Pros
When I was recruited to Windermere they had a great reputation and over 40% of the real estate market in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. I was in one of the top producing offices; with excellent support staff and resources. At least half a dozen 1MM+ earners that were willing to mentor those of us that were newer to the industry (I was just under 10yrs myself).
Cons
The recession hit and all of Windermere's advantages disappeared - yet the high office costs/splits remained. The support staff was replaced by less competent individuals; aside from the walk-in customers during the boom days - there had been no lead generation programs implemented or even discussed. It was a challenge getting anyone on board with social media marketing or expanding web presence. Relying on a faded name and resting on laurels long gone by have placed Windermere on the edge of obscurity as the real estate industry has shifted away from B&M and a multitude of boutique and web based real estate firms are eating away at Windermere's market share.