Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Christopher Brautigam

Christopher Brautigam

SALES MANAGER
Dawsonville,GA

Summary

Professional in automotive sales with strong track record of driving revenue and fostering customer loyalty. Known for strategic planning, effective team leadership, and adapting to evolving market demands. Experienced in building high-performing teams, negotiating deals, and optimizing sales operations. Recognized for excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and unwavering commitment to achieving targets.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Automotive Sales Manager

Don Jackson North CDJR
06.2023 - Current
  • Achieved top CDJR dealership ranking in Georgia for 22 consecutive months by implementing innovative sales strategies that increased gross profit by 25%.
  • Led sales team to exceed monthly and quarterly targets through strategic planning and performance management.
  • Developed and implemented innovative sales strategies that improved customer engagement and consistently led the market in customer satisfaction performance.
  • Analyzed market trends to adjust inventory levels, optimizing vehicle offerings and maximizing sales opportunities.
  • Developed strong relationships with lending institutions to secure competitive financing options for customers.
  • Collaborated with the marketing team to create promotional campaigns that resulted in a 20% increase in foot traffic to the dealership.
  • Assisted in the successful implementation of a secondary finance program to increase dealership opportunities for volume and gross profit.
  • Developed training programs for new sales staff, enhancing product knowledge and customer engagement skills.

Owner

The Coastal Muse
06.2020 - 06.2023
  • Established a niche market photography company providing photographic coverage for owners and handlers at AKC competitions.
  • Developed a unique brand identity and marketing strategy that effectively targeted dog owners, breeders, handlers, and enthusiasts, resulting in a loyal customer base and high referral rates for sanctioned events throughout the country.
  • Managed all aspects of the business including client consultations, photography coverage, post-production editing, digital storefront management, social media presence, and contract negotiations.
  • Utilized social media platforms and a professional website to showcase portfolio work and provide an online storefront for purchases.
  • Consistently maintained positive customer feedback while curating valuable relationships with other industry professionals.

Automotive Sales Manager

Lou Sobh Kia
01.2018 - 05.2020
  • Managed a team of 12+ sales associates while consistently meeting or exceeding monthly sales goals and gross profit targets.
  • Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to identify new sales opportunities and adjust strategies accordingly.
  • Established strong relationships with customers contributing to perfect customer satisfaction scores consistently.
  • Implemented a CPO program that boosted used car sales by 30% and increased profit margins by 22%, consistently exceeding monthly sales goals.
  • Executed regular training for the sales team on best practices including negotiations, product knowledge, and sales processes.
  • Structured vehicle purchase agreements while obtaining financing opportunities for auto loans with both prime and subprime credit profiles.
  • Responsible for vendor relationships along with cost of sale management as well as marketing strategies.

Automotive Sales Manager/Finance Manager

Cobb County Kia
07.2012 - 10.2017
  • Ranked as a top Certified Pre-Owned dealership statewide, consistently exceeding profit targets through strategic inventory management and exceptional customer service.
  • Structured deals while obtaining automotive financing focusing on subprime lending as well as bankruptcy customers.
  • As Finance Manager consistently produced above-average gross profit along with product penetration metrics.
  • As Sales Manager consistently exceeded profit margins alongside volume targets each month.
  • Appraised trade vehicles as well as auction purchases regularly while maintaining top Certified Pre-Owned dealership status statewide.
  • Led sales team to achieve monthly targets through effective training and performance management.
  • Analyzed market trends to refine inventory strategies and enhance customer satisfaction.
  • Developed promotional campaigns that increased foot traffic and boosted sales conversion rates.
  • Developed strong relationships with banks, credit unions, and other lending institutions to secure the best financing options for customers.
  • Ensured compliance with federal regulations and company policies regarding automotive financing transactions.
  • Assisted customers with challenging credit histories in securing suitable loan options to facilitate vehicle purchases.
  • Maximized profitability by negotiating and structuring optimal automotive financing deals.

Territory Sales Account Manager

BPI Photography Inc.
07.2008 - 05.2012
  • Conducted comprehensive product presentations and demonstrations, enhancing client understanding and engagement.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with key accounts to drive customer loyalty and retention.
  • Identified potential areas of expansion within the territory by researching untapped markets or under-served industries.
  • Increased account growth by developing customized sales strategies and presenting tailored solutions to clients.
  • Developed and implemented photography workflows to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Negotiated contracts and pricing agreements, aligning with organizational goals while satisfying customer requirements.
  • Exceeded sales targets consistently by identifying new business opportunities and creating customized solutions for clients.

Education

High School Diploma -

Cherokee High School
Canton, GA

Skills

  • Sales operations
  • Sales presentations
  • Sales training
  • Territory management
  • CRM software
  • Profit maximization

  • Sales reporting
  • Closing deals
  • Customer relationship management
  • Direct sales lead generation
  • Contract negotiations
  • Automotive financing

Timeline

Automotive Sales Manager

Don Jackson North CDJR
06.2023 - Current

Owner

The Coastal Muse
06.2020 - 06.2023

Automotive Sales Manager

Lou Sobh Kia
01.2018 - 05.2020

Automotive Sales Manager/Finance Manager

Cobb County Kia
07.2012 - 10.2017

Territory Sales Account Manager

BPI Photography Inc.
07.2008 - 05.2012

High School Diploma -

Cherokee High School