CARY, N.C. -

The wholesaling of vehicles certainly is a serious business at Manheim Fredericksburg. The facility registers 2,700 vehicles per week and hosts regular sales on Thursday mornings.

But as serious as general manager Craig Amelung wants the staff of 243 full-time and part-time team members to take auction chores, the leader at Manheim Fredericksburg tries to bring a balance to the situation, too.

“We stress the importance of finding the balance between working hard and having fun,” Amelung said. “Month after month, the team continues to grow closer together and collectively commit to helping each other. We also have an action team that is helping drive both employee engagement, as well as community service initiatives.

“I tell my team, ‘Don’t take yourselves too seriously.’ I want my team to know that it’s OK to laugh at yourself and that each leader at the auction is here to support them regardless of what department they work in,” he continued.

“I make sure that the team has my complete support. We use all of our decision making (good and bad) as a learning opportunity to help make us better. The freedom the team has to make a decision and know that their decision will be supported is a top priority for me,” Amelung went on to say.

So if Manheim Fredericksburg can have fun, what does it mean for the dealers and consignors who use the facility?

“If we provide an environment where our team enjoys coming to work and feel free to have fun while they are working, it translates to how we interact with our clients,” Amelung said. “Our customers continue to provide positive feedback that they see this difference in our team.”

Whatever way Manheim Fredericksburg is finding that balance of efficiency and fun, it’s certainly working now with this award to its credit.

“This honor validates all of the effort and hard work that this team has put forth to raise the level of service, not only to our external clients but also to one another,” Amelung said. “I am proud to lead such a great group of individuals who understand the importance of not letting your fellow team member fail.”

View the complete list of honorees here.