Dealer: Dustin Walters

Dealership group: Friendship Family of Dealerships

Full-time employees: 39

General Manager Eddie Smith on lessons from the pandemic about being a better employer:
“We have learned that things can happen to someone or something can happen regarding their family within minutes, and they may have to leave, especially during this pandemic when schools can be open and then suddenly decide to close. We have learned to have patience with our team members and to provide them as much support as possible. Having extra patience and understanding during these times have helped keep the morale up with our team.”

Walters on changing hiring and training because of the pandemic:
“We have implemented social distancing and wearing masks during any hiring process or training process. We have also increased the use of Zoom meetings and conference calls.”

Smith on how the accelerated shift to digital retail changed staffing strategy:
“There are a lot of people who are still skeptical to come into the dealership because of the pandemic, so we have trained our sales team to be able to help these customers with their sale completely online. We have also increased the use of video walk-arounds with our customers so they can see every detail of the vehicles.”

Smith on making work schedules more balanced or flexible:
“We offer four-day workweeks versus the traditional five- to six-day workweeks that the automotive industry is known for. For many of our team members, this option works better for them and their family.”