Pros
From my very first interview with the Director of Service and our Executive Vice President, until 6+ months as a part of this organization, it is a breath of fresh air to know that companies like ours actually exist. Many hold Google as the "gold standard" of what their ideal workplace is, but not everyone can work at Google and not every company can model Google. AHEAD is the perfect blend of high-professionalism and premiere execution within a friendly and casual environment. It does not sound possible—but it is. In my role, I am fortunate enough to be able to interact with each department on a regular basis. Having the opportunity to collaborate with everyone, I have experienced that the make-up of our company is comprised of people who are here to win. However, not in the "cut-throat," do anything to win environment, but in the sense that everybody is driven to be successful and want others to be successful as well. The professionals I work with, genuinely, want this company to flourish because of the efforts they put forth; whether it is them as an individual or helping their team. I believe this motivation stems from how AHEAD treats their employees. It is very important that mutual respect between the employees and company are present. Here, at AHEAD, I believe we have that. When companies mention "work hard; play hard" it is typically lip service to appeal to younger generations—where AHEAD means it. Again, I have only been here 6+ months, but the events and celebrations I have already been a part of have been phenomenal, and I am looking forward to the ones in my calendar for this year. Now, AHEAD is not all fun and games, but it is not all work either. I have witnessed, and been part of, the busiest time of the year where numerous fires need to be put out, deadlines met, and hair loss occurs. What makes it manageable is that we operate as a unit, not every man for himself. Plus the beer in the coolers help! Alongside competitive salary and a fantastic benefits package, AHEAD offers a very positive and welcoming culture, combined with a solid work/life balance. Nothing about our culture possesses the initial “hazing” some companies own, where employees wait until 90 days to learn your name. Once you’re a part of the team you are welcomed as being part of the AHEAD family.
Cons
This is not really a “con” more than an opportunity to improve. I believe we can do better from a training and process standpoint. The structure in which training new-hires is conducted, as well as various internal processes is administered as an organic approach. Being that we are still a smaller company, many of our processes feel very “trial & error,” then we improve. Which is fine. As long as the “improve” is there, that is what is important, and we’ve done that. All companies have growing pains, AHEAD is not exempt from that.