Pros
Intelligent and competent people all across the company, but they won’t stick around for long due to mismanagement. Try to learn from them while they’re there.
Cons
Auctane itself was a former group of subsidiaries of Stamps.com. Stamps was acquired by Thoma Bravo and our CEO exited. The keys to the kingdom were handed over to Auctane leadership. In six short months, Auctane dismantled the essence of the company’s success. Now that they ruled the roost, there was a strange desire to undo the “Stamps” way — the way that made the company what it is. Of course, acquisitions happen, and in theory, the best parts of the former parent company and Auctane could have formed an amazing new company. Sadly, this isn’t what happened. Auctane promoted their people in Austin, overlooking the wealth of talent in CA, Atlanta and beyond. It felt as if anything associated with the parent company was tarnished, and needed to be thrown out immediately. As a result, there was no curiosity from Auctane about this new success they inherited and how to keep it going, and a lack of humility when faced with their own ineptitude. So began a steady regimen of stonewalling, gaslighting, and many other toxic maneuvers aimed at senior leaders, middle management and individuals. People would be dismissed, ignored, or simply have their work taken away without warning, paving the way for waves of resignations. Employees felt like they were easily replaced. Even if you’re “safe”, don’t expect career growth- your managers are likely overworked, under-appreciated, and trying to fight too many fires (from bad management decisions at the top) to keep track of you. I would say this only applies to non-Austin folks, but I can’t believe that people in Austin are treated much better. Management have a vision of the company that benefits themselves, and anyone who questions it, looks for a better way, desires transparency and accountability, or just wants to be treated with respect is shown the door or made so uncomfortable they leave. Organizationally, they are a mess. It’s not a true agile environment, and you may luck out and sit on a team where the leaders have it together, but keep in mind that their directives can change on a whim and you’ll be left disoriented and disengaged (communication is often last-minute and not well thought out). Leadership and HR are not introspective. They give platitudes and speak corporate-speak well, but their actions are callous.