Dealer: Rick Hendrick

Dealership group: Hendrick Automotive Group

Full-time employees: 77

General Manager Chris Osborne on lessons from the pandemic about being a better employer:
“The true grit and determination to not let this affect our success was evident on day one. The leadership team remained calm, and we began to put together a plan knowing that each day would be just a little different. Our department heads displayed true servant leadership, and their teams followed suit.”

Osborne on changing hiring and training because of the pandemic:
“Training messages for social distancing, what to do if you are sick, disinfecting, as well as all other protocols have been introduced. The medium of the training has shifted to smaller groups as well as using digital tools and virtual options.”

General Sales Manager Bobby Sears on how the accelerated shift to digital retail changed staffing strategy:
“Prior to 2020, our digital process already included virtual walkarounds for every Internet lead, off-site delivery options and processes designed to help the client complete much of the process prior to arriving.”

Osborne on making work schedules more balanced or flexible:
“We believe that time off is just as important as time on. We want our team to be able to spend time with their families, have hobbies. We provide flexible scheduling and do not prescribe to the ‘bell-to-bell’ philosophy.”