Pros
The company is perfect size for learning many different aspects of the department, especially with the 8 companies that are housed under this umbrella company. All my coworkers were just lovely and a pleasure to work with, and wages were reasonable and benchmarked against industry averages (at least in the accounting department). Having multiple offices around the northwest opens up relocation possibilities.
Cons
Since the entire conglomerate is owned and controlled by one person, the operational and managerial landscape is very volatile. Processes, procedures, and "opinions" within the company are in a constant flux since they mimic the natural ebb and flow of the human condition. A bad day or stresses at home should not be the cause of letting go 30 people or making a hasty investment decision. Company this large should have at least 3 owners to instill some form of checks and balances into decision making. This single fact is the cause of most problems at Hawes. Everyone is on their toes, scared of accidentally saying the wrong thing and getting fired. This fear causes management to often act and initiate protocols that are simply unnecessary or actually hinder productivity. There is a childish, high-school-like energy here where the owner is the most popular kid in school and everyone wants to do their homework.