Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Douglas Merrill

Charleston,SC

Summary

Dynamic, passionate, automotive management professional with 20 years experience in automotive sales and servicing. Imaginative, innovative, and friendly individual with proven management, sales, marketing, and new business development skills. Broad based experience in new and pre-owned vehicles and automotive environments. A history of profit, and ability to create and deliver a pleasurable purchasing experience of quality new and used vehicles. Strong desire to work in an environment of integrity and uncapped earning potential.

Diligent [Desired Position] with solid foundation in automotive sales and customer relationship management. Successfully guided clients through purchasing process, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business. Demonstrated effective negotiation and communication skills.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Service Loaner Vehicle Coordinator

Crews Subaru
10.2023 - Current
  • Developed systems to manage inventory control and tracking for fleet rental vehicles.
  • Assisted in growing the fleet from 35 vehicles to 65 vehicles.
  • Coordinated rental vehicle scheduling and logistics to optimize courtesy transportation for Subaru service customers resulting in an average of 12 rental vehicles agreements per day.
  • Implemented process improvements to enhance operational workflows within the Subaru service team.
  • Supervised the classification of rental vehicles on customer's repair orders to assure in proper compensation from Subaru Of America for costs of providing a courtesy rental vehicle for customers getting warranty and/or recall repairs on their vehicle, resulting in an average of $11,000/month of income from SOA
  • Improved customer satisfaction by swiftly addressing and resolving rental vehicle-related issues.
  • Supervised monthly removal of vehicles in the fleet over 120 days old, and adding new vehicles allocated for the fleet.
  • Managed maintenance and repairs for the entire fleet.

Car Sales Consultant

Steve Lewis Subaru
04.2019 - 04.2023


  • Pursued existing and potential customers by phone, email and text message to generate leads, book appointments and close sales.
  • Conducted product demonstrations to highlight features and redirect objections to positive aspects.
  • Offered each customer top-notch, personal service and polite support to boost sales and customer satisfaction.
  • Closed sales by overcoming objections, asking for sales, negotiating price, and completing purchase contracts
  • Followed-up on warm Internet leads and responded to customer questions about vehicle availability, price and options while fielding inquiries from various marketing websites
  • Offered comprehensive knowledge of vehicle operations and brand features and benefits.
  • Demonstrated new and used vehicles and features, and conduct test drives
  • Negotiated vehicle prices and secure financing for customers.
  • Completed sales contracts and purchase documentation.
  • Fluent in Vin Solutions and Higher Gear CRM.
  • Increased brand awareness through event marketing, demonstrations, sales and brand promotion via social media.
  • Attended Joe Verde Sales Training and complete 4 chapters of on line courses weekly.
  • Achieved a 90 day average of 19 vehicle sales per month.
  • Achieved an annual average of 14.6 vehicles per month.
  • During the Covid quarantine, and showing vehicles by "appointment only" completed 17new & used sales for the month of May 2020.
  • Maintained a Subaru.net OLP 4 quarter average score of 921.
  • Followed-up on warm Internet leads and responded to customer questions about vehicle availability, price, and options while fielding inquiries from various marketing websites.
  • Responded to customer enquiries via telephone and email.

Subaru Sales Consultant

Crews Subaru
09.2020 - 04.2021
  • Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and recommend relevant products and services.
  • Provided sales and customer service assistance to walk-in traffic
  • Responded to telephone and in-person requests for information.
  • Followed up with existing customers to provide additional support and address concerns.
  • Evaluated customer purchase requirements and recommended best-fit company offerings.
  • Stayed knowledgeable on latest [Product or Service] innovations and technological advancements through continuous training.
  • Maintained an average of 14 sales per month

Used Car Sales Associate

Nicky D's
01.2018 - 04.2019
  • Multiplied earnings through sales goal achievement, customer service improvements and commitment to team objectives
  • Conducted product demonstrations to highlight features and redirect objections to positive aspects.
  • Liaised with sales, marketing and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives
  • Effectively allocated tasks during high-traffic times to keep operations running smoothly and employees focused
  • Submitted reports to senior management to aid in business decision-making and planning
  • Educated staff on strategies for handling difficult customers and challenging situations
  • Developed and nurtured lasting relationships with clients through dedicated assistance, issue resolution and great people skills
  • Completed 160 used vehicles sales in a 12 month period
  • Kept orderly and accurate accounting records by monitoring sales documentation

Owner/Sole Proprietor

Merrill Auto
11.2006 - 08.2016

  • Contacted clients by phone and email in response to inquiries. 
  • Interviewed clients in person to discuss their needs & budget for a used vehicle.
  • Researched used vehicle wholesale market via auction history reports to determine values & availability of a myriad of makes & models.
  • Assess value of used cars via multiple price guides and auction history 
  • Presented vehicle market analysis to clients and determine the best vehicle to suit their needs & budget. 
  • Attended vehicle auctions to purchase and sell used vehicles. 
  • Maintained and marketed used vehicle inventory.
  • Submitted completed paperwork to banks & credit unions for car loans.
  • Arranged for repairs and services necessary for each vehicle.
  • Arranged detailing for vehicles.
  • Delivered completed vehicles to clients.


Office and Service Manager/Small Business Co-Owner

Dressel's Service Station
05.1992 - 07.2014
  • Supervised repair technicians and office personnel.
  • Oversaw and reviewed entries in Quickbooks.
  • Managed business checking accounts and advised on spending.
  • Monitored accounts payable and accounts receivable.
  • Reviewed weekly payroll.
  • Answered phone calls and scheduled repairs.
  • Created repair estimates.
  • Contacted customers to give overview of repairs needed, determine the time of completion, and get authorization to perform repairs.
  • Contacted parts vendors and ordered parts.
  • Managed parts inventory
  • Completed repair invoices and contacted customers to arrange vehicle pick up.
  • Promptly resolved all customer requests, questions and complaints.
  • Planned and directed staff training and performance evaluations.
  • Reviewed operational records and reports to project and determine profitability.
  • Built relationships with customers and the community to establish long-term business growth.
  • Utilized social media to maintain internet visibility.
  • Initiated and assisted in business imaging, branding and marketing.

Education

High School Diploma - undefined

Granby Jr / Sr High school
1989

Skills

  • Friendly 
  • Enthusiastic
  • Positive and upbeat
  • Goal-oriented
  • Strong interpersonal skills


  • Accomplished manager
  • Good listener
  • Team Player
  • Extensive vehicle knowledge 
  • Proficient with social media

Timeline

Service Loaner Vehicle Coordinator

Crews Subaru
10.2023 - Current

Subaru Sales Consultant

Crews Subaru
09.2020 - 04.2021

Car Sales Consultant

Steve Lewis Subaru
04.2019 - 04.2023

Used Car Sales Associate

Nicky D's
01.2018 - 04.2019

Owner/Sole Proprietor

Merrill Auto
11.2006 - 08.2016

Office and Service Manager/Small Business Co-Owner

Dressel's Service Station
05.1992 - 07.2014

High School Diploma - undefined

Granby Jr / Sr High school