Top workplaces, midsize: 3. Heinrich Auto Group

Working as a team and having owners and employees who care about each other has solidified Heinrich Auto Group as one of the best companies to work for in Las Vegas.

The company, which includes Fairway Chevrolet, Henderson Chevrolet, Fairway Buick GMC and Pahrump Valley Auto Plaza, ranked No. 3 among midsize companies as a top place to work. The auto group owned by Greg Heinrich jumped up one spot from the 2013 ranking.

Employees say having a family-owned business rather than a corporate-owned company eliminates the multiple layers of management and allows it to be responsive.

Operations Manager Bill Wells credits the company culture, which is known as being family-oriented and one where everyone pitches in and helps.

“We have an ownership that cares about its employees,” Wells says. “There is a continual process of improvement. They have a desire to make things better. They listen to employees. They get us unified and celebrate good acts. They recognize not only what they do for customers but for fellow employees.”

The group has a HERO program in which employees are rewarded monthly and quarterly for their contributions to the company with prizes, including a two-day trip to Disneyland for quarterly winners.

“It comes from the top down,” Wells says. “We are treated fairly. There are some things more important than money. There isn’t heavy-handedness. People feel their voices are heard. We spend more hours at work than we do home awake. It’s nice to go to a place where you feel comfortable and feel you can progress.”

That is echoed in surveys completed by employees.

One employee says they worked for several dealer networks in Las Vegas and never planned to work for another until talking with employees at Heinrich Auto Group.

“We work as a team to get things done,” one employee says. “It’s a positive work environment, and there’s always someone around to help you if needed or make you feel better on a tough day.”

Another says they are challenged every day, and it’s satisfying knowing the job is important and what they do matters not only to the group but also the wallets of everyone who works there.

“It makes me feel good to know that the hard work and dedication I put into my job really has impact, and I find that responsibility very motivating,” one says.

Employees say they enjoy working at a place where they feel appreciated.

“I very much still enjoy what I do,” one says. “I love taking care of customers, and have developed many friends throughout my years in this business. I work with a great group of employees.”

Wells says a new focus within the company is improving the hiring experience by integrating new employees at the start. They are introduced to the team they are working with, then they meet other employees and are familiarized with the family-oriented culture.

“I believe having the right people in the environment where everybody cares about each other is what works,” Wells says. “We spend so much time at work, and we have stress and anxiety and pressure. You have to feel someone has your back if you make a mistake. It’s a delight to work for a company like that. If companies look for people who care about people and integrate that into the culture, over time it will make a huge difference.”