Changed CEO but left his "buddy” in play
Pros
Office is very attractive and in nice location. Product has great history and so much potential to rule the pet food industry. The Solid Gold Pet story is one that stands out from the other pet food brands. People try to stay positive in a very tough and often negative culture. Company policy is that you are encouraged to bring your four legged friend to work; it’s used as a “pro” in recruiting talent - but WARNING... make sure your pet doesn’t bother the CFO; he routinely slams his door and confronts employees if HE views their dog or cat as disruptive. Apparently animals should just sleep under employees' desks all day and never need be taken outside. On any occasion when he is looking for an employee and is told they are outside with their pet, he is visibly annoyed. Should be noted - he shows he has a dog on website, but has NEVER brought his dog to work...because he feels "pets in the workplace are a nuisance."
Cons
CEO was let go in late 2018; but PE firm allowed the CFO, his “buddy” that he worked with at two prior companies, to remain. Bad move; our company is continuing to struggle financially...constant calls from vendors for payment that put the Accounting staff in bad place. Initially the CFO was a great addition. He was never easy to approach but did seem to really care about his staff. He was always very private and somewhat aloof, but if you wanted to talk "shop" he would engage and even smiled. That all changed when CEO left and even more of decline in his mood in just very recent months. He never smiles anymore or even says hello, seems to be in a constant state of anger. The CFO is rude, disrespectful and extremely self-serving. Completely unapproachable now and seems irritated in simple day to day interactions and meetings. I was hopeful the company would change when the CEO left as he created a culture that was toxic; unfortunately it remains in place with this leader the one truly "in charge" on a day to day basis, since the new CEO (a former Sales Leader who doesn't live in state and travels often) is not in the office regularly. PE firm isn't there often enough...so the CFO who is the most senior person "in" the office; sets the day to day tone. The recent situation around his increased usage of his cell phones (and the secrecy surrounding it all) in addition to his leaving during office hours for extended periods of time does keep him out of office more in last 2-3 months but unfortunately the employees - who have been on edge for a while and been given no information about the direction of SG - are wondering and worrying...he is anything but transparent in a culture that is desperate for knowledge. This just breeds more uncertainty...and rumors. PE firm needs to have a town hall with employees and communicate. Many employees are overworked, while some seem to not have nearly enough to do. Communication is nonexistent. The CFO is not a leader; really never was and is certainly not interested in being one. He’s a detriment to the future of the company and has turned into yet another selfish "bully".