40 Under 40

Felicia Rey started dealership life 10 years ago as a cashier at Lynnes Nissan City. She initially declined the position because she didn't know anything about cars. Her future manager gave her advice she still uses today in her professional life.

"He said, 'I can teach anyone about cars. I can't teach people about people. And ultimately, people want to be heard. They want to be respected,' " Rey said.

Rey, who has a teaching degree, worked her way up to a management position, embracing the Bloomfield, N.J., dealership's values of teamwork and a healthy work-life balance.

"Family is important," she said. "I was really blessed because my dealership believes in it. No one has to be nervous to tell us they have their son or daughter's baseball game and they want to leave early."

Rey believes in leading her dealership with flexibility because while customers are the root of her business, her employees "are the reason why we do what we do," she said.

Rey tries to make it enjoyable to come to work; she doesn't want employees to "come in, punch out, be miserable." Rey celebrates every holiday in her dealership and shows appreciation for the members of her team.

During the pandemic, Rey who were unable to bring their vehicles in, hired support staff to be drivers and trained them according to safety protocols. Rey took an active role in developing health procedures for her staff — from cashiers to porters — and trained them all to stay safe. She rented an ice cream truck one hot day for her staff to show her appreciation.

Rey tries to organize some sort of team get-together at least once a month because "ultimately we are together longer than we are at home."

— Isabella Warren