Home Office - Terrible Experience and Disappointing Corporate Culture - Executive CarMax Employee Review

1.0
Feb 27, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The only "pro" is the paycheck.

Cons

CarMax's Home Office is an awful environment. The majority of associates are backstabbing and petty. The space is in desperate need of refreshing (your carpet is disgusting), but the company cannot afford to update the office, which is sad and a significant indicator of cash flows issues. The overall HR policy and approach are archaic and non-relevant to today's standards. The average competency level for most associates is devastatingly low; "job skills" are stagnant because folks are neither permitted nor encouraged to move around and develop new strengths or perspectives. Frankly, I personally feel bad for anyone who is stuck at CarMax; most associates feel just that way - "stuck". In reality, almost everyone there would jump at the chance to join another company. The only "happy" associates are the lifers without valuable skill sets who continue to perpetuate the uniquely-terrible corporate culture that has been allowed to take hold and spread throughout the rotting building.

Explore other reviews about CarMax

5.0
May 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You are your own boss

Cons

Slow days can be demotivating.

4.0
Jun 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The perks of working at CarMax are quite extensive. Associates are offered an aggressive 401k program, Stock Purchasing Plan, in store discounts on sales and service, access to the CarMax Wholesale system, excellent healthcare, plenty of PTO, and at my location we are given as much OT as we want. My coworkers are generally good people, that I enjoy being able to work along side day in and day out. Management is very understanding in regards to calling out sick family emergencies, and schedule requests.

Cons

Despite doing the work of 5 people, and very politely asking for a raise management will not give me more than my 3% annual raise which is the single biggest let down. The bonus change of 2025 being labeled as "exciting" was straight corporate gaslighting unlike anything I've ever seen. Since the start of 2026, as of this review being written we have lost 7 associates largely due to pay, and I am soon to join those associates. Management from the store level up to corporate needs to understand that to retain their top performers they need to be compensated like a top performer. Some members of management are cliquey and moody which is very frustrating to deal with. Quality of Management varies wildly from store to store as well

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