STR Reviews

During my time at STR I observed some very noticeable problems with the organization. -IT Management -Very Political -No trust given to employees -No flexibility -Communication During my stay with STR I was constantly being told what can't be done. The goals and vision of the company we're never clearly articulated or communicated. The management, in regards to IT, is very emotional about their processes and would see change to those processes as a threat to their job. A manager who can't let go of their former duties and begin to lead is an ineffective manager. If you are considering an IT job with STR I would strongly advise you get feedback from the management when it comes to an employees empowerment and autonomy to do their job to the best of their ability. I could not recommend this company for anyone looking to grow their career in IT or Development, maybe in a few years things will improve.

The culture and company that was created by the owners, Randy and Carolyn, has been slowly whittled away and turned into your standard cookie-cutter corporate environment -- chocked full of politics, cliques, and gossip groups. No room for career growth, unless you are in the right cliques. No incentive to stay year after year, aside from job security. Unless a 2-4% annual pay raise is enough. I was told by a manager in another department that reviewers are told specifically not to give any 5/5 reviews, even if they are perfect...managers are expected to find something to take away from their efforts and dedication. Promotes educational advancement, but limits the venues to local only -- seeking to go to conferences such as BUILD is frowned upon. The individual(s) driving internal architecture do not truly understand the capabilities of today's development tools, frameworks, and community. Winforms and report developers should not be making calls about web architecture. The knowledge and skillets of each focus area are acquired over years and years, and they are not all universal. Often locked into MS-only solutions, instead of seeking the right tool(s) for the job. Individuals that speak their mind and suggest change that is not in line with the "standard" are alienated, stripped of responsibilities, and treated like "that guy"...all because they cared enough about their job to suggest change and offer a potentially better path. Just because an idea is not understood, does not mean it is always wrong. The business will continue to grow and thrive, but he company will lose itself in the process.