Bret J. Petersen
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Highly-motivated, competitive and dynamic automotive management professional with over 40 years of experience in the retail automotive business. A wealth of knowledge in all aspects of dealership operations including advertising, marketing, new business development, parts and service, inventory management and wholesale. A talent for team building and staff development through effective training, process improvement and positive motivation. An emphasis not only on New Vehicle Sales, but an aptitude with Used Vehicle Operations that includes acquiring, reconditioning, display/merchandising and retail sales. The ability to consistently achieve and attain a high Customer and Employee Satisfaction An innovative leadership style with a focus on process management that has fostered dealership growth while balancing cost control and ensuring profitability.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Groove Honda
09.2021 - 10.2021
- Oversaw all aspects of daily operations
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
General Manager/Co-owner
Freedom Honda
10.2011 - 09.2021
- Successfully opened and managed a brand new Honda Dealership in October 2011 starting with 50 employees.
- Oversaw all aspects of the dealership operations. Sales, Service, Parts and Office staff. Worked closely with our management team to create processes, advertising strategy and budgets.
- Consistently achieved 45% to 60% Net to Gross margins with 7% to 10% net to sales.
- Negotiated all contracts. Staffing responsibilities.
- Established operating policies and procedures for each department.
- Collaborated with our management team in developing our employees to create and maintain a very high standard of performance, integrity and humility.
General Manager
House of Imports, Mercedes Benz
11.2010 - 07.2011
- Responsible for all aspects of dealership operations
- Averaged 140 New Car Sales with $2,600 PVR and $1,400 Finance PVR
- Averaged 130 used Car Sales with $2,300 PVR and $1,200 Finance PVR
- Fixed Operations average of $1.1million gross per month
- Collision Center average of $500,000 gross per month
- 190 Employees (including the Collision Center)
General Manager
Power Toyota Irvine
05.2009 - 11.2010
- Responsible for all aspects of dealership operations
- Maintained 30% Sales CSI – 65% High
- Maintained 25% Service CSI – 45% High
- Increased new PVR’s from an average of $300 to an average of $1,400
- Increased Used PVR’s from an average of $600 to an average of $1,800
- Reduced expenses to below $1 million per month average – the lowest in history of this store at its current location
General Manager
Autowest Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep
10.2006 - 05.2009
- Responsible for all aspects of dealership operations
- Completed downsizing during economic down-turn
- Second most profitable dealership for AutoNation Northern California (behind Smythe European)
Market President
AutoNation Southern California Market #1- Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Nissan
04.2005 - 09.2006
- Responsible for overseeing daily operations of thirteen AutoNation- owned dealerships
- Worked with store General Managers to increase sales and profitability
- Worked to ensure AutoNation’s policies and procedures were utilized at the store level
- Assisted and completed common element compensation plans and DMS Integration
General Manager
Autowest Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep
06.2001 - 04.2005
- Responsible for all aspects of dealership operations
- #1 Profit Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep Dealer in the United States for years 2001 and 2002
- Dodge Chargers member years 2001 through 2005
- Averaged 350 – 400 New and Used Vehicle sales per month
- Averaged $550,000 Fixed Operations gross per month
- Net profits between $3.5 and $6 million per year
General Manager
John L. Sullivan Chevrolet
08.1997 - 06.2001
- Responsible for all aspects of dealership operations
- #1 Volume Chevrolet Dealership in California
- #1 Certified Pre-Owned General Motors Dealer in the United States
General Sales Manager
John L. Sullivan Chevrolet
05.1993 - 08.1997
- Trained and managed a staff of 50 Retail Sales Professionals, 8 Finance Managers, and 4 Sales Managers
- Monthly average of 600+ New/Used Vehicle sales
New Vehicle Sales Manager
John L. Sullivan Chevrolet
01.1988 - 05.1993
- Trained and managed a staff of 24 Retail Sales Professionals
- Ordered and Maintained all New Vehicle inventory
- “Desked” retail car deals
- Averaged 400 New/Used Vehicle sales per month
Fleet Manager
John L. Sullivan Chevrolet
01.1986 - 01.1988
- Averaged 30 sales per month
Retail Sales Professional
John L. Sullivan Chevrolet
01.1984 - 01.1986
- Consistently a top producer with an average of 18 sales per month
Education
Crafton Hills College
Yucaipa, CAHigh School -
Clearfield High School
Clearfield, Utah01.1982
Skills
- Inovative Leader
- Customer Satisfaction
- Employee Relations
- Operations and Performance management
- Mentoring and Coaching
- Managing and controlling costs and expenses
- Maximizing revenue and profitability
- Creating efficient processes
Affiliations
- Central Valley New Car Dealers Association, President, 01/01/98, 01/01/05
- Granite Bay Golf Club, Board of Directors - Member, 01/01/06, 01/01/08
- Granite Bay Golf Club, Member, 01/01/97, Present
References
Available upon request
Personal Information
Hobbies: Spending time with family, Golf, Music - Singing and playing guitar
Professional Affiliations
- 2012-2021 - NADA Honda 20 Group member. President. The primary focus is to build relationships with a diverse group of Honda dealers from across the country. Meeting 3-4 times a year to discuss business success' challenges and seek ideas for improvement.
- 2015-2019 - Past President of the Colorado Springs Auto Dealer association. The primary focus is to collaborate with High Schools and Tech schools to introduce students to the world or Automotive retail.
- Director - District 8 Colorado Dealers Association. Representing the Colorado Springs Market. 2015-2017
- President 1998-2005 Central Valley New Car Dealers Association Sacramento California. Primary focus was to establish a professional automotive training center. The association started with $14000.00 and was able to establish relationships with 4 local community colleges. The association took over operation of the "Sacramento Auto Show. This resulted in over $400,000 per year for scholarships, equipment, teacher salaries and recruiting efforts.
Timeline
General Manager
Groove Honda
09.2021 - 10.2021
General Manager/Co-owner
Freedom Honda
10.2011 - 09.2021
General Manager
House of Imports, Mercedes Benz
11.2010 - 07.2011
General Manager
Power Toyota Irvine
05.2009 - 11.2010
General Manager
Autowest Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep
10.2006 - 05.2009
Market President
AutoNation Southern California Market #1- Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Nissan
04.2005 - 09.2006
General Manager
Autowest Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep
06.2001 - 04.2005
General Manager
John L. Sullivan Chevrolet
08.1997 - 06.2001
General Sales Manager
John L. Sullivan Chevrolet
05.1993 - 08.1997
New Vehicle Sales Manager
John L. Sullivan Chevrolet
01.1988 - 05.1993
Fleet Manager
John L. Sullivan Chevrolet
01.1986 - 01.1988
Retail Sales Professional
John L. Sullivan Chevrolet
01.1984 - 01.1986
High School -
Clearfield High School
Crafton Hills College
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