Kalamazoo, MI – Technology leader SPARK Business Works is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a 2025 West Michigan Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. Only companies with the most innovative business acumen and human resource practices can be bestowed this honor. With a ten-to-one ratio in the program, winning companies are considered truly innovative in their cultures and employee engagement.
SPARK was founded in 2017 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Starting with four local employees, they have grown to 43 employees, with almost half being Michigan-based residents. They have expanded main offices to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and beyond to Illinois and Texas. Together, the team has served over 400 clients across Michigan and the country by providing custom software development and digital marketing services.
“I’ve always admired the companies in West Michigan that proudly displayed their ‘Best and Brightest’ awards. Since starting SPARK, I have strived to be one of those companies,” shared Robert Armbrister, President and CEO of SPARK. “As a company, we invest heavily in our most important asset– our people. This award is a huge accomplishment for us, and we couldn’t be prouder to be on the list!”
An independent research firm evaluated the winning companies, reviewing several key metrics compared to other nationally recognized winners. The categories on which applicants were assessed include Compensation, Benefits, and Employee Solutions; Creative Wellness and Wellbeing Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement, and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment and Selection; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Work-Life Blend; Community Initiatives and Corporate Responsibility; and Leadership, Strategy, and Company Performance.
“SPARK has been a West Michigan company from the very beginning, and our team is proud of our roots,” expressed Amber Wustman, Director of People Operations of SPARK. “From company outings to philanthropy and everything in between, we try to keep to West Michigan as much as we can, our team appreciates that and the sense of culture and community it provides.”
“Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of NABR and the Best & Brightest Programs, highlighted that these companies have prioritized making a significant impact on their culture. With a focus on their employees as the top priority, this powerful community of the nation’s elite leaders have gained a competitive edge.”
See the full list of 2025 winners here.
About SPARK Business Works
SPARK provides custom software development and digital marketing services that move your business forward. We partner with our clients to build and execute practical strategies that increase efficiency and deliver ROI.
About the National Association for Business Resources’ Best and Brightest Programs
The National Association for Business Resources offers an array of recognition programs that celebrate excellence in various aspects of business, including workplace culture, wellness initiatives, and leadership. These programs include the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, Best and Brightest in Wellness, Best and Brightest CEOs and Leadership Teams which are presented in several markets that include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, Nashville, New England, New York, Northern California, Pacific Northwest, Southern California, South Florida, West Michigan and Nationally. Nominations are now being accepted for all programs. Visit https://nationalbiz.org/ to obtain an application.
For media inquiries, please contact Jill Hufford at jillian.hufford@sparkbusinessworks.com.
