There are many experiences that I have encountered the last 18 years in the automotive industry.  Starting in the sales department as a certified General Motors sales associate I was consistently amongst the top 3 representatives in volume, gross, and customer service. Out of an average of 35 sales representatives I placed salesperson of the month multiple times. I was promoted from sales to assistant used car manager at a high volume dealership. I learned to appraise, price and market pre-owned vehicles.  I met with outside vendors to make advertising decisions for the department.

 

Transferring over to Locklear Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in 2003, I became used car director of two locations and I was immediately able to implement processes that I learned at a higher volume store. I became very involved with customer interaction and develop the skills of the sales staff for continued increase in used car sales. Meetings were held daily to discuss previously worked deals and inventory that was recently acquired at both locations.  I met with the service manager daily to inquire on recon of pre-owned vehicles, and parts that were on back order. Retail sales increased over the first 12 months by 40% between both locations.  During this time I learned that a strong process and consistency was critical to the success of the department.

 

In 2005, I was promoted to new car manager and continue to assist in the used car department. I further develop my skills of working deals, developing relationships with financial institutions and processing paper work in the finance department.  I attended Joe Verde Automotive Sales & Management training in Texas, became Chrysler certified new car manager, started to attend annual NADA conventions, and NADA 20 group meetings.  I also maintain a fully certified FCA sales and service staff.  In 2007, the general sales manager quit without notice, without hesitation I assumed the role quickly pulling my team together. Goals and expectations were set immediately for my staff. The next 3 months I was the only sales manager and sales increased. During this time I began to understand how well I work under pressure and that I could lead a team to accomplish things they thought were impossible.  Leading by example was my way of developing others skills and maximizing the dealership opportunities.  Over the next several years we took note of the importance of the Internet, after convincing my dealer and GSM we developed an Internet and BDC department in 2010.

 

 

Do to the fact the dealership was not obtaining the monthly goals set by the manufacturer in August 2012 the current GSM/GM was terminated.  I was given the opportunity to take over this role and once again ran with it.  In August, the sales department for the dealership hit it’s new car objective for it’s first time in over a year and did consecutively. I began mending relationship between all departments.  I started handing all customer complaints from the service and sales department quickly rejuvenating the overall mural of the dealership. The dealership became very involved in the community and we started giving appreciation awards and holding family functions after hours to make sure that our team both in sales and service felt appreciated.  Amongst the many different recognition that Locklear CJDR received we were awarded the 2015 Dealerrater Dealer of the Year award for both the Jeep and Dodge brands.

 

As the General Manager and spokesperson for Locklear Automotive I always felt that having an open relationship with my customers and employees was most important. My office remained on the showroom floor and my door usually opened.  I understood the consistency in my mannerism and dedication to the team is what ultimately drove us to success.  In 2017 after operating a very profitable dealership for many years the Locklear family sold. It is now my goal to acquire and personally run new car franchise.

 

I’m grateful that I have had the opportunity to grow with the industry during such a volatile time.  Being involved in NADA 20 group meetings over the years has been a huge benefit and has allowed me to understand and grow into the dealer candidate I am today.