Certain key management people within came from founders first company. Some of these people are weak and well over their heads. This would not be a problem if everyone recognized for what it is, however that is not the case. Case in point, this company is very much driven by the product marketing department which is located in Ames. Most of the hires in this department are from and need to live in the Ames area. They have struggled to find talent from outside the area because people usually don't want to relocate to Ames. Further there is an Ames clique that is prevalent in this and many other departments which is very protective of the founding partners and this company. These factors have caused the company to stumble badly in new market launches. Problems have occurred in product positioning, product development direction, marketing strategy, launches and go-to-market campaigns, and the analysis of market sizing, penetration and competitor landscape. An enormous amount of time, energy and money have been spent throwing things at the wall to see what sticks mentality. Pressure is mounting throughout to execute as money and time click away. Fully expect a big wave of turnover from either lack of execution or the pressure. Many of the employees in sales roles are becoming disenchanted from this lack of market preparedness, and product readiness. Founders believe if you cannot sell this technology then your a poor salesman rather then understanding that the market readiness has been very poorly thought out and executed.
