Dealer: Richard Garber

Dealership group: Garber Automotive Group

Full-time employees: 26

General Manager Kevin Parker on long-term changes in hiring or employment practices because of the pandemic: “The pandemic forced us to look at our processes and determine whether they were still viable given the business climate at the time. Because of this, we were able to reduce inefficiencies and create new positions that align better with 
the post-pandemic business model.”

Parker on improving employee retention: “We have employee recognition programs, team-building events and a daily newsletter highlighting employees’ accomplishments and anniversaries. We have a committee called The Joy of the Employee comprised of employees from all departments who come up with ideas to enhance every employee’s experience. We conduct annual reviews for all staff and give an annual employee satisfaction survey. The results are communicated with all of the associates, and leadership uses the information to work on ways to improve employees’ experience.”

Parker on offering employees a career path: “We love to promote from within; 75 percent of our leadership staff was promoted from within. Our Emerging Leaders program identifies promising individuals from all departments and provides training to guide them on their journey to becoming a successful leader.”