Pros
Well respected market leader is distribution of art materials. Company has been in business for over 100+ years. Company was sold by two owners 6 years ago to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Transition has been difficult from a management structure standpoint but has been a financial windfall for employees. Stock price has risen almost 10 fold in 6 years. New management team has come on board in the past 9 months bringing fresh outlook and ideas to turn around what had been a negative environment. Company founder struggled with ESOP transition but has finally found a course forward with new management team and things are on the right track. Former CEO remains on board responsible for new business development. This guy is the world's leading expert in the art materials market and has brought exciting new growth opportunities to the company this past year.
Cons
Transition of ownership to the ESOP structure was difficult and stressful. The past 3 to 4 years have not been easy but recent additions to the executive team and restructure of reporting have turned things around. What I don't understand is why some people seem to hang on to old beliefs based on old experiences. These people work in the SF Bay Area where unemployment is almost non-existent. If they're so unhappy why don't they find another home? You're either part of the problem or part of the solution. Either be part of the solution or find another job. They seem to think if the CEO left everything would be fixed. What they don't understand is the CEO is the driver of the business. He's the expert in market that fuels the growth. Is he a great manager? Probably not. But the new management team and structure that has recently been put in place points the way forward. Stop living in the past.