Pros
I do not feel like there are any pros within this company any longer.
Cons
Aware was an exceptional company to be a part of, especially when I first joined in 2022. The organizational culture was truly remarkable, offering outstanding benefits, competitive pay, and a rewarding bonus structure. It was an environment unlike any other I had experienced in this industry, filled with an instant sense of excitement that motivated me each day. It felt like I had finally found my professional "home," a job that perfectly aligned with everything I had been seeking. Regrettably, this positive experience was short-lived. Following ten years of exceptional leadership, the founder made the difficult decision to step down and appointed a new CEO, Brian Holtzer, who unfortunately lacks the emotional intelligence and strategic insight required to lead a growing behavioral company. Brian's primary objective in assuming the role was to prepare the company for a potential sale, signaling impending changes. However, the drastic transformation that ensued under his leadership caught everyone off guard. The once solid foundation of the company, built on incredible values, was swiftly dismantled, and the vibrant culture that once thrived now stands in shambles. What was once characterized by compassion and genuine care has devolved into a toxic environment marked by aggression and militancy. Trust and teamwork have been replaced by micromanagement and unwarranted scrutiny, evident in the exhaustive interrogation process faced by prospective team members, particularly within the Business Development team. Over the course of my time there I witnessed over a quarter of the staff, including long-standing and dedicated employees, being abruptly let go. Brian's decision to bring on board a CFO, George Merhi known for his toxic and aggressive behavior further exacerbated the deteriorating work environment. This individual not only disparaged my capabilities and undervalued my contributions but also callously reduced my compensation by a staggering 40%, citing baseless justifications that only underscored his lack of understanding of industry standards. The company's once impeccable reputation for intelligence, teamwork, humility, and leadership has regrettably given way to a culture rife with incompetence, egotism, nepotism, and favoritism. The impending sale of Aware to an insurance company has shifted the organizational focus from client-centered care to profit maximization, evident in the mass layoffs and increased workload borne by the remaining staff. The deterioration in client care quality is palpable, painting a bleak picture of the company's future trajectory. I caution individuals to steer clear of this unfolding nightmare if they value their worth and well-being. The actions witnessed at Aware are unparalleled in their disregard for employee welfare and ethical business practices.
