American Greetings – “Fine if you're just looking for a job ... in Cleveland, OH.”

Pros

Everyone says there are good people there and in my opinion that's true. The general treatment and interaction at the peer level is collaborative. The company is a great place to work if you are a woman; it is very female friendly in terms of promotional opps and their maternity leave program. The general tone is one of an advertising or graphic design agency, which is positive.

Cons

Management by edict from the family-controlled executive office is pervasive. Departments are run as silos and do not cooperate very well. The annual restructuring program is basically an effort by exec family management to shuffle the deck chairs on the proverbial sinking ship. Cash cow greeting card business is in irreversible decline.

Advice to Senior Management

Stop trying to impress your wives with your latest bonus and/or stock dividend, and give a little love to the employees.