Darren Little
Bolingbrook,IL
Summary
Dynamic automotive leader with over 8 years of proven success in driving revenue growth, enhancing profitability, and achieving operational excellence in high-volume dealership environments. Expertise in acquiring over 25 vehicles weekly while maintaining an impressive average front-end gross of $3,000 through a disciplined inventory strategy, market analytics, and aggressive pricing execution. Recognized for optimizing inventory turnover and minimizing aged units, consistently surpassing key financial metrics within the pre-owned department. Committed to fostering a results-oriented culture that prioritizes customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Used Car Manager / Acquisition Manager
Mercedes-Benz of Barrington
10.2025 - Current
- Acquire 25+ pre-owned vehicles weekly through auctions, trade-ins, service drive, and direct purchases to sustain a high-performing inventory pipeline
- Generate $3,000+ average front-end gross profit per vehicle by executing strategic pricing and disciplined acquisition practices
- Analyze market data, auction trends, and vehicle history reports to secure inventory at optimal cost and maximize margins
- Manage full inventory lifecycle, improving turn rate and minimizing aging units through data-driven pricing and merchandising strategies
- Negotiate with wholesalers, auction platforms, and customers to consistently source high-quality vehicles below market value
- Partner with sales, finance, and service departments to align inventory with demand, ensuring premium presentation and strong retail performance
Territory Manager
EzLane Auto Auction
08.2024 - 09.2025
- Engages with both automotive franchise and independent dealerships to convince those dealerships to allow me the opportunity to sell their wholesale and aged inventory to our affiliated dealerships
- I'm required to enroll a minimum of two new dealerships each week
- Comprehensive vehicle inspections are conducted on a daily basis, which include a test drive, an OBD scan, and detailed photographs of the vehicle on our platform
- I deliver exemplary customer service to more than 50 dealerships on a daily basis
- Responsible for conducting between twelve to fifteen in-person dealership visits per day
- Lastly, I assist each dealership in completing all requisite documentation, including the bill of sale, title, and ACH or floor plan financial arrangements for the vehicles
Lead Sales Executive
Jaguar Land Rover
06.2017 - 08.2024
- Spearheaded exceptional customer service operations, securing a 5-star Dealer Rater score
- Orchestrated online vehicle descriptions and sales staff schedules
- Served as a brand ambassador at out-of-state training events
- Implemented innovative strategies to enhance brand representation
- Boosted sales through effective team management and customer engagement
- Streamlined sales process, enhancing team efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented dynamic sales strategies boosting dealership market share.
- Enhanced online vehicle listings for clarity, improving customer engagement.
Education
Bachelor's - Business Administration, Finance
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL05-2016
Skills
- vAuto Certifed
- Leadership
- Business Development
- Training & development
- Performance management
- Automotive sales
- Inventory management
- New vehicle sales
- Time management
- Customer relationship management
Certification
- vAuto Variable Management Certified
Timeline
Used Car Manager / Acquisition Manager
Mercedes-Benz of Barrington
10.2025 - Current
Territory Manager
EzLane Auto Auction
08.2024 - 09.2025
Lead Sales Executive
Jaguar Land Rover
06.2017 - 08.2024
Bachelor's - Business Administration, Finance
Northern Illinois University