BEST DEALERSHIPS TO WORK FOR: Capitol Chevrolet-Cadillac of Salem

Abstract

Begun in 1927 by Douglas McKay, Capitol Chevrolet is now managed by his great grandsons, Matthew and Alex Casebeer. Because Capitol has been in the community for so many years, and is widely recognized for their excellent business environment, we have many families with multiple employees as well as father/son and mother/daughter teams.

Capitol Chevrolet-Cadillac of Salem

Salem, Ore.

-- Dealer: Scott Casebeer

-- Dealership group: Capitol Auto Group

-- Full-time employees: 115

-- 2015 new-vehicle sales: 907, up 19%

-- 2015 used-vehicle sales: 1,027, down 1.3%

-- Cool perk: Employees are paid for eight hours each year during which they can volunteer at any organization.

-- General Manager Bob Myers on how to keep employees' morale up when dealing with customers anxious about recalls: "We maintain morale through Daily Line Ups where employees have a place to express concerns or frustrations to their team. We communicate with them constantly on the status of the recall both nationally and locally so they feel well informed. We provide training on how to handle customer questions of all kinds, including all concerns they may have on recalls.

"Along with these efforts we offer appreciation through special luncheons and recognition programs -- both cash based and peer recognition based."

-- Mandy Romero, human resources manager, on second- and third-generation employees: "The dealership is in the fourth generation of family management. Begun in 1927 by Douglas McKay, Capitol Chevrolet is now managed by his great grandsons, Matthew and Alex Casebeer. Because Capitol has been in the community for so many years, and is widely recognized for their excellent business environment, we have many families with multiple employees as well as father/son and mother/daughter teams. At this time Capitol Chevrolet has 15 to 20 second and/or third generation employees."