General manager: Tim Hlavenka

Dealership group: Lithia Motors

Full-time employees: 60

Hlavenka on lessons from the pandemic about being a better employer:
“Employees’ patience while we were shut down, and their excitement when we reopened, really showed how everyone truly cares and appreciates coming to work and working with such a great ‘family.’”

Hlavenka on evolving compensation structure in the COVID era:
“Our structure did not change. Our employees were generously compensated while on furlough, and when we reopened, business was better than ever. Employee plans allowed them to recoup any lost wages and then some.”

Hlavenka on making work schedules more balanced or flexible:
“Our flexible scheduling has been in place for many years. If an employee meets their objectives, they can write their own schedule with minimal guidelines. They can continue this monthly as long as objectives are met. Bell-to-bell shifts are not required, but some opt in to working them anyway.”