Pros
Best in class construction management firm, from an owner’s rep perspective. Excellent pay, even better benefits, and retirement/bonus plans. I’ve never done more interesting work in my career. Primarily commercial clients, less government, so the ebbs and flows in DC have rarely affected MGAC. We work on widely different projects -- museums, hotels, estate quality residences, data centers, corporate headquarters sites, etc., with firm revenues increasing virtually every year. MGAC has assembled a talented staff of 130+ entrepreneurially driven people who are led by a set of 20 founding principles, called Fundamentals, which are quoted and highlighted almost daily by everyone, and are front and center on our web site and on our desks. Senior management are approachable and fully engaged. Culture is part 2010s (we have Dog and Beer Cart Friday every week), and part old school (I get a handwritten birthday card and small gift every year from the CEO). Great people to work with.
Cons
As many have mentioned, this isn’t a job for someone hoping to kill time until retirement. The firm has very demanding clients at the very peak of their individual industries/successes, so they expect the best and we must always deliver. Like all organizations, some of our staff are “me first”, focusing on their corner of the firm, and not the greater good. A recent weakness, lack of reviews and career progression, was addressed this year and shows solid improvement. Clearly, MGAC is not perfect, but management is aware of these issues and works to make them better.
