consultant

detailer

journeyperson

driver

lot attendant

The Driving Force Group of Companies

This company used to be amazing. I left the first time because I moved across country and was not able to stay. There were the company that I worried I would never find another one to work for that was as good as they were. They used to care about their employees and do trips to Banff and fun day like cake on the first day of the month to celebrate birthdays, lots of BBQ’s and potlucks. It was the kind of stuff that made coming to work so much fun and made you feel like the company appreciate their employees. Unfortunately things have change in 5 years. They took all the fun appreciation stuff away, now you are overworked, under paid and left feeling burnt out.  They expect you to go above and beyond for their customers but don’t treat their employees very well, I gave a months notice both times. The first time I worked it completely until the end. This time I was let go after a week and was told they always let people go after a week when they give their notice because employees disengage after they give their notice. When I talked to HR I was told they can let me go if they don’t need me anymore, which they did still need me. It was month end and I was helping train two people to replace me. I also know my manager had put in a request to hire another person for our team because she knew we were getting burnt out, someone above her in upper management cancelled the request. But upper management was quick to want to add more to our plates. They don’t care about the mental health of their employees. Most of the employees their are constantly looking for new jobs. The stress is not worth the pay or feeling unappreciated for the amount of work you do. I hope they can turn it around, it used to be amazing!

In my experience, this is a decent place to start out and learn the basics; however, wages, opportunities for advancement, and—depending on the location—management quality can be limited.

It may be a suitable environment for a young adult or someone new to the industry, but in my view there is little to no long-term growth. Raises seem infrequent, even when requested, and job security can sometimes feel uncertain. The workplace culture can give the impression that roles are easily replaceable, which contribute to a very high turnover rate. 

There also appears to be a large divide between frontline staff and corporate leadership. While the company promotes a positive public image, there seems to be deep internal issues that sometimes may or may not be apparent to customers or visitors but are commonly discussed among staff as well as third party company venders.

Overall, this company may work well as a short-term opportunity, particularly compared to other entry-level positions; however, for those seeking a long-term career, it may be worth considering the larger and more structured rental companies or more structured dealership/office environments. 

Some branches are very positive places to work, while others are lacking with their managers who are in place. 

There is room for advancement and growth, however, there isn't always the best person in charge of new and upcoming branches. 

Job responsibilities are not properly divided, causing confusion amongst staff. 

It is often felt that many of the managers take the majority of credit and do not properly deliver praise to their employees. 

New employees are sometimes trusted/given more than existing/faithful ones. 

Great health benefits plan. Rate of pay is good for starting and entry positions, however, they are often not always fair for the workload they place on senior workers.

There's no problem overloading employees who are experienced but they're not giving the proper rate of pay or the respect they deserve which is very disheartening for a longer term employee. 

There is often the "too many cooks n the kitchen" scenario playing out with day to day business which makes it very frustrating for individual branches to run. The head office branches are often interjecting with their "assistance" when it is not required.

The Driving Force is very big on integrity. Unfortunately it's the number one thing they are lacking. They bring you in with promises of a future, promises of growth, only for you to find yourself continuously asking your managers, when is this going to happen? The job itself is great. My customers were amazing and I looked forward to going to work every day. So it was very disheartening to see the downfall of the locations I worked at. Letting people go without cause. Refusing to give long time employees deserving raises. Demoting employees for no reason. Forcing employees to work for 3 hours from the hours of 6am-9am ALONE while the office was open to the public.
Supervisors and managers love to gossip, but will also slap your wrists if you bring anything negative to their attention. You'll simply be told to "be the bigger person" regardless of what the situation is. 
This company goes through employees like crazy. And there's a reason for it. 
Oh, they have really really good benefits though.

When I first began with the company, it was a really great place to work.  The people were wonderful and I've come away with some great friends.  Much of what I've learned about the vehicle industry has come from Driving Force.  My direct manager was very knowledgeable about everything from cars to big trucks.  The hardest part of the job is that they are very much tied in with the oil and gas sector.  With that industry being in the toilet right now, not a ton of business is coming through the doors.  Much of my clients were in oil and gas too, so the pay cheques have steadily been getting smaller over the last 12-14 months.  The part I enjoyed most about the job was the people.  The ones in the trenches right along side you.  As for upper management, they have a lot to be desired.  The company is not what it used to be.  All they care about is their bottom line and as a 'worker', that's all you are to them.  You're just another cog in the machine.  Very unfortunate, because they had a lot going for them.

To many staff trying to be managers when they are just rental agents, nepotism rampant and anyone not related is meant to feel they aren't worthy of job they earned on their own merits.

  Management isn't fair to expecting people with families to work overtime at the last minute when managers know these people have family commitments that need time to be adjusted.

  Driving the new cars, trucks, and vans daily is a nice benefit to working at DF.  Making people pay into the monthly meal program when they don't participate in eating, or drinking at these functions isn't fair but what's worse is the cheques are deducted automatically and no choice is given.  Also want to be managers mailing paystubs of employees because they don't like seeing them left behind punch cards.

I worked here as a detailer for a short period and I had to take time off for a trip that was booked before I got hired as a detailer. I triple checked with the company to make sure that it would still be ok for the time I needed off and every time they said it would be fine and that they understand people have lives outside of work and I was never late and always did my job. Next thing I know I show up for work one day and get fired because of "scheduling" issues even though they said it could be worked around. This company does not hold up their end and they are not true to their word. And I got let go by a manager I had never even met before in this company. Would not recommend working for them, management is a joke.

Every day is a new adventure with lots of projects on the go and tasks to complete. This is an environment for self-starters which celebrates their achievements and gives back to the surrounding communities. Management is always available to troubleshoot a challenge and everyone is really supportive and encouraging of one another. 

The hardest part of the job is that it isn't always clear what a solution will be, so don't expect an easy answer to many problems.

I enjoyed every Monday morning meeting where we talked about our goals and accomplishments. I found that starting the week off by encouraging each other was very productive. Also, this was an opportunity to make your team aware of deadlines and tasks, which is great for support as well.
Most days consisted of revamping or creating staff protocols for all tasks in every department, such a shipping, for example. Having these protocols updated in all areas ensured consistency of service throughout the company.
On occasion, I would attend meetings at other locations to gain insight into the regular processes of other departments.
Overall, I enjoyed working at Driving Force very much.

I am over 50 and I have had a lot of different jobs, in a lot of different fields, and this is by far the best job I have ever had.   It can be hectic at times, but everybody helps each other. We work as a team from entry level employees to upper management. The company takes pride in its employees and has a very diverse culture.  Everyone is happy and easy-going company wide. If there are any problems, they are dealt with quickly and efficiently. I am proud to work with such an amazing group of people. 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Consultant 42 salaries reported	$19.55 per hour
Detailer 54 salaries reported	$18.44 per hour
Journeyperson 91 salaries reported	$47.23 per hour
Driver 24 salaries reported	$17.74 per hour
Lot attendant 10 salaries reported	$18.65 per hour

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