Carl and Anita Milam's philosophy was founded on the wisdom of Carl's relative, Will Rogers, who famously said, "I never met a man I didn't like."

When Sushi Neko opened in Oklahoma City in 1997 with only 76 seats, its staff spoke five or more different languages. Today, the Milams have added a Japanese Steak House, a Will Rogers Theater Event Center and a Will's Coffee Shop. They refer to themselves as the United Nations, because they have 14 different nationalities represented among their employees.

They're not a big chain and they have no written diversity manual — they just think that hiring a diverse work force is the right thing to do.

Sushi Neko was one of the first sushi restaurants to break the "sushi bar" by hiring the first female sushi chef, creating a trend that is now sweeping the country. Many of their employees started as foreign students on H-1 visas, sponsored by Sushi Neko to work legally in the United States.

They virtually never hire managers from outside, but instead believe in creating opportunity from within. Vicki Patitas, Sushi Neko's head sushi chef, started as an hourly employee.

Asoko Ashpaugh landed in Memphis 12 years ago unable to speak a word of English. She is now the general manager of the company's steakhouse, and her English language skills are now so good that she does all the proofreading for the restaurant.

Joe Vu, sushi chef, went on to become a restaurant entrepreneur, opening a sushi bar of his own. He is now on his third new concept.

Sammy Tanmongkokswat, their one-time sushi chef, also has become an entrepreneur, starting his own Thai restaurant and a wedding shop.

Not surprisingly, Sushi Neko's pro-people philosophy has produced exemplary employee loyalty and a low turnover rate — and that in turn has helped their restaurants build excellent customer loyalty.

Sushi Neko shows that you don't have to be big to be diverse — you just have to do the right thing.