Pros
The Lampo Group is truly an amazing place. I've done stints in corporate america, and honesty it's hard to imagine going back to that garbage.
Now, let's get something straight, this place isn't utopia. There are still humans involved after all, so it's not perfect. BUT, it's the closet thing to it that I've ever seen in a workplace.
1. Good People: Yeah, the hiring process is laborious and takes longer than it should sometimes. But the results are worth it. They hire people that care about their job, their co-workers, and the outcome. That's hard to find in many workplaces, but this place is filled with people that actually care. It's refreshing and fun to be around.
2. It's Always Changing: This place is constantly evolving with new products, departments, and much more. There's never a dull moment. Each season brings a different focus for different products, and it's cool to be involved in something so big that keeps growing and growing.
3. Personal Development: Since I have joined the company I have had three job titles (two promotions). I have worked hard, Leaders have recognized, and rewarded that with creating new opportunities for me to tackle. It's incredible to work at a place that really values me as a human being and not just a worker-bee. I see that from my direct leaders, even up to the way Dave interacts with us. They are investing in me 100% and that's rare to find. You're not just a number here.
4. Generosity: I could rattle off many examples, but I think this one sums it up the best. The company has a profit-sharing pool for certain positions that pays out throughout the year. At the end of the year, this particular profit pool had a surplus of funds. Rather than simply roll those funds over to the next year (the "logical" business decision), the leadership team cut very generous (and unexpected) bonus checks to a few of us team members that had really significant years. Who does that?!
Not to mention, as seen all over this page, the Christmas part is awesome. And tons of free food, gym reimbursement, free Costco membership, etc.
5. No Drama: The No-gossip policy is for real, and what a difference it makes. In prior jobs I've been around people that are big gossips, withhold information to "get ahead," backstab, and all that mess. That just doesn't happen here. People are transparent, and if there's issues they work it out like adults. There is never fear of "backstabbing" or "whispers" around. If there's a big personnel change, or structure change, the leadership team tells the whole company in full detail and addresses it head on. It's really refreshing, and easy to take for granted that most places don't operate like this.
Cons
1. Growing Pains: The Company is growing, and quickly. The difference between a 300 person company (Lampo just a couple of years ago) and a 500 person company (Lampo in a year or two probably) is very different. It's harder to keep the same culture and vibe. From time to time we see a little glimpse of those growing pains, but the good news is that leadership team knows this, is transparent about it, and truly striving to make this transition intentionally.
2. Spotlight: If you've never worked for a company with such a public facing representative (Dave), it can be a little bit of an adjustment. Dave has a bunch of people who love him and who have been changed forever by the principles he teaches. He also has haters, and from time to time those haters flare up in the media. So, it's not a big "con", but definitely takes a little bit of adjustment if you've never worked for a company connected to the media so closely.
3. The health insurance coverage/pricing is not competitive with most employers. It's decent for a single person, but if you're hoping to cover your spouse and/or children, you're better off buying it in the open market most of the time which is a shame.
