The thriving auto group is also synonymous in the region for giving back to the community. “That’s a huge part of our success with employees and also customers. Our largest impact is with Make A Wish North Carolina. We are their largest corporate sponsor in the state donating over $250k every year which grants local wishes within a few miles of every one of our dealerships across North Carolina,” Ronnie Lumley, Corporate Director of Parts describes. “We’re a family—on good days and hard days,” he adds. “There’s not a lot of ego here. Our creed is simple: employee and customer satisfaction. Everything else follows.” That culture starts with owner Tim Michael, whose name comes up in every story—quietly, persistently. “He makes sure we stay humble and true,” Ronnie adds.“Our company has a soul, and that soul is Tim.” THE OPERATIONAL PICTURE Capital Auto Group is one of the Southeast’s most established auto retailers, with flagship operations like Capital Ford Raleigh which was the group’s first store, purchased in 1985 when owner, Tim Michael was 25 years old. Capital Auto Group now has a growing footprint across North Carolina.The service department at Capital Ford alone tops 100 people; the overall dealership runs about 375–400 employees, and the broader group accounts for over 2,000 dedicated employees. Although Capital Auto Group boasts a large and loyal employee base, it is the time that some of its employees have given to the thriving organization that tells the story. Michael notes that across the group, 89 employees have more than 20 years of service, 105 have 10–15 years, and 230 have 6–10 years. At Capital Ford Raleigh specifically, 55 people have 20+ years with the dealership, he elaborates. Several leaders on today’s team have been here three and four decades. One laughs that he’s been asked when he’ll retire.“What will I do tomorrow?” Michael jokes. “I can’t fish every day.” 27 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 11 CAPITAL AUTO GROUP
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