Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Craig Thorne

Colorado Springs,Colorado

Summary

As an accomplished and strategic leader with a proven track record of success in driving business growth and profitability, I am well-equipped to take on the role of Director within a corporate company. Possessing extensive experience in developing and implementing comprehensive business strategies, I have a deep understanding of how to effectively align organizational goals and objectives with the needs of customers and stakeholders. With exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, I have a demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. I am adept at managing complex projects and initiatives and possess the ability to identify and mitigate potential risks and challenges. As a visionary thinker with a passion for excellence, I am committed to continuous improvement and staying ahead of industry trends and best practices. With a focus on delivering exceptional results and driving long-term business success, I am excited to bring my expertise and leadership skill to a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

Hertz
Denver, CO
06.2023 - Current

Oversees all store operations management including sales, finance, inventory, pricing, and compliance. Achieving high customer service score (NPS), achieving sales & profitability targets, finalize purchase, trade-in, sales agreements etc., inventory management, including merchandising, vehicle pricing, manage the reconditioning process. Support Digital Retailing initiatives, including R2B, manage employee, consumer and vendor issues as needed, ensure ICC (Internal Audit Checklist) compliance, and maintain proper staffing levels, per corporate guidance. Meet and exceed sales targets, all channels, drive strong CRM metric accountability, assist in sales team training, and provide continuous coaching, assist in the management of the sales team, achieve KPI targets.

Inventory Manager

Hertz
Colorado Springs, CO
01.2022 - 06.2023
  • Spearheaded the management and training of photographers for eight (8) locations, instituted analytics, and developed a process to systematically track their performance
  • Devised and managed placement lot flow and productivity for five (5) retail store locations
  • Instituted a process for store locations that has since been adopted at the national corporate level for Hertz standard retail process
  • Assumed responsibility for maintaining target inventory at no less than 85% for all responsible stores
  • Orchestrated the transportation of over hundreds of units to be moved to retail locations, while evaluating cost-efficient methods of transportation
  • Established continued training classes for inventory managers, inventory specialists, photographers, store managers, and sales teams, while evaluating VDA and conducting cost-effective movement and recon analysis
  • Built quality relationships with retail, fleet, auction, transportation, and 3rd party vendors staffing to secure a well-balanced and productive relationship.
  • Executed scheduled inventory cycle counts and made necessary adjustments to virtual inventory records.
  • Established effective relationships with suppliers to ensure optimal service at competitive prices.
  • Analyzed various aspects of corporate logistics to determine most cost-effective or efficient means of transporting products.

Dealer Specialist

Hertz
Denver, CO
09.2021 - 01.2022
  • Strategically cultivating a robust business portfolio to optimize sales retention and profitability through the establishment of exceptional relationships with dealership leaders via cold-calling techniques
  • Overseeing the arbitration process, vehicle movement, and quality control to ensure optimal customer satisfaction
  • Possessing unparalleled organizational skills and tactics to guarantee productivity and effectiveness
  • Continuously pursuing advanced education and training to refine sales closing and customer care practices
  • Consistently achieving and surpassing established Hertz sales averages and targets.
  • Negotiated prices with customers in order to close deals quickly and efficiently while maximizing profits for the dealership.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales volume and profitability of the wholesale department.
  • Established cross-functional team that exceeded benchmarked order management metrics and reduced average purchasing cycle times time year-over-year.
  • Collected documentation to assemble new purchase order contract folders.
  • Identified dead inventory and created solutions for excess liquidation through creative inventory management solutions.
  • Assisted senior management in developing long term plans for increasing efficiency and productivity within the wholesale division.
  • Established pricing policies for wholesale customers in accordance with company objectives.
  • Organized training sessions for team members on industry specific topics or technologies related to their job roles.
  • Represented companies in negotiating contracts and formulating policies with suppliers.
  • Maintained information database related to products and service availability, supplier capabilities and lead times.
  • Formulated and implemented annual purchasing plans and contracts, covering OEM, import, ingredients, materials and equipment.
  • Conducted weekly meetings with staff members to review performance goals and objectives.

Branch Manager

Hertz
Colorado Springs, CO
06.2021 - 09.2021
  • Hertz -Retail
  • Successfully achieved new vehicle sales quotas through expert management and inspirational leadership of the sales team, ensuring consistent profitability
  • Demonstrated proficiency in forecasting sales, managing inventory levels, and motivating the sales team, resulting in elevated performance
  • Led the dealership’s successful reopening after a year-long closure, exhibiting exceptional organizational skills and strategic planning
  • Recruited, trained, and monitored team members, providing guidance and support to achieve objectives
  • Developed and implemented sales methodologies to align with established targets, while utilizing cutting-edge- e- commerce tools and services
  • Executed advertising and promotional plans, while spearheading Remarketing initiatives and managing Rent 2
  • Buy sales and related processes
  • Worked closely with Hertz rental facilities, providing fill-in management support at retail store locations
  • Exhibited proficiency as an F&I manager, further enhancing the dealership’s overall performance
  • Demonstrated a proven track record of exceeding goals, while providing superior customer service to both internal and external customers
  • Garnered support from stakeholders on all initiatives, further enhancing overall success.

Assistant Branch Manager

Hertz
Colorado Springs, CO
05.2021 - 06.2021
  • Hertz -Retail
  • Oversaw and managed a high-performing sales team and staff, providing comprehensive training on all aspects of
  • Hertz sales procedures
  • Effectively managed all leads and dealership productivity, while exhibiting exceptional problem-solving and conflict resolution skills when interacting with customers
  • Consistently met and exceeded sales and lead metrics, in alignment with Hertz standards
  • Built a confident and dynamic sales team through strategic interviewing, ongoing training and meticulous follow-up.
  • Provided training to new employees on company policies and procedures.
  • Established ambitious goals for employees to promote achievement and surpass business targets.
  • Coached, developed and motivated team to achieve revenue goals.
  • Improved profit margins by effectively managing expenses, budget and overhead, increasing closings and optimizing product turns.
  • Mentored employees to help achieve sales and CSI objectives.
  • Managed daily operations of the showroom floor including staffing schedules, customer relations issues, display maintenance.
  • Analyzed complex financial data and generated meaningful reports for senior management.
  • Checked payroll, vendor payments and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
  • Developed forecasting models utilizing historical data trends to predict future revenues and expenses.
  • Assisted in the development of internal controls to protect company assets.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors in order to obtain competitive pricing structures.

General Manager

6348 Auto Sales
Chesapeake, VA
01.2019 - 12.2020
  • 6348 Auto Sales
  • Fostered heighted productivity, exemplary employee performance, and noteworthy employee retention through exemplary leadership, strategic work planning, equitable administrative standards, proficient management techniques, and the cultivation of employee morale and dedication
  • Orchestrated the training of new employees in product knowledge, customer service, sales skills, and company policies and procedures,
  • Attained store targets for sales and profits while optimizing customer satisfaction
  • Held accountable for budgeting, forecasting, sales closure, pricing analysis, inside and outside sales management, negotiation to facilitate sales closure, project management, and profit loss
  • Conceived and effectively implemented a new commission plan.
  • Managed inventory levels and conducted corrective action planning to minimize long-term costs.
  • Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.

Finance Manager

Heritage Motor Company
01.2017 - 01.2019
  • Exhibited exceptional leadership skills in the role of
  • Finance Manager, where I effectively directed and executed the delivery of auto finance loans to clients, resulting in increased sales revenue
  • Utilizes strategic planning, organization, and supervision to successfully achieve set goals
  • Fostered and maintained beneficial relationships with clients, vendors, State agencies and banks
  • Conducted comprehensive analysis of client credit, qualifying, and approving auto finance loan application, and closing sales contracts while also cross-selling insurance products and ensuring compliance with State laws
  • Generated periodic sales, purchasing, payables, receivables, and loan processing reports while also selling
  • Service Contracts, Insurance and Aftermarket products
  • Demonstrated the ability to track sales, formulate goals, and identify new products to increase revenue
  • Successfully arranged financing for credit-challenged customers and those with no established credit, resulting in an increase in sales of over 60%
  • Generated monthly sales of $100,000 in backend products for 12+ months.

Director of Sales & Finance

Wine Automotive
Chesapeake, VA
01.2010 - 01.2017
  • Conducted comprehensive reviews of credit reports, customer employment records, financial data, and fiscal statements to inform lending decisions and ensure regulatory compliance
  • Demonstrated adeptness in reviewing and approving multiple auto loan applications, providing guidance to loan officers, and proactively managing complex files
  • Leveraged extensive industry knowledge and interpersonal skills to effectively negotiate with financial institutions and secure funding for deals
  • Meticulously prepared and submitted DMV documentation to ensure smooth and timely transaction processing
  • Proficiently managed a range of financial transactions, including cash, checks, and credit card payments, while ensuring strict financial controls and compliance
  • Provided critical administrative support, including managing phones, filing, faxing, copying, and data entry, to streamline daily operations and optimize organizational efficiency.

Skills

  • KEYSKILLS —
  • Leadership
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Communication
  • Financial Acumen
  • Change Management
  • Project Management
  • Decision -Making
  • Innovation
  • Goals and Performance
  • Budget Management
  • Organizational Development

Accomplishments

  • Auto IMS
  • Connectivity Hub
  • Ren2Buy
  • CT Services
  • Maintenance Portal
  • Fleet Control
  • ADP
  • Vinmotion
  • ACV Auction
  • Warranty and recall administration
  • VAuto
  • Ready Transport
  • Advent
  • CRM
  • Xcite Portal
  • Carvana Portal
  • X Time
  • Lot Vision
  • Auction Trac
  • Keyper
  • Microsoft

Timeline

General Manager

Hertz
06.2023 - Current

Inventory Manager

Hertz
01.2022 - 06.2023

Dealer Specialist

Hertz
09.2021 - 01.2022

Branch Manager

Hertz
06.2021 - 09.2021

Assistant Branch Manager

Hertz
05.2021 - 06.2021

General Manager

6348 Auto Sales
01.2019 - 12.2020

Finance Manager

Heritage Motor Company
01.2017 - 01.2019

Director of Sales & Finance

Wine Automotive
01.2010 - 01.2017
Craig Thorne