Turning Health Costs Into Culture Wins with Keith Lemer

04/06/2025 9 min

Listen "Turning Health Costs Into Culture Wins with Keith Lemer"

Episode Synopsis

In this Session from ASOTU CON 2025, Zac Kinch sits down with Keith Lemer, CEO of WellNet, to explore how reframing healthcare costs can directly enhance company culture. Keith shares real-world examples of transforming healthcare from a dreaded budget line item into a powerful recruitment and retention tool—turning dollars into deeper employee engagement. From guiding employees toward smarter healthcare decisions to implementing innovative savings strategies, Keith illustrates how dealers can take control of one of their largest operating expenses.The conversation unpacks how companies like Carter Myers Automotive are using healthcare savings to reinvest in their people, even waiving employee premiums. Keith challenges the belief that the healthcare system is broken and instead calls out who it's truly working for. This episode is a must-listen for dealers and business leaders who are ready to connect the dots between culture, cost control, and employee well-being.Learn more about SpaceAuto at https://space.auto/Timestamped Takeaways:0:00 Intro0:43 Healthcare is a cultural glue for organizations1:33 The system works—for those who profit from it2:16 Same procedure, wildly different costs across locations3:24 Creative healthcare strategies save businesses millions4:40 Real case: $3,000 back in employees’ pockets5:08 Culture wins: referrals, retention, and fewer sick days8:09 Healthcare with Ritz-Carlton level service

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