Earl Hess
Midland
Summary
Dynamic automotive and RV sales professional with over 30 years of experience, adept at managing diverse sales teams of more than 20 individuals. Proven track record in closing deals and enhancing customer satisfaction through effective finance solutions, including indirect loans and backend product presentations. Expertise in finalizing legal paperwork and facilitating seamless customer interactions, ensuring a smooth transition throughout the sales process. Committed to driving sales success while fostering strong relationships with clients and team members.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Production Manager
Garage Floor Coating of MI, LLC
Midland, MI
08.2024 - Current
- Prepare concrete
- Grinding concrete
- Applying epoxy coatings
- Talking with homeowners
- Maintaining equipment
Sales Manager
Betten-Baker Auto Group
Ithaca, MI
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Led a team of 3 sales representatives, providing coaching and guidance to drive performance and achieve revenue goals
- Conducted regular training sessions on product knowledge, objection handling techniques, and closing strategies for the sales team
- Managed the entire sales cycle from prospecting to closing deals, consistently achieving high conversion rates
General Manager (GM)
A & S RV CENTER
Midland, MI
01.2018 - 05.2023
- Led a team of 15 employees in daily operations, ensuring efficient and smooth workflow
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels to minimize waste and maximize profitability
- Established strong relationships with suppliers and negotiated favorable contracts for procurement of goods and services
- Managed customer complaints effectively, resolving issues promptly while maintaining customer satisfaction levels
Finance Manager
Matt Lafontaine Automotive
Grayling, MI
08.2016 - 01.2018
- Compliance Officer
- Maintain relationships with lenders
- Work with salespeople and sales managers
- Structure deals to submit to lenders
- Create and present a product menu to the customer
- Finalize legal documents
General Sales Manager
LaFontaine Ford
Gladwin, MI
08.2014 - 08.2016
- Manage salespeople and the Finance Department
- Manage new and used car inventory
- Appraise customer trade ins
- Order new cars from Ford Motor Company
- Facilitate sales meetings
Used Car Manager / Sales Manager
McDonald Cadillac GMC
Saginaw, MI
07.2012 - 08.2014
- Manage inventory of over 100 vehicles
- Appraised customer vehicles
- Purchased vehicles from automotive auctions
- Managed third party websites to control prices
- Help salespeople close deals
Director of Finance
Midland Ford Lincoln
Midland, MI
01.2010 - 07.2012
- Manage and train Finance Managers
- Compliance Officer
- Maintain relationships with lenders
- Create and present a product menu to customers
- Finalize legal documents and complete all paperwork
Sales/Finance Manager
Fladeboe Ford
Gladwin, MI
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Compliance Officer
- Manage, train and hire salespeople
- Maintain used and new car inventory
- Appraise customer trade ins
- Prep vehicles for reconditioning
- Help salespeople close deals
Finance Manager
McDonald Cadillac GMC
Saginaw, MI
06.2005 - 01.2008
- Compliance Officer
- Maintain relationships with lenders
- Worked with over 20 salespeople
- Structure deals to present to lenders
- Present product menu to customers
- Finalize legal documents
Education
High school diploma - Upper secondary education
St. Charles High School
Saint Charles, MI05.1985
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Active listening
- Closing sales
- Leadership
- Email outreach prospecting
- Sales
- Supervising experience
- Objection handling (sales technique)
- Teamwork
- Office (as sales environment)
- Initial Contact (sales skills)
Certification
Driver's License
Military Service
- Branch: United States Marine Corps
- Service Country: United States
- Rank: E3
- September 1985 to February 1989
- Combat Engineer
- Commendations: Meritorious Mast
Timeline
Production Manager
Garage Floor Coating of MI, LLC
08.2024 - Current
Sales Manager
Betten-Baker Auto Group
08.2023 - 08.2024
General Manager (GM)
A & S RV CENTER
01.2018 - 05.2023
Finance Manager
Matt Lafontaine Automotive
08.2016 - 01.2018
General Sales Manager
LaFontaine Ford
08.2014 - 08.2016
Used Car Manager / Sales Manager
McDonald Cadillac GMC
07.2012 - 08.2014
Director of Finance
Midland Ford Lincoln
01.2010 - 07.2012
Sales/Finance Manager
Fladeboe Ford
01.2008 - 01.2010
Finance Manager
McDonald Cadillac GMC
06.2005 - 01.2008
High school diploma - Upper secondary education
St. Charles High School