When I finally left, they were offering managers double to triple their salary to stay on because everyone was bouncing to work as leadership for competitors that were popping up and paying way more.

It sucks when you work for a company that doesn't look for excellence. Granted when economies are down, it is hard to take risks on growth. Knowing the economy will eventually rebound, many owners just ride out the bad times & do their best to keep afloat until they can give better incentives for chance.

That said, too many get afraid & don't find ways to appreciate their best employees for little to no added monetary cost during those hard time. If they would, it helps with the morale & loyalty.