CARY, N.C. -

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.