Katherine Helms
Woodstock,GA
Summary
Automotive sales leader supporting new, used, and internet sales operations through team coaching, performance tracking, and customer-focused deal management. Works with inventory planning, pricing, and dealership goals to improve profitability, maintain satisfaction, and support consistent sales growth.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
GSM/GM
Carriage Kia of Alpharetta
Alpharetta, Georgia
01.2026 - 08.2026
- Oversaw daily sales activities for new and pre-owned vehicle sales, internet sales, inventory planning, and customer experience.
- Helped build sales plans to grow market share, improve profitability, maximize inventory turn, and meet manufacturer objectives.
- Worked with ownership and senior management on sales forecasting, budgeting, staffing, advertising, and overall dealership strategy.
- Supported sales team with daily feedback, performance tracking, training, and accountability.
- Handled escalated customer concerns and complex negotiations while maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction and professionalism.
- Collaborated with F&I, Service, Parts, and Used Car departments to enhance dealership profitability and customer retention.
- Analyzed market trends, competitive pricing, incentives, and inventory levels to identify sales strategy adjustments.
New Car Sales Manager
Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw
Kennesaw, GA
07.2023 - 12.2025
- Led new and used car sales department, monitored sales performance, inventory levels, and pricing strategies to drive profitability.
- Coached and developed up to 17 sales consultants to consistently exceed monthly and quarterly sales goals.
- Achieve year-over-year volume growth as a key result.
- Maintained strong customer satisfaction scores while increasing unit volume and gross profit.
- Prepare deal structures, finance packages, and partner closely with F&I to improve profitability.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and strengthen individual and team effectiveness.
- Streamlined sales processes to enhance efficiency and reduce vehicle transaction close times.
Used Car Sales Manager
Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw
Kennesaw, GA
02.2021 - 06.2023
- Oversaw appraisal process and trade-in valuations, maximizing profitability on vehicle transactions
- Managed used vehicle inventory acquisition, pricing, reconditioning, merchandising to enhance market competitiveness
- Implemented pricing strategies to improve inventory turn rate
- Trained sales staff on used car product knowledge and closing techniques, improving sales effectiveness
- Worked closely with service and recon departments to streamline vehicle readiness
- Communicated with all incoming used lead customers to maximize customer experience
Internet Sales Manager
Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw
Kennesaw, GA
05.2018 - 02.2021
- Increased Sales 30%
- Sold 25 to 32 units monthly by engaging customers effectively.
- Converted leads into scheduled appointments for test drives and in-person meetings.
- Conducting needs analysis and explaining product features.
- Conducted high-quality vehicle demonstrations (walk-arounds) to showcase product features.
- Responding to online inquiries (email, chat).
- Trained and mentored the sales team on best practices for online customer interactions and lead generation techniques.
- Provided superior and individualized customer service.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Marketing Management
Cape Fear Community College
Wilmington, NCSkills
- Sales presentations
- Deal closing
- Sales optimization
- Sales forecasting
- Multitasking Abilities
- Customer service excellence
- Team development
- Team collaboration
- Multitasking Abilities
- Goal-oriented mindset
- Multitasking Abilities
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Strong leadership and team-building skills
- Excellent communication and customer service abilities
- Experienced with major automotive CRMs (DealerSocket, VinSolutions, CDK, etc.)
- Detail-oriented with a focus on performance and accountability
Timeline
GSM/GM
Carriage Kia of Alpharetta
01.2026 - 08.2026
New Car Sales Manager
Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw
07.2023 - 12.2025
Used Car Sales Manager
Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw
02.2021 - 06.2023
Internet Sales Manager
Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw
05.2018 - 02.2021
Some College (No Degree) - Marketing Management
Cape Fear Community College