Creating a culture of success

She invests in it. And that investment has paid dividends greater than what can be seen on a balance sheet.

Sure, she created Kinetic, a comprehensive communications and marketing agency that has grown from a table in her living room to an expanding downtown Billings business.

She does what many companies talk about but fewer do — truly invest in culture. That means job coaches, teambuilding excursions as well as encouragement for personal wellness. Her employees have gym memberships. The office refrigerator isn't stocked with a hodgepodge of forgotten containers of leftovers, rather healthy food and drinks for employees to enjoy.

"The office culture never worked for anyone," Pulis said. "You're living with the people you work with for nine hours a day. What happens if you feel like they're your friends and you're supported by them? That sounds like a lovely mantra, but I have very specifically invested in culture."

To the tune of tens of thousands of dollars per year. That investment has seen Kinetic grow to a $2.5 million company in just a little less than 10 years.

For her work in business and communication, Pulis is one of 2016's 20 Exceptional Women. 

It was because she was never a part of the "office politics game," that led her to create something different. She saw so many places wracked by politics and agendas. She wondered how much time and effort went into those politics, and how much creative energy was being siphoned away from businesses. She also understood that creating a great office culture wasn't something that could just be spoken into existence, rather it had to be intentional, deliberate and something in which to invest.

Yet, it wasn't enough just to invest in group excursions outside of the office. She also had to surround herself with the best and expect great results.

"I have very, very good people who are doing their best," Pulis said. "I have surrounded myself with people who are smarter than me and better than me and are exceptional in their talent."

Pulis' talent isn't just leading the successful company.

"I'm a people grower," Pulis said. "I spend as much on culture as I do the business because when you work on the culture then you get a company that isn't as distracted by the office things." 

Those aren't just nice-sounding words from a leader of a company who works with them all day long. 

She estimates intentional spending on culture at $5,000 per month. Sometimes it could be a team exercise of hiking where staff members push themselves harder than they thought, together. Other times, it's a group outing for pure fun because culture should be fun, too, Pulis said. 

"We have to learn from each other," Pulis said.

She's grown in the most organic way a business can — she started out as a freelance writer, setting a modest goal for herself of just $500 per month. From there, she began marketing and communications work for Kampgrounds of America and St. Vincent Healthcare.  

The company's motto — greater every day — isn't just something slapped on a brochure or a website. For Pulis, it's an expectation that her company will become greater every day. 

"What I want from (staff) is all of you. You may have had a fight with your wife or the dog may have ate your shoe," Pulis said. "But, when you walk in, I need all of you. I need your best self. I have to create the culture where that happens."

Pulis has added 20 jobs to the local economy, and has served as an inspiration to others in her field.

"Talent permeates Kinetic's office — talent directed by a leader whose intrepid advances into 21st Century marketing and brand development carve a fresh path," said Allyn Hulteng, principal at Rebel River Creative.