Christian Zelaya
Mission Hills,USA
Summary
Dynamic automotive professional with extensive experience at Volkswagen of Van Nuys, excelling in online marketplace strategies and customer engagement. Proven track record of increasing sales profitability by over 40% through effective leadership and project management. Skilled in conflict resolution and employee training, driving team success in high-volume environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Automotive Service Advisor
Galpin Volkswagen / Genesis
Mission Hills, California
08.2020 - Current
- Facilitated effective communication with technicians on job statuses and customer requests.
- Provided automotive service advice by greeting customers and identifying needs.
- Managed inquiries related to vehicle maintenance, warranties, and recalls.
- Upsold additional products including extended warranties and oil changes.
- Monitored work progress to ensure timely completion of services.
- Processed payments for parts and labor using point-of-sale system.
- Scheduled appointments for vehicle service based on customer requests.
- Collaborated with sales, finance, and accounting departments to enhance operations.
Internet Sales Manager
Keyes Audi Inc
Woodland Hills, CA
06.2012 - 07.2020
- Rebuilt dealership's Internet Department using Advent CRM and enhanced resources for evolving online market.
- Solicited and managed accounts with major automotive lead providers including Auto-By-Tel and Cars.com.
- Tracked performance metrics regularly to identify improvement areas in sales processes.
- Collaborated with sales teams to improve customer engagement via effective online communication.
- Managed relationships with various online automotive lead providers for optimal lead acquisition.
- Trained and mentored new team members on best practices for online sales and customer interaction.
Sales Consultant; Internet Sales Manager; Finance Manager; Sales Manager
Volkswagen of Van Nuys
Van Nuys, CA
06.2006 - 06.2012
- Successfully sold both New and Pre-Owned Volkswagens ranking in top 10 nationwide sales for 2 consecutive years for VW National Sales Guild 2003, 2004.
- Managed the dealerships Internet Department utilizing Advent CRM, Dealership Database, and assisted in expanding dealerships resources to adapt to the ever growing internet marketplace.
- Solicited and managed accounts with Auto-By-Tel, Autotrader.com, AAA, Dealix, Edmunds.com, Cars.com, Carsdirect.com, Autotropolis, Cobalt, KBB.com, Costco, and various other Internet based Automotive Lead Providers.
- Managed and directed the dealership Finance Department for 1 year, responsible for keeping transactions Legally Compliant, obtaining credit approvals, and lender funding for all car deals, within no more than a 3 day turnaround.
- Solicited and managed accounts with multiple automotive lenders such as Bank of the West, Chase Bank, Wachovia Bank, CULA, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Western General, JM&A, LoJack, Xzilon, Tire-Guard, and other various automotive aftermarket option products.
- Up sell each car deal to create additional profit margins which increase overall profitability of Sales Department by more than 40% over a 5 year period.
- Leadership, training, and oversight of 20 employees regarding day to day operations of sales environment.
- Managing accounts with various advertisers such as Los Angeles Times, Daily News, Cars.com, Autotrader.com, as well as vendors such as One Command, Dealerfusion, and multiple other companies relative to automotive industry.
- Responsible for identifying areas for improvement and recommending the solutions needed to increase revenue, streamline processes, increase operating efficiency within all departments associated with Sales.
- Played integral role in training Sales staff, Management Personnel, and working to maximize productivity for entire team year over year.
- Maintain positive and productive relationships with Volkswagen of America, Volkswagen Credit, and various other companies relating to day to day operations.
- Competent leader with extensive experience in prioritizing, delegating, and controlling work flow in high volume industry work environments.
- Reviewed and implemented time-saving processes and procedural improvements for company.
- Responsible for managing $4M inventory and meeting factory projections and goals.
- Exceedingly met customer commitment and satisfaction goals; identification of sales opportunities; leveraged industry knowledge and applications to sell across the customer base.
Regional Trainer / Store Manager
Finishline, Inc.
01.2004 - 06.2006
- Responsible for opening multiple store locations within the Western Region.
- Trained and placed over 100 sales personnel in multiple locations.
- Analyzed financial statements to find areas to increase store profitability.
- Maintained the highest success rate for new hires in Western Region.
- Lead my region in Acc Sales and Conversion Percentages.
- Established specialized program specifically for high profile clientele (Actors, Recording Artists, and other VIPs).
Education
AA - Business Administration
University of California Los Angeles
Westwood, CA08.2001
Skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Online marketplace expertise
- Project and financial management
- Verbal and written communication
- Leadership and accountability
- Strategic planning and execution
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Customer engagement
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Employee training
- Customer relations
References
Gladly Provided Upon Request
Training
- Volkswagen Academy, 10 consecutive years of Brand Certification, product and sales training
- Multiple F&I Seminars, Covering a broad range of curriculum including psychology of sales, legal compliance requirements, effective organization and funding processes, all duties required by the Finance Director of a Car Dealership
Languages
Spanish, Fluent
Seeking Position
- Service Advisor
- Service Assistant Manager
- Sales Manager
- Finance Manager
- Internet Manager
Timeline
Automotive Service Advisor
Galpin Volkswagen / Genesis
08.2020 - Current
Internet Sales Manager
Keyes Audi Inc
06.2012 - 07.2020
Sales Consultant; Internet Sales Manager; Finance Manager; Sales Manager
Volkswagen of Van Nuys
06.2006 - 06.2012
Regional Trainer / Store Manager
Finishline, Inc.
01.2004 - 06.2006
AA - Business Administration
University of California Los Angeles