Pros
Actively re-shaping one of the most stagnant industries on earth. Work with a group of truly passionate "car people" with a common goal in mind. Travel endlessly, vacation flexibly and influence greatly. Be yourself, and without the iron fist of micromanagement. It's ingrained that this is our company, and we have an active voice in reshaping our processes and culture. I've never had a position where, nearly a year in, I'm still in the "honeymoon" phase. Not a day has gone by where I question what I'm doing, or why I'm doing it. After decades of searching, this is "home," and will be for some time. We have our issues, but when management preaches an "open-door" policy, they truly mean it. You can run your own ship, but you *always* feel like you have a voice.
Cons
Hectic travel schedule. If you have a family, children, and/or pets, this may not be the role for you. It's not a 9-5. You're expected to "manage up," or turn to your peers before you turn to management; this can be an adjustment. Before you apply, read (or listen) up on startups. Podcasts, books, op/eds; you're facing one of the most challenging industries in the world in a company with a developing set of management and processes. You need to stay scrappy and flexible.