Pros
Preferred is not a place to go for a "job" to be 'managed" or have your responsibilities laid out for you each day and and spoon fed. If you are already a bright, eager, talented, rugged individualist, confident in your actual achievements to this point in your life, Preferred is the place for you. There are no participation trophies, and although we'll deserved pats on the back are common, only your achievements will define you. How you treat others can an will affect your continued employment, as does your standing in your home and local community as the company believes you can not be a scoundrel to your spouse, children and neighbors, yet a reliable, trustworthy and dependable coworker.
Individual initiative is prized and fostered. Company leaders lead and set the example that is expected to be followed, those who do not pick up on this are given a few mentoring opportunities, but when it is determined that, "that dog won't hunt" there is usually a very early separation. This is mostly done in consideration of those who would be discouraged by the presence of those individuals better suited for a government job. No matter where they come from good ideas are allowed into the light and watered. If those ideas grow, credit is given where it is due and management seems happy to not only reward but advertise the the the creativity of the individual.
As a company that has been in the hands of one family now for more than 104 years there are family employees, and and others drawn in through the extensive network of that family which includes other business, colleges, universities, and industry associations, but advancement in Preferred, or separation from it really come down to two qualities in a person, merit, and integrity.
Family is honored here, it is not just lip service. There are many if not most amongst us that can not personally testify to the company not only setting various policies that are pro family, but intervening in times of tragedy, or unforseen circumstances to support marriages, parental relationships, children, and homes that were in under stress or in peril. If you look at Preferred's pattern of community giving, you can see this play out. Preferred heavily supports the Children's Educational Opportunity Foundation of Connecticut giving scholarships to Connecticut's poorest kids to attend the school of their parent's choice, Many of these children escape the most dangerous and underperforming public schools in the State. Preferred strongly supports Newpond Farm's programs for families and children, especially those from inner city environments. Preferred is also a major Contributor to the Danbury Music Center where families and children can draw closer through developing musical talents. The youth sports sports teams and organizations Preferred supports helps families with those talents do the same. These are the ones I am aware of but there are no doubt others.
Preferred has a robust internship program and our president is the chief recruitment agent. The company has a male condo, and a female condo to facilitate this program. Preferred believe in the old approach of growing its talent and allowing individuals the time in various roles to find themselves and their vision. In some cases that vision has lead people out of Preferred as life long friends and allies of our company but in most cases it has produced the most outstanding leaders we have in the company today, having worked there way through the ranks and dirty jobs, to places where now they can truly be Servant Leaders, with knowledge and empathy for what they expect of their reports.
Preferred is not utopia because it is still populated with humans and all their frailties from every level in the company, but for the most part there is an honest recognition of those frailties, and a company wide determination to deal with issues, make thing right, seek forgiveness and peace, and move on. There is also the pervasive attitude that every day we need to be better to each other, and more formidable adversaries to our industry competitors.
Cons
There must be cons but the ones that come to mind do not rise above the level of nit-pickieness.