Pros
I’ve been working for Cotopaxi for about a year and have 12+ years of experience in the outdoor and ski industries. It’s a fast growing, high energy atmosphere. The people who work here are genuinely nice and thoughtful colleagues. The “Do Good” culture is evident throughout every aspect of the organization. People treat one another with respect and appreciation. In general, the organization does a great job of acknowledging accomplishments and publicly applauding staff for their contributions.
The company is growing rapidly and ever changing. Opportunities for promotion and role change or exploration exist especially in entry or mid-level positions. In general, the leadership team supports people’s passions and provides opportunities for education and professional development. If you see an opportunity or project you’d like to pursue, your manager is likely to support you.
I’ve been impressed with transparency and communication from the executive team. Most employees have a weekly or biweekly 1:1 meeting with their manager as well as a monthly all staff meeting. Company goals are clearly communicated across the organization. Each functional team and individual’s goals roll up in accordance with company goals. The 1:1 meeting provides a regular touchpoint for feedback in a supportive, confidential environment.
The executive team is actively listening to employees. They genuinely care about the company culture and overall moral. They use regular surveys and open question sessions to keep a finger on the pulse and adjust their plans accordingly. This has been so refreshing for me! I’ve never worked for a company that listens and reacts so quickly and confidently in response to employee feedback. For example, when I was applying a year ago, I remember reading reviews on Glassdoor about a lack of HR department. 12 months later, Cotopaxi now has a full HR department with two employees.
If you are reading this review and considering a job at Cotopaxi, I would recommend applying. Cotopaxi is doing meaningful work in all aspects – marketing, impact, experiences, and product. With explosive growth rates, the sky is the limit for this brand.
Cons
Not necessarily a negative but rapid growth forces people to juggle heavy workloads and wear multiple hats. Plans may change quickly based on opportunity so it's best to remain open minded and nimble and not get too attached to any one path.