Kalamazoo, MI – Technology leader SPARK Business Works is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a 2026 West Michigan Best and Brightest Companies to Work For for the second year in a row. 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 35 employees, with almost half being Michigan-based residents. They have expanded their main offices to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and beyond to Illinois and Texas. Together, the team has served over 420 clients across Michigan and the United States by providing AI solutions, custom software development, and digital marketing services.
“Earning Best and Brightest for a second time means a lot to us. We bet on our people, and they show up for our clients every day,” shared Robert Armbrister, President and CEO of SPARK. “Being recognized for the kind of place we’re building tells me we’re doing right by the team that makes SPARK special.”
The winning companies were evaluated by an independent research firm that reviewed several key metrics. The categories for scoring included: 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; Acceptance, Equity, and Inclusion; Work-Life Blend; Community Initiatives and Corporate Responsibility; and Leadership, Strategy, and Company Performance.
With over 25 years of experience conducting the Best and Brightest competitions, the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) has identified numerous best Human Resource practices and provided benchmarking for companies that continue to be leaders in employment standards.
“What makes SPARK a place people want to be is pretty simple: we genuinely care about each other and the work we’re doing together. Our Igniters bring incredible ideas to the table every day, and we’ve built something here that they actually want to be part of,” expressed Amber Wustman, Director of People Operations at SPARK. “That’s what SPARK is, and honestly, it’s what we’re most proud of.”
Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of the National Association for Business Resources and the Best and Brightest Programs, recognized this year’s winning companies for their unwavering commitment to workplace excellence. “By fostering cultures that prioritize their people, these organizations have built the strong, values-driven foundations that distinguish them as leaders within their industries and communities.”
See the full list of 2026 winners here.
About SPARK Business Works
SPARK provides AI solutions, custom software, web design, 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 Small Business, 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.
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