Pros
Like some others who have left posts on the company I also worked at large companies before coming to this entrepreneurial company. Though the company is not small by any means (one of the largest frozen distribution companies in the county; major metro markets include the Bay Area, greater Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, and the state of Florida; fleet of 200 service trucks and employ 300 dedicated professionals nationwide).
- Inspiring and hardworking people in 99% of the roles (top to bottom of the org chart)
- Owners and top leadership are hardworking and fair.
- Fun and competitive culture.
- Very strong field management.
- Innovative and entrepreneurial; always looking at new opportunities; no time to be complacent.
- Ability at every level to find and create change and improvements.
- Hands down the most fulfilling, challenging, and fun place I've worked at.
- Ample opportunity for advancement for those who are sharp, pragmatic, have a can-do attitude, collaborate well, and want to make meaningful contributions.
- The drive for results and expectations of continuous improvement require that every employee adds value vis-a-vis their salary. If employees are not up for putting in a reasonable effort or cannot deliver against their responsibilities they won't be around forever (not a place you can hide or shirk work). This is refreshing for me having worked at a couple larger companies; creates a high-performing team of individuals who want to create change and be inspired by those around them.
- I leave work fulfilled and proud every day by what my team accomplishes. But it requires hard work and excitement (not for "time card punchers”).
Cons
- Not a con for everyone, but not a place for individuals who want to punch a time card and hide; there are real work expectations at Arctic Express.
- The leaders look for pragmatism, intelligence, and a sold work ethic; if you don't bring those to the table, it's not a place for you.
- If you are looking for a formalized training program with training videos, training binders, desk guides, etc., then it's not a place for you. I see this "lack-of-training" claim used often as an excuse by people who are unwilling or unable to jump in at a smaller company and just figure things out themselves. Instead, they need others to spoon feed them their role. This doesn't work out at entrepreneurial, fast-paced companies. If you're one of these people, suggest you land an easy role with a meaningless title at a big company.