Pros
The best thing you can possibly get from working for this company is the periodical gratis (free product). Even that has problems. It is inconsistent in when you are eligible to claim it. It doesn't feel great to issue a completely new team their free items after only a month of employment, when the same manager who authorized it made you wait your full three months. The environment is casual in that you may dress comfortably and your overall appearance is not a major concern.
Cons
The major red flag I can share is that within five months the company has lost FIVE managers in the field. THREE of whom were in California. Here are a few things you can expect to experience: - Inconsistency in communication. Expect to be told one thing in one moment, and the opposite within an hour. These people are great listeners, but only to placate you. - As much as management throws around the word accountability, never expect them to own up to anything on their end (except praise.) - A lot of micromanagement with little to no real-time interaction with your direct supervisor. - Expect your experience and knowledge of your city and it's business cycles to have zero impact on analysis and goal setting. Do not expect factors like tourist traffic patterns or special circumstances during LY to influence your targets. - Zero transparency with the overall regional or companies performance. This tactic allows management to single you out as a poor performer. And if you drank the kool-aid it is a powerful tactic. - Negotiate a good pay rate from the get-go. California teams when over four years without a rate increase, even after incremental increases for minimum wage began. - You'll be instructed to lie to Customs and to the Fire Department. - Zero work-life balance. Expect your supervisor to control how you structure your workweek regardless of the needs of the business and what YOU need to effectively understand and plan for your business. If you need to leave early or come in late, your commitment to the company and your job will be flagrantly questioned. - Bonus structure for management is set on an annual basis, sales associates are monthly. If you don't see November/December, don't expect to see your bonus. - Your desire for development will be seen as a push for advancement. Some of your fellow leaders/managers will deem you a threat. - Even though individuals are seen as "problems" to the companies growth, they are kept out of sympathy and because they've been there for such a long time. Don't expect that special treatment anytime soon, instead expect to have to pickup the slack. I can go on. But I'm just happy to be out. It's an abusive and toxic environment, and it stings knowing you walked in with passion for the brand and a lot of drive to do well. Just, please, do not do it.