Unstable business on the verge of collapse with an outdated product - Engineer Calfee Design Employee Review

1.0
28 Jun 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

hands-on work with composites ability to initiate changes for improvement (assuming they don't cost money) chance to work on one-off oddball projects opportunity to network with other industry contacts

Cons

Zero money no high tech tools badly outdated core products management doesn't have an engineering background, but they have final control over all aspects of production and design. very unstable business, constantly on the brink of bankruptcy management prone to making questionable decisions about product and worker safety issues. ridiculously low pay.

Calfee Design Response
11y
Yes, 2010 was a tough year for us. But we've bounced back strongly and are doing well. We're leading the bicycle industry with two trends that we started and are now proving to be highly desired: disc brakes on road bikes and suspension for road bikes. Pay scales in the bicycle industry are generally lower than other industries. And those of us still manufacturing in the US (count them on one hand!) have an especially tough time competing with wages in China. The end result is that those who choose to work here are doing so because of their passion for the sport. That makes this a great place to work!

Explore other reviews about Calfee Design

5.0
3 Apr 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Zero micromanagement. I had an assignment and was given room, tools, and resources to complete it. Learned a lot and the location is great. Also met good people

Cons

That carbon dust gets everywhere. I would suggest an abundance of filtered exhaust fans. Tools and product would sometimes go missing.

3.0
21 Aug 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- great team of people - laid back work environment - autonomy - location is pretty much as good as it gets - unique and amazing products - lots of great potential to be capitalized on if you are overly ambitious - good learning environment

Cons

- lack of all around business structure means things fall through the cracks, everything from potential sales to projects - upper management refuses to acknowledge serious flaws in the business and is hesitant to allow or create new growth or change - no accountability at any level - often asked to step way outside of your role or job description with no extra compensation - no consistent stream of customer acquisition means the company is always on the edge of just breaking even - blatant disregard for company environment, atmosphere, necessities and basic function The Calfee product is unlike anything else on the market. It is so beautifully unique and special that basic level marketing and sales should be a walk in the park. It really is a goldmine of product speciality, and has the potential to be a solid company in the right hands. Unfortunately, there is no desire from upper management to put in the effort to make necessary changes or foster any sort of atmosphere for growth. It is a uphill battle (against your own management team!) 100% of the time.

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