Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Activities
Timeline
Generic

Paul Stewart

Aurora,IL

Summary

Results driven professional with more than fifteen years of operational/management experience, seeking a challenge as a Delivery Service Partner at Amazon. An experienced Leader seeking an opportunity to leverage expertise in optimizing processes and driving efficiency. Skilled in financial analysis and Team Leadership, backed by a comprehensive understanding of business operations and profit and loss optimization. Motivational leader and organizational problem-solver with advanced supervisory, team building and customer service skills. Experience stepping into roles and quickly making positive changes to drive company success. Focused on using training, monitoring and morale-building techniques to maximize employee engagement and performance. Reliable Manager demonstrating high level of ownership and initiative. Possessing exceptional work ethic and desire to go above and beyond to exceed company expectations. Offering knack for building productive working relationships. Successful in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments to manage goals and team development. History of thriving in team-oriented environments.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

Sales Consultant / Upgrade Manager

McGrath Lexus
Westmont, IL
01.2010 - Current
  • A top producer in one of the most profitable Lexus Dealerships in the Mid-West United States: Effective needs analysis: open questions and active listening… client will tell you how to sell them
  • Establish rapport, effective needs analysis, interactive product presentation and demo than review and close
  • Calm, enthusiasm throughout
  • Personally responsible for up to One million dollars in sales gross Annually
  • Upgrade Manager: Market to the 19,000 Service customers who service their cars at McGrath Lexus but bought elsewhere and convert them into McGrath Lexus buyers.
  • Analyzed customer needs and identified solutions to meet their requirements.
  • Increased revenue by skillfully upselling and closing customer sales and driving product benefits around client needs.
  • Monitored customer order process and addressed customer issues.
  • Presented products and services to prospective and existing customers to meet client needs.
  • Leveraged CRM system to manage sales activities and track sales performance.
  • Ensured customer satisfaction by providing follow-up support after purchases.
  • Fostered relationships with customers to expand customer base and retain business.
  • Boosted client satisfaction ratings by offering proactive resolution ideas while driving actionable responses to questions, concerns or challenges.
  • Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
  • Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Exercised good judgment and decision-making in escalating concerns and resolving issues.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.

Owner Operator /General Manager

Liberty Imports Online, Inc.
Plainfield, IL
01.2007 - 01.2010
  • Managed the day-to-day operations of an internet-based Luxury Used Car Dealership
  • Hired, trained, and motivated sales staff
  • Create effective ad campaigns to supplement internet marketing
  • Formulate forecasts and profit and loss statements
  • Acquired and managed floor plans, purchasing and liquidating used cars and managing inventory
  • Established and maintained relationships with lenders
  • Performed F & I duties, closed deals and monitored contracts in transit to maintain a positive cash flow.
  • Increased company revenue by $[Amount] within first year.
  • Developed policies, procedures, and short-term and long-term goals for the organization.
  • Managed and oversaw leadership team to meet established KPIs and achieve objectives and key results.
  • Hired, trained and mentored [Number] staff members to maximize productivity.
  • Oversaw budgeting and financial management.

President /Business Development Consultant

New Genesis Business Consultants
Aurora, IL
01.2006 - 01.2007
  • Business Development and Project Management: Focus New Car Dealerships: Increase Sales maximize profits and control expenses
  • Includes but not limited to; research and department analysis and implementation of needed policies and procedures, develop marketing plans and hire and train personnel
  • Establish and maintain profitability
  • Trainer: Traveled the United States providing recruiting and training for New Car Franchises.
  • Hired, trained and mentored [Number] staff members to maximize productivity.

New Car Director

Mercedes Benz of Naperville
Naperville, IL
01.2003 - 01.2006
  • Director of New Vehicle Sales: Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the New Vehicle Sales department of a Luxury New Car Franchise
  • Formulated monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasts for the new vehicle sales department and worked closely with Management and sales personnel providing weekly training sessions and daily coaching to ensure that those objectives are attained
  • Worked closely with the manufacturer to order cars and maintain Brand consistency in our dealership
  • Managed inventory on a first in first out basis and innovated systems to help sales staff to sell aged units first
  • Conducted by weekly or weekly sales training
  • Innovate and implement sales systems and processes
  • Provide coaching to ensure an elevated level of Customer Satisfaction, owner loyalty and repeat sales
  • Increased New Car Sales by 150% in the first 60 days as Department head
  • Customer Satisfaction: Increased to and maintained IBS scores of 97 to 99%
  • Achieved and maintained Front End Grosses of $4400 to $4800 GPNVR
  • (30% HIGHER THAN Group Average).
  • Coached, developed and motivated team to achieve revenue goals.
  • Managed relationships with automotive manufacturers regarding product availability and delivery timelines.
  • Utilized analytics tools such as Salesforce CRM in order to track performance metrics related to the sale of new vehicles.
  • Developed and implemented new car sales strategies to maximize profits.
  • Led weekly meetings with staff members in order to review progress towards achieving monthly targets for selling new cars.
  • Created and managed a customer-centric sales process for new cars.
  • Developed and significantly grew assigned territory [Number]% within first year.
  • Conducted research on prospective customers in order to develop tailored sales strategies.
  • Established ambitious goals for employees to promote achievement and surpass business targets.
  • Provided guidance and support to sales staff in order to ensure efficient closure of deals.
  • Built sales forecasts and schedules to reflect desired productivity targets.
  • Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to the sale of new cars.
  • Gained market share in new sales performance through aggressive team training.
  • Maintained accurate records of all transactions related to the sale of new vehicles.
  • Improved profit margins by effectively managing expenses, budget and overhead, increasing closings and optimizing product turns.
  • Performed regular audits of inventory levels in order to identify areas where additional stock was needed.
  • Reviewed financial statements from previous months in order to assess profitability from the sale of new vehicles.
  • Designed incentives programs that rewarded employees based on successful completion of goals related to selling more units than expected.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with existing customers by providing exceptional service throughout their ownership experience.
  • Resolved customer complaints regarding sales and service.
  • Supported sales team members to drive growth and development.
  • Enhanced sales volume through skilled support to both new and inactive customers.
  • Monitored customer feedback related to their experience purchasing new cars from the dealership.
  • Directed and coordinated products, services and sales activities.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.

Hired Dealer Operator and General Manager

Ford Dealer Development Division Chicago Region
Downers Grove, IL
01.1996 - 01.2003
  • Trouble Shooter: Responsibility is to transform failed Dealer Development Dealerships into profitable corporations so they could be sold as profitable Private Capital Dealerships
  • Dealer Operator: Responsible for the day-to-day operations of multiple New Vehicle Franchises
  • Hired, trained, managed, and motivated all dealership management personnel
  • Planned all dealership operations on an annual basis and submitted to Ford Dealer Development Regional Director for approval
  • Directed and managed all department heads and managers
  • Performed effective departmental analysis helping department heads to perceive missed opportunities, set goals, solve problems, and maximize their strengths
  • Compiled accurate weekly reports on the financial condition of the store
  • Provided enthusiastic leadership and established and maintained morale
  • Developed and maintained working relationships with Lending institutions and Manufacturer personnel.
  • Ensured customer satisfaction by addressing any complaints or concerns promptly.
  • Provided training sessions for new members of the sales team regarding proper procedures when dealing with customers.
  • Served as a liaison between the organization and external stakeholders.
  • Managed daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
  • Developed strategic plans to increase profitability and efficiency.
  • Developed business from ground up and prepared records and operations for smooth handover to new owners.
  • Developed policies and procedures for the organization.
  • Interviewed, trained and supervised employees.
  • Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
  • Kept up-to-date on regulatory changes affecting business operations.
  • Created marketing campaigns to attract new customers.
  • Oversaw staff hiring, initiating new training and scheduled processes to streamline operations.
  • Hired and trained new department managers to increase team oversight and productivity.
  • Mentored and trained new hires on sales techniques and customer service procedures.
  • Led startup and creation of operational procedures and workflow planning.
  • Created and implemented employee onboarding and training programs to promote employee retention and team collaboration.
  • Conducted performance reviews for employees on a regular basis.
  • Analyzed financial statements and trends to manage cash flow and make business decisions.
  • Created and implemented marketing and advertising strategies to support revenue goals and promote strategic growth.
  • Kept records for production, inventory, income, and expenses.
  • Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Conducted market research activities and competitive analysis to facilitate implementation of aggressive company marketing strategy.
  • Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
  • Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
  • Analyzed existing processes for effectiveness and developed new systems as needed to enhance overall productivity levels.
  • Led employee evaluations with constructive feedback to boost performance.
  • Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Managed inventory levels and conducted corrective action planning to minimize long-term costs.
  • Developed marketing strategies designed to increase brand awareness within target markets.
  • Implemented employee recognition programs to motivate staff members towards achieving organizational goals.
  • Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
  • Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
  • Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
  • Conducted regular meetings with senior management team to review progress against established objectives.
  • Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
  • Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and maximize customer satisfaction.
  • Recruited, trained and empowered employees to achieve key performance indicators.
  • Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
  • Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
  • Coordinated and directed activities of businesses or departments concerning production, pricing and sales.
  • Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired qualified staff for open positions.
  • Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
  • Maintained open communication with team members and stakeholders, resulting in successful project outcomes.

General Manager

Currie Lincoln Mercury
Chicago, IL
01.1988 - 01.1996
  • Currie Motor Group: Westchester, IL 1988-1996 Started my career at Currie Motors as a sales associate and became #1 producer in all 24 dealerships combined
  • Promoted to Used Car Manager than General Sales Manager to General Manager/ Dealership Operator
  • My tenure was punctuated by a reputation as a strong closer, hands-on manager and consistent trainer/motivator
  • Six years as GM/GSM
  • Identified areas of improvement in current business practices and collaborated with other departments to develop action plans for implementation.
  • Complied with company policies and government regulations to prevent and detect rule violations and protect organization from fines and lawsuits.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
  • Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired qualified staff for open positions.
  • Managed inventory levels and conducted corrective action planning to minimize long-term costs.
  • Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
  • Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
  • Prepared detailed reports for senior leadership outlining key performance metrics related to operational success.
  • Implemented employee recognition programs to motivate staff members towards achieving organizational goals.
  • 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.
  • Designed sales and service strategies to improve revenue and retention.
  • Conducted regular meetings with senior management team to review progress against established objectives.
  • Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
  • Led employee evaluations with constructive feedback to boost performance.
  • Conducted employee evaluations to provide adequate feedback and recognize quality performance.
  • Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
  • Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
  • Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and maximize customer satisfaction.
  • Appraised inventory levels on frequent basis, ordering new merchandise to keep quantities well-stocked.
  • Administered employee discipline through verbal and written warnings.
  • Trained employees on duties, policies and procedures.
  • Developed service and sales strategies to improve retention and revenue.
  • Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
  • Analyzed existing processes for effectiveness and developed new systems as needed to enhance overall productivity levels.
  • Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
  • Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
  • Supervised employees through planning, assignments, and direction.
  • Developed marketing strategies designed to increase brand awareness within target markets.
  • Provided guidance and support to subordinate managers in order to foster an atmosphere of cooperation throughout the organization.
  • Assisted in the recruitment process by interviewing potential candidates for open positions.
  • Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
  • Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
  • Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.

Education

National Automobile Dealer Academy - Business Operations

National Automobile Dealer Academy
McLean, VA
08-1997

Some College (No Degree) - Broadcast Journalism

University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN

Skills

  • Strategic planning and Process Optimization
  • Financial Analysis and Forecasting
  • Team Leadership Training and Coaching
  • Inventory Management and Control
  • Innovation and Process improvement to enhance overall operational performance
  • Effective Problem solving and decision making
  • Ability to analyze financial statements, identify problems and potential opportunities for growth
  • Utilizing financial analysis to track performance, make decisions, motivate Teams and maintain a big – picture mindset
  • Innovate and implement effective processes
  • Experienced Trainer and Public Speaker
  • Utilize departmental analysis to coach Department Heads to establish goals and implement strategies that would maximize sales and profits in the Service and Parts as well as the New and Used car and Finance departments
  • Knowledgeable in all areas, New and Used vehicle sales, Parts and Service operations and Dealership Administration
  • Qualified for leadership, helping Team Members to perceive missed opportunities, solve problems, set goals, and maximize their strengths
  • Energetic and enthusiastic initiative-taker with the ability to work independently and as part of a Team

Activities

  • Innovated and created multiple Job Training programs from the ground up for nonprofit organizations.
  • Licensed and Ordained Minister and community volunteer.
  • Sunday School Teacher for fifteen years.
  • Adult Bible Study Teacher for 6 years. Mount Olive Church of God In Christ.
  • Director of the Young Men’s Men Program at Mt Olive and established a Partnership with Mid America Teen Challenge, and Boys to Men Organization in Chicago IL.

Timeline

Sales Consultant / Upgrade Manager

McGrath Lexus
01.2010 - Current

Owner Operator /General Manager

Liberty Imports Online, Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2010

President /Business Development Consultant

New Genesis Business Consultants
01.2006 - 01.2007

New Car Director

Mercedes Benz of Naperville
01.2003 - 01.2006

Hired Dealer Operator and General Manager

Ford Dealer Development Division Chicago Region
01.1996 - 01.2003

General Manager

Currie Lincoln Mercury
01.1988 - 01.1996

National Automobile Dealer Academy - Business Operations

National Automobile Dealer Academy

Some College (No Degree) - Broadcast Journalism

University of Minnesota
Paul Stewart