Simply put, Manheim St. Louis general manager Victor Ferlaino believes his auction has “the most genuine, caring and talented team in the St. Louis area.”
The team about which he speaks so glowingly consists of 130 full-time and 185 part-time employees who help register close to 2,000 cars per week.
“Our team makes Manheim St. Louis a great place to work,” Ferlaino continued. “They utilize the Manheim values each and every day, creating a positive experience for clients and team members. I know how wonderful our team is, and this recognition is well-deserved,” he said of being named a top auction.
Safety is Ferlaino’s No. 1 priority as a manager.
“The goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable place to work where our team members can feel good about the services they provide for our clients,” he said.
After ensuring his employees’ safety, Ferlaino cited the importance of morale-boosting.
“We host several team member events every year, such as our own ‘Department Olympics,’ an interactive way to engage our team members,” he said. “We also engage in more than a dozen community-facing charitable efforts throughout the year. We hold monthly all-team member meetings to share information to keep communication open.”
As far as how a positive work environment impacts the company’s bottom line, Ferlaino said the formula is simple.
“Teams who enjoy what they do drive results. Creating relationships with clients and therefore creating return customers is a strength on our team.”
View the complete list of honorees here.
Roger Fields, general manager of Dealers Auto Auction of Huntsville, cites a solid rule of thumb when talking about management priority No. 1.
“Always treat others the way you want to be treated and never make a promise that you can’t follow through with, and (I) never ask someone to do something that I myself would not do,” he said.
A similar leadership spirit can be found when Fields shares what makes his auction stand out in terms of being a good place to work.
“Working for a great man, David Andrews, who genuinely cares about each and every employee,” Fields said, referring to the auction’s owner. “He listens to each individual’s concerns and makes it a point to know everyone’s name, birthday and wedding anniversary. If it is special to us, it is special to him as well.”
And keeping a positive workplace can certainly be beneficial, Fields said: “Having a positive attitude just sparks everyone around you. Smiles promote smiles. A happy employee makes a happy customer; in turn, it keeps them coming back. A person’s attitude drives their work behavior; positive people tend to work more efficiently and faster.”
So how does the auction keep morale high? Things like bonuses, taking drivers out for breakfast and employee parties certainly help. But lending an ear might be even more crucial.
“The most important thing I think I do as a manager is listen to each employee, as I was taught by my boss, owner and friend, David Andrews. You can always get employees, but to get great employees something has to be right,” Fields said. “I am a very blessed person who has the honor of being their leader. This team is confident, work on their own, and push themselves to be the best. At Dealer’s Auto Auction of Huntsville, the main reason for our success, each individual treats their job as if that job was their own company. “
View the complete list of honorees here.
One of the ways that Greenville Auto Auction stands out as a great place to work, says general manager Billy Willis, is that the owners are deeply involved.
“They are hands-on every week, not just regarding business, but caring for personal needs of our team,” Willis said. “Each individual team member feels a worth due to them being involved in decisions on a daily basis. Our relationships with our teammates reaches into the home.”
And the positive working environment starts with the auction’s mission.
“Our mission statement encourages a positive and enjoyable workplace environment. The culture you create at the workplace will naturally flow over into the bottom line. Our culture should positively impact the customers’ lives,” Willis said. “The GAA team is encouraged to serve and look for opportunities to serve. Serving gets your mind on the mission and the team.”
Willis also shared several ways Greenville Auto Auction works to keep morale high.
“We encourage all of our managers to look for ways to serve our own teammates. When you see an opportunity, take the time or resources and do it,” he said. “We encourage personal handwritten notes, a gift card for them to go out to eat, or even a 3:30 ice cream break every day for our detail team.
“Always take the time to just listen. We are big on short meetings and this has helped us keep our team excited,” he said. “We try to listen, take notes and then get it done. Sometimes it takes a manager jumping in the ‘fox hole’ with another team mate to make it happen.”
View the complete list of honorees here.
Jeff York, general manager at ADESA Sarasota, pointed out four methods for boosting morale on his team.
First on the list was communication.
“We try to set clear expectations and to engage with everyone,” he said.
York also strives to be accessible and approachable, saying that he has “an open-door policy with no exceptions.”
The two other ways? Recognizing folks for a job well done and having fun.
“The entire staff is regularly reminded of how important they are to the team … The No. 1 boost is to keep things light and fun,” he said.
And that likely plays into the outlook of his employees, which can be crucial to the bottom line.
“Positive mental attitude always impacts the bottom line. Employees with a positive attitude deliver great customer service, and great service keeps our customers coming back. People want to do business where they enjoy the people helping them and where they feel special,” York said.
“Our team truly enjoys helping our customers and making sure our buyers and sellers are recognized from the time they arrive to the time they leave.”
When asked to name priority No. 1 in managing his team, York said: “Getting it right — processes, customer service, being nice — they’re all important! We don’t always get it right but even when we don’t we let our customers know in advance.”
View the complete list of honorees here.
Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction is working on a streak that’s about seven years old. Managing partner John Poteet explained what the operation’s successful run means for all employees — from the part-time driver who maneuvers vehicles down the lanes of the Hammond, La., auction to the general manager and other top leaders.
“We want our team members to feel like we are a family with common goals and objectives,” Poteet said. “Our crew spends a lot of time living our vision, mission and values and applying those concepts to provide the best experience for our customers as well as our employees. We are constantly ensuring that employees feel a sense of empowerment and their ideas and suggestions are valuable.
“We hold quarterly all-employee meetings and share financial results, upcoming events and spend a lot of time encouraging team members to talk about other team members going above and beyond in their day-to-day activities,” he continued. “We also pay quarterly bonuses to all employees, part-time as well as full-time, each time we are profitable. We have paid bonuses for 27 consecutive quarters.”
While financial compensation is a critical component in solidifying why Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction believes “a happy employee is a good employee,” Poteet emphasized the quality professionals the operation has, as well.
“Our motto is outstanding service begins with outstanding people,” Poteet said. “We strive to hire the best people possible and give them the tools they need to do their jobs.
“Two questions that I want my managers to continually ask their employees are, ‘How can I help you do your job?’ and ‘What do you think we should do?’ When employees feel that they have input into the way things are done, they feel valued and take on ownership of their customers. This, in turn, is reflected in happy customers, which makes us more profitable,” Poteet went on to say.
Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction welcomes bidders each Tuesday when more than 700 vehicles typically go up on the block from a variety of commercial and dealer consignors. Keeping the business running efficiently begins with communication, according to Poteet. Making sure “all departments are on the same page” is crucial, as is keeping a positive attitude when challenges arise.
“I believe that attitude is the most important element in the success of any organization,” Poteet said. “Lou Holtz said, ‘Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.’ I try to emphasize the positive aspect of every situation and maintain a positive, never-give-up attitude.
“My managers are taught to highlight what we do better than anyone else and instill that positive approach to our market whenever possible. I believe strongly that the attitude of the leaders of the organization are reflected by the entire organization,” Poteet went on to say.
View the complete list of honorees here.
Manheim Central Florida general manager Butch Herdegen likely isn’t lollygagging around the auction facility since he’s trying to lead a team that numbers 178 full-time and part-time employees.
“My motto is speed of the boss equals speed of the crew,” Herdegen said. “I make a point to lead by example and work side-by-side with my teams to understand each of their perspectives. We are all in this together and that every person plays a critical part in the process.”
That process includes registering 4,000 vehicles each week. Manheim Central Florida hosts its regular sales on Wednesday mornings.
“My management priority is to build trust and get the buy-in from every member of the team,” Herdegen said.
“We have a culture that embraces diversity and promotes a team environment where everybody strives to be the best they can be. The team knows that they are completely supported by location leadership,” he continued.
When learning about this accolade, Herdegen quickly referenced back to the team Manheim has at its Orlando, Fla., operation.
“Our team is the No. 1 priority at Central Florida, and it is them who make a difference,” Herdegen said. “We work hard for our clients, give back to our community, and leverage every team member to get the job done. This recognition reaffirms we enjoy what we do every day.
“When our team members are happy and engaged, they are more dedicated to serving our clients, which results in a loyal following,” he continued. “Happy people are productive people, which equates to successful results. The positive attitudes of our team members make doing business fun for our clients.”
View the complete list of honorees here.
More than 200 professionals compose the full-time and part-time staff at Manheim Darlington. Some members began their automotive careers at the South Carolina auction and remain there now.
“What stands out most is our tenured staff,” general manager Danny Brawn said. “We have several team members who have worked for our auction 30, 40 and 50 years. For many, this was their first and only place of employment and they want to retire here.
“Having such a loyal, tenured staff speaks to why Manheim Darlington is a great place to work,” Brawn continued.
With so many staff members being seasoned veterans, Brawn described some of the unique activities that happen at Manheim Darlington besides registering 1,300 vehicles each week for regular sales that happen on Thursdays.
“For me, it’s all about making our team members at Manheim Darlington feel special and recognizing that they are all equally important to the big picture,” Brawn said. “We couldn’t do what we do without every single person we have on staff.
“Simple things like recognizing them for going above and beyond, hosting all-employee luncheons, sending them birthday cards and promoting an ‘employee of the quarter’ program make a big difference,” he added.
And keeping all of those people safe as hundreds of vehicles go down the lanes is the No. 1 priority at Manheim Darlington. It creates a ripple effect.
“Having a positive, enjoyable work environment impacts the bottom line in so many ways,” Brawn said. “If your team members are engaged and having fun, they will take better care of our clients, and the clients will take care of our bottom line.
“Treating our team members like adults by sharing information with them, listening to them, acting on their ideas and giving them autonomy, while holding them accountable, makes our location a positive place to work,” he went on to say.
And as far as claiming this honor, Brawn added, “I’m blessed to work with a team that takes so much pride in the job they do and serving our clients. That hard work creates an environment that is unparalleled.
“This recognition highlights the pride that our team takes in creating a positive workplace,” he continued.
View the complete list of honorees here.
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.
At Manheim Nashville, general manager Sam Chaple credits the synergy among his employees with making the auction a great place to work.
“Our team members work well with each other and make the extra effort to help each other for the good of the entire team,” Chaple said.
Not only that, but they’re “engaged in the business and have the desire to create a great work environment. The team takes pride in the work that they do and the service that they provide to our clients. We work very hard, but we also make time to have fun and spend time getting to know each other.”
In Chaple’s view, investing in employees pays dividends.
“If you invest in your team members, they are going to invest in the company and buy into what we are trying to accomplish,” Chaple said. “If employees are recognized for the work they do and they feel appreciated, they will give you their best efforts.”
Chaple says his priority as a manager of the facility, which registers 4,800 vehicles per week, is to give everyone the chance to make an impact, and to give everyone the chance to learn and grow their skills.
“I give them the leeway to make decisions and the space to make mistakes and learn from them. Every team member should be encouraged to create stretch goals, individual development plans and be given the opportunity to take the time to learn new things.”
And when it comes to boosting morale among his nearly 600 team members, Chaple said it’s all about making folks feel valued.
“We make sure we tell everyone how much we appreciate them and how important every team member’s role is in our success,” he said. “We also provide opportunities to have fun at work.”
View the complete list of honorees here.
At the moment, the top priority at DAA Seattle is finding space to park all of the cars arriving at the auction.
“That is a short-term focus though,” said Brian McConkey, the auction’s human resources manager.
“Under normal circumstances the top priority is developing leaders,” he said. “We are constantly identifying future leaders and molding our team to lead others from a place of love and dedication rather than power and control. That is at the center of everything we do.”
Besides the aforementioned parking challenge caused by the supply boost, more cars and more clients create addition hurdles for the auction. But DAA Seattle has been able maneuver with a bit of extra effort and teamwork, McConkey said.
“Things at DAA Seattle have been a bit hectic lately. We’ve added a number of large accounts lately and we’re hiring as fast as we can right now to stay ahead of the current workload. That means a lot of our people have been working longer hours than they’re used to and are being asked to take on extra responsibilities that they haven’t done before,” he said.
“Our team has responded amazingly well and we are so proud of everyone here. It certainly hasn’t been easy — you can ask anyone that works here — but everyone has some ownership in what is going on here and there is a tremendous sense of pride throughout the entire team that we are doing something special here,” McConkey continued. “There is a sense that all of the extra work we’re putting in right now will pay off. All that is left for us to do is give people autonomy and let them take pride in their work.
“We constantly encourage and thank our staff and we try to learn from people at all levels of our team by working alongside them and taking interest in what they’re doing. We pay attention to people who are putting in the extra work and reward them for it and publicly recognize them for their outstanding effort. The last thing is encouraging everyone to do these same things with each other,” he said.
Going back to McConkey’s points on leadership and leadership development, that’s part of what makes DAA Seattle unique, he said.
“DAA Seattle stands out as a great place to work because we have great people that work here. It starts at the foundation and leadership of course, but it is throughout every part of the company. When our leaders are committed to treating people right, both employees and customers, those habits and behaviors spread and create a new normal for what a workplace looks like,” he said.
“Normal is now treating everyone respect, working hard for each other, making time to have fun and laugh with each other, and encouraging relationships across departments and management levels. We have lots of policies and benefits and things that are great, but the real reason DAA Seattle is a great place to work is because we have been lucky enough to hire a lot of great people who are committed to loving each other every day,” McConkey said.
View the complete list of honorees here.
