Michael Schmalzel
4565 Catalina Drive, Lake Orion,MI
Summary
Dynamic Financial Services Manager recognized as leader, coach and mentor fostering strong relationships with diverse teams. Recruits, builds, and maintains high-performance team of professionals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
National Insurance Manager
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Farmington Hills, MI
02.2021 - Current
- Manage a team that drives, supports, and maintains insurance point-of-sale products and dealer insurance programs.
- Monitor industry trends related to insurance products and services, providing feedback on new opportunities or threats.
- Analyze vendor performance data to identify areas for improvement or cost savings opportunities.
- Implement process improvement initiatives to optimize operational efficiency.
- Provide field-level support to sales staff on a weekly basis, including assistance with customer presentations and account management activities.
- Work with large dealer groups in order to maximize overall performance in the United States.
Executive Business Manager to the Vice President
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Farmington Hills, MI
07.2018 - 02.2021
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure smooth functioning of day-to-day activities.
- Facilitated collaboration between departments by organizing meetings and workshops.
- Conducted market research to identify potential new business opportunities.
- Defined accountabilities and established performance objectives and metrics to execute strategy.
- Drove key initiatives through Dealer Board collaboration.
Group Leader (Collections Recovery)
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Fort Worth, TX
10.2016 - 07.2018
- Managed multiple collections units, including Skip Recovery, Deficiency Recovery, Agency/Attorney Recovery, Specialty, and Bankruptcy.
- Implemented strategies designed to improve efficiency across multiple departments.
- Maintained a high level of communication between group members and other departments.
- Analyzed vendor performance data to identify areas for improvement or cost savings opportunities.
Group Leader (Cycle Collections)
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Fort Worth, TX
10.2015 - 10.2016
- Managed cycle collections, along with total loss and bankruptcy units.
- Managed compliance for the entire Collections Department.
- Identified trends to determine the best strategies needed to improve metrics.
- Worked closely with the Reporting, Dialer, and Training teams to identify opportunities.
- Approved all charge-off accounts in relation to qualifications.
Credit Operations Manager
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Fort Worth, TX
05.2013 - 10.2015
- Managed teams that analyzed consumer credit, detected fraud, and rendered excellent service to our external and internal customers.
- Hired, mentored, and coached credit analysts to ensure that proper decisions were consistent.
- Worked closely with field personnel to maximize profitability, opportunities, and communication with dealer and brand partners.
- Managed reporting related to portfolio performance to maintain supportive buying practices.
Senior Dealer Relationship Manager
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Parsippany, NJ
05.2011 - 05.2013
- Acquired dealer business related to commercial, consumer, insurance, and efficiency metrics.
- Consulted dealers on their performance numbers, and communicated best practices in the industry.
- Trained dealership personnel on programs, systems, and reporting.
- Trained and mentored new field personnel.
Program Development Manager
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Farmington Hills, MI
07.2008 - 05.2011
- Developed, launched, and promoted branded aftermarket products for customer use.
- Trained dealership personnel and field personnel on all point-of-sale products and associated materials.
- Worked closely with vendors to enhance products and customer experience.
- Worked closely with internal groups to promote and help advertise newly developed products.
- Rolled out promotional programs to gauge interest in the market.
Other Positions Held
Chrysler Financial
03.2001 - 07.2008
- Dealer Relationship Manager
- Commercial Credit Analyst
- Senior Retail Credit Analyst
- Retail Credit Analyst
- Fraud Analyst
- Collections/Customer Service Representative
Education
MBA - Marketing And International Business
Iona College
New Rochelle, NY05-2010
Bachelor of Arts -
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI12-1999
Skills
- Insurance management
- Vendor management
- Process improvement
- Market analysis
- Data analysis
- Customer presentations
- Team leadership
- Sales strategy
- Operational efficiency
- Communication skills
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
National Insurance Manager
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
02.2021 - Current
Executive Business Manager to the Vice President
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
07.2018 - 02.2021
Group Leader (Collections Recovery)
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
10.2016 - 07.2018
Group Leader (Cycle Collections)
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
10.2015 - 10.2016
Credit Operations Manager
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
05.2013 - 10.2015
Senior Dealer Relationship Manager
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
05.2011 - 05.2013
Program Development Manager
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
07.2008 - 05.2011
Other Positions Held
Chrysler Financial
03.2001 - 07.2008
MBA - Marketing And International Business
Iona College
Bachelor of Arts -
Michigan State University