Pros
Great employees, some of the most unique and inspiring individuals I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Experience. I've learned a lot about what I want from a company, my management style, what I respect and don't respect in a company.
Cons
Horrible pay. 7 years of hard work and dedication - blood, sweat and tears at Vans in the Utah market amounts to $15.80/hr. This is among several store transfers – high volume and low volume, two college degrees and years of loyalty to the brand. Two weeks after I left my position, Vans upped their associate base pay to $14.00/hr. I've never felt so under-appreciated by a company. There are people in management who truly have no idea what it takes to be a leader. Vans hires people that look good on paper, but are horrible at face-value. It is a very political game, too. It is a rat-race, though corporate won't even consider hiring internal store-level employees that have years of experience and want to work. There are far more cons than there are pros working at Vans.