Pros
- lots opportunities to be an entrepreneur within the company if you take the initiative.
- got to learn about service business, sales, management, manufacturing, contract management, litigation, plans and specs, construction, subcontracting, labor relations, human resources, negotiations, public speaking, engineering, continuing education, research & development, expert testimony, safety, engineering, building codes, testing and inspections, permitting, commissioning, procurement, vendor management, finance, logistics, and complex building systems. It is a great place to learn how to be a strong management generalist while being an expert in an industry niche.
- some management and leadership training
- collaborative team atmosphere. Real friendships.
- highly innovative products and R&D
- good salary, fair bonuses, pension and 401k
Cons
- a few bad hires at the top several years ago led to a number of top performers and some highly tenured stars leaving the company. That weakened the future. (Those few bad hires have since been fired.)
- maintenance & repair business lines lost sight that it is a "service" business. -- Work for your contract customers as if you were working for tips. Provide great service.
- Local branch offices became disempowered. --- Let the local branch offices perform and manage as independent P&L centers. Keep servant leaders and rid yourself of regional / corporate micromanagers.
