Automotive News Canada - October 2022 - 38

38
* OCTOBER 2022
Best Dealerships To Work For
Audi Kitchener-Waterloo
Kitchener, Ont.
l Dealer principal: Michael Crosby
l Dealership group: Crosby Auto Group
l Number of employees: 52
General Manager Deon Van Der Watt on
departments that lend themselves to
permanent work-from-home opportunities:
Within the fields of marketing, warranty
administration and accounting,
many tasks could be performed remotely.
Technology could also allow greater
remote work in the future.
Van Der Watt on long-term changes in
employment and hiring practices as a
result of the pandemic and inventory
shortages: It forced us to examine that if
we need some additional support for certain
roles, perhaps shorter-term contracts
are better to deal with seasonal changes
in business. In other roles, perhaps more
flexibility in terms of work arrangements
are beneficial. Additionally, it has allowed
us to streamline or even outsource other
previously existing positions (i.e. shuttle
drivers).
Dealer Principal Michael Crosby on steps
taken to improve employee retention: We
are doubling down on our culture ... work
is not just about the compensation at the
end of the day, but who you work for, the
team that you work with and the fulfillment
you feel in your position. We're trying
to encourage that fit when we bring
someone on and are trying our best to
reinforce that type of environment and
show appreciation to our team for their
efforts. We want to see them succeed and
thrive and enjoy their time with us.
Melissa Meenan, left, sales coordinator, and Jaden Coniglio, delivery specialist,
preparing for a client to take delivery of a vehicle. SUPPLIED PHOTO
Lockwood Kia
Oakville, Ont.
l President: Jay Lockwood
l Number of employees: 31
General Manager Michael
DeFreitas on lessons learned
about managing the dealership
during the pandemic and
inventory shortages: We have
learned that keeping our staff
engaged and motivated is key
to our success. As we navigate
through the pandemic
and harsh inventory shortages,
keeping our team focused
and finding new avenues of
revenue has made us resilient
to these circumstances.
At Eastgate Ford, events such as the annual staff-appreciation lunch and the
Tiger Cats Grey Cup rally bolster team-building efforts. SUPPLIED PHOTO
Eastgate Ford
Hamilton, Ont.
l Dealer principal: Lance Richter
l Dealership group: The Richter Group
l Number of employees: 86
Dealer principal Lance Richter on lessons
learned from managing the dealership
during the pandemic and inventory shortages:
I have learned the importance of
putting yourself in our employees shoes
and understanding the difficulties they
may be experiencing at work and more
importantly at home. If it is home care
for the children or if they do not have
a paycheque coming in due to the lack
of inventory. I needed to listen to each
of the concerns and do my best to assist
them on an individual basis.
Controller Bojan Tesanovic on the departments/positions
facing the biggest hiring/
retention challenges: I believe the service
department faces the biggest hiring/
retention challenges. Throughout the
entire automotive industry as a whole
it's becoming harder and harder to find
good, qualified technicians.
Tesanovic on the impact of digital retailing
on hiring and staffing: We are always
looking for talented individuals to join
our team who are able to constantly
adapt to changing industry dynamics.
DeFreitas on key factors
affecting staff turnover: We
don't see turnover often.
When we do it is often
employees who are looking
for career changes or who
are looking for growth in a
new position which we don't
have available. We offer
internal career coaching to
ensure each employee has the
right path to success in their
careers.
DeFreitas on steps taken
to improve employee retention:
Team dinners/events
and daily engagement are a
key factor. Just being a fair/
respectful employer to your
staff goes a long way in this
business.
Bruce Hyundai
New Minas, N.S.
l President: Justin Barker
l Dealership group: Bruce Automotive Group
l Number of employees: 29
Bruce Hyundai " celebrates " diversity, and encourages job applicants from groups
underrepresented in the auto industry, said Human Resources Manager Jennifer
Gregory. SUPPLIED PHOTO
General Manager Brittany Deveau on lessons
learned about being a better employer
amid the challenges of the pandemic and
inventory issues: That flexibility is key.
We need to be able to adjust as the needs
of our employees change; a more flexible
work schedule and empathy can go a long
way. With the inventory crisis, we had to
find new ways to incentivize employees.
Remembering that what got us here won't
necessarily take us there, and finding new
ways to maximize opportunities.
Keeping employees focused and finding new
avenues of revenue has made Lockwood Kia
" resilient " to challenges stemming from the
pandemic and inventory shortages, said General
Manager Michael DeFreitas, second from left.
SUPPLIED PHOTOS
Lockwood Kia offers " internal career coaching
to ensure each employee has the right path to
success in their careers, " said DeFreitas.
Human Resources Manager Jennifer
Gregory on how the recent emphasis
on diversity, equity and inclusion
has affected hiring and employment
practices: At Bruce Auto Group ...
we celebrate diversity and inclusivity,
respect each other and value our
unique experiences. We encourage
applications from all qualified candidates,
including Indigenous persons,
persons with a disability, racially visible
persons, women and persons of a
minority sexual orientation or gender
identity.
Deveau on how digital retailing has
influenced hiring and staffing: We
definitely need to lean toward those
who are well equipped to use a computer,
comfortable using video as a
means of communication and not
intimidated by a social media presence.
Automotive News Canada - October 2022

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