DAVE KNITTEL
Cape Coral,FL
Summary
Highly accomplished Automotive General Manager with decades of progressive leadership experience driving profitability, operational excellence, and cultural transformation across multi-franchise dealerships. Proven ability to turn around underperforming stores, implement enterprise playbooks, and build high-performing leadership teams in competitive markets. Known for hands-on leadership, disciplined execution, and strong relationships with OEMs, lenders, and corporate partners. Results-driven, people-focused, and respected for integrity and accountability.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Poway Honda – Sonic Automotive
07.2024 - 01.2026
- Lead all dealership operations with full responsibility for sales, fixed operations, customer experience, and profitability
- Execute Sonic Automotive operational standards and performance initiatives
- Drive accountability, process consistency, and team development across departments
General Manager
Dave Smith Nissan – Sonic Automotive
08.2023 - 07.2024
- Transferred to “Sonic-ize” a non-Sonic dealership, implementing Sonic playbook, processes, and culture
- Led turnaround efforts at a struggling store, focusing on operational discipline, leadership alignment, and performance improvement
- Embedded Sonic pride, standards, and accountability across all departments
Used Car Manager
MINI of Fort Myers – Sonic Automotive
10.2019 - 08.2023
- Directed all used vehicle operations including inventory acquisition, pricing, recon, trade evaluations, and profitability
- Leveraged Inventory, and corporate buying tools to maximize results and control inventory risk
- Desked all new and used deals; personally engaged customers to close and structure transactions
- Consistently drove finance income through disciplined deal setup and protection product inclusion
- Achieved or exceeded budget targets in both units and per-unit revenue (PUR) during multiple months
- Built strong working relationships with the GM, UVD, RTC team, and corporate buyers
General Sales Manager
LaBelle Ford
02.2017 - 07.2017
- Oversaw New, Used, and F&I departments with full accountability for performance
- Trained and developed sales leadership and frontline teams
- Managed OEM incentives, advertising strategy, and manufacturer relations
- Improved CSI scores to meet Ford performance commitments
Sales Manager
Hilton Head Lexus
06.2016 - 01.2017
- Led New and Used Sales departments and retrained sales consultants
- Utilized E-Leads, VinSolutions, vAuto, ADP, Reynolds & Reynolds, and Dealertrack
- Built long-term customer relationships to drive sustained sales growth and margin improvement
General Manager
Charlotte County Lincoln
01.2005 - 11.2014
- Full operational responsibility for dealership profitability, forecasting, inventory, and franchise relations
- Managed sales, parts, service, and administrative operations
- Supervised and developed a team of 30+ employees
- Chairman’s Award Winner (2005)
- Reduced expenses while maintaining strong market share and profitability
- Sustained above-market performance in both new and used vehicle grosses
General Manager / Vice President
Bud Brady Ford Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2004
- Directed all dealership operations for a high-volume Ford store
- Supervised 80+ employees across sales, F&I, and operations
- Chairman’s Award Winner (1999)
- N.A.C.E. Award – 5 consecutive years
- Ford Motor Credit “Partners in Quality” Award (1999, 2001)
- Ranked among the Pittsburgh Region’s Top 40 Volume Dealers for 10 consecutive years
Bud Brady Ford Inc.
- General Sales Manager (1995 – 1997)
- Sales Manager (1989 – 1994)
- Salesperson (1981 – 1988)
- Progressed from salesperson to executive leadership through consistent performance, system implementation, and team development.
Education
High School Diploma -
Mayfield High School
Mayfield Heights, OHSkills
- Dealership Operations & P&L Leadership
- Turnaround & Performance Improvement
- New & Used Vehicle Sales Management
- Inventory Strategy, Pricing & Recon
- F&I & Protection Product Strategy
- OEM & Corporate Relations
- Team Leadership, Coaching & Development
- Customer Experience (CSI) Excellence
- Negotiation & Deal Structuring
- Leasing & One-Pay Lease Expertise
- Process Implementation & Compliance
Timeline
General Manager
Poway Honda – Sonic Automotive
07.2024 - 01.2026
General Manager
Dave Smith Nissan – Sonic Automotive
08.2023 - 07.2024
Used Car Manager
MINI of Fort Myers – Sonic Automotive
10.2019 - 08.2023
General Sales Manager
LaBelle Ford
02.2017 - 07.2017
Sales Manager
Hilton Head Lexus
06.2016 - 01.2017
General Manager
Charlotte County Lincoln
01.2005 - 11.2014
General Manager / Vice President
Bud Brady Ford Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2004
Bud Brady Ford Inc.
High School Diploma -
Mayfield High School