Kenneth Reed
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Results-driven automotive professional with a proven track record in dealership operations and team leadership. Expertise in crafting effective sales strategies that elevate customer satisfaction and team collaboration. Proficient in financial analysis and building strong vendor relationships, consistently driving operational efficiency and business growth.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager / Operator
Planet Automotive Group
Charlotte, NC
03.2021 - 03.2025
- Developed service and sales strategies to improve retention and revenue.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
- Assisted in the recruitment process by interviewing potential candidates for open positions.
- Provided guidance and support to subordinate managers in order to foster an atmosphere of cooperation throughout the organization.
- Developed marketing strategies designed to increase brand awareness within target markets.
- Conducted market research to identify trends, opportunities, and threats in the industry.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize customer satisfaction.
- Supervised employees through planning, assignments, and direction.
- Conducted regular meetings with senior management team to review progress against established objectives.
- Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
- Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
- Recruited, trained and empowered employees to achieve key performance indicators.
- Designed sales and service strategies to improve revenue and retention.
- Administered employee discipline through verbal and written warnings.
- Conducted employee evaluations to provide adequate feedback and recognize quality performance.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
- Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
- Performed routine audits of internal controls in order to maintain accuracy of financial records.
- Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
- Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
- Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
- Created effective business plans to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives.
- Analyzed market trends to inform business decisions and strategies.
- Coordinated and directed activities of businesses or departments concerning production, pricing and sales.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
- Implemented employee recognition programs to motivate staff members towards achieving organizational goals.
- Analyzed existing processes for effectiveness and developed new systems as needed to enhance overall productivity levels.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Chief Operating Officer
Spartan Holding Group
Charlotte, NC
05.2011 - 11.2023
- Assisted in maintaining marketing initiatives, staffing requirements, sales objectives, and expense control for 17 dealers covering 32 rooftops.
General Manager of Operations
Keith Hawthorne Automotive
Gastonia, NC
03.2007 - 04.2011
Director of Operations
Donald Craig Automotive Group
Charlotte, Gastonia, Mooresville, NC
06.2005 - 03.2007
- Managed North Carolina operations for three Suzuki dealerships.
Operating Partner
Ken Reed Chevrolet
Morganton, NC
01.2003 - 04.2004
- Served as Operating partner of the dealership.
General Manager
Keffer Auto Group / Keith Hawthorne Auto Group
Charlotte, NC
03.1998 - 12.2002
- GSM of Keffer Dodge
- GM of Liberty Pontiac, GMC.
- GM of Ashville Dodge
- GM of Keith Hawthorne Ford
Education
High School Diploma -
Wintersville High School
Wintersville, Ohio06-1989
Some College (No Degree) - Business And Finance
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OHSkills
team leadership
profit margin optimization
inventory controlbudget management
staff development
Affiliations
- Hunting
- Outdoors
- Motorcycles
Military
- Honorable Discharge Air Force Reserves
- Honorable Discharge Army National Guard
Charity Work
- Proud to work with Charlotte Salute to Hero's helping North and South Carolina First responders- Police, Fire and Medic
Organizations
- 3rd degree Master Mason - Catawba Valley 213
- 32nd Degree Scottish Rite - Ashville Lodge
Timeline
General Manager / Operator
Planet Automotive Group
03.2021 - 03.2025
Chief Operating Officer
Spartan Holding Group
05.2011 - 11.2023
General Manager of Operations
Keith Hawthorne Automotive
03.2007 - 04.2011
Director of Operations
Donald Craig Automotive Group
06.2005 - 03.2007
Operating Partner
Ken Reed Chevrolet
01.2003 - 04.2004
General Manager
Keffer Auto Group / Keith Hawthorne Auto Group
03.1998 - 12.2002
High School Diploma -
Wintersville High School
Some College (No Degree) - Business And Finance
The Ohio State University
Similar Profiles
Jessica RileyJessica Riley
Payroll & Group Human Resources Manager at Planet Automotive Group LLCPayroll & Group Human Resources Manager at Planet Automotive Group LLC
Gina HerringGina Herring
Communications Specialist at PLANET AUTOMOTIVECommunications Specialist at PLANET AUTOMOTIVE
Jackson EdwardsJackson Edwards
National Recruiter III - Recruitment Team Lead at Planet Forward - The Planet GroupNational Recruiter III - Recruitment Team Lead at Planet Forward - The Planet Group