Freeman Decorating Services Reviews

Pros

Freeman does a great job of promoting from within. They care about a work/life balance, and tha'ts rare these days.

Cons

Travel can be significant. Like any mid- to large-size company, there can be some red tape, but compared to other places i've worked, this is way better.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep up the communication. Focus more on the big picture stuff, and less on the bottom line. Small improvements will pay off big.

Pros

It's such a large company there is room for growth in any direction
People are willing to help when you need it & don't make you feel dumb about it
Definitely fun when you really get into it

Cons

Each branch operates differently so it gets confusing on which way is 'the right way'

Advice to Senior Management

Giving good praise for things employees do everyday would definitely bring a smile to so many people's face instead of the "big" awards

Pros

not boring but supervisor was lazy

Cons

not enough diversity needed different ethnicities

Advice to Senior Management

no favoritism everyone in department should be trained thoroughly and capable of doing all jobs

Pros

Freeman offers a great variety of areas in which to work, giving people the chance explore any goals they have to want to achieve.

Cons

Sometimes people are not provided all of the information of what is taking place, and the lack of follow-up on changes leaves people somewhat in the dark.

Advice to Senior Management

Continue to listen to your people. Great strides have been made in this area, but do not let it fall down, and continue what you have started.

Pros

Great company with good pay and benefits. Employees truly work as a team and treat each other like family. Good cross training opportunities to learn all aspects of the business.

Cons

Long hours and many days in a row without time off, but this is the nature of the trade show industry.

Advice to Senior Management

Congratulations on becoming more customer focused, now you should look for more opportunities to diversify the business as travel and conventions are taking a hit with the economy.

Pros

Large market presence, fairly secure if you are competent

Cons

Becoming more centralized, adding more levels of managment, getting away from the "family" values that made them successful

Advice to Senior Management

Get back to what made you successful, value the employess at the district level more

Pros

The company is family owned and has stock options available to employees and has been around for many years

Cons

you don't need an education to work here so many of the managers have NO experience of manamgment and have just been with the campany for so long. there is a huge lack of support.

Advice to Senior Management

Learn how to manage and motivate and communicate.

Pros

If you want to be in the exhibition and tradeshow industry - its the best place to be.

Cons

Nepotism is commonplace, hours can be long (cyclical), lack of advancement opportunities. IT infrastructure is about 10+ years behind.

Advice to Senior Management

Freeman should do more due diligence in purchasing a company - speak to the employees of the company and not simply rely on the executives who are selling the business and their balance sheets. Overall, it is a good company and Freeman is respected as a leader in the industry.

Pros

Stability and family-focus are the first that come to mind. It's not a place for people who have only a short-term goal, which is nice. Employee ownership is another important reason. There aren't many companies around who offer long-term benefits, but Freeman is one for this reason.

Cons

Sometimes it feels like its a big company. For instance, it can take a lot of effort to get little things done. But I think that's the case with most big companies, at least the other ones I've worked for. The communication isn't always really good. But that's also something that I think a lot of people and companies have a hard time with.

Advice to Senior Management

As much communication as possible. People will always think their not making enough money, but they need to know from early on what it will really be like, not the picture-perfect way some people want it to be.

Pros

leader in industry. Personnel are knowledgable.

Cons

low wages. Poor management. Low morale amongst employees. Benefits are expensive and not very good. High overhead. Actually care about your employees. Many can't afford benefits for family due to the expense.

Advice to Senior Management

Get to know who is running your departments. Very low morale. Need to increase pay. Reduce your overhead, don't cut work force.