Watch Out for Koch Energy Services (KES) - Market Analyst Koch Employee Review

2.0
19 Jun 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Overall, Koch Industries and many of its subsidiary companies represent most of the positive reviews reflected on this page. Stable, forward thinking, rewarding place to work in many portions of the company. MBM is a business philosophy I will take with me throughout my career. However, there are pockets and subsidiaries that do not reflect Koch's culture and give the company a bad name.

Cons

Leadership of Koch Energy Services: - President is always worried about the next management update, concerned if people disagree with him and is always trying to seek approval and total consensus before making a decision. This leads to painfully slow and poor decision-making. -Constantly trying to put out today's fire rather than thinking about the big picture. -Very little forward thinking, vision and authenticity displayed by KES management. Instead, they just recite corporate buzz-words and repeat themselves ad nauseam. -Extremely hesitant to make any bets or take risks that could make them look bad. Instead, multiple layers of analysis are expected to be performed that will add little to no value to the company. Always try to play it safe. -Koch's "challenge process" is not fostered at KES. Instead, any challenge that is put forward that is against KES leadership's agenda is quickly stomped out. This is successful because the president has put in place directors/managers under him who are "yes men" who always toe the line when push comes to shove. -Young analysts brought into the group are not given the same opportunities as analysts at other Koch companies. Very hesitant to let analysts travel, attend industry conferences, or network with other Koch companies. They talk about mentoring and coaching analysts but this is all hot air if you are someone who doesn't agree with management 100% of the time. -Insecurity displayed as micro-management. I was asked multiple times per day what I was working on despite having discussed my projects with my supervisor weekly. -If you disagree with them or bring up any of the problems listed above, you will be ostracized within the group and within Koch as a whole. Since your manager has complete control over your destiny at Koch, they will actively work against you trying to get a job within another Koch company. Mid-Level Management: -Often given supervisory responsibility because they are good analysts, not because they have good management skills

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Koch Response
8y
Thank you for your feedback. We value your comments and have shared them with KES leadership. We define the challenge process as using the best available knowledge to continually question and find a better way. When applied well, this leads to more effective outcomes than could be realized by any individual acting alone and helps us to learn and improve over time. We believe that employees are our strongest assets, so we invest in each individual according to their unique experiences, aptitudes, and interests.

Explore other reviews about Koch

5.0
6 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Such a great atmosphere. The company focuses on adding the most mutual benefit for all parties. Helps you grow, and create meaningful relationships.

Cons

N/A This company is amazing but it is challenging. You will be stretched.

3.0
3 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good group of folks to work with

Cons

Culture is almost cult-ish Doesn't pay well Unless you don't spew out PBM vocabulary, you're not seen as a 'valuable' member of the team

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