Pros
For the first 3 years of employment, I could not have dreamed of a more rewarding and exciting career. The owners and upper management truly cared about the employees, the business was thriving and in a constant state of growth, and as part of the sales staff, the sky was the limit when it came to earning potential. We as employees had a voice, we were actually GRANTED our earned time off and encouraged to take it, the work/life balance was in check, and everyone from the front desk and sales staff to management and corporate employees was singing the praises of the company we were so proud to work for.
Cons
The cons are very simple: The Corporate buyout in 2012, and ultimately the introduction of Bruce Fabel as President of the Ideal Image division of Steiner Leisure. The unfortunate decline of what was once such a dynamic organization is truly one of the hardest things I have ever had to witness or be a part of. I am embarrassed that individuals are being asked to "counter" negative reviews such as this simply because of Mr. Fabel's lack of couth and integrity, as well as his misrepresentation of what this company once was and could have/should have continued to be. As employees, we are no longer able to speak of our concerns without worry of being targeted, and Regional Managers are frustrated because their teams are unhappy, and they are losing seasoned, top producers. They feel that their hands are tied because even their very careful suggestions and ideas geared toward employee retention are falling upon deaf ears. The company that was once a Steiner target for purchase because of its consistent growth and success over a 10+ year period, is now a company that continues to decline month after month. Employees that once sang the praises of Ideal Image are now constantly frustrated and disappointed by lack of support, constant changes, unjustified extended hours, and paychecks that don't measure up to the efforts being put forth. Responsibilities are being increased on every level, but perks and incentives received in the past for less work are being removed or made unobtainable. I could go on and on about the mismanagement of and disappointing direction in which Ideal Image is headed, but the message is surely clear: "If it isn't broken, don't fix it", and unfortunately, I fear that the "fixing" is destined to be the downfall of what was once the best place around to call your employer.