Darren Elder
Kansas City,MO
Summary
Dynamic, driven, and accomplished professional with 22+ years of experience in the automotive industry including 15+ years with Nissan in management and leadership roles. Demonstrated ability to significantly increase sales and marketing effectiveness. A self-starter who thrives in collaborative, team-oriented environments. Proven ability to hire and develop powerful and top-performing managers, sales associates, and representatives. Possesses track record in fostering and nurturing long-term professional relationships. Confident, sharp, and reliable. A trusted employee and respected colleague.
Business professional prepared for this role, bringing wealth of experience in strategic planning and operational management. Delivered impactful results through effective leadership and resource optimization. Focused on fostering team collaboration and achieving exceptional outcomes with adaptability and reliability. Skilled in financial management, strategic growth, and customer relations.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Spirited Bluffs Wine and Spirits
Riverside, MO
11.2023 - 03.2026
- Developed strategic marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels and product availability.
- Established relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and pricing.
- Implemented staff training programs to improve service quality and operational efficiency.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
General Sales Manager
Rolling Hills Auto Plaza
Saint Joseph, MO
08.2020 - 11.2023
- Monitored industry trends and competitor activities to adjust strategies accordingly for competitive advantage.
- Motivated team members to meet and exceed objectives by setting goals, tracking performance on daily basis and implementing improvement strategies.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
Sales Manager
Arc Automotive
Kansas City, MO
09.2017 - 07.2020
- Implemented systems and procedures to increase sales.
- Increased sales force productivity by introducing sales automation tools and streamlining administrative tasks.
- Optimized sales funnel management, enhancing lead generation and conversion rates.
- Implemented CRM systems for better tracking of leads, improving follow-up processes and communication within the team.
- Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
- Consistently met or exceeded quarterly sales targets through diligent effort and persistence in closing deals.
General Sales Manager
Fenton Nissan
Kansas City, MO
04.2014 - 08.2017
- Developed and implemented sales strategies to drive revenue growth and market share.
- Led a team of sales professionals, providing coaching and mentorship to enhance performance.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement in customer engagement.
- Established relationships with key clients, fostering loyalty and repeat business through exceptional service.
- Collaborated with marketing to design promotional campaigns that increased showroom traffic and conversions.
- Conducted regular training sessions on product knowledge and sales techniques to elevate team capabilities.
- Oversaw inventory management processes ensuring optimal stock levels aligned with sales forecasts.
General Manager
BRIGGS NISSAN OF LAWRENCE
Lawrence, KS
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Lead all activities associated with dealership performance. Recruit, hire, and train managers and sales associates. Desk deals and perform customer negotiations as needed. Oversee new and used car inventory control. Manage budget for marketing and advertising.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Increased new car volume by over 200% from prior year
- Grew new car gross profit by over 30% from prior year
- Expanded used car sales and gross over prior year; reduced number of units over 90 days old
- Enhanced CSI; implemented process for continued improvement in customer satisfaction
General Sales Manager
LEE’S SUMMIT NISSAN
Lee’s Summit, MO
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Directed all front-end aspects of dealership management. Hired and developed managers and sales associates. Submitted and rehashed deals with banks and financial institutions. Desked new and used car deals; negotiated with customers as necessary. Oversaw online and traditional advertising budget.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Increased units sold by 115% and gross by $114% (2012 over 2011)
- Inflated sales effectiveness from 103% to 126% of market
- Managed, developed, and supervised 15 (on average) managers and sales representatives
- Improved CSI and developed processes for continued future improvements
- Guided inventory control and ordering of all new units; maintained 90-day turn on used car inventory
General Sales Manager
ROLLING HILLS AUTO PLAZA
St. Joseph’s, MO
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Facilitated all dealership’s front-end management. Built and maintained relationships with Toyota, Honda, and Nissan manufacturers; improved CSI at all three franchises and ensured future customer satisfaction. Increased sales and market effectiveness for three franchises. Developed and oversaw managers and sales associates. Performed inventory control for new and used products.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Achieved Executive Management level with Nissan by increasing market effectiveness from 76% to 131% in just 8 months; maintained growth every year of employment to increase net profits by $250K+
- Collaborated with General Manager to improve overall performance of all franchises
- Increased sales over prior years and achieved the highest net gross in dealership history in 2011
Education
High School Diploma - Computer Science
Devry University
Kansas City, MO01-1994
Skills
- Reynolds and Reynolds, ADP CRM, Car Research CRM, Dealertrack, Routeone, and Excel
- Customer relations
- Small business operations
- Relationship building
- Verbal and written communication
- Client service
- Business management
- Operations management
- Business planning
- Staff management
- Financial management
- Sales leadership
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Supervised team of 15 staff members.
Timeline
Owner
Spirited Bluffs Wine and Spirits
11.2023 - 03.2026
General Sales Manager
Rolling Hills Auto Plaza
08.2020 - 11.2023
Sales Manager
Arc Automotive
09.2017 - 07.2020
General Sales Manager
Fenton Nissan
04.2014 - 08.2017
General Manager
BRIGGS NISSAN OF LAWRENCE
01.2013 - 01.2014
General Sales Manager
LEE’S SUMMIT NISSAN
01.2012 - 01.2013
General Sales Manager
ROLLING HILLS AUTO PLAZA
01.2009 - 01.2012
High School Diploma - Computer Science
Devry University
AREAS OF STRENGTH AND EXPERTISE
- Business Management
- Team Development
- Negotiation
- Profit Growth
- Budget Management
- Inventory Control
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Relationship Building