Pros
You get real client exposure and build working relationships. Most of the team, especially non-family employees, works hard and supports each other.
Cons
It is true Giovatto is a fast-paced marketing agency. But I would not recommend it to anyone looking to actually learn the marketing business. What you learn is how to deal with automotive clients. If that interests you, then this may be the place for you. If you’re looking to build a real career in marketing, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere. Here’s why... Leadership: There is no real leadership here. There are bosses who dictate and micromanage. The President of the company makes it very clear that he is the President, despite having limited experience in the marketing industry. For those who have spent years building real expertise, it is frustrating to have your knowledge dismissed, your input ignored, and your value minimized. Whether intentional or not, leadership operates from ego and authority rather than experience. And that becomes a problem. Expectations are high: Yes, expectations are high, and that should be a good thing. In a healthy company, high expectations push people to grow. Here, the expectation is that you stay quiet and don't challenge leadership. You don’t question outdated marketing efforts, and you don’t bring in outside industry knowledge. Leadership advice is valued above all else, even when it’s not data-backed or current. The work is real, not busy work: This part is true. Every non-family employee I worked with was hardworking and committed. Effort isn’t the issue. The issue is the constant inefficiency of outdated media buying approaches, resistance to modern attribution tools, roundabout processes, and a lack of investment in resources. These frustrations are voiced often and consistently ignored. Strategy, media, client relationships, etc.: You do touch all of these areas. However, Giovatto primarily hires young professionals early in their careers. They’re eager to learn, be mentored, and grow. Unfortunately, they don’t know what they don’t know. I’ve witnessed inaccurate information presented as fact, unproven strategies framed as best practices, and inexperienced teams positioned as experts. For someone trying to grow and make an impact, it’s discouraging to be stuck in an environment that doesn’t support real development. Tight-knit, loyal, family-business environment: “Tight-knit” often comes with uncomfortable comments and blurred boundaries. Loyalty does not extend past the family, and the lack of accountability for family employees frequently affects morale. Leadership looks for someone to blame instead of addressing the actual issues, which creates resentment across teams. The company points to being around for 30+ years as proof of success, while ignoring constant employee and client turnover, limited technological advancement, and resistance to evolving marketing practices. Moral of the story: If you’re serious about a career in marketing, Giovatto is not the place for you.