Eric Rehkemper
Highland,IL
Summary
Diligent and innovative General Manager with 15+ years of experience as a Professional leader with comprehensive experience in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Proven track record of fostering team collaboration and achieving impactful results in dynamic environments. Skilled in navigating complex challenges, optimizing processes, and cultivating positive workplace cultures. Known for adaptability, effective communication, and strong decision-making abilities.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Inside Sales Manager
Nevco Sports, LLC
Greenville, IL
03.2024 - 11.2024
- Managed 11 sales specialists by coaching on effective sales techniques, monitoring performance and offering helpful feedback.
- Routinely reviewed the outreach performed by my team and worked with them to perfect their understanding of product selection and how to effectively present our products and pricing to perspective partners.
- Enhanced communication with perspective and current partners to improve the overall onboarding and execution processes.
- Worked directly with manufacturing leadership and logistics departments to properly coordinate the execution of product delivery and installation.
- Regularly met with Senior management to discuss human resource processes and improving the positive culture in the sales department.
General Manager
Lou Fusz Ford of Highland
Highland, IL
05.2022 - 08.2023
- Led integration of two businesses post-acquisition of Tri Ford by Lou Fusz.
- Optimized performance metrics by training a staff of 48, implementing sales strategies, and conducting market research to exceed sales targets.
- Mentored 5 senior management team members, fostering professional development and leadership skills within the staff. We met weekly to review revenue, expenses and cost control measures to enhance profitability within each department.
- I was the primary manager of new vehicle inventory and the purchasing manager of preowned inventory. to control floorplan expenses. We had new vehicle inventories around 8.5 million and preowned around 1.5 million.
- I have over 15 years of experience working with Human Resources, where I oversaw HR policies, implemented pay plans, managed EEOC, ADA and Ethics complaints. I also oversaw Talent Acquisition and performance reviews.
- I was the primary point of contact to discuss any disputes or negotiations with the technician's union.
- Collaborated with marketing to develop campaigns that increased brand visibility and customer engagement.
- I met monthly with the accounting team to discuss the financial outcome of the month, Inventory control conversations and any changes that needed to be made.
- Oversaw financial performance, ensuring adherence to budgetary guidelines and expense controls.
- Directed daily operations to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows across departments.
- Implemented strategic initiatives that improved customer satisfaction and retention rates.
- Actively participated and organized after hour or offsite events to introduce the Lou Fusz name into the community.
- Routinely walked the property to visualize any building maintenance that was needed on our 26000 sq ft and 12000 sq ft buildings. If any was needed, I would contact the appropriate vendor to get quotes' and authorize any repairs.
- Established performance metrics to evaluate employee effectiveness and drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Cultivated partnerships with local businesses to expand community outreach and build brand loyalty.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
General Manager
Tri Ford Inc
Highland, IL
03.1992 - 05.2022
- Routinely met with a team of 9 managers to maintain department growth and optimize sales and long-term customer-satisfaction across the Sales, Service, Parts, Finance, Office and Collision center departments at 2 locations.
- Reduced operational costs by overseeing cost control measures, reviewing revenue metrics, and tracking expenses while maintaining profitability.
- Worked directly with Ford representatives, managed Ford Credit Floorplan and Ford products sold within Finance department.
- I managed a Rental fleet of 50 vehicles. This included the financing and purchasing of the vehicles. Ensuring that they were maintained properly and having a system in place to know who the rental contract was with at all times.
- I used customers' needs to strategically manage new and used vehicle floor plans in an effort to market the right products at a controllable expense.
- The primary purchaser and manager of preowned inventory.
- Lead negotiator on major contracts the dealership entered into including the union contract.
- Received the Ford's Presidents Award 13 times for dedication to customers and their overall satisfaction.
- Directly led Sales, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and F& I efforts.
- I managed a $1.6 million remodel project in 2015 for the dealership to bring an elevated experience for customers and positive working environment for employees. I worked daily and weekly with the contractor and subcontractors to keep this major remodel project on schedule.
- Continuously ensured the dealership was compliant with all state and federal laws impacting employees and business practices.
- For 17 yrs. I managed the entire Sales Dept. Integrated CRM, Social Media & Sales Development.
- Optimized performance metrics by training a staff of up to 68 with 2 locations, implementing sales strategies, and conducting market research to exceed sales targets.
- Mentored 9 senior management team members, fostering professional development and leadership skills within the staff. We met weekly to review revenue, expenses and cost control measures to enhance profitability within each department.
- I was the primary manager of new vehicle inventory and the purchasing manager of preowned inventory. to control floorplan expenses. We had new vehicle inventories around 12.5 million and preowned around 2.5 million.
- I have over 15 years of experience working with Human Resources, where I oversaw HR policies, implemented pay plans, managed EEOC, ADA and Ethics complaints. I also oversaw Talent Acquisition and performance reviews.
- I was the primary point of contact to discuss any disputes or negotiations with the technician's and collision center union. I was the primary contract negotiator for the company.
- Senior management team and I collaborated to developed marketing campaigns that increased brand visibility and customer engagement.
- I met weekly with my office manager to discuss the financial outcome of the month, Inventory control conversations and any changes that needed to be made. I met quarterly with the accounting firm to confirm any changes that were discussed in our monthly meetings.
- Oversaw financial performance, ensuring adherence to budgetary guidelines and expense controls.
- Directed daily operations to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows across departments.
- Implemented strategic initiatives that improved customer satisfaction and retention rates.
- Actively participated as a board member with Chamber of commerce and supported many community and school events.
- Routinely walked the property at all 3 locations to visualize any building maintenance that was needed on our 26000 sq ft main location, 12000 sq ft Truck shop & collision center Plus our location in Greenville, IL If any repairs were needed, I would contact the appropriate vendor to get quotes' and authorize any repairs.
- Established performance metrics to evaluate employee effectiveness and drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Cultivated partnerships with local businesses to expand community outreach and build brand loyalty.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately. - Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
Education
BBA - Automotive Marketing & Management
Northwood University
Midland, MI12.1989
Skills
- Relationship Management
- Microsoft Office
- Senior leadership (15 years)
- Customer Relationship Management
- B2B Relationships
- Account Management
- IT Management
- HR Management
- Communication Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Vehicle Management
- Analysis Skills
Timeline
Inside Sales Manager
Nevco Sports, LLC
03.2024 - 11.2024
General Manager
Lou Fusz Ford of Highland
05.2022 - 08.2023
General Manager
Tri Ford Inc
03.1992 - 05.2022
BBA - Automotive Marketing & Management
Northwood University
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