Pros
CEO very humble, compassionate, and approachable. Employee owned ESOP company - but the employee stock is non-voting (i.e tax shelter for CEO/Owner - you would do it too if you could!). Above average benefits and PTO. CEO encouraged and supported all employees to seek out training and educational opportunities. The variety of opportunities/projects allowed for excellent professional growth.
Kontras
After the ESOP cash-out the day-to-day operations were handed over to the HR manager, now the COO, who had no substantial business experience (P/L, BD, Sales, Presentation, etc). The above, combined with the last government shutdown and lack of sales, has crippled the company and eliminated most of the reasons to work there. Hopefully the CEO will return long enough to fix this hot wet mess!