Pros
Some very nice people work there. Many have a good head on their shoulders. Great location for those in the East Bay
Cons
I’ll get right to it, the CEO is struggles in his role. His autocratic management style trickles down through his direct reports. His arrogance, bloated self-worth and heavy-handed leadership style affects EVERY SINGLE LEVEL of the organization. Knee-jerk changes in direction, coming from the CEO, ties up resources in the company. And, because of the way goals are set by department (and also conflicting by department) many times the change in direction will negatively effect bonus structures for multiple departments. So, don’t expect a bonus. In the same breath, because of the way the business is set up, teams (like the call center) actively work against each other in order to have a shot at getting a bonus. For those who are being courted by Art.com...they’ll try to get you in the company with stock, lots of stock. It’s worth nothing. Through the rumor mill, the company has been on the block multiple times to be sold, but the arrogance from the senior management has soured every deal in the category. Let me repeat that – EVERY DEAL. Over the past 5 years, there has been a revolving door with the leadership team including Product, Marketing and Business Development – VPs, SVPs, CMOs. In those instances, the dictatorial approach coupled with the unrealistic goals for each department delivered a wake of layoffs, firings and/or resignations. Lastly with remaining C-Team there is no vision, no forward thinking from the entire senior leadership team. Nothing. Case and point – at an all company meeting the CEO was “out of ideas” to drive the business forward. Um, really? At least motivate your employee’s to deliver for you… that might be too much to ask. Some advice as someone who knows intimately what it’s like to work there - regardless of how seasoned you are, this company is nothing like you have ever seen. You might still not be convinced, saying that all of the people who write on Glassdoor are disgruntled. For the most part, you are right, but imagine how many people have written on GD with such venom towards the company. It’s sad to say, it’s really that bad.