Best Dealerships to Work For

General manager: John Fanelli

Dealership group: Penske Automotive Group

Full-time employees: 54

Area Human Resources Manager Brenda Cabrera on changes to employment practices because of recent industry disruptions like the inventory crisis: “We adjusted bonus payouts to reflect the inventory shortages we are facing.”

Fanelli on those changes: “With the inventory shortages, some jobs aren’t necessary or are now only needed on a part-time basis. We need less sales personnel and sales porters. Our inventory manager position is now part-time as well.”

Fanelli on how employment practices could change with the industry shift to electric vehicles: “I believe being knowledgeable about EVs will be paramount in the next three to five years. Compensation will be tied to how much knowledge the employee possesses.”

Fanelli on improving employee retention: “I believe the best way to retain employees is to make them feel like work isn’t really work and that coming to work is a pleasure and not a dread. We do this at Nissan of Turnersville by creating a work environment that is fun and easy going. We want our employees to feel like they’re at home.”

Cabrera on offering a long-term career path: “We communicate all open positions on a weekly basis to all employees. Our main focus is to promote within whenever possible.”

Fanelli on changes to promote work-life balance: “We now have more limited hours of operation and more flexible schedules, which enables our employees to spend more time with their family and/or loved ones. One of our best practices is a flexible four-day work week in our service department. This has made many of our employees happier, which in turn has allowed us to improve our [customer satisfaction index scores] exponentially.”