Pros
Excellent talent and team. Everyone would go the distance for the work and each other. While truly fun projects were few and far between (more on that in cons) when something really promising came through the door the process and creative freedom encouraged by the department heads and production manager was really something to see. Everyone was invested in each other, pushed for learning and stretching beyond your role to try new things and experiment. Flexible schedules and working remotely, barbecues and after hours movie excursions were great for morale and the team dynamic. Unfortunately, morale boosting was something that would later become necessary to make it through the work week. As for career growth, there probably is a lot of opportunity now, seeing as no one works there anymore and you can do two jobs at once. Don't expect a pay raise though.
Cons
Firstly, it is important to note: The Buddy Group was at one time, a company of 30+ people. It then dwindled to 12. As of June 2017, it was a company of 3. The CEO has listed otherwise. CEO of the company. Pete was the only person acting as sales, and couldn't bring new business in. Whenever someone was hired to manage the client or bring in new work, they would be micro managed and resources cut off to the point that they'd have nothing to to work with. Relationships with clients were often damaged by Pete's interactions before the projects even started. Expectations weren't set, contracts were vague and overpromising. Work that was sold was completely underpriced, resulting in clients that weren't happy with delivered work and a team going over hours constantly trying to satisfy an angry client. Long dry spells of no work at all, sustaining on small one off projects that were frequently buggy and would barely break even. Stunted timelines prevented any real opportunities to develop and expand concepts to elevate the final product or even satisfy client's basic needs. Pete likes to be the "nice Guy", swooping in all smiles and compliments, talking about his "amazing team." He enjoys buzzwords, putting on a happy front then directing his managers to do the unpleasant tasks, like laying off half of the company while he's out of office (only after 4PM though. Need to get a full day of work in before cutting them off). When things get rough he delegates and runs. When things are good he wants to bathe in the adulations. If you are considering working at TBG, don't. It's not worth the time and energy that will be expected of you. The management team that was so good at cultivating and growing talent is gone. The CEO's only interest is finding yes men who will crank out as much work as possible for the least amount of hassle to him. Truly good work is undervalued, and you will be expected to wear as many hats as possible so the CEO doesn't have to sign as many paychecks. If you want experience working at a small agency, you can do better.