Some jobs are clearly the right fit from day one.
That’s how it was for Jodi Dahley, major client services manager at zLinq.
“I instantly felt like I had found my people,” Dahley said. “There was simply no question, I had to be part of this team.”
Mark Blankenship, an account executive, experienced something similar at FareHarbor.
“It was clear from the start that people at FareHarbor genuinely care about one another and take pride in building a supportive, collaborative environment,” Blankenship said.
Built In spoke with Dahley and Blankenship in detail about why they joined their companies — and most importantly, why they stay.
zLinq provides software and services to manage enterprise customers’ communication lifecycles.
What stuck out to you the most about your company’s culture during the hiring process and what was it specifically that convinced you to join?
From the very start of the hiring process, I kept hearing how incredible the culture is at zLinq and it truly exceeded every expectation! From my very first warm conversation with recruiting to the relaxed, good-natured second-round interview with the directors, I instantly felt like I had found my people. There was simply no question, I had to be part of this team.
It wasn’t until I officially joined that I truly felt the depth of zLinq’s culture and experienced firsthand the camaraderie and genuine support of my teammates. It all starts with the leadership team. Throughout the onboarding process, they consistently checked in to ensure I felt supported and never overwhelmed. They also opened and closed every meeting with fun facts, adding a light, positive touch that set the tone for the day. As I got into the day to day work, I never felt like I was on an island. Anytime I asked a question I had multiple teammates willing to take time out of their day to guide me.
“It wasn’t until I officially joined that I truly felt the depth of zLinq’s culture and experienced firsthand the camaraderie and genuine support of my teammates.”
How does the company culture encourage peers to connect with each other either virtually, in person or both?
zLinq continues to strengthen team connection through engaging breakout sessions following company-wide calls. In these sessions, team members are placed into randomized groups to discuss preset questions — such as “what are you most proud of from last week?” or “what are you looking forward to this week?” These conversations create meaningful opportunities to learn about one another and build relationships with colleagues we may not interact with every day.
There is also the Friday “Coffee Chat,” an open, casual call where anyone available can drop in to share fun, lighthearted discussions and end the week on a positive note. In addition, we maintain a variety of chat channels for tech support, business-related questions and just-for-fun conversations, ensuring communication stays open, supportive and engaging across the organization.
What opportunities are available for employees to level up their careers?
At zLinq, the path to self-promotion isn’t just communicated — it’s celebrated at every step! The best part? You are in the driver’s seat, supported by directors and teammates who are excited, engaged and genuinely committed to helping you reach your goals. The growth path is clearly defined and accessible for everyone to review at any time.
And truly, the culture here is anything but competitive. We lift each other up, cheer each other on and celebrate every win.
I started with zLinq in May 2025 and I am already working on my self-promotion path with the support of my director and team.
FareHarbor creates tools for tour and activity operators, like boat rentals, food tours, outdoor experiences, events and more. The company has more than 20,000+ clients across 90+ countries.
What stuck out to you the most about your company’s culture during the hiring process and what was it specifically that convinced you to join?
What stood out to me most during the hiring process was how welcoming and genuine everyone was. The interviews felt more like conversations than formal evaluations, which showed that the company truly values getting to know people as individuals. It was clear from the start that people at FareHarbor genuinely care about one another and take pride in building a supportive, collaborative environment. This commitment to culture showed up in each conversation I had throughout the interview process where I got to hear from multiple different team members about what ‘Ohana’ meant to them and allowed me to really picture myself working alongside a group of such passionate individuals.
Along with this, the flexibility, remote work options and generous PTO demonstrated a strong commitment to work-life balance, which is something I really value. Additionally, the opportunity to be part of a company with a product that is truly the best in the industry made the decision even easier and ultimately convinced me that this was a place I wanted to join.
Employees’ Favorite Perks at FareHarbor
- Flexibility, with remote work options
- Generous PTO and a commitment to work-life balance
- Paid volunteer time off
- Monthly “Aloha Friday,” where teams have a happy hour after work
- “Work Abroad Program,” where employees can spend a week working in a different office across the globe
- Clear pathways to career advancement
- Access to online learning platforms
- Mentorship and leadership programs
How does the company culture encourage peers to connect with each other either virtually, in person or both?
The company culture strongly encourages connection among peers by creating meaningful opportunities to come together, both virtually and in-person. Employees are given dedicated, paid time on an annual basis to volunteer in our local communities, which not only allows us to give back but also strengthens relationships through shared experiences. Each month, everyone gathers in our local offices for “Aloha Friday,” where we connect across departments to discuss company updates, celebrate successes, look ahead to future initiatives and enjoy a happy hour afterward. In addition, we have a fantastic learning, development and culture team that regularly hosts employee engagement events that keep employees connected and energized and provides opportunities to connect with people you might not work with on a daily basis. They’ve also launched a “Work Abroad Program” where select employees spend a week working in a different office to strengthen our global connections across regions.
What opportunities are available for employees to level up their careers?
FareHarbor offers many opportunities for employees to level up their careers and continue growing both personally and professionally. Each month, we participate in “PowerSkills” sessions that not only support our day-to-day work but also help us develop new skills and build connections across different departments. Our leadership team is always open to feedback and encourages employees to share ideas, creating an environment where innovation and growth are truly valued and trying new things is built into the core of how we work.
FareHarbor is also very intentional about investing in its people by creating opportunities for internal promotions, job changes and leadership opportunities, giving employees clear pathways to advance their careers. We also have access to different online learning platforms, as well as mentorship and leadership programs. It’s a place where individuals are encouraged to be their true selves and are recognized and celebrated for their accomplishments and ideas. Because of this supportive and growth-focused culture, I truly see myself at FareHarbor for many years to come.
