BEST DEALERSHIPS TO WORK FOR IN CANADA

Location: Halifax, N.S.

General manager: Gordon Calder

Dealership group: O'Regan's Automotive Group

Number of employees: 40

2017 new-vehicle sales: 314, up 3.9%

2017 used-vehicle sales: 161, up 17.5%

Marketing Vice-President Susan Johnston on helping employees develop a career path: We're very fortunate to have a sales and service trainer for the group. We also have external trainers who work with our group and have resources and training provided by the manufacturer. We meet with employees twice a year to discuss their performance and long-term goals. Our management team meets with senior management to help determine potential applications for advancement and promotion.

Johnston on learning from a hiring/ employment-related mistake: Our business has developed to a point where past habits that might have worked well for one individual are not necessarily good for our clients, or our internal customers [coworkers], and the lack of consistency can lead to a poor customer experience. Our goal is to provide the exceptional customer experience that our clients expect and deserve so we have developed processes within our dealership to ensure we meet or exceed these expectations. We have learned that a well-laid out process for sales and service leads to a smoother, more pleasant transaction for everyone.

Johnston on the unusual methods developed to reward employees and show them they are valued: We encourage employee involvement in groups, events and charities that have a personal connection for them.

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