Zeigler Auto Group Achieves an Impressive 7th Year as One of the Nation's Best Workplaces

Celebrating Culture: Zeigler Auto Group's Remarkable Achievement

Zeigler Auto Group has once again set the standard in workplace excellence, earning its seventh consecutive National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® Award. This prestigious recognition, bestowed by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR), highlights its commitment to nurturing an exceptional work environment and prioritizing employee contentment.

Founded in 1975, Zeigler Auto Group has become one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the United States. With an impressive 88 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, their dedication to both customer service and employee satisfaction has firmly positioned them in the automotive industry.

The significance of receiving the Best and Brightest award lies in its rigorous evaluation process. Independent research firms assess key categories, including communication strategies, employee development, work-life balance, and overall company performance. This thorough examination ensures that only the most outstanding organizations receive recognition.

To emphasize the importance of their team members, Aaron Zeigler, the president of Zeigler Auto Group, stated, "This award embodies our D.R.I.V.E. mission statement in the best way." The D.R.I.V.E. stands for Develop, Reputation, Integrity, Vision, and Execution—tenets that guide the company in empowering its workforce to thrive.

Mike Van Ryn, the VP of talent development, attributes this award to the passion and commitment displayed by every team member at Zeigler. "Our teams’ D.R.I.V.E. and dedication are the reason we continue to earn accolades like this," he noted, highlighting the interconnectedness between a motivated workforce and company success.

In addition to the national achievement, Zeigler Auto Group has consistently excelled in regional markets, boasting a remarkable 19 consecutive Best and Brightest awards in West Michigan since 2007, along with 12 wins in the Chicago market and four consecutive wins in Milwaukee since 2022. These accolades emphasize the organization’s pervasive influence and commitment to high standards across all locations.

Moreover, Zeigler Auto Group's excellence is recognized beyond the Best and Brightest Awards. In both 2023 and 2024, they earned a spot among Glassdoor's 100 Best Places to Work in the U.S., and they ranked highly in terms of work-life balance. This speaks volumes about how the organization values employee well-being, especially highlighted during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, where they were rated the 14th highest-rated company nationwide for work-life balance.

The Zeigler Auto Group not only represents a wide array of vehicle brands, including domestic and numerous imported manufacturers, but they also own and operate Zeigler Motorsports—an expansive dealership featuring diverse powersports brands, and even a restaurant, Trak Houz Bar & Grill. The organization also hosts the Elevate Leadership Team Building Academy, demonstrating their comprehensive approach to both business and employee development.

An influential family-owned enterprise, Zeigler Auto Group employs more than 2,500 individuals and is estimated to generate an impressive $2.2 billion in annual sales for 2024. Their long-standing commitment to employee satisfaction shines through their numerous accolades and continued recognition within the automotive sector.

In a statement from Jennifer Kluge, president and CEO of NABR, she applauded companies like Zeigler, noting, "By placing employees at the center of their strategy, they've gained a true competitive edge." This sentiment rings true for Zeigler Auto Group as they pave the way not only within their industry but also as a model for others aspiring to foster a thriving workplace culture.

As we look ahead, Zeigler Auto Group's future appears bright, driven by their mission to support and empower their workforce while also addressing the ever-evolving dynamics of the automotive industry. Their recognition serves as a reminder of the impact that a positive workplace culture can have on both employees and business outcomes.

Stay tuned as all national winners will soon be celebrated in the online editions of prominent publications, including Corp! Magazine and The Wall Street Journal, and during the Best and Brightest National Summit—an assembly of top organizational leaders dedicated to sharing best practices and insights into fostering innovative workplaces.