Pros
STS is a young creative advertising agency which makes it the most exciting environment to work in. Employees are given a great deal of agency to define their roles and career paths, and they are rewarded for their success. I've worked at 4 agencies over a decade's time (in and out of the big agency networks) and the dedication to quality and originality in creative work was hands down the highest I've worked under at STS. At STS, a small creative shop out of Salt Lake City, Utah of all places, we pitched against the most hyped agencies in the industry for Fortune 100 business on both coasts and won almost every pitch we rolled into because of the passion for true creativity, dedication to strategic return on investment and appreciation for client relationships. STS is at the top of the pack for young talent looking to build their portfolios, and many stick around far beyond that. I watched copywriters, designers and developers turn down offers from top-tier global agencies because of the type of work they were to do at STS, the culture of creativity and the freedom to work on their own terms. And if they do leave, they rocket straight to the top. Peers moved on to AKQA, Weiden+Kennedy and David & Goliath to name just a few. I became a father while working at STS and the organization was extremely supportive of my needs during that experience. They gave me time to be with my wife and son with no questions asked, and on a personal level I felt a great of love and support from the partners during that time. Before STS, I was working at agencies in NYC and the compensation package they offered me was directly competitive to the positions I turned down in that market.
Cons
STS is a young creative advertising agency which makes it the most exciting environment to work in. The shop is still defining its role in the industry and solidifying its management structure and employee nurture practices. This isn't always the most comfortable stage of an agency for its employees though. Employees receive a great deal of freedom to define and drive their careers at STS. While some employees are prepared to work in this fashion, it can be difficult for others. Before I left the agency, the partner team was actively discussing this issue and working to build formal practices. They had just hired a very experienced Managing Director who was tasked with improving agency process.