Diverse culture overshadowed by profit focus and management issues
Pros
KEH has one of the most diverse and collaborative workplace cultures I’ve had the opportunity to be part of, and it has genuinely made me a better person because of it. Employees across departments are willing to help however they can, and there is a tremendous amount of talent, experience, and passion throughout the company. Many people here care deeply about photography, customer service, and supporting one another, which makes KEH a rewarding place to work in many respects.
Cons
Since the company owner stepped into the CEO role, the culture has shifted noticeably toward prioritizing profitability over what many employees feel is best for photographers and the broader photography community. While every business needs to be profitable, there are times when it feels like that focus comes at the expense of company culture, employee morale, and long-term relationships with customers. There has also been an extremely heavy focus on AI initiatives internally. In recent company meetings, a significant portion of the discussion has revolved around AI, often in ways that feel disconnected from the day-to-day operational challenges employees are facing. I have personally experienced situations that I would consider part of a hostile or unhealthy work environment. Unfortunately, I did not feel confident that reporting these concerns through HR would result in meaningful protection or resolution, which discouraged me from speaking up. The company would benefit greatly from stronger management training, leadership development, and a renewed emphasis on respectful communication and employee treatment.
