MUSCATINE, Iowa–For KENT Corporation, headquartered in Muscatine, the third time has proven the charm. For a third year in a row, the company earned the US Best Managed Company designation from the Wall Street Journal and Deloitte Private, a company that offers consulting and related services to private businesses of all sizes.

Each year, independent judges selected by the Wall Street Journal and Deloitte Private analyze numerous applicants to see which companies meet their standards in four key areas, culture, finance, strategy, and execution. Carol Reynolds, a spokesperson for KENT, felt that a number of factors KENT Corporation has worked on over the past few years helped secure this designation.

To help plan for a solid future, Reynolds shared that KENT Corporation formalized their sustainability plan, ensuring they can continue their work responsibly. KENT shows the resilience of their business model by having strong sales for each of their varied food, drink, and agricultural product lines. Even during the difficulties brought on by the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reynolds has found that KENT Corporation employees remain dedicated to their work and community, continuing to provide high quality products and to give back through volunteering when opportunities present themselves. She observed, “our people are very committed and have been able to say successful during several very difficult years while still staying true to our core values.” To showcase KENT’s achievements they recently redid their website, centering around their new tagline, “From field to family, helping a growing world do more.”

Currently, KENT Corporation makes up just one of 17 total companies that have earned the distinction of US Best Managed Company three years in a row. Reynolds took pride in the accomplishment. “We are one of only 17 three time winners, which is an exclusive club,” she remarked.

Additionally, KENT currently represents the only business in Iowa to have the US Best Managed Company honor. “We’re the only company in Iowa to receive that designation, and we’re proud to represent our state,” said Reynolds.

KENT announced they earned US Best Managed Company for the third year in a row at their in-person service awards, which celebrate employees as they reach important anniversaries with the company, starting in their fifth year. This spring, KENT had the pleasure of giving 211 people awards, including two employees with over 50 years of service each. Reynolds felt making the announcement during the service awards made the event extra special, as it highlighted how the dedication of workers could lead to exceptional outcomes. “We love to have people for a long-term career at KENT, and those two people were very reflective of it,” she stated.

In the year ahead, KENT will continue to cultivate the different strengths that made it a US Best Managed Company for the past three years. Reynolds hopes the community will join with them to support the company’s culture of giving back by taking advantage of KENT’s $4 million matching grant program for the new physician’s clinics at UnityPoint Trinity Muscatine Hospital. She emphasized, “that’s such an important need for the community, and we hope to get some good attention for that and get it underway.”