Blake Cantine
Leland,NC
Summary
Experienced with customer relationship management, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention. Utilizes persuasive communication techniques to drive sales and foster customer loyalty. Track record of effectively collaborating with team members to achieve sales objectives and maintain positive store environment.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Associate
Infiniti of Wilmington
Wilmington, NC
09.2025 - Current
- Exceeded sales goals by effectively engaging customers and providing tailored vehicle recommendations.
- Built strong relationships with clients through exceptional customer service and follow-up communications.
- Demonstrated product knowledge by conducting thorough vehicle demonstrations and addressing customer inquiries.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize showroom presentation, enhancing overall customer experience.
Internet Sales Manager
Audi Cape Fear
Wilmington, NC
06.2023 - 08.2025
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive lead management process, including structured distribution protocols and follow-up guidelines, resulting in increased team accountability, improved response consistency, and higher lead conversion rates.
- Spearhead internet sales strategy, increasing appointment show rates by 35% through revamped follow-up processes and CRM optimization.
- Reduced response time from 30 to 6 minutes.
- Oversees a team of 7 sales professionals, providing training, managing lead flow, ensuring consistent customer communication, and reviewing trade pending video submissions.
- Follows up with sold clients to ensure satisfaction and re-engages unsold prospects to retain opportunities and recover lost deals.
- Ensure consistent customer communication through email, phone, text, and digital retail tools.
- Partner with sales managers to align online and showroom experiences, improving customer journey continuity.
Sales Consultant / Product Specialist
Hendrick Kia of Concord
Concord, NC
04.2019 - 06.2023
- Designated product specialist for the Kia brand, with deep vehicle knowledge to support customer confidence.
- Trained new sales associates on CRM systems and documentation protocols.
- Maintained a 16% closing ratio on internet leads.
- Built a robust pipeline of repeat customers and referrals through excellent client service.
- Participated in vehicle trade appraisals and valuations.
General Manager – Corporate Training Store
Zaxby’s (LLC)
Charlotte, NC
11.2016 - 03.2019
- Promoted rapidly from Team Lead to GM and selected for Regional Manager Program.
- Transformed a bottom 50 location into a top 50 store within a year.
- Oversaw regional new-hire training for crew and management teams.
- Managed high-volume scheduling and onboarding across a constantly rotating staff.
- Directed P&L accountability, reduced waste, and resolved customer complaints during training transitions.
Unit Director
Bojangles (Tands Inc.)
Havelock, NC
04.2010 - 10.2016
- Named Unit Director of the Year in 2015.
- Led store to record-setting mystery shop scores and top sales growth percentages in 2013 and 2015.
- Responsible for full unit operations, including P&L, inventory, staffing, and process improvements.
- Streamlined training programs for both hourly and management staff across the franchise.
- Led operational efficiency initiatives, enhancing workflow processes and reducing downtime across units.
- Managed team performance, providing mentorship and guidance to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Assistant Grocery Manager
Food Lion
Havelock, NC
10.2005 - 03.2010
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring efficient inventory management and product availability.
- Trained new staff on store policies, customer service standards, and operational processes.
- Implemented merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and drive sales growth.
- Coordinated communication between departments to facilitate seamless workflow and improve service delivery.
Education
Havelock High School
Havelock, NC05-2005
Skills
- CRM Management
- Internet Lead Distribution & Follow-Up Strategy
- Sales Pipeline Management
- KPI Tracking & Performance Reporting
- Customer Retention & Satisfaction Follow-Up
- Team Leadership & Staff Training
- Appointment Setting & Show Rate Optimization
- Problem-Solving & Accountability
- Inventory Accuracy & Online Presentation
- Process Development & Optimization
- Strategic Sales Planning
- Multi-Tasking in Fast-Paced Environments
- Professional Written & Verbal Communication
- Conflict Resolution & Customer Recovery
- CDK
- ELeads
- TradePending
- Microsoft Office Suit
- Reynolds & Reynolds
- DealerTrack
Timeline
Sales Associate
Infiniti of Wilmington
09.2025 - Current
Internet Sales Manager
Audi Cape Fear
06.2023 - 08.2025
Sales Consultant / Product Specialist
Hendrick Kia of Concord
04.2019 - 06.2023
General Manager – Corporate Training Store
Zaxby’s (LLC)
11.2016 - 03.2019
Unit Director
Bojangles (Tands Inc.)
04.2010 - 10.2016
Assistant Grocery Manager
Food Lion
10.2005 - 03.2010
Havelock High School