Overall Rank for 2014: 70

Dealer: Michael Cantanucci

Full-time employees: 90

2013 new-vehicle sales: 1,438, up 5%

Cool perk: $50 or $100 American Express cards are awarded each month to employees who go the extra mile.

Veronica Carosella, client relations manager, on showing employees that they are valued: "Since many of the most successful businesses are family-owned, General Manager Eric Ferits tries to replicate the family atmosphere at New Country Audi. He has put into place practices that focus on the employee as an individual, such as birthday celebrations for each employee and honorable mentions during regular staff meetings for employees with the highest production levels and highest customer satisfaction scores.
"Eric also strives to reinforce that we are part of a larger whole. Every morning, he holds a brief jump-start staff meeting. It is a chance to address any issues, keep everyone motivated and remind us of our mission to provide exceptional customer service. Every month, we have a staff meeting where Eric raffles off Audi merchandise, sporting event tickets and Broadway show tickets. Our shop becomes filled with applause and laughter which quiets down only when the complimentary pizza lunch is served.
"Since Eric believes that food is an important part of keeping our staff productive and energized, we have complimentary refreshments at the dealership's Quattro Cafe.
"During the summer, we hold Friday barbecue lunches so sales and service employees can get together. Every Saturday, fresh bagels and juice are enjoyed by employees and local residents who are familiar with our Saturday breakfast tradition.
"Eric does all of this for us because he believes that happy and energized employees translate to happy customers."

Carosella on a change in response to staff requests: "Based on technicians' requests, Eric appointed a second shop foreman to support the technicians and assist them with increasing their productivity.
"He also implemented an aggressive technician pay plan which allows technicians to earn much more money per hour retroactive to the first hour sold based on their productivity.
"After these changes, the shop efficiency increased rapidly, leaving technicians eager to stay late and work extra hours."