BEST DEALERSHIPS TO WORK FOR IN CANADA

Location: Calgary, Alta.

Dealership group: McManes Automotive Group

Dealer principal: Mike McManes

Number of employees: 93

2017 new-vehicle sales: 915, up 23.9%

2017 used-vehicle sales: 723, up 52.8%

Chief Administrative Officer Diane Kolibar on challenges of hiring/retention in the face of dramatic changes in technology and competition for skills: Apple, Microsoft and electronic stores are stiff competitors. Our challenge is to keep staff engaged with learning new things.

Kolibar on staff diversification and attracting more women to the workplace: Our dealership is surrounded by new communities with young families. We put on events that bring the community together. We host "Car Contests" and "Show and Shines," which allow people to show off their car and engage with like-minded people. We also host an evening with local NHL hockey celebrities, which the children love. We have also participated in local fundraising efforts over the last couple of years. We attract female employees by ensuring our policies support women and working parents. Our leadership team includes female leaders.

Dealer Principal Mike McManes on helping employees develop a career path: Our philosophy is to hire from within. As we grow, and positions become available, we will always look to our current staff first. We take great pride in mentoring our people and training them for the next step in their career. Whether it's a ... salesperson becoming an F&I manager. We love to see our people grow.

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