Pros
I joined RoadRunner a little after the first round of funding when it was still in a start-up phase. I could not have asked for a better opportunity out of college as my first job. I learned more about business, professionalism, and how companies make decisions in around 2 years at RoadRunner than I would have in 5 years anywhere else. The team, from sales, to finance, to operations, to tech, to the C-level executives, made you feel welcomed and a part of the team from day 1. My manager had a very high-up position and yet he still made time to discuss any issue or question I had in the moment. If he was busy at the time, he made sure to get in contact with me as soon as he could. It meant a lot and motivated me to do the best that I could day in and day out. The supporting team around me was always quick to answer any questions or give me the info I needed to get my job done in the best way possible. There is a very dedicated and motivated team of people at RoadRunner, and unlike most companies, they will make sure that you have the tools to succeed. They want to see you succeed, because they realize when you succeed, the company in turn succeeds. Don't be intimidated or demotivated if when you say that you want more responsibilities and tasks on your plate it doesn't happen right away. In due time, you will get it. If you're not ready, they will work with you and make sure you have the tools to take on the responsibility and role that you desire within the company. There is a lot of opportunity for mobility when it comes to management and between departments. It's not uncommon to see people from other departments move to another that will be a better fit. Again, if you have the drive and will to do good work and make the best out of your position, even if it is something you're not happy doing, they will realize that. You will not just get tossed to the side if you come in with the desire to succeed and show it. The mission is great. The idea is novel and taking the country by storm. It's not uncommon to walk around areas of the city and see RoadRunner's recycling bins at numerous businesses. It's especially rewarding to see it if you knew you played a role in getting those bins there. A lot of people hesitate to recycling because it might cost them extra to do so through regular means, but the unique approach put forward by RoadRunner has actually allowed companies to save money while implementing a robust recycling program. It's an incredible mission to be a part of. If you're a fan of working in the city, RoadRunner is for you. It's located in a prime area of Downtown Pittsburgh where there are tons and tons of restaurants and things to do for lunch and after work. Never a dull moment. I'm not sure about what has been added in terms of benefits since I left, I know there were talks of 401K's and parking payment assistance when I was leaving, but they had a very generous PTO and health/dental/vision insurance policy when I was there.
Cons
Ultimately, thinking back on why I left, the "cons" I had at the time were really not "cons," but growing pains. Start-ups are going to have a lot of growing pains. My best advice if you are caught in the middle of that is to not be afraid to speak with your manager and never give up. They will help you. They will work with you. Other than that, the only thing I can think of is going to be your typical office issues. Drama, favoritism, cliques, but at the end of the day, every company will have that in one way, shape, or form. It's something I've learned that you cannot escape in the real world. The answer is not the old "if you can't beat it, join it" adage, but to rise above it. Do that at RoadRunner, and you will succeed.
