Pros
From what I understand, Ice-O-Matic was a very different company a few years ago. Ali Group came in and instituted a new president in late 2018. The new president is a prudent business person with an impressive sense for community and fairness. I find it rare to see someone so far up the ladder that both cares deeply about his employees but also executes effective, aggressive corporate strategy.
- Reasonable level of oversight. You are expected to get your work done and well but in my experience no one is breathing over your shoulder or counting your hours. Hours are heavily dependent on what team you work on as well as deadlines. Schedule is pretty flexible.
- The manufacturing is all done right here at the Headquarters. Hugely beneficial for marketing, engineering, tech service, etc. We can adapt manufacturing to new developments, address issues quickly, interact with and use the products. Feels a bit grassroots in a good way.
- The office is fairly small for the revenue IOM brings in per year. I work with and speak to almost every section of the office on a daily basis- accounting, HR, engineering, tech service, customer service, etc.
- Because of the small office feel, there is a good sense of workplace community and respect. I get regular face time with the higher ups, including the President.
- In my experience, the company rewards going above and beyond. There is a lot of room for growth and movement up the ladder. This company feels old school in the sense that people actually retire here or with Ali Group rather than leaving or leveraging new opportunities as is common in today's corporate world.
- The company's trajectory in my opinion is very promising. The people working here are doing a lot to turn the company around. The company is a great balance between small enough to be scrappy but well established and pedigreed enough to build itself without burning to the ground. I could see revenues doubling or tripling within the next 5 years.
- Benefits are excellent. From my conversations with friends and family, the 401k matching and other benefits are better than most.
- The company will subsidize if not pay outright for professional development as long as it is relevant to your career within the company. (masters, certifications, etc.)
Cons
- Office isn't all that attractive or exciting. It is an industrial park type deal.
- No office gym, showers, etc.
- The area surrounding the facility is not the safest.
- Inability to source new hires consistently during COVID has lead to certain people being heavily relied upon or having to take up multiple roles. I am mildly optimistic that this will sort itself out sooner than later.
