It Starts with Happy Employees
Classic Chevrolet has it figured out. They have learned that having happy employees trickles down, resulting in better customer care and happier customers. “We take care of our employees and, in turn, they take care of our customers,” says Ray Aguilar, who handles community outreach for Classic Chevrolet.
Changes in Business Hours
“We care about our employees and their time off with their families,” says John Aldridge, Classic’s general sales manager. “We recently changed our business hours to close earlier, which allows our employees to get home to their families earlier. It also ensures our customers don’t get stuck in the dealership until midnight. They can be home in their new car in time for dinner.”
Classic Chevrolet now closes at 7PM Monday through Friday, and at 6PM on Saturdays. They are closed all day on Sundays.
Enhanced Management and Sales Training
“We are helping our employees get back to basics with our training programs, reminding them about friendly greetings and to learn the detailed needs and wants of their customers,” John explains. “We are also making sure our sales staff has the tools they need to be product experts by offering daily training, Monday through Friday. We want the transaction process to be as smooth and as quick as possible.”
Company Softball Tournament for Teambuilding
This summer, team members from all three Houston-area Classic dealerships came together to get to know each other through a little healthy rivalry at their first softball tournament.
Donna Daniel from HR was the scorekeeper and Controller Ulises Duran was the announcer for the tournament. “We had four teams who played all day in front of stands full of other employees and guests. People brought their families and even their dogs. It was a display of great sportsmanship,” Donna explains.
The tournament was so successful, Classic plans to do it again. But next time, they’ll choose fall or spring when the heat is more bearable. “We may even do a bowling or basketball tournament – something in the air conditioning!” Donna says.
Personal Healthcare Brought to the Dealership
“We brought in a mobile dental practice to conduct regular cleanings,” says Patty Werner from HR. “They set up private rooms. People who haven’t been to the dentist in years got their teeth cleaned. The clinic even worked with our insurance. They’re coming back in November to set up more six-month cleanings.”
They also have a visiting nurse with Memorial Hermann, who comes out twice a week to go over health topics specific to the employee to help them navigate their overall healthcare. “She’s an RN and runs everyone’s A1C, helps with organizing medications, finding specialists, and even helps set up appointments,” Patty explains.
“We also have employee appreciation lunches to show our team how important they are to having a successful business,” Ray explains. “Our owners, the Durant family, are dedicated to treating both employees and customers in such a way that makes us feel like one big family.”
“Our welcoming employees combined with an inventory of over 1,400 vehicles on property keeps bringing people back to Classic,” John says. “95% of the time we have exactly what customers are looking for. With our transparent transactions, customers can ‘Relax and Enjoy the Difference.’”
Classic Chevy Sugar Land
281-491-9000
13115 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478
www.classicchevysugarland.com
Classic Chevy
281-201-1040
8100 Highway 6 South, Houston, TX 77083
www.classicchevyhwy6.com
Classic Buick GMC
16835 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094
281-579-4300
www.classicelitebuickgmc.com
