The City of Frederick boasts a robust economy, driven by an array of industries that offer economic growth and employment opportunities. The top 20 largest employers in the area span various sectors, including biotech, healthcare, education, government, construction, manufacturing, and technology. From comprehensive healthcare facilities and life science institutions to robust manufacturing plants and innovative tech companies, these employers play a key role in advancing industry diversity and workforce opportunities in Frederick.
Recently, the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development compiled the list of its Top 20 Employers. (View that list here.) As we celebrate the City of Frederick’s top employers, Morgan-Keller, Aldi Inc. - Frederick Distribution Center, and R.W. Warner, Inc. provided insight into their experiences as well as perspectives as three of Frederick City’s leading employers shaping the local economy.
Morgan-Keller
Morgan-Keller is a third-generation, family-owned company with deep roots in Frederick, known for prioritizing their workforce. The company’s hiring approach focuses on “responsibility, professionalism, and community care,” ensuring that every team member contributes to a culture built on integrity and shared success.
At the core of Morgan-Keller’s operations is its values: “Promote Teamwork,” “Take Ownership,” and “Be Professional;” they serve as guiding principles that shape internal culture and employee behavior.
"Retention starts with alignment. Regular appreciation practices, like team outings and employee spotlights, build loyalty and show our investment in each and every employee." — Dina Davis, Corporate Marketing and PR Manager, Morgan-Keller
Morgan Keller Staff Photo for 70th Anniversary
Training and development are also key pillars of Morgan-Keller’s employee experience. The launch of MK Academy in 2024 marked a major milestone in professional growth offerings, providing “detailed role profiles, SOPs, and various workshops” to support learning at every stage of an employee’s career. Looking ahead, the company is investing in innovation with its upcoming MK Academy Intranet Hub and AI readiness workshops demonstrating its “commitment to continuous improvement.”
Morgan-Keller’s reputation for safety and quality has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, the company earned the Award of Excellence and Most Improved Risk Control Score from National Contractors Insurance Ltd., highlighting a proactive approach to risk management and dedication to employee wellbeing.
Beyond the workplace, Morgan-Keller maintains strong ties to the Frederick community. The company actively sponsors initiatives like City Youth Matrix programs, YMCA events, and volunteer work with Frederick Rescue Mission. These efforts “deepen our connection to Frederick and support long-term retention,” blending business goals with social impact.
Through job fairs, expos, and internship programs, Morgan-Keller continues to “position itself as an employer of choice in the construction and development industries,” attracting talent that shares its values and vision for shared success.
ALDI
Aldi Staff Photo
"Frederick is a key market for ALDI due to its strategic access to major interstates and its growing demand for affordable, quality groceries."
— Jeff Baehr, Frederick Divisional Vice President, ALDI
With easy access to major interstates and a growing need for affordable groceries, Frederick is a hub within the company’s larger regional operations. Their Frederick Distribution Center plays a critical role in ensuring product availability and efficient delivery across the region, making the area convenient for operations and a prime area for attracting talent to logistics and supply chain opportunities.
Aldi Staff packing boxes for community event.
ALDI leans on a strong compensation and benefits portfolio to retain employees in the Frederick area. They offer competitive wages, health coverage, retirement plans, and newer initiatives like caregiver leave and flexible scheduling. Jeff hones in the how ALDI employees are valued, "Our people are our greatest asset, and in Frederick, we’re focused on attracting and retaining top talent by offering competitive wages and comprehensive benefits."
Community involvement also plays a key role. Their Frederick distribution center supports local nonprofits and participates in large-scale volunteer events. ALDI chose Frederick for its strong market demand, as Frederick is the second fastest-growing city in Maryland, forecasting a rapidly expanding population that will in turn, increase consumer need for convenient, accessible, and affordable grocery options.
R.W. Warner
R.W. Warner, a third-generation family business, has called Frederick home for over 88 years. The company has grown alongside the city and finds it an ideal location for finding and developing talent. R.W. takes a people-first, relationship-driven approach to recruitment. Word of mouth and employee referrals are their hiring strategy; they see Frederick as an area rich in young talent with a strong sense of community, which plays a big role in workforce attraction and retention. When it comes to retention, the company goes beyond policy; staff are treated like extended family.
R.W. Warner Employee Photo
R.W. Warner sees the influx of high-tech and data-driven companies into Frederick as a major opportunity. These businesses demand precision and high standards — something Warner takes pride in delivering. Additionally, they believe Frederick could further strengthen its workforce by investing in trade education and encouraging local sourcing.
"Frederick is attracting more and more technical companies, such as data centers and hightech manufacturing companies. We see this as an opportunity for us to be involved in building their facilities. These companies tend to have very high standards, and we pride ourselves in understanding and achieving those standards so that we can contribute to their projects,” says President Matt Bumgardner.
This shift is seen as a key avenue for growth for local construction and skilled labor providers who can meet complex or demanding facility needs. Moreover, the company emphasizes the importance of local businesses supporting each other — urging new companies to hire and source locally to keep investment within the community.
"We need to work on keeping things local, as there are plenty of resources right here in our city to support anyone who would like to do business here. We truly consider our employees part of the family and treat them as such."
—- Matt Bumgardner, President & COO
Jobs are the foundation of a strong economy and the companies that create and continually improve them are its backbone. No matter if they're national powerhouses or trusted local names, these companies share people-oriented values that truly support and empower employees to show up as their best and make a meaningful contribution with their work. With competitive benefits, career development programs, and a deep commitment to community values, Frederick’s employers are building workplaces where people want to stay.