Synacor Culture

It's a simple formula, really:

Find good people and then give them the freedom to do the work they were hired to do. There's no doubt about it: Synacorians (as we call ourselves) work hard. But just like we work hard, we play hard too. Life at Synacor is easy to handle because of the casual atmosphere in the office and the fun-loving attitude of the employees—from the newest entry-level Synacorian to the CEO.

This relaxed work culture is part of the reason Synacor received the 2007 Cyberculture Award from InfoTech Niagara, a local information technology industry trade group here in Buffalo. What is the Cyberculture Award? Put simply, it's an award which recognizes the organization that exudes a positive, productive and encouraging work environment.

What's even more impressive than winning the Cyberculture Award is that Synacor was a finalist in four categories out of a total of 11 awards. Our CEO, Ron Frankel, was a finalist in the Executive of the Year category, which just reinforces how strong Synacor's leadership is. That winning attitude is reflected throughout the entire organization.

Jeans and t-shirts are typical office wear, even for the executives.

After all, how can a person be really creative when we're wearing shoes that pinch and ties that constrict? Offices and conference rooms are populated by both employees and giant stuffed animals—souvenirs from our annual summer picnic. Flexible work hours accommodate employees with special scheduling needs, early risers and those who need a little caffeinated kick-start each morning.

Speaking of coffee,

Synacorians are treated daily to gourmet roasts from Buffalo's own SPoT Coffee. SPoT Coffee is THE hang-out for stimulating conversation and people-watching in downtown Buffalo. Their coffee is extraordinary! We also make frequent use of our espresso/cappuccino machine, gifted to the employees by an appreciative VP. For Synacorians who are looking for an extra bit of energy throughout the day, we have food, soda and ice cream machines that are subsidized by the company—every item costs a mere quarter!

Synacorians are serious about their food,

as are most of the citizens of Buffalo (witness our 1,400 bars and restaurants). Many days, employees take the opportunity to relax and eat lunch together at several restaurants within walking distance of the office. If we're in the middle of a project or having an "A-ha" moment where we don't want to lose our momentum by leaving the office, we simply take advantage of a bevy of eateries who deliver straight to our front desk. Lastly, there is such a thing as a free lunch—Synacor often sponsors catered lunches and breakfasts to celebrate important milestones.

With all these culinary perks, it's a good thing Synacor's headquarters is located along Buffalo's waterfront and the Erie Basin Marina. Taking a few minutes to stretch your legs, or work off a little overeating, is as easy as walking the 1,000 feet or so to the water. What a way to relax! The office wireless network even reaches a beautiful gazebo, making it easy to spend a little time outside while still being productive.

Synacor isn't just about life in (or near) the office, though. When it's time to put work aside for the day, Synacorians know how to enjoy themselves! Socializing with co-workers is encouraged at events such as Company Connections, our company-sponsored gatherings at locations around Buffalo. Remember the 1,400 bars and restaurants we mentioned earlier? Synacor is a consistent presence on the Buffalo restaurant scene!

We also enjoy our summer picnic, where our extended Synacor family (including significant others, children and friends) come together to take pleasure in each other's company; and a year-end holiday party, complete with dinner and dancing. Just because we have a casual dress code at work, that doesn't mean we don't like to get dressed up and party every now and then! Employee participation is also sponsored in events such as the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge, a walk/run which draws nearly 12,000 participants in Buffalo, and the United Way Day of Caring, one of the largest single-day fundraisers in the country, with thousands of employees of Buffalo-based companies contributing time and sweat to paint, clean up, and rebuild Buffalo. Unofficial gatherings are common too, from impromptu happy hours to Taco Phil's Mighty Adventure, an annual day-long visit to each Mighty Taco restaurant in the Buffalo area. Mighty Taco is an institution here in Buffalo, and what better way to celebrate it than a "taco crawl"? In addition, Synacorians frequently celebrate the creativity and talent of our resident artists and musicians by attending their shows and performances.

“Synacor has been a breath of fresh air for me, from the people I work with to the motivating environment that stretches my level of creativity to new and exciting heights; there is an opportunity for learning at all times and this only adds to my skill set which is invaluable.”
Angie Bass
Trainer
 

"After spending more than a decade in television helping to make a difference in the lives of people in Buffalo, Synacor has provided me the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of people across the US and now the World. I brought my energy and experience and Synacor has helped me to focus that into the development of technologies that help make the internet so exciting. The company gives employees a real sense of ownership in the success of our business which makes us all want to work to the best of our abilities."
Greg Borowski
Product Manager
 

“When I first came across a job posting for "a web 2.0 dream job" on Buffalo's waterfront, I didn't believe it was possible. While I've been a part of Buffalo's tech community for 10 years, I never fully realized what exactly was taking place inside the walls of Synacor. Stepping into Synacor's offices for the first time, I quickly understood that you don't need to be located in Silicon Valley to experience true .com culture. My first year with Synacor has allowed me to fully utilize my creativity and industry experience in a way I never imagined possible, all in the city I love. My career path has led me to this destination and I couldn't be happier.”
Jake Woodward
Product Manager, Premium Services