Clocking In

Though the company is a mere 15 years old, Cobalt Groups
progressive outlook helping auto dealerships do business online has not only carved
out a business model for itself but also forged a company culture, too.

In-house, the company, led by CEO John Holt, partners with
HealthyRoads, a wellness program that offers Cobalt employees reduced health
care premiums and access to health and fitness activities. Employees are
encouraged to look into available biometrics testing and personal coaching
services, and to create their own fitness and nutrition plans.

The company believes a healthy family and home life is
directly linked to a healthy work life. To that end, Cobalt provides flexible
leave time for new parents, hosts companywide outings for team building and
interaction outside the office (family members are invited), and full-time
employees are eligible for free transit passes. Employees are eligible for
discounts on cars, and theres a valet program where a representative from a
dealership will zip over to Cobalt to pick up an employees car, service it and
then return it before the end of the day.

Holt also launched an award program for employees who have
worked at the company for more than five years, in which they get their choice
of five gadgets. One employee recently passed the five-year mark and chose a
new Nintendo Wii game console. Its those little things that illustrate how the
company values loyalty, and which have employees continually clocking in.

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