Pros
Although scarce there are still great leaders at Camden that can bring it back to what it claims to be. The benefits are good, the product is great and its reputation with contractors is outstanding. No doubt Camden pays its bills on time and takes care of their communities.
Cons
Camden has been an incredible company in the past and will be again if...the principles of the company stop and look at the big picture. Below I have listed some events that I feel support my statement. When the economy took a flying leap of the planet in 2008, Camden made some big changes including semi-dismantling the construction part of the company... regrettable but I can only assume necessary. Unfortunately they placed the head of construction in charge of the operation people side of the company. Maybe they didn't realize they were promoting self-centered, selfish, and self-serving people on a take no prisoners type of mission. For the sake of identification, I will refer to them as the "Houston Mean Team" or HMT. They were responsible for the divide, conquer and eliminate movement that has been going on ever since the HMT took over. As the HMT got their claws in good and solid they began placing their own friends at the top of the food chain. Their true colors didn't start shining through for a while, but enough has happened that the principles have surely noticed. Although the principles verbalize that they appreciate and care about each and every person they employ...the buck stops there. The HMT has systematically eliminated anyone they feel doesn't fit their idea of a "leader". To them a leader doesn't question, state an opinion, disagree or argue, they expect you to do what you’re told, and if it’s not right... too bad...take the blame. The HMT might make you look like you can't handle the position you were hired for or… you are very negative. Camden use to allow for individual thinking and encouraged discussions, opinions and suggestions, to some degree they still do but... no one dares verbalize it. Not if they want to end up out of a job. For the most part the HMT did a good job of making you look bad while they laid track. This process can take a while but to them it’s worth it. Those that take on the HMT might find that they receive an e-mail requesting their presence at the corporate office...the employee might ask if everything is ok...they might be told everything is "perfecto". Once they arrive at corporate they might be greeted by a senior supervisor with a hug and a smile...walk you down to another supervisor’s office with their arm warped around yours as if they are a best friend. Before you even sit down they may tell you they have decided to dismiss you...the employee might ask why they might respond with "it’s in writing in front of you...read it later and leave"...then they might escort you to the elevator...get in with you and smile with great satisfaction all the way down. But they might give you one final demand before you leave...they might tell you that you better not contact your friends at Camden. The HMT's opinion of themselves is so much so they think they have the right to tell you what you can and can't do even after they have kicked you out the door. I remember when the principles use to be proud of how long team members had worked for them, they use to ask us to stand up based on how long we had been there. They would call out One year...more than two...more than 5...and so on. Unfortunately the principles have not asked that question over the last two years...I wonder why... I believe Camden can and will turn it around, there is a young man who is being groomed to take over the family business...as it should be...conversations with him speak volumes about his character...he will bring Camden back to what it was...one of the best places to work.
