Jackson Family Wines Reviews

Pros

Good wines, pleasant location, challenging work

Cons

Unclear direction on brand management, executives are out of touch

Pros

Truly some talented and wonderful people working at the organization. If there's anything JFW does well, it's hiring talent (though maintaining talent is another thing). Fairly balanced, though work can be overwhelming at times in certain departments. Wines are of good quality (and most of the winemakers are spectacular people). Commitment to sustainability is inspiring, but there's tons more they can do to really own that mantra. Volunteer day opportunities to give back to local communities.

Cons

The politics of the organization which trickles down from the executive leadership team are incredibly exhausting and disheartening. Any meeting with the execs feels like a peacock contest, and their arrogance, lack of external experience or general research into organizational/business improvement continues to put the company at a disadvantage in the general marketplace (not to mention how money moves around in the business so only one group really benefits...it's smart for the family, but unrealistic to actually see growth and reinvest in business opportunities). The touting of "family-owned" is just a label, you'll rarely see family members rolling up their sleeves to learn and do the work, save for 1-2 exceptions. They aren't bad people by any means, they just haven't made a visible effort show that they know all aspects of the business (and their elitist personas make for awkward interactions...though this is also the fault of leadership as well for making them seem like untouchables to the minions of the organization). It's a no-risk business, especially from a marketing perspective, even though they tout being "innovative." Regardless of what amazing ideas you may have with data to back it up, they'll dilute, distort and shrink any great idea into something destined to fail. Many decisions are also based on ego vs data, and you'll frequently hear how things have "worked for over 25 years" and are still trucking along (though rarely meeting the annual growth goals). There's a habit of reorganization, especially within the marketing department, which is incredibly demoralizing and detrimental to the productivity of the business (everyone hates it and it's a distraction for weeks on end). Leadership will say they're interested in your growth and career within the organization, but, as in my experience, will completely disregard it to favor the ambitions of male colleagues in the same role, and will make you out to be the fall guy to work on businesses that will never get proper investment because "that's just how it has to be." These organizational changes are also the result of peacocking disputes between executives, where one wants more power than another and will selfishly disregard employee moral for their own benefits (and at the end of it will make no effort to actually get to know you and your career goals). The current environment is set up in a way where only certain cut-throat personalities can succeed. Anyone who loves the game of corporate politics, is only focused on themselves and their own personal gain, and slyly navigating their way up the corporate ladder will do well here. Layoffs are also a thing and traditional benefits (vacation, medical, 401k, etc), are the bare minimum.

Pros

JFW has strong roots, values and product quality. Significant effort goes into sustainability of the land and renewable resources. Work life balance is amazing compared to other wine companies, the location is outstanding, and the people are top notch. The employees really care about who we are as a company, what we represent and always doing better as we team.

Cons

No major cons come to mind.

Pros

Jackson Family is a great company and family to work for. They take care of their people and are truly committed to taking care of the land. Although the company is over 30 years old and getting bigger, it still thinks of itself as being a young company and is very nimble toward new opportunities. Driving improvements is easy here. Great work/life balance that will compete with any company in the bay area. LBGTQ are very welcome here.

Cons

Distributed locations and non-standard processes can be challenging to navigate at times. Lower than average pay raises, but the work/life balance makes up for this.

Pros

Quality wine Can be agile Solid mid-management talent Wine discounts!

Cons

Executive committee: Insecure, self-absorbed and most would not survive in any other company. Very few have outside experience and even some have survived being unethical and even sexually harassing employees Family: While they mean well, they manage by putting their heads in the sand and are unable to confront reality Comp and perks: Poor 401k, no value-sharing and very basic healthcare