CFIB / FCEI Employee Reviews

Fantastic group to work with and be a part of. This is not a corporate-type of "sales" position. You have to have passion for small business and you'll have great satisfaction in supporting independent business owners and growing the membership. Management are extremely knowledgeable and supportive.

Pros

Sense of value to your role (that matters a great deal). Great family/work balance, opportunity to advance or move within Canada, supportive management/leaders.

Cons

A lot of information to keep on top of, it's a non-for-profit organization so you may make less than a similar role in the corporate sector.

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Official response from CFIB / FCEI

10 February 2022

Thanks for sharing this positive review and providing so many great comments. I completely agree that our District Manager role is not your typical sales position. The people who do best in this role are those who want to make a good income and are motivated by making a difference for our members and the country. Our organization continues to shine through the pandemic as we advocate for support programs and policy changes while directly serving our members. In fact, we’ve taken 140,000 calls from members since the pandemic started.It is true that there is a lot to keep up with. COVID programs and rules have changed on a dime and many small business owners are looking to our team to provide them with answers when governments can not. Thanks again for writing.Dan Kelly

Mileage compensation only when closing sales on the spot.

Sales (Former Employee) - Vulgaria - 11 May 2023

Expect to drive all over the place at your own expense. Great support in the beginning, which suddenly diminishes. Trainer was surprised when people stayed. A verbatim script must be used in selling. This is indicative. A current claim by CFIB is that Conservative Ontario Premier Ford is about to implement 10 mandatory employer paid days of sick leave per employee per year. There is no public domain evidence of this, nor that buying memberships will defeat this evidence-free Tory policy. It all has a "direct-selling" feel, like vacuum cleaner door-to-door sales.

Pros

Get to know your local area better, as you'll drive all over the place, mostly at your own expense.

Cons

If you sell a membership, but payment comes later, not on the spot, expect to chase after your mileage compensation. Also, meetings during the weekend, even with late hours, much like multi-level-marketing companies.

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Insights into CFIB / FCEI

Based on 25 survey responses

What people like

Ability to learn new things
Clear sense of purpose
Supportive environment

Expenses transportation

Sales Manager (Former Employee) - Miramichi Area, NB - 8 May 2023

They are unrealistic in their way of compensating people for the use of their vehicle in such a big territoryThere is no negotiating with them You are expected to go in the hole to keep your job

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Changes without consideration

District Manager (Former Employee) - Vancouver, BC - 4 May 2023

It’s a good organization, but recently they have made some critical changes to the work and compensation that seriously impact your ability to make bonus. Unfortunately, they don’t want to hear about it. They have gone from a place where you felt part of a team to a shut up and cheer mentality. It’s tragic really.

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Official response from CFIB / FCEI

11 May 2023

I’m sorry to read that you found some recent changes to the compensation system to be unhelpful and that you felt your feedback wasn’t welcome. I am not sure which changes you are referring to, especially as we’ve just completed a major enhancement in District Manager salaries, benefits, expense allowances and vacation time. Over time, we have shifted more of the compensation to a salary-based approach, but this is based on detailed surveys and feedback from colleagues across Canada. And we’ve taken great care to ensure that commissions and bonus levels are still attractive – especially given the tight labour market. While it appears you have left CFIB, I would still be pleased to learn more – feel free to send me a note anytime. Dan Kelly,President & CEO

Not an enjoyable time as they are not really going to bat for the Small Business owner and/or Farmer.

District Manager (Former Employee) - Regina, SK - 1 May 2023

There is a tremendous lack of leadership in the Sales area and they do not truly support their people and the pay is rather is rather porous. they Hypocrisy of the organization is evident as they have a lot less advocating and lobbying and have increased there resources.Be careful what you get yourself into.

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Great culture, great organization, great achievments

District Manager (Current Employee) - New Brunswick - 28 April 2023

I worked at CFIB for 2.5 months. I loved everything about it. What made me leave was the emotional variations i was facing while trying to balance my week with renewals and new member sales. The weekly expectations are quite low, so an aggresive sales person would definitely achieve it. However, i wasn't able to manage myself when i had a bad day and to preserve my mental health, i stopped working there, while having a broken heart. my bad days were way too hard on myself. if they had been regular bad, i would've stayed. It was in me, not the job. We really helped small business owners by pushing for policies that support them. The issues that CFIB works on are definitely helping, however, the government is a big bear to fight. We have good weapons.

Pros

no office, freedom on the road, great incentives.

Cons

slow weeks were difficult on moral.

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A toxic workplace from Dan Kelly downwards.

District Manager EOW GTA (Former Employee) - Toronto, ON - 30 March 2023

If you're a "District Manager" at the CFIB be prepared to be underpaid, underappreciated and given unrealistic goals.There has been so much turnover at this organization that there is very little continuity / succession left. The executive team can't "sell" and rarely interacts with the DM staff. The rate of pay when figured against time traveling and other associated expenses lines up well with a fast foot restaurant wage. I was successful and hit my targets often when I worked here, but seeing others struggle and get mismanaged was a daily activity. When I offered to help I was told "only the strong survive" and when I asked what that meant, I was told that "we go through DMs like crazy" I get that the job isn't for everybody, but the culture here stinks, the wages are abhorrent for the revenue generating staff (DMs), and the training is absolutely pathetic, with outdated scripts that the actual trainers tell you not to use once you get put into the field.

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Official response from CFIB / FCEI

11 April 2023

Thanks for sharing your candid impression on your time at CFIB. While you shared that you were successful during your time at CFIB, I’m not sure how that was possible if the situation you describe was the case. Regular readers of this site will know that I like to respond directly to all current and former employees who take the time to share their views. Where I see trends or ongoing concerns in comments, we make organizational changes to address them. On this occasion, I do feel like I should challenge a few of the assumptions you’ve made.Like all organizations, we do have employee turnover, particularly in strong job markets like we have right now. This is particularly true for sales oriented positions. As a non-profit, we work hard to ensure our positions are competitive (including a significant bump in compensation, vacation time and benefits over the past several months) , but there is no question there are other, higher paying sales positions in the market. I’m pleased to report that we have filled many vacant positions across the organization and are very close to being fully staffed across our entire 400 person organization. Every week, I send anniversary notes to staff who have reached 10, 20, 30 and a few even 40 years of service (I have been with CFIB for 29 years).And while our entire executive team is not made up of sales professionals, we all take growing our membership super seriously. As I frequently share, while the majority of my career was on the lobbying side of the organization, before I was appointed President, I was asked to sell and renew -

Inspirante organisation- géniale culture d’entreprise

Gérante de district (Current Employee) - Canada - 18 February 2023

Organisation aux valeurs très humaines et très inspirantes, qui a à cœur non seulement ses employés mais aussi ses membres. Le respect, la bienveillance, la formation continue stimulante, l’encadrement suffisant mais pas étouffant, la collaboration entre collègues et avec les différents paliers hiérarchiques, toute l’expérience de travail à la FCEI est très positive. Le but de la FCEI est très noble vis à vis les PME membres, le désir de faire une différence positive dans la vie des entrepreneurs est sincère et les résultats sont concrets et cela donne le ton au sentiment d’appartenance des employés qui sentent qu’ils sont utiles et qui se savent respectés et appréciés de l’organisation.Le salaire est les avantages sont très intéressants, et l’organisation est ouverte aux commentaires et aux réalités vécues par ses employés.

Pros

Culture d’entreprise respectueuse, stimulante, valorisante

Cons

Travail nécessitant beaucoup d’autonomie et d’auto-discipline, c’est merveilleux pour certains mais pas fait pour tous

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Meaningful work you can feel good about

District Manager (Current Employee) - Stratford, ON - 7 February 2023

Working with CFIB has been the most amazing experience. I am a previous small business owner and I wish I had have known about CFIB when I still owned my business. CFIB does amazing things for independent businesses and the people involved in the organization are just wonderful to work with. If you work hard it is easy to excel at this career. I look forward to going to work daily and I love each and every interaction I get to have with business owners. The independence and flexibility that comes with the role is exactly what I needed after coming from owning my own business. The work life balance is amazing, as a mother of two young girls, it is so appreciated. The compensation is more than fair and if you do well in the role there’s so much room to make great money.

Pros

Meaningful work, great conversation, flexible schedule, independence

Cons

None

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Proud to work for this organization

District Manager (Former Employee) - Toronto, ON - 15 January 2023

CFIB fights for Small and Medium sized businesses and I feel that the work that we do makes a difference to these SMEs. Great training and supportive management.

Pros

Freedom to manage your territory

Cons

Can be long hours trying to make quota

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Official response from CFIB / FCEI

31 January 2023

I really appreciate the positive review and constructive advice. We do indeed make a difference – by supporting small business owners, we help improve our economy and country. I’m also pleased to see you note the flexibility the job provides and want to share that we are making major investments in increasing the quantity and quality of leads for District Managers. This should help all District Managers grow our membership across the country. Thanks again for writing.Dan Kelly, President & CEO

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Dysfunctional and deceitful workplace

Writer (Former Employee) - Toronto, ON - 1 January 2023

First impression: a workplace of welcoming colleagues and meaningful objectives. What resulted was quite the opposite. A toxic environment of hypocrisy and lies that goes way beyond the work environment. Ever wonder why touted number of 95,000 members never changes? So do a lot of people.There are no substantial benefits for members other than illusions. And, there is no benefit for anyone who aspires for meaningful employment other than a dinosaur organization drowning in useless absurdities.

Pros

Decent pay

Cons

Everything else

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Official response from CFIB / FCEI

19 January 2023

As readers of this site know, I find most comments and criticism important and regard them as opportunities to learn and improve. While I’m sorry your time at CFIB was not what you wanted, I don’t recognize anything in your comments that resembles our reality. In fact, I am struggling to understand your point about our membership numbers. With pandemic restrictions causing many small businesses to close their doors, we reported publicly (including in a news release) that our membership dropped to 95,000 in 2020. And as small businesses (and CFIB) recover from the pandemic, I am pleased to report that we have now grown to 97,000 at the start of 2023. I reported and spoke about our membership numbers in dozens of staff meetings over the past 3 years. Perhaps you missed these updates.The people that do best at CFIB are those who are committed to making a difference. They recognize that supporting small business owners helps grow our economy. And the fact that nearly 100,000 business owners make a voluntary decision to participate in CFIB each year continues to show me that we are adding great value to the lives of our members.We are not perfect and, like every organization, we have a lot of ongoing changes and improvements to make. I deeply respect and welcome constructive criticism on how we can do better. If you have any comments along these lines, I promise to take them seriously. Dan Kelly, President & CEO

Une belle experience de travail

Analyste de recherche (Current Employee) - Montréal, QC - 8 December 2022

Travailler pour la FCEI est de loin la meilleur des expérience que vous allez acquérir. Vous travaillerez dans un environnement collaboratif et empreint d'empathie et de souci de l'autre.

Pros

Ambiance de travail bon enfant

Cons

Aucun

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Official response from CFIB / FCEI

2 February 2023

Merci beaucoup pour votre évaluation positive et vos précieux commentaires. Je suis ravi d’apprendre que votre expérience a été positive jusqu’ici. Je suis toujours ouvert aux conseils de notre personnel concernant des points que nous pouvons améliorer. Il faut souligner que notre équipe de la Recherche réalise un travail d’une valeur inestimable. Merci pour tout ce que vous faites pour nos membres.Dan Kelly - Président et chef de la direction

A Great Place to Work

Manager (Current Employee) - Toronto, ON - 23 November 2022

No complaints, this is a great place to work with career opportunities, work life balance and a great team atmosphere and culture. Everyone is passionate and motivated to get the job done. I feel very fortunate to be working here.

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Official response from CFIB / FCEI

31 January 2023

I really appreciate the review and agree that the team atmosphere and culture is hard to beat. This is a great place to work for those who are committed to making a difference. Thanks for sharing.Dan Kelly, President & CEO

Amazing, Inclusive and Diverse Workplace

Business Advisor (Current Employee) - Remote - 22 November 2022

Amazing company to work for. You truly feel as if the work you are doing is meaningful and recognized. Every from top to bottom is as welcoming and open, which does not come through many corporate jobs. Everyday I do not feel like my work is work. I truly enjoy doing this everyday.

Pros

Great company culture, open-mic platforms for suggestions, teamwork focused company, inclusive workspace

Cons

lower saraly

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Official response from CFIB / FCEI

31 January 2023

Thanks for the positive review. I am so pleased to see so many team members mention that their work is meaningful. CFIB’s work in supporting small business owners helps us make a better and more prosperous country. On the salary front, our board is committed to a multi-year compensation enhancement plan. Following the enhancement of many of our employee benefits, a further compensation adjustment is planned for April 2023. Thanks again for writing.Dan Kelly, President & CEO

Amazing Culture / Generous Supportive Company

District Manager (Current Employee) - Edmonton, AB - 22 November 2022

Over the past 17 years as a Management Consultant, I have seen firsthand the organizational culture/health of many companies big to small. Never have I witnessed an organization with such a healthy and supportive culture. Many organizations say they have a healthy culture and effective working teams, but more often than not, it proves to be more aspirational than actual. The authentic synergy of the CFIB's working culture is an outstanding example of what a healthy organization looks like and feels like. Additionally, it's been rare that I've encountered such a generous company when it comes to compensation, training, and genuine support. The flexibility of working virtually and realizing real work/life balance is the best I've ever encountered.

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Official response from CFIB / FCEI

12 December 2022

Thanks for sharing your views on your CFIB career so far. I entirely agree with your assessment on our organizational culture. It is helped by the fact that our work in serving and supporting small business owners is so meaningful and connected to building a better Canada. And as a non-profit organization, we are able to focus on the long-term growth of our members and staff.I continue to be impressed by the caring nature of our staff at all levels. As I often say, CFIB has the healthy scenario of many long-term veterans (with many staff having served 10, 20, 30 and a few 40 years) as well as a healthy number of new recruits who bring new energy and ideas.Looking forward to seeing your career continue to grow at CFIB.Dan Kelly, President & CEO

Great place to work

biligual sales coordinator (Current Employee) - Toronto, ON - 21 November 2022

Superbe organisation, une ambiance bienveillante et bonne enfant. Des équipes dévouées et passionnées, de la rigueur et de travail dans la bonne humeur!

Pros

Ambiance

Cons

none

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Official response from CFIB / FCEI

14 December 2022

Merci pour vos commentaires positifs. Je suis tout à fait d’accord avec votre commentaire à propos de nos équipes dévouées et passionnées. Notre personnel fait tout son possible pour aider nos membres et défendre leurs intérêts. Bien qu’il y ait toujours des points à améliorer au sein de toute organisation, je suis ravi de savoir que vous aimez votre emploi à la FCEI. Dan Kelly, Président et chef de la direction

Une expérience enrichissante

Analyste des politiques (Current Employee) - Montréal, QC - 21 November 2022

La FCEI est une organisation où il fait bon travailler. En plus de promouvoir une mission importante, la culture d'entreprise est exemplaire. On ressent une vraie et honnête volonté des gestionnaires de prendre soin de la santé physique et mentale de leurs employés. Non seulement la mission de l'entreprise est merveilleuse, mais la culture d'entreprise rend le travail tellement motivant. Des collègues en OR et il s'agit d'un endroit où il ne manque pas d'opportunité de grandir et de se surpasser. Je recommande fortement à quelqu'un qui n'a pas peur des nouveaux défis de se surpasser tout en ayant un sentiment du devoir accompli. Une place vraiment valorisante. Je me sens privilégié de travailler à la FCEI.

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Great learning and coaching culture

Senior Policy Analyst (Current Employee) - Ottawa - 21 November 2022

CFIB offers a great work culture and benefits. Pay is standard for a non-for-profit. There is lots to do and lots to learn. For me, it also has a mission I can stand behind.

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Official response from CFIB / FCEI

12 December 2022

I’m so glad you are a believer in the mission of the organization – indeed, this is the main reason we are able to keep so many talented people across the organization. It is also good to hear the positive comments about our work culture and benefits package. We were pleased to come of out COVID in good financial health which has allowed us to enhance our benefits package in recent months. Please feel free to continue to provide me with feedback in the months ahead.Dan Kelly, President & CEO

Amazing company to work for- for both your career and work environment

Research Assistant (Current Employee) - Toronto, ON - 21 November 2022

This company has amazing values and it shows in the quality of the people that they hire. You will be surrounded by kind, helpful and encouraging colleagues and management. There are plenty of opportunities for advancement if you put in the hard work and show motivation, which is easy to do when you are amongst the top in your field. I highly encourage you to apply for this company as you will have not only an amazing experience, acquire skills that will help you in any endeavor you choose to pursue, but also generous and motivating colleagues/management that will become like your family over time.

Pros

People and culture, quality of work, opportunities for advancement

Cons

Fast paced

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Official response from CFIB / FCEI

12 December 2022

Thanks for the great review. For 28 years, I have been lucky to work with this amazing team who are genuinely interested in providing help and encouragement to colleagues across the organization. We are very focused on succession at all levels, and I’m pleased to see the opportunities for career growth and advancement are being recognized. Our recent promotions of several colleagues to the VP level has created space for many positions to grow across the Federation.There is no question that it can be a fast paced working environment, particularly over the past 3 years as we’ve supported small business owners over the pandemic. But our team appears to be up to the challenge! Thanks again for writing – don’t be shy to share your ideas for improvement on an ongoing basis.Dan Kelly, President & CEO

Great place to work

Manager (Current Employee) - Thornton, ON - 19 November 2022

CFIB is a great place to work....the whole interview process (three rounds) and onboarding were managed very well. Team is very collaborative, and I project room for growth. Great place for young professionals to start their journey at a place that offers a lot to learn. In addition, if you are a passionate professional who chooses to make a difference in our community, CFIB, is the place to be.

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A FANTASTIC company to work for!

District Manager (Current Employee) - 4140 Yonge Street - 18 November 2022

At CFIB you are given the opportunity to work with and for a great group of people that have a purpose and driven with it's members in mind. You are made to feel on a daily basis that you matter and the job you do is adding value to the Company. You are recognized by your direct manager and members of the Leadership Team. They take the time to listen, regardless of how busy they are. You have a VOICE!!The Management Team will work effortlessly to accommodate you in every way to ensure you are a success and they celebrate with you! When you succeed, everyone does!

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