Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

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
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
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
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
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
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
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 MI
01.1991

BBA - Business Management

Northwood University
Midland, MI
05.1989

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
Melinda Smith