Ferguson Enterprises Reviews

Pros

Prior to the recession they had a lot of potential and were able to move management trainees through their program in into outside sales and management positions quickly and efficiently.

Cons

Declining market caused the company to take measures to cut costs and reduced opportunities that were created through their years of growth prior to the recession.

Advice to Senior Management

None

Pros

Good benefits, decent pay, laid back work culture. Company is open to you suggesting a position change and works with you to accommodate you wishes. Don't have to work on the weekends

Cons

My only complaints is not getting more time at home. Length of the work day is 10+ hours plus driving time.

Advice to Senior Management

Listen to your employees as we are what makes this company tick so don't brush off our suggestions lightly. We listen to a lot about what Ferguson has to say about how to go about my job so please listen to our concerns, thanks

Pros

I am happy to say that I have met some fine upstanding and trustworthy people. Unfortunately, these people are out numbered. The benefits are comparable to other companies. Also, some management is very flexible and hands-off, but I've come to find this to be a complete lack of interest in their employees and could care less as long as they are getting what they need when they need it. Things could always be worse though, as the grass is not always greener.

Cons

I used to feel appreciated and valued at Ferguson. That was before I opened my eyes to actually see what was going on around me. Now I know what they mean when they ignorance is bliss, but you can only ignore it for so long before it starts to get to you. For example, someone who does absolutely nothing but gets the credit for all your hard work and others for years. Higher management even sees this, but the person is still Teflon, even in this economy. If you get rid of the hard workers that actually do the work and understand the details, to keep the managers that don't. you have no right to complain when things fall apart. You treat people like they don't exist and then blacklist them for having the nerve to speak out or question you. Also, since when does a four-year degree (sometimes in an unrelated field even) beat our years of job experience and knowledge? I could go on, but why bother? It's not like anyone listens and if they seem to be, don't get your hopes up because nothing will change.

Advice to Senior Management

Treat your associates the way they deserve to be treated. Reward the ones that actually deserve it. Take an interest in what is done and how it's getting done. Most do not have a clue as to how much time and work is put into reporting, projects, etc. Also, if you want to change or improve a process, you might want to actually check with the grunts that work hands-on with the information before you go and make uninformed decisions that blow-up in your face in the end. Oh, and when that does happen, don't blame it on the little people that you didn't even consider consulting with and had nothing to do with the failure of the project. Take responsibility for your mistakes and move on instead of passing the blame around. Don't get me wrong, there are many great associates and managers, but the amount is dwindling. Please start talking to and listening to the non-management associates. These are the people that really know what's going on at Ferguson and not just sugar coating things to save their own jobs.

Pros

exciting place to work - always challenged to do your best and brings out talents you didn't know you had

Cons

frustrating - the economy -

Advice to Senior Management

remember your people

Pros

- Some good people are still at the company although much of the younger talent (3-10 years experience) is leaving the company for jobs outside of the industry.

Cons

- Compensation has been greatly reduced at the management level
- Bonus and benefits are much better for senior executives than for front line employyes

Advice to Senior Management

Don't forget that your people are what made Ferguson great. If you treat them like a commodity they will not work hard for you.

Pros

Appropiate work life balance; great CEO and COO; focused on people;

Cons

tough market conditions prevail, expand scope of services and new innovation to drive profits;

Advice to Senior Management

stay the course; we've got great people and great customers;

Pros

Lot's of opportunity if you work hard and show great aptitude. If you want to do sales you will be fine!

Cons

The branch networks vary depending on management, so make sure you fit in well with the culture and get along with everyone

Advice to Senior Management

They do a good job of getting top managers together to brainstorm and implement change. Despite being tied to construction, product is important for basic survival. Water / sewer

Pros

Very nice place to work, People are very good. THey are very receptive to feedback and new ideas. Management listens to you once you are established.

Cons

There is a new trend to offshore things a lot. Things are thrown over the fence whenever we get a chance.

Advice to Senior Management

Nice place to work, but need some more fire.

Pros

They always give you positive feedback on the things you do right and let you know how to fix the things you do wrong. They also treat you like a human by understanding that life happens even outside of work and sometimes you have to leave early to take care of it.

The workload is big, but you work as a team to get through it. This isn't a job where you show up, stick around for a few hours and then go home, it's something that challenges you to achieve your best.

The execs are approachable and will listen to any issues or suggestions you have.

Cons

The company is big, really big, which means that even the best up-and-comers can sometimes get lost in the sea of people. I just keep my boss updated on what I'm working on and how I'm doing and she takes care of making sure people know it's me.

The recession has hit the industry hard and even tho Ferguson is recovering faster than competitors, it's still going to be a while before things are back to normal.

Advice to Senior Management

Really work to ensure your best people are recognized and given an opportunity to excel in the company.

Pros

The organization really cares about its people. Training and professional development opportunities are available for all associates. It is a large organization, but maintains a small, family environment.

Cons

The economy has hit Ferguson hard and the company has been forced to significantly cut expenses. This is hard for a company and has negatively impacted employees as they have had to work much harder with fewer resources.

Advice to Senior Management

Make sure managers are continually reminded to recognize how hard their people are working. It always helps to remind people that they are appreciated, especially during difficult economic times.