While interviewing with several large tech companies (all industry leaders, with great reputations) WP Engine stood out for several reasons, but two reasons in particular really made an impression on not only myself, but on friends and family when I told the following two short stories. They both really solidified my choice and made it easy to not look back. 1st thing was how Lauren (my recruiter) was able to maintain professionalism while being VERY personable. It stood out amongst the other recruiters, who were cordial "nice" and also professional, she was great at keeping communication, maintaining confidence and being someone who sounded like you would actually enjoy working with. One example that stands out was when I mentioned that there were a few companies who expressed being hesitant to move forward simply for the single reason of my first child being due in just 4 weeks, and they thought that would detract from my focus, learning, and would obviously not be the best short term financial choice as I would take paid paternity leave within a few weeks of on boarding. To that Lauren responded, "Well I'm SHOCKED to hear that, at WP Engine we CELEBRATE family..." Boom. Right there was something I hadn't heard from any other company. The second point that REALLY reinforced the vibe Lauren gave me about WP Engine was that in their offer letter they had even asked me to start that very following Monday instead of the end of the month as we had discussed before, so that I can get trained to the point where I am able to take a paid paternity leave and then come back and hit the ground running, rather than save the company thousands of dollars and start on boarding after the due date as was the original plan. That is something you don't see from leadership very often anywhere. Much less SME tech companies in a town with a lot of talent. While I had other options for myself at the time the offer was extended, (and some rivaled or exceeded the OTE/title available) the experience I had throughout the whole process at WP Engine caused me to accept the offer without a second thought, because this was the TEAM I wanted to join. Now into my second week at WPE, people from entry lv through C-level make it a point to sometimes even go as far as stopping the conversation they are in to catch you as you walk past, and ask about your life, your family, how you are getting along. It really has been what was advertised. I've been with some really great companies with fantastic leadership before who had great company culture and yet this has been the most relaxed and inviting culture I've experienced. While only two weeks in, I'm confident I made the right choice.