Pros
- Feedback is taken seriously, consistently, and provided in return to team members at all levels of the company. I've seen results from being honest, respectful, and open-minded about solutions.
- Leadership cares and gives people the benefit of the doubt.
- When things aren't ok, leadership takes action holding additional info sessions, gathering data, seeking feedback, and providing support.
- Custom Ink cares about the outcome of every package and every Inker
- Seeking challenge is rewarded, if you want to develop a skill related to the business it's just about finding the time to make it happen.
- Inkers are held to clear expectations for your, and your team's performance and incentivized with projects and a quarterly bonus to go above and beyond. I like that high performance is directly rewarded monetarily.
- Transparency into business decisions and health is provided at least on a monthly basis, more when there is significant change.
- The president, Nick, is passionate about connecting with team members at all levels and hearing what Inkers have to say.
- The CEO and co-founder, Marc, is deeply concerned with the team and the company's future, making Custom Ink a place to build long-term career.
- Interests outside of work are seen as strengths, for example if a team member wants to improve their video editing skills we have multiple presentations throughout the year that feature videos of leadership where those skills can be put to use.
- Pathing is positive - you aren't limited to one role or one team. If you see a future for yourself with a different department leadership will work with you to develop or hone the skills you need to qualify for other opportunities.
- Health Insurance is very affordable for Inkers, and covers procedures that aren't always universal including preventative care and gender confirmation surgery.
- Communication is frequent, and Custom Ink has a fairly high rate of change with new technology, adjustments to guidelines, and piloting opportunities.
- Collaboration is a strength, inkers work together across departments and roles to meet customer needs and support the team.
- Leaders create a place where it is safe to say things like "I'm burned out, I need a break - what can I do?" without fear of consequence. They also work to find solutions together.
- When there are successes recognition can come in many forms; an email, personal note, announcement in a meeting or to the entire team.
Overall this company is an excellent fit for folks ready to work smart, put their skills to use, and seek challenge in their work.
If you struggle to work in teams or provide/receive compassionate, constructive feedback, this may not be a good fit for you.
Cons
- The high rate of change can be fatiguing. Honesty about work/life balance and how you are doing in the role is essential to making sure you don't burn out.
- Health care coverage for dependents of Inkers is pricey, if I had kids it might be a tough squeeze. It is more affordable than other jobs I've worked previously.
- Custom Ink measures a lot of different things to determine compensation and other opportunities. Sometimes I love this, because it shows quantitatively how I'm doing. Sometimes my soft quality strengths are not easy to measure. Leadership is aware of this tendency and works to see each situation fairly.
