General manager Todd Janego wants all 185 full-time and part-time team members to take pride in what they’re doing at Manheim Lakeland.

“Our team members are proud of their auction and they ensure that everyone feels like family from the moment they walk through the doors,” Janego said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a dealer rep or an owner of 100 dealerships, we are going to make sure you feel like you belong to our family.”

That family atmosphere convenes each Wednesday afternoon as buyers consider vehicles that arrive at Manheim Lakeland at a pace of about 1,200 per week.

“Our clients enjoy coming to the auction week after week because they are treated with respect,” Janego said. “We work to build lasting relationships with each and every one of our clients. They can see the loyalty and dedication of our team.

“Most importantly, we have fun,” he continued. “When you have fun and enjoy what you do, that positivity overflows to the clients. That is the reputation we strive for every day.”

Meanwhile, it’s up to Janego to make sure that reputation doesn’t deteriorate.

“My goal is to cultivate a fun, engaged and energetic leadership team,” Janego said. “When the leadership team is engaged, it filters down to all the team members. 

“I keep morale up through open communication and ‘keeping it real.’ I share our goals, our successes and the areas of opportunity and growth with all team members,” he continued. “We encourage involvement at all levels and take pride in helping each other.”

The team at Manheim Lakeland now can take pride in another part of its business — this honor.

“This award exemplifies the pride we take in our employees while creating an engaging, supportive atmosphere for our employees and clients,” Janego said. “It’s all about our people and embracing their diversity. We couldn’t do it without them. 

“It’s an honor and privilege to be recognized in an industry that has so many great people and auctions across the country,” he went on to say.

View the complete list of honorees here.