The Scoop

In February 2000, the firm bought back its independence from Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners and brought in Jeff Soinski as its new CEO and managing partner. The agencies still maintain a good relationship. Mad Dogs now plans to expand and restructure its management. The agency's first new focus will be to provide more integrated branding and communications services to clients.

Getting Hired

According to insiders, it's a good time to apply for a job at Mad Dogs. "The company is growing so much here," one contact notes, adding, "there is definitely plenty of room to grow within." How can you get a foot in the door as a creative? Know someone in the agency, or "send a portfolio of work, and pray." In general, it's "supposedly very difficult" to get a creative position at Mad Dogs, "but all kinds of people can get in." Rumor has it that Nick Cohen is said to consult the I-Ching, an ancient Chinese book of wisdom, when making hiring decisions.

Interviews are conducted in two or three rounds, and insiders agree that they are "relatively informal." As one creative reports: "I first met with Nick in the blue room, discussed the pieces in my portfolio and then Val came in - that was really cool - and then Nick took me to the conference room to show me the agency's work. It took about an hour and a half." An insider on the account side reports having "eight people interview me in a span of three weeks." Yet another source heard about an open position through a friend, sent in a resume, and was flown in for an interview. "I had a whole day of interviews with almost everyone in the company, plus a nice lunch out." That source reports that the actual interviews were "long, but fun - not too much grilling."

Our Survey Says

There's a lot to love about Mad Dogs, employees say. In addition to "creative brilliance," one insider begins, the agency offers "constant love and affection, unlimited opportunities, inspirational leadership, free cereal - it's a toss up." Also important to insiders are "the flexibility," "the fact that it feels like one big family, and "the energy." As one source explains, "everybody loves their jobs and is energized by the learning that takes place here every day."

Funky atmosphere
The Mad Dogs HQ, located in a loft in Manhattan's Flatiron district (which is the Heart of Silicon Alley), is as funky as they come. No one has an office - instead, everyone gets a "cool looking mobile desks" with cupboards attached, and everyone gets a green iMac. The agency's reception area has "a pool table, soda machine, and loads of ads on display." Mad Dogs also boasts "our famous 'blue room', which has two big comfy sofas, a fish tank, and plenty of peace and quiet. It's great for thinking, interviews, etc."

The nitty gritty
Mad Dogs employees say the hours are "long," which is typical for the industry. Most employees report working between ten and twelve hours a day. Notes a copywriter, "I average a 10-hour day, but can be found pulling 18 hour shifts. I do sometimes work on weekends, but it's entirely voluntary." "I try not to work on weekends," adds an Account Executive, "but from time to time it is unavoidable. Usually if I do, I'll take my computer home and work there. I never come into the office."

While some Mad Dogs are happy with their salaries, several describe them as "definitely below the industry standard." That source goes on to report that "I think everyone would be happier if the salaries were about 20% higher." Then again, remarks a source, "is anyone apart from the president ever happy with their salary?" Adds one junior employee, "salaries are pretty low, but they make up for it by letting you do things that you wouldn't ever get to do in other agencies as a junior. Like television." Furthermore, "we have great parties, Friday night drinks, and excellent birthday presents."

"Heaven bottled as an ad agency"
Description of the firm's corporate culture range from "corporate punk/renegade ad warriors" to "what corporate culture?", to "Heaven bottled as an ad agency." "Most things are done in an informal, friendly manner," explains a copywriter, "but if you are sensitive, politically correct, or if you can't take criticism, this is not the place for you." Mad Dogs are "almost familial," adds an insider, noting that "because of the hours we work, most of our socializing is done with each other. There is a division between boss and employee, but not so as you'd notice." Because Mad Dogs employees spend so much time together, they hang out after hours "all the time." "They hang out together inside the office too," jokes a source.

"Everything you hear about agencies being fun, laid back and cool is true here," gushes another Mad Dog, "You get all of the conversations about great ads, groundbreaking art, new theater, life - without any of the pretensions or aspirations to "sexiness" that you find at other creative 'hotshops'." As for diversity, insiders say "we have all kinds here, and I mean all kinds." "I think we have most ethnicities represented here," one elaborates, "apart from the Inuit."

Is there a dress code? "Hell no," says one source, "nakedness is encouraged." Insiders do suggest "wearing shoes," however, as there are dogs trotting around the office all day. Another insider describes employee style as "downtown slack." Of course, "if there is a client meeting, people are asked to look nice, but it is up to each individual. Personality really comes out here."

About those dogs...
"Anyone who wants to can bring them," says a source, however, "there are really only three people who regularly bring their dogs into the office." If you like canine companionship, consider keeping beefy snacks in your desk, since "most spend the day begging for scraps." While some of the 'regular dogs' "don't really get along that well," insiders say they don't fight, "they just kind of stay away from each other." In fact, most of the time, "they just follow their masters around or sleep under their desks." One source adds that the "'guest' dogs from other staff or clients" are "are usually well behaved."

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