Francis Merritt
Pearl River,LA
Summary
Proven leader with a track record of driving revenue growth and team performance at The Difference Events. Expert in strategic planning, operations oversight, and staff development. Excelled in building high-performing teams and enhancing customer satisfaction through innovative sales strategies and effective coaching. Skilled in database and computer literacy, demonstrating a results-driven approach with a focus on continuous improvement and leadership training.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
The Difference Events
03.2017 - Current
- Achieved team goals through formalized training plans, coaching, and performance management.
- Drove revenue growth through the identification of new market opportunities and the expansion of existing products/services offerings.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and coached, counseled and developed them to improve areas of weakness.
- Negotiated price and service contracts with customers to increase profit.
Finance and Sales Manager
Legacy Buick GMC
04.2022 - 05.2023
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Trained new and existing staff members in various financial procedures to prepare for job requirements.
- Optimized pricing strategies based on market research, maximizing profitability while maintaining competitive positioning.
- Increased revenue by developing and implementing strategic financial plans and sales strategies.
- Established a culture of continuous learning within the team through training programs aimed at enhancing skillsets.
- Managed sales team to exceed performance targets and drive company growth.
- Led regular sales meetings focused on pipeline management, territory planning, and goalsetting.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Maintained ethical and positive working environment to reduce turnover and promote high retention rates.
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
- Implemented systems and procedures to increase sales.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
- Organized promotional events and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
- Directed sales support staff in administrative tasks to help sales reps close deals.
- Created documents to display financial reports and data using [Software].
- Presented comprehensive financial reports to executive leadership, ensuring transparency and clear communication of company performance metrics.
Sales and F&I Manager and Director of Operations
Sales 360 and Traffic Jam Events
10.2000 - 04.2017
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Optimized resource allocation by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing personalized coaching for staff development.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
Education
Business Administration
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LASkills
- Automotive Sales
- Operations Oversight
- Inventory Management
- Strategic planning and execution
- Process Improvements
- Leadership training
- Staff training/development
- Customer Satisfaction
- Hiring and Coaching
- Marketing and Sales Strategies
- Database and Computer Literacy
Timeline
Finance and Sales Manager
Legacy Buick GMC
04.2022 - 05.2023
Director of Operations
The Difference Events
03.2017 - Current
Sales and F&I Manager and Director of Operations
Sales 360 and Traffic Jam Events
10.2000 - 04.2017
Business Administration
University of New Orleans
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