Best Dealerships to Work For

General manager: Stephen Aylward

Dealership group: Penske Automotive Group

Full-time employees: 51

Aylward on changes to employment practices because of recent industry disruptions like the inventory crisis: “We have changed the way in which we find employees based on changes in generational wants/needs. We have found that the younger generation would rather have a set salary with specific job descriptions rather than a full commission pay plan. However, this must include a clear career path for the future.”

Aylward on improving employee retention: “We continue to treat our employees better than our guests. We care for their needs and ensure they have a physically and emotionally safe environment. We are proactive with pay increases and are careful to include everyone equally.”

Aylward on diversity, equity and inclusion: “We like to hire the best people in the industry and are thrilled that they look like our guests. We retain our diverse group of employees by celebrating our differences and leading with empathy and compassion.”

Aylward on recruiting and retaining women: “I am proud to say that 50 percent of my management team are females and over 20 percent of the entire staff is female. We actively recruit women to fill open positions as well as promote them from within when appropriate.”

Aylward on changes to promote work-life balance: “We have always had a tremendous work-life balance and are always looking to enhance it as well. Recently, we have permanently adjusted our hours of operation to open a half-hour later and close an hour earlier. We have utilized Zoom more often in place of travel and encourage all PTO to be used.”