Melinda Smith
Greenville,MI
Summary
American Citizen
Job Announcement Number: DHA-TBD-12369073-2024-JR
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Remote Finance & Insurance Mgr.
Mark Dodge
Lake Charles, LA
06.2022 - Current
- Approved and qualified applications for financing, closed sales contracts and cross-sold insurance products while complying with state laws.
- Promoted finance products to customers and sales force to increase penetration.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new insurance products tailored to specific target markets.
- Spearheaded projects aimed at improving operational efficiency across various functional areas within the organization.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of client accounts, ensuring timely renewals and providing expert advice on coverage options.
- Fostered a positive workplace culture that promoted collaboration among staff members, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and reduced turnover rates.
- Maintained strong relationships with key industry partners, leading to valuable networking opportunities and advantageous collaborations.
- Served as a trusted advisor for clients seeking guidance regarding risk management strategies, helping them make informed decisions about their insurance needs.
- Implemented marketing campaigns targeting prospective clients, resulting in increased brand awareness and lead generation efforts.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements by staying up-to-date on changes in legislation affecting the insurance industry.
- Monitored industry trends, adjusting pricing models accordingly to maintain competitiveness within the market landscape.
- Income range from $218,000
General Sales Manager / Finance Director / F&I Mgr
ED Koehn Ford
Greenville Mi
02.2019 - 02.2022
- $2,000,000 increase in sales gross
- $450 increase in PVR
- 10% sales growth
- Reduced expenses by $20,000 monthly
- Motivated team members to meet and exceed objectives by setting goals, tracking performance on daily basis and implementing improvement strategies.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Grew sales and boosted profits, applying proactive management strategies and enhancing sales training.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Implemented effective pricing strategies that balanced profit margins while remaining competitive in the marketplace.
- Applied established sales techniques and persuasive communication skills to meet personal sales objectives.
- Developed a high-performing sales team through consistent coaching, training, and motivation techniques.
- Upheld company policies and implemented standards fairly.
- Streamlined communication channels between sales, marketing, and customer service departments to ensure a cohesive approach to business development.
- Reduced operational costs by identifying inefficiencies within the sales process and recommending targeted improvements.
- Identified, hired and trained highly-qualified staff by teaching best practices, procedures, and sales strategies.
- Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms with vendors and suppliers to secure cost-effective deals on behalf of the company.
- Coached employees in successful selling methods and encouraged cross-selling to drive revenue.
- Met with clients, delivering presentations, and educating on product and service features and offerings.
- Recruited and hired top-level talent to add value and expertise to sales department.
- Income range from $148,000 - $236,500
Account Development Executive
Great Lakes Companies
West Michigan
05.2017 - 01.2019
- Improved PVR by as much as $600.00 per unit
- Menu Training
- New product installation / development
- New business review
- Spearheaded collaboration between sales support functions such as pre-sales and post-sales teams for seamless customer experiences.
- Delivered compelling product demonstrations showcasing unique value propositions tailored to the prospect''s needs.
- Expanded market share with thorough research on industry trends and competitor activities.
Finance and Insurance Mgr.
Gezon Motors, Inc
Grand Rapids Mi
11.2008 - 05.2017
- Improved PVR $500 per unit
- Installed F&I process for 100% turn over
- Nissan Award of Excellence
- Menu selling / compliance
Finance and Insurance Mgr.
Borgman Ford
Wyoming
01.2008 - 11.2008
- Increase PVR $480 per unit
- Lender relations / loan processing
- Improved service contract penetration from 35% to 55%
- Contracts in-transit under 5 days
- Enhanced revenue growth with the development of new financial products and services.
- Implemented innovative financing solutions to secure favorable funding terms for clients.
- Strengthened client relationships through exceptional customer service, leading to increased retention rates.
Area Sales Manager
National Auto Finance Company
Michigan
03.2007 - 01.2008
- Increased active dealer base from 18 to 48
- Increased application count 110%
- Facilitated communication between dealership and consumer underwriters
- Leveraged relationships to drive business results
- Established strong relationships with key clients, resulting in increased customer retention and satisfaction.
- Monitored customer buying trends, market conditions, and competitor actions to adjust strategies and achieve sales goals.
- Implemented innovative strategies to increase product visibility within the assigned territory while maintaining a professional brand image.
- Built lasting relationships with clients through outstanding customer service interactions.
- Expanded market share through effective prospecting, lead generation, and negotiation skills.
- Provided exceptional customer service to existing clients through regular communication and prompt resolution of issues or concerns raised by them.
Education
Certificate Program - Finance And Insurance Management
Ford Motor Credit
Dearborn MI01.1991
BBA - Business Management
Northwood University
Midland, MI05.1989
Skills
- Closing
- Coaching
- Customer satisfaction
- Documentation
- Finance
- Gross profit analysis
- Legal Compliance
- CDK, Dealer Track, Route One, Reynolds and Reynolds, Sharepoint
- Client Needs Assessment
- Customer Service
- Attention to Detail
- Critical Thinking
- Decision-Making
- Client Relationship Management
- Financial analysis and reporting
Certification
- AFIP Certified
Timeline
Remote Finance & Insurance Mgr.
Mark Dodge
06.2022 - Current
General Sales Manager / Finance Director / F&I Mgr
ED Koehn Ford
02.2019 - 02.2022
Account Development Executive
Great Lakes Companies
05.2017 - 01.2019
Finance and Insurance Mgr.
Gezon Motors, Inc
11.2008 - 05.2017
Finance and Insurance Mgr.
Borgman Ford
01.2008 - 11.2008
Area Sales Manager
National Auto Finance Company
03.2007 - 01.2008
Certificate Program - Finance And Insurance Management
Ford Motor Credit
BBA - Business Management
Northwood University