A Company with Potential, Hindered by Leadership and Culture Gaps - Recensione dipendente - Sales Specialist presso Steel Advertising

I worked at Steel for approximately 18 months, during which time I came to recognize that culture truly does flow from the top — and unfortunately, not in a positive way. Despite turning down other offers with higher base salaries due to Steel's promises of strong company culture and high income potential, the reality fell far short. The work environment is driven by fear and instability, set by the owner and CEO. Employees are routinely expected to work long hours — often unpaid, even for non-exempt roles — and the compensation barely meets basic living expenses unless supplemented by a second household income. During my time there, I landed the largest client the agency had secured, yet saw no meaningful increase in earnings. The commission structure is confusing, inconsistently applied, and more dependent on team performance and leadership discretion than on individual contribution. This structure significantly limits earning potential, regardless of personal success or client impact. Delays caused by internal inefficiencies further compound the problem, as you're held responsible for circumstances beyond your control. While my manager was in place, she provided a buffer from much of the dysfunction. However, once she went on maternity leave, I quickly experienced the full extent of the company’s toxic culture — particularly from Kirsten — which led me to resign within a matter of weeks. Steel promotes an image of a positive, high-performance culture, but in practice, it's largely performative. The organization is plagued by inconsistent leadership, high stress, and a lack of meaningful support or recognition for its producers. If you are an experienced sales professional seeking a stable environment where your efforts are fairly rewarded, I would advise looking elsewhere.