Onward Real Estate had plenty to celebrate at the 2026 Top Workplaces Awards, earning the No. 1 ranking in the Large Business category at the Tennessean's annual recognition event.
Held at Music City Center, the spirited evening brought together organizations from across Middle Tennessee to celebrate outstanding workplace cultures and the employees who make them possible. The event featured networking, workplace recognition, and an inspiring keynote address before the highly anticipated rankings were announced.
For Onward, the recognition reflects more than business success. It reflects a culture intentionally built around people.
According to CEO Jenni Barnett, a healthy workplace begins with a culture that is open, collaborative, and genuinely invested in helping people succeed.
"We spend more time at work than with our families," Barnett said. "Work should feel like a second family where everyone can thrive."
That philosophy is deeply rooted in the values established by founders Bob and Marie Parks, whose vision has always been to help people live a magnificent life. Their people-first approach became the foundation of Onward's culture and continues to shape how Barnett leads today.
"We care about everyone's success, not just profits," Barnett said. "Our goal is for every agent and staff member to have a magnificent life."
Rather than focusing solely on production metrics, Onward's leadership team prioritizes creating an environment where agents and employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to achieve both personal and professional goals.
"It's not about asking, 'How much did you sell?'" Barnett said. "It's asking, 'What are your goals, and how can we help you achieve them?'"
At the heart of Onward's culture is accessible leadership, open communication, and collaboration. Team members are encouraged to share ideas, support one another, and contribute to an environment built on trust and mutual respect.
The company also embraces the belief that people are working to live, not living to work. Supporting work-life balance allows employees to bring their best selves to work while maintaining meaningful lives outside the office. Barnett credits Bob and Marie Parks for modeling a leadership style rooted in care, kindness, and genuine concern for others. Their influence continues to create a culture where people feel seen, appreciated, and empowered to succeed.
That people-first approach has become a defining characteristic of Onward and a key reason employees consistently rank the company among Middle Tennessee's best places to work.
As the company celebrates its second anniversary, the Top Workplaces recognition serves as a testament to the culture established by Bob and Marie Parks, carried forward by Barnett and the leadership team, and brought to life every day by the hundreds of agents and staff members who call Onward home.
The evening was a celebration of workplace excellence across Middle Tennessee, but for Onward, it was also a reminder that when people feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals, extraordinary things can happen.
