CARY, N.C. -

Keep an open door and be upfront. That’s crucial for management in communications at an auction.

“Priority No. 1? I don't think anything is more important than communication both on a one-on-one and cross-departmental basis,” said Stephanie Gingras, general manager at Dealers Auto Auction of the Southwest.

“Never has an employee not been able to walk into my office or Jim’s and ask a question about anything,” she said, referring to Jim DesRochers, the auction’s vice president. “You might not like our answers all the time, but we will be 100 percent upfront with you.”

That’s part of what it takes to have a healthy and positive workplace environment, which helps the bottom line for sure.

“We are a customer service oriented business, competing with the industry’s largest competitors. If our employees aren’t happy, our customers know and they have lots of options,” Gingras said.  “When our employees are having fun and proud of where they work, then they make it enjoyable for our customers.”

When asked what makes the auction stand out in terms of being a great place to work, Gingras said: “I guess we don't even look at it as ‘standing out.’  We are a tight-knit, cross-trained group and we realize that what affects each person professionally and personally affects us all. Treat each other fairly and understand each other’s wants and needs, and in the end, it seems to (be) the right thing.”

Part of the equation is keeping morale strong. So how does Dealers Auto Auction of the Southwest do it?

“I have been truly affected by my three adult children and listening about their workdays and their managers,” Gingras said. “They make me reflect on what the next generation’s expectations are.

“And like old guy Jim with 30 years in that industry, trying to figure out my generation,” she joked, adding, “morale is a function of equal treatment; recognition of personal successes and events like birthdays, weddings, births; and being there for your staff when either a professional or personal crisis occurs.”

 

View the complete list of honorees here.