Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Education & Training
Timeline
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Mitch Vining

Howard City,MI

Summary

Results-driven Automotive Buyer with 2+ years of vehicle acquisition experience and a strong background in automotive sales and finance. Skilled in auction sourcing, private-party purchasing, market analysis, and negotiation strategies that maximize dealership profitability. Proven success in streamlining inventory flow, optimizing vehicle turn rates, and aligning stock with market demand.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Automotive Buyer

The My Auto Group (Grand Rapids)
05.2025 - Current
  • Lead acquisition strategy for used inventory across multiple rooftops, sourcing vehicles from auctions, wholesalers, and private-party purchases.
  • Negotiate competitive pricing to protect gross margins while stocking vehicles that align with market demand.
  • Collaborate with finance and sales departments to balance inventory mix with customer needs.

Automotive Buyer

Vanderhyde Ford
04.2023 - 05.2025
  • Purchased vehicles through trade-ins, auctions, and direct private-party acquisitions.
  • Conducted market trend analysis to identify high-demand models and ensure fast-moving inventory.
  • Negotiated with sellers and vendors to secure profitable purchase terms and increase dealership ROI.
  • Partnered with the sales team to ensure proper stocking levels and profitable retail strategies.

Finance Manager

The My Auto Group (Recker & Central Motorsports)
04.2022 - 04.2023
  • Structured auto loans, secured financing approvals, and maintained strong lender relationships.
  • Consistently exceeded back-end gross goals by presenting value-driven protection products.
  • Contributed to multiple record-breaking gross months across both dealerships.

Sales / Inventory Manager

The My Auto Group (Alma Ford)
04.2021 - 04.2022
  • Managed all aspects of used inventory flow from acquisition to lot readiness within 5 days.
  • Coordinated vehicle check-in, inspections, reconditioning, and lot placement to ensure readiness for sale.
  • Supported dealership profitability goals by streamlining sales process and ensuring compliance.

Sales / Assistant Sales Manager / Backup Finance

Iconic Motor Company
07.2020 - 04.2021
  • Trained sales staff in scripts, customer service, and closing strategies.
  • Supported finance operations including lender negotiations and subprime lending.
  • Consistently exceeded monthly sales quotas, averaging 15–20 vehicles sold.

Sales Associate

Ed Koehn Ford
02.2018 - 07.2020
  • Built long-term client relationships, driving repeat and referral business.
  • Assisted finance department with subprime lending, credit applications, and product sales.

2nd Shift Supervisor

Steelcase
07.2017 - 02.2018
  • Directed site security operations and coordinated emergency response.

Aviation Ordnanceman / Security Patrol Officer

U.S. Navy
01.2012 - 01.2017
  • Served aboard USS Ronald Reagan, USS George Washington, and USS Theodore Roosevelt.
  • Provided ship security as patrol officer, dispatcher, and reaction force member.
  • Trained and qualified 20+ patrol officers and 4 dispatchers.

Skills

  • Automotive Buying & Negotiation
  • Auction & Private-Party Purchasing
  • Used Vehicle Market Analysis
  • Inventory Turn Rate Optimization
  • Automotive Finance & Sales Support
  • Vendor & Lender Relations
  • Team Training & Leadership

Education & Training

• U.S. Navy – Aviation Ordnanceman & Security Force Certifications


• Automotive Finance & Sales Training Newtech Dealer Services

Timeline

Automotive Buyer

The My Auto Group (Grand Rapids)
05.2025 - Current

Automotive Buyer

Vanderhyde Ford
04.2023 - 05.2025

Finance Manager

The My Auto Group (Recker & Central Motorsports)
04.2022 - 04.2023

Sales / Inventory Manager

The My Auto Group (Alma Ford)
04.2021 - 04.2022

Sales / Assistant Sales Manager / Backup Finance

Iconic Motor Company
07.2020 - 04.2021

Sales Associate

Ed Koehn Ford
02.2018 - 07.2020

2nd Shift Supervisor

Steelcase
07.2017 - 02.2018

Aviation Ordnanceman / Security Patrol Officer

U.S. Navy
01.2012 - 01.2017

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Mitch Vining