General manager: Randy Usery

Dealership group: Penske Automotive Group

Full-time employees: 41

Usery on learning how to be a better employer from managing through the pandemic: “The pandemic has reaffirmed that the team member culture is of the utmost importance. While we had to be agile, creative, in our daily business, team member culture soared. Keeping the team in the mix of daily operations was most valuable, as things changed so quickly. We evaluated and adjusted pay, hours and, if possible, work-from-home opportunities. Also had bonuses for team members while most were cutting back.”

Usery on long-term changes in hiring or employment practices because of the pandemic: “Flexible schedules and pay increases were the two main differences. We definitely are looking more at the team culture attitude of new hires.”

Usery on diversity, equity and inclusion as it relates to hiring and employment: “Allowing each individual to achieve their full potential is a major component of our workplace. Having diversity allows for so much more than one perspective, which in turn allows for a much better customer experience. And in today’s world, customer experience is the name of the game.”

Usery on improving employee retention: “We have reevaluated our pay plans. We also do department and employee of the year awards. Our team members know that they can come to the management team at anytime about anything and not be in trouble for it. It allows them to have security in their workplace.”

Usery on offering employees a career path: “Painting the picture of a career, not just a job; showing them people who started out in entry-level positions and have grown into department managers or even general managers. We have mentoring programs.”