BEST DEALERSHIPS TO WORK FOR IN CANADA

Location: Halifax, N.S.

General manager: David MacConnachie

Dealership group: O'Regan's Automotive Group

Number of employees: 85

2017 new-vehicle sales: 1,282, up 5.5%

2017 used-vehicle sales: 590, up 27.4%

Marketing Vice-President Susan Johnston on the challenges of hiring/retention in the face of dramatic changes in technology and competition for skilled staff: We have tackled the shortage of skilled technicians with our O'Regan's Apprenticeship Academy that develops apprentices for the trades and offers them a great alternative to traditional provincial training. This also gives us the opportunity to hire, train and develop staff from the ground up.

Johnston on staff diversification and attracting more women to the workplace: We are constantly looking to attract top talent and believe in the power of diversity. We have partnered with Immigrant Settlement Association of Nova Scotia, Teamwork Cooperative and YMCA Employment Services. Our leadership team has equal representation of female and male managers. We are fortunate to have a diverse staff and showcase this diversity in our recruiting campaigns.

Johnston on unusual methods developed to reward employees and show them they are valued: Our goal is to always have fun, encourage laughter and have a positive, happy environment. We have monthly sales awards [and] encourage service staff to be empowered and offer unexpected rewards when a staff member has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Pre-register your dealership now for Automotive News Canada's 2019 Best Dealerships To Work For.