General manager:
Mark Clifton
Dealership group:
Lithia Motors
Full-time employees:
91
2017 new-vehicle sales:
2,110, down 1.1%
2017 used-vehicle sales:
1,548, down 0.1 %
Clifton on changes to recruitment:
"We have become very active on social media and developed a talent acquisitions department. We hired Indeed."
Clifton on rewarding employees and showing them they are valued:
"When any of the department managers see an employee going above and beyond, we will recognize them with praise along with a gift card. We share those stories in our meetings. We try to encourage 'making customers for life.' "
Clifton on helping employees develop a career path:
"It begins during the hiring process. We share the company's growth strategy; we identify the employee's goals; then we revisit at the end of every month. We are always trying to improve our bench and promote from within."
Clifton on making work schedules more balanced or flexible:
"We offer flexible hours and schedules, not your traditional bell-to-bell. It really depends on the employee's needs."
Clifton on compensation:
"Because the gross margins are so depressed, we have moved more toward salary and tiered bonus levels. We offer a pay plan that aligns with our dealership's goals."
