General manager: Mark Clifton

Dealership group: Lithia Motors

Full-time employees: 74

Clifton on learning how to be a better employer from managing through the pandemic: “I learned to be more empathetic to each individual’s unique situation. The pandemic affected us all very differently, and with the news constantly changing, we all worked together to ensure we were being the best version of ourselves for our team. All my department leaders focused on improving their communication with their team members. We were completely transparent regarding COVID-19 policy and added additional safety measures to help ensure our team stayed healthy.”

Sales Manager Mike Lyttle on long-term changes in hiring or employment practices because of the pandemic: “Whereas we would normally conduct all of our interviews in person, we are now heavily relying on phone and virtual interviews. For the safety of our team, we don’t bring someone in until they’ve made it through the first and second round of interviews. For the final interview, the candidate always comes in wearing a mask, and social distancing practices remain in place. A year ago, it would have been hard to imagine hiring someone from only one in-person meeting.”

Clifton on improving employee retention: “We believe that employee happiness equals customer happiness. We encourage work-life balance and hold company events where we can get together, mingle with each other’s families and get to know each other on a personal level.”