“Listen.”
That’s the top advice Cathy Palochko, COO of Quantum5 and Esi-Q, shares about creating exceptional teams on the first episode of Dealer Driven, NADA’s new podcast focused on providing you actionable items to improve your dealership now.
“Your employees know what needs to be fixed in your business,” she explains. “Your employees have great ideas. Give them a forum to give you that information.”
In today’s evolving automotive landscape, attracting and retaining top talent is no longer just an HR function—it’s a strategic imperative. Among the topics Palochko discusses with podcast hosts and NADA educational leaders Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes are:
- The Profitability-Retention Link. Palochko draws a clear correlation between employee retention and dealership profitability. Employees who remain past critical milestones are more productive, translating to measurable financial gains.
- Winning the War for Talent
In a hyper-competitive job market, dealerships must redefine their employee value propositions. Younger generations are drawn to organizations for different reasons than previous generations. “The number one reason employees leave is the lack of a growth path,” Palochko says. “Dealerships need to invest in their people as much as they want their people to invest in them.” - Bridging Generational Gaps
With five generations currently influencing the automotive workforce, dealerships face a unique challenge in harmonizing diverse values and skills. Palochko offers three ways to bridge this divide. - Creating a Culture That Attracts Women
Diversity remains a critical opportunity for the industry. “A welcoming environment isn’t just about hiring women—it’s about ensuring they thrive,” she said. Can dealers and managers offer what Palochko says is needed to attract more women into the auto industry? - Looking Ahead
As technological advancements and evolving consumer expectations reshape the automotive sector, Palochko shares the greatest obstacle to “creating workplaces where employees and customers flourish alike.” And it’s not software or equipment; it’s something you need to change within yourself and your culture.
Discover Palochko’s instructions for dealerships ready to evolve and turn their workforce into a competitive advantage by listening to this episode of Dealer Driven now.
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