CARY, N.C. -

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.

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