Run it up the chain - Anonymous employee Sweetwater Employee Review

5.0
8 Aug 2023
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fantastic culture and great work environment overall. I have worked at Sweetwater many years, through good times and bad, and one of the main themes that comes through is the hiring of really good people who in general are a pleasure to work with.

Cons

Business moves fast. Especially when your company serves end-users. Like virtually every company, there is some room for improvement in listening to employees at all levels. I see comments here about listening, or people who feel their voices aren't heard all the time. Having worked at SW for many years, I can tell anyone interested authoritatively that there is a sincere and demonstrable desire to treat all employees exceptionally well. I think the employee bears some of the burden on this. There are good outlets for employees to elevate concerns. Here they are, in case anyone is confused. 1. Your manager. 2. Human Resources (a possible outlet if you're not comfortable with your manager), and 3, which might be somewhat unusual. At Sweetwater we have had a longstanding component of our culture that essentially says...if you don't like the answer you get from your supervisor, elevate your concern to the next person up. I have never understood why employees sometimes won't do this. If you are right, and your cause is just, and you aren't just whining about something trivial, you will be heard, even if you have to go up a few levels. To the few complainers here, can you honestly say you really tried to elevate up a level or two or consulted with HR on whatever issue you had? I'll bet the honest answer is either no, or you may be just blowing some trivial concern grossly out of proportion. I can confidently write this because in the many years I have been around, I have come to know the hearts of the management team, and I know they care and try to address any and all valid needs and concerns.

Explore other reviews about Sweetwater

5.0
19 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

-Structure for private lessons -Create your own hours -Pool for new students -Food discount -Benefits

Cons

-I personally did not have problems

4.0
5 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

If sales and music are your drives, Sweetwater is as good as it gets. Management in my experience has been very supportive and development-oriented, creating a positive culture around the company. They have a fantastic training program (albeit intense) that trains on both products and sales methods, so even if you're lacking experience in a given category there's plenty of coaching and training to get you ready for the role. Over time, the position can also be quite lucrative which compliments Fort Wayne's low cost of living well. They also offer relocation assistance since all positions are on-site, and a great benefits package. I've been fortunate to become great friends with many of my coworkers and honestly some days don't even feel like work. Ultimately, with this job you get what you put in, and making a solid living to geek out over music gear all day is a pretty sweet gig.

Cons

The job is very demanding - it's a fully commission sales job that revolves around constant customer outreach via call, text, and email. This means starting out is tough financially, and days are usually long. Try to have a savings cushion before you start, especially if you're moving from another city/state. You also work nights, holidays, and rotate through weekend shifts which won't be new for those who have worked retail before, but it's still a tough adjustment. Starting out I struggled from a social aspect as well. Fort Wayne is a cool city, but it's no LA, NY, or Chicago. Long hours at work make going out and making friends or getting involved in community groups/organizations difficult.

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