Israel Strain
Bogalusa
Summary
Developed skills in fast-paced business environment, focusing on operational efficiency, team leadership, and strategic planning. Demonstrates ability to adapt and excel in dynamic settings. Looking to leverage these versatile skills in new field for continued professional growth.
Experienced with strategic business management, delivering effective oversight of district operations to enhance productivity and achieve business objectives. Utilizes leadership and analytical skills to drive team performance and operational success. Track record of implementing successful strategies and fostering team collaboration.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
District Business Manager
MATCO Tools
01.2012 - Current
- As District Business Manager (DBM) I am responsible for the overall success of 25 Franchise Distributors in Louisiana and Mississippi with annual revenues exceeding $10M.
- Extensive knowledge of the automotive aftermarket including key players throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.
- Recruit and train new franchisees.
- In my 13 years I have been in the top 15 of my peers nationwide for six of those.
- Sales for my district have increased over 800% in my 12 years as DBM.
- Served on PD teams multiple times to drive positive change within the organization.
- In 2024 I was the recipient of the Cultural Championship Award which is voted on by peers and awarded to one person companywide.
- Championed a culture of accountability within the district by setting expectations for individual and team performance, recognizing accomplishments, and addressing areas requiring improvement.
- Implemented innovative sales techniques, leading to improved customer engagement and satisfaction levels.
- Monitored competitor activities closely to identify potential threats or opportunities for growth within the market landscape.
- Boosted district sales performance by implementing strategic business plans and fostering relationships with key stakeholders.
- Managed a high-performing sales team, providing mentorship and continuous training to improve skills and results.
- Analyzed market trends, adjusting strategies accordingly to maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
- Created financial dashboards to provide insights into key performance indicators within my district.
President
Fleur de Lis Value Plus, LLC
11.2007 - 01.2011
- As the president of Fleur de Lis Value Plus, LLC online, I have driven online sales to double each year since its' opening
- Because of many marketing efforts that I have initiated such as email, social networking, face-to-face networking, and search engine optimization, Fleur de Lis Value Plus has grown to be a premier supplier of Fleur de Lis home decor and accents online
District Manager
CARQUEST Auto Parts
11.2004 - 11.2007
- As the District Manager for a group of eight under-performing stores, I was instrumental in developing a team of store managers to not only meet, but exceed expectations
- I cut payroll by 10%, increased sales by 40%, and was still able to increase customer service levels
- In 2005 I had the highest sales increase in the nation and won a spot in the President's Club
- In 2006 I was asked to take on three more failing stores and was able to turn those around as well through motivating, cutting expenses, and increasing customer service
Store Manager
CARQUEST Auto Parts
03.2001 - 11.2004
- The Slidell location was where I first got a reputation of fixing what was broken
- This store was slated to close due to all systems failing
- Within my first year of taking Slidell, the store saw its' first income for the year in seven years
- In year two, sales outpaced the capacity of the store, so we built a new store in Slidell
- When I left Slidell to take the District Manager position, the store sales had multiplied by four times
- Payroll and Gross Profit were one of the best in the country and the store was one of the most profitable
- The story of Slidell has been used many times by CARQUEST as motivation for under-achieving stores since then
Financial Advisor
Mass Mutual Financial Group
09.1998 - 03.2001
- Responsible for establishing a client base through networking, cold-calling, and referrals to offer investment products and insurance
- I carefully reviewed the financial history of families, individuals, and companies so that I could make informed recommendations on particular products to preserve wealth as well as to build it
Outside Sales
CARQUEST Auto Parts
01.1992 - 09.1998
- As sales pro for CARQUEST, the Hammond store went from a mere $75,000 per month to a store generating sales of $135,000 per month consistently
- I accomplished this through building relationships with the key decision makers of all the major automotive repair shop owners
- After two years in the Hammond market, I was asked to take the Baton Rouge Market as well
- I was in charge of outside sales for three of the major stores in Baton Rouge and under my leadership; all stores grew by significant amounts
Education
Bachelor of Finance -
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA08.1997
Skills
- Marketing Concepts
- Microsoft Office
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Publisher
- Effective Communicator
- Public Speaking
- Sales
- CRM
- Leadership
- Work Ethic
- Cost Control
- Operations Management
- Budget Management
- Staffing
- Organizational Skills
- Planning Skills
- Negotiation Skills
- Cost Reduction
- Expense Control
- Strategic Account Development
- Inventory Control
- Sales management
- Territory management
- Operations management
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Team building leadership
- Relationship building
- Customer relationship development
- Financial analysis and reporting
- Self motivation
Timeline
District Business Manager
MATCO Tools
01.2012 - Current
President
Fleur de Lis Value Plus, LLC
11.2007 - 01.2011
District Manager
CARQUEST Auto Parts
11.2004 - 11.2007
Store Manager
CARQUEST Auto Parts
03.2001 - 11.2004
Financial Advisor
Mass Mutual Financial Group
09.1998 - 03.2001
Outside Sales
CARQUEST Auto Parts
01.1992 - 09.1998
Bachelor of Finance -
Southeastern Louisiana University
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