Pros
I started working at Organic Transit 3.5 years ago as a carpenter and mechanic. Once I became acquainted with the technology I quickly moved up to Supervisor, Shop Foreman and eventually over time to Manager of all Hardware. Never have I had the opportunity to grow and get so much accomplished, mostly because senior management recognized I had the desire and willingness to get tasks done. Interacting with customers on a daily basis I got to see the joy the ELF brought to their lives. People with disabilities are able to travel for the first time, tourists traveling thousands of miles without emitting any pollutants and the happiness of knowing their vehicle was made in the US with sustainable materials. Let me stress that actually building a radically new vehicle "in the US" is no small task. The challenges we face are incredible. But the founders are hardworking, honest people who have a vision for a better environment and roll up their sleeves to do whatever needs to get done. Once I proved myself, my salary quickly climbed to nearly double in 3 years with generous bonuses. As the company grew the benefits expanded to everyone and although still a lean startup, everyone gets 18 paid days off per year. From an innovation standpoint, currently there is not another company in the world making anything like Organic Transit. There are lots of companies that talk about "Changing the World" but Organic Transit is doing it, particularly from an environmental and humanitarian stand point with clean technology. Now I have changes in my life and management worked with me so I can continue on a part time basis and I am grateful. I've seen complaints on this sight about OT but creating a radical new vehicle is not easy and this is not a place for those wanting to kick back and run at half speed. If you want to make a real difference in the world, this is a place like no other. The founder is a visionary that will let you go as far your abilities and ambition can take you.
Cons
The owner likes to give people a chance. In the early days he actually hired people from homeless shelters and personally trained them to build ELFs. Others have been marginally employable regardless of their background. This has changed but still makes for a challenging environment when some workers are incapable or unwilling to perform or when necessary, ask for help. Focus should be on building amazing vehicles and not helping every desperate soul.