Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
AWARDS
Timeline
Generic

AJ Gharu

Summary

Award-winning Automotive Executive with more than a decade of leadership experience driving profitability, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction across premier luxury brands including Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, and BMW. Proven success in transforming underperforming dealerships into top-performing operations through disciplined management, strategic planning, and a culture of accountability. Recognized for achieving record fixed operations growth, million-dollar gross in 90 days, and top 3% market rankings. Skilled in developing high-performing teams, optimizing multi-departmental processes, and delivering brand-aligned results that exceed sales, service, and CSI objectives.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

Del Grande Auto Group, Audi of Modesto
10.2023 - Current

Earned the prestigious Magna Society Award in the first year of tenure.

• Consistently exceeded Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) performance goals.

• Increased Fixed Operations revenue by 25% year-over-year through strategic process improvements and appointment growth initiatives.

• Established and maintained a strong partnership with the OEM, fostering trust and collaboration across all operational areas.

General Manager

Swickard Auto Group, Mercedes Benz, Marin
01.2023 - 09.2023
  • Achieved sales and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
  • Achieved Excellent CSI
  • Achieved Million-dollar gross in fixed operation in first 90 days
  • Oversaw budgeting and financial management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and profitability targets.
  • Developed and implemented strategic marketing initiatives to increase brand visibility and sales.
  • Directed staff training programs to enhance team performance and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

General Manager

Swickard Auto Group-Land Rover, Redwood City
06.2021 - 01.2023
  • Achieved sales and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
  • Ranked top 3 percentile in dealership market.
  • Revitalized Fixed Operation by adding more technicians and additional facility.
  • Established key performance indicators to monitor operational efficiency and drive accountability among teams.
  • Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities and adjust business strategies accordingly.

Assistant General Manager

Niello Auto Group BMW, Elk Grove
06.2019 - 05.2021
  • Recruited top talent to maximize profitability.
  • Increased sales by coaching sales team on purchases and promoting additional products.
  • Conducted daily and weekly sales meetings to develop viable sales forecasts and associated sales strategies.

General Sales Manager/Sales Manager

Niello Auto Group, BMW
05.2016 - 06.2019
  • Motivated team members to meet and exceed objectives by setting goals, tracking performance on daily basis, and implementing improvement strategies.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive salesperson training program.
  • Accomplished sales goals and boosted revenue through product

Finance Manager

Niello Auto Group, BMW
03.2015 - 06.2016
  • Sells financing, service contracts and accessories to guests.
  • Processes finance and lease deals accurately and fairly through financial sources to secure approval.
  • Processes all federal, state, and dealer paperwork related to vehicle transaction.

Sales

Niello Auto Group, BMW
04.2013 - 05.2015
  • Top sales advisor of the year for the Niello Company.
  • Exceeded monthly sales quotas.
  • Cultivated inbound sales inquiries to successfully convert leads to sales appointments.
  • Generated personal sales to meet or exceed established sales goals.

Education

Business AA -

Yuba College

NMC General Manager Academy

Skills

    Strategic Dealership Management

    Fixed Operations Optimization

    Team Leadership & Development

    Customer Satisfaction Excellence:

AWARDS

2022 Highest performing GM Award

Timeline

General Manager

Del Grande Auto Group, Audi of Modesto
10.2023 - Current

General Manager

Swickard Auto Group, Mercedes Benz, Marin
01.2023 - 09.2023

General Manager

Swickard Auto Group-Land Rover, Redwood City
06.2021 - 01.2023

Assistant General Manager

Niello Auto Group BMW, Elk Grove
06.2019 - 05.2021

General Sales Manager/Sales Manager

Niello Auto Group, BMW
05.2016 - 06.2019

Finance Manager

Niello Auto Group, BMW
03.2015 - 06.2016

Sales

Niello Auto Group, BMW
04.2013 - 05.2015

Business AA -

Yuba College

NMC General Manager Academy
AJ Gharu