Pros
There was a lot of freedom to do whatever you wanted. The medical benefits were second to none. Two or three of the people are cool. It wasn't the absolute worst place I ever worked.
Cons
Absolutely toxic environment. It is very much an "old boy's club" and the management techniques primarily consist of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Most of what gets done is whatever helps the President of the company get a big bonus. He also likes to weed people out every year or so. "You serve at the pleasure of the President." A lot of management will berate employees in public. There is a culture of competition among the employees, and between departments, to gain the favor of the President and to try not to be the one publicly shamed. This wastes a lot of time and efficiency. The dress code is archaic (business casual...making industrial machines). The pay isn't that great. There isn't enough direction, everyone is always scrambling towards whatever new thing will please dear leader. They follow the "fake it until you make it" philosophy for promotions. In other words, do the bigger job for the same pay and maybe we'll actually promote you someday. If people stay, it is because they're part of the "elite", because they don't know any better, or because they have a lot of medical expenses.
