKING CARE OF ITS PEOPLE
ONE OF TOP 10 PRIVATE COMPANIES IN U.S. BASED ON BENEFITS, WORK-LIFE BALANCE & COMPANY CULTURE
FORT WORTH, Texas (Nov. 19, 2013) — The Starr Conspiracy, a strategic marketing and advertising agency for
enterprise software and services companies, has been named one of the 10 best private companies in the United
States for taking care of its employees.
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The Principal 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security — 2013 recognizes outstanding commitment to
employees through company benefits, cultures that support work-life balance, and career advancement through
training. The Starr Conspiracy was selected from among 240 companies that have been in business at least five
years, employ five to 1,000 people, and were among this year’s Inc. 500|5000 list of the fastest-growing companies
in the Untied States.
“The Starr Conspiracy believes all business is personal, and anyone who knows us knows we hold that same belief
about how we care for our employees,” said Bret Starr, founder, partner, president and chief executive. “It’s all
personal for us. And it’s the right thing to do. Being formally recognized for taking care of our own is icing on the
cake.”
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The Principal 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security — 2013 specifically cited The Starr Conspiracy’s
policy of unlimited paid time off as an example of supporting work-life balance.
“People shouldn’t have to worry about the number of days off they take each year,” Starr said. “That’s just dumb.
We believe the people we hire know what they need in their personal lives, what’s expected of them at the agency,
and how to balance the two. No one’s abused this policy yet.”
The judges also noted that The Starr Conspiracy takes care of its employees by:
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Covering 100 percent of the cost of health, dental and vision insurance for employees and their eligible
dependents
Providing perks that include telecommuting, flextime, a pet-friendly office, and time off for volunteer work
Offering access to financial-wellness counseling and one-on-one financial guidance
The Starr Conspiracy also offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a 4 percent company matching contribution.
The agency selected Amphibian Stage Productions, it’s next-door neighbor on Fort Worth’s near South Side, to
receive a $2,500 donation from The Principal Financial Group Foundation as part of its Principal 10 Best award, Starr
said.
“We believe a commitment to the financial security of our employees has the greatest impact on their well-being
and peace of mind, and we’re thrilled to be able to share the rewards of that commitment with Amphibian,“ said Dan
McCarron, an agency partner, its chief operating officer, and a volunteer board member of Amphibian.
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The independent panel of judges who selected The Principal 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security
noted these top trends among this year’s winners:
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A recognition of the return on investment of providing financial security and employee benefits:
improved company performance and reduced turnover

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The use of experts to design benefit programs that engage workers and meet specific needs
A focus on the long-term financial well-being of employees. All companies on the list have high levels of
participation in benefits, including their retirement savings plans, many of which feature matching
contributions by the company.
Comprehensive health and wellness. Winners are intently focused on offering comprehensive health and
wellness programs. All companies offer a wellness program, and many extend this benefit to spouses as
well. Several companies pay 100 percent of health insurance coverage.
“These Principal 10 Best Companies often view their employees as an extended family, but most also recognize
there is a return on their investment in employee financial security,” said Paul Spiegelman, chief culture officer of
Stericycle and a judge of the 2013 Principal 10 Best. “Employee satisfaction, customer retention, attrition rates and
other key measures are quickly becoming leading indicators for success among growing businesses. This year’s
winners get that and are using it to adapt their company culture.”
The judges also included Dallas Salisbury, president and CEO of the Employee Benefits Research Institute; Lisa
Kottler, senior vice president of NFP Retirement Services; Kevin Lynch, executive-in-residence at St. Benedictine
University; and George Gendron, former editor in chief of Inc.
ABOUT THE STARR CONSPIRACY
You shouldn't have to pay an agency to get to know your industry. The Starr Conspiracy already knows your market segment, who
you are, and where you fit in. We're a strategic marketing and advertising agency devoted exclusively to enterprise software and
services. When you partner with us, it's to build market share, multiply brand awareness, and drive sales leads — not to bone up
on the basics. We've been "out there" for more than a decade, so you can hit the ground running. Founded in 1999 and located in
Fort Worth, Texas, The Starr Conspiracy has won eight best places to work awards and countless creative awards. Visit us on the
Web at www.thestarrconspiracy.