As director of innovation, part of Chris Shinkle’s job with SEP is to constantly reflect on how the company can improve.
When Shinkle proposed one idea to SEP President and CEO Raman Ohri that was particularly unconventional, he recalled Ohri’s response being, “OK, I will suspend disbelief for a little while. What would you like me to do?”
“That level of openness from leadership to truly consider new possibilities, even when they might seem far-fetched initially, is incredibly validating,” Shinkle said.
Employees of SEP — a Carmel-headquartered software product design and development firm that specializes in high-cost-of-failure engagement (think software that keeps planes in the sky and medical devices safe) — describe a workplace culture that’s inclusive, innovative, and supportive.
Shinkle saw the support firsthand when he was helping both of his parents navigate serious health issues.
“Without hesitation, SEP supported my need to care for my parents while ensuring my work responsibilities were covered,” Shinkle said. “These moments of both professional trust and personal support show me what makes this company truly special.”
Jake Greene, a senior UX designer, is used to working in environments where the lines between personal and professional life become increasingly blurred, making it difficult to disconnect from work outside normal hours. Greene appreciates the emphasis SEP leadership places on work-life balance.
“When I take vacations, my teammates actively encourage me to unplug and avoid checking my inbox until I return,” Greene said. “These well-defined boundaries and respect for work-life balance are among the many aspects of SEP’s culture that I deeply appreciate.”
SEP offers employees a comprehensive benefits package, including extensive medical coverage and retirement benefits. The company promotes wellness through fitness reimbursements, an onsite gym, loaner bikes, treadmill and standing desks, fitness classes, and perks like free fresh fruit and employment anniversary chair massages. Additional lifestyle benefits include reimbursements for warehouse club memberships and will creation services.
Aside from several philanthropic commitments — including supporting veteran and community organizations and providing scholarships to local students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math — SEP encourages employee engagement with a variety of events that are a mix of volunteering, social gatherings, and friendly competitions. Professional development is a key focus, with opportunities for mentoring, leadership workshops, coaching, and structured career development.
“So much of our professional experience here is self-directed, which is not something I expected,” said Sarah Matlock, a content specialist. “Based on each team member’s capabilities, interests, and capacity, (employees) determine when we are ready to work toward a promotion or explore new elements of our career path right here within the company. By not being one-size-fits-all, SEP gives me more autonomy over my career path and the ability to balance work and personal responsibilities.”
The company is also 100% employee owned, offering staff an employee stock ownership plan.
“Being employee-owned isn’t just a legal structure — everyone truly acts like an owner here,” Shinkle said. “Our leadership operates with remarkable transparency, and after seeing how dozens of other companies work through my innovation role, I can tell you that’s rare. What’s kept me here for nearly three decades is the caliber of people — from designers to engineers to managers and operations. Plus, SEP has continuously supported my professional dreams while never putting a ceiling on growth opportunities. That combination is hard to find anywhere else.”
Bottom Line
- Founded: 1988
- Headquarters: Carmel
- Company profile: Custom software development and consulting
- Central Indiana locations: 1
- Central Indiana employees: 160
- Website: www.sep.com