Why are people attracted to working for small companies? Probably for the same reason people are attracted to small towns. It's a completely different environment. Your coworkers become your second family. The boss is like your parent or grandparent, the managers are like aunt and uncles, and your coworkers are like brothers and sisters. It's a support system.
After graduating college I took a job at a small company. I'm close with the managers, the coworkers, and even the owner. Even though I could be doing a lot more and making a lot more, I am attracted to my work environment. It's hard to leave a place where you know you are loved and accepted.