Best Dealerships to Work for
Patriot Subaru
Saco , ME
Overall Rank for 2014: 77
Dealer: Adam Arens
Full-time employees: 55
2013 new-vehicle sales: 1,352, up 29%
Cool perk: A Founder's Club, in which employees who have been with the company at least five years are invited to an annual dinner to celebrate the dealership's anniversary during which they receive a cash bonus tied to their years of service.
Last November, to celebrate the dealership's 10th anniversary, all associates who had been with the company at least nine years were invited with a guest to go on an all-expenses-paid seven-day cruise out of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Arens on showing employees that they are valued: "We offer continuing education; tickets to concerts and Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Bruins games; clothing awards; a family picnic; dinner gift certificates, and recognition in a newsletter. At the holiday party, each associate is recognized for their contributions and a raffle is held for iPads, TVs and other electronics."
Arens on changes in response to staff requests: "We are implementing parts runners to deliver parts to the technicians. Also, the associates have lunch with the owner on a daily basis, and their input is used often."