Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards Honors Professional Affiliations
Continued Education
Key Professional Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Languages
References
Timeline
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Renee Avent

Lexington,USA

Summary

Dynamic co-owner and CEO/COO with a proven track record at Hendrick Motors, achieving top national and regional sales rankings. Expert in business development and relationship building, driving revenue growth through innovative sales and marketing strategies. Skilled in team management and sales forecasting, consistently surpassing objectives and fostering strong client partnerships. Resourceful professional in management operations known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in strategic planning, team leadership, and operational improvement. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring seamless execution of business strategies and enhancement of team performance.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Co-owner and Managing Director

Elite Crete of the Carolinas, LLC
Columbia, SC
08.2024 - Current
  • Co-owner of an independently owned and operated distributor of concrete flooring products and chemicals.
  • Responsible for the material distribution of Elite Crete Systems' concrete building materials in SC, NC, and parts of southern VA.
  • Long-term relationship building with general contractors, architects, interior designers, government agencies, property owners, and commercial developers in order to sell bulk materials to repeat clients on a large scale.
  • Host monthly product technical trainings for contractors to attend and receive hands-on demo experience with existing and innovative project material solutions.
  • Detailed material cost estimating, providing options for good, better, and best material sourcing, and solutions based on project plans and specifications.
  • Logistical strategy and planning for project timing, freight, costing, vendor collaboration, etc., with scheduled drop-shipping or delivery of special orders to project locations.
  • Coordinated logistics and operations to optimize delivery times and reduce operational costs.
  • Established policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Division 3 and Division 9 building requirements and regulations.

Co-Owner and CEO

Diamond Concrete Coatings, LLC
Columbia, South Carolina
10.2020 - Current
  • Co-owner and Director of Operations of a South Carolina-based concrete finishing company.
  • Primary responsibility for all business development activities includes attending trade networking events, identifying new vendors, vetting subcontractors, and targeting new building development and customer opportunities. opportunities.
  • Created marketing campaigns to promote products and services.
  • Coached all sales and project management team members in business development activities in order to reach annual, quarterly, and monthly goals.
  • Lead budgeting, forecasting, and marketing activities, and implement those plans with co-owners and vendors.
  • Maintained a comprehensive knowledge of industry developments and competitive landscape.
  • Grew annual revenues: 2020 to 2021 - a 50% increase/doubled revenue with a 25% annual growth in 2022. Saw a 31% growth in 2023. Regular performance reviews and cost analyses are responsible for reducing company overhead by 30% in Q4 2023, increasing profitability in 2024 and 2025, implementing new systems and processes, and streamlining efficiencies.
  • Extensive training in skilled installation practices, with regular continuing education for product innovation and expertise.
  • Management of all supplier and manufacturer relationships, and buying activities.
  • Oversight of all team members' activities for project costing, estimating, conversion of project sales, and project management.
  • Fostered a culture of innovation, encouraging team members to propose new ideas and solutions, and implementing successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
  • Development of both commercial and residential customer channels is currently focused on developing a strong commercial presence in the Southeast.
  • Managed relationships with property owners, vendors, installers, and subcontractors on a day-to-day basis.
  • Established policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building compliance regulations.

Co-Owner and COO

Floor Boys of White Knoll, LLC
Lexington, South Carolina
04.2019 - 11.2021
  • Chief Operating Officer of a SC-based flooring retailer/distributor.
  • Managed a team of sales and administrative professionals on a day-to-day basis.
  • Conducted business development and sales promotion activities to support and provide excellent leads and opportunities for the sales team.
  • Managed all vendor, material supplier, and manufacturer relationships, and buying activities.
  • Developed both commercial and residential customer channels, with strong sales growth year after year, despite COVID-19 markets. These activities kept the retail activities soundly in the black, with repeating annual revenue growth and opportunity for bonuses to the sales team.
  • Responsible for securing and maintaining compliance with PPP loan requirements, ensuring financial security for the team and relevant expenses during COVID-19 events.
  • Oversaw the recruitment, training, and development of staff to build a high-performing team.
  • Prepared detailed reports on sales performance metrics for senior management review.
  • Developed strategies for increasing customer loyalty and satisfaction.

German Account Specialist/Sales

G&W Equipment, Inc.
Charlotte, NC
04.2018 - 04.2019
  • PR management, brand management, and business development for sales of industrial equipment to German companies based in the U.S.; specialization in forklifts.
  • Management support for regional and territory sales team members looking to get in the door and/or manage accounts with German-owned companies.
  • Weekly fieldwork visiting with commercial and industrial customers for relationship building and strategic planning.
  • Responsibility for specific equipment brands, in particular, JUNGHEINRICH.

Commercial Sales Manager

Hendrick Motors of Charlotte, NC
Charlotte, NC
10.2008 - 03.2018
  • Developed the initial launch of a brand-new Sprinter Van fleet sales division at HMoC Mercedes-Benz dealership.
  • Managed the department solo over the initial three-year period, then grew the department through recruiting and training exercises to manage a team of six (three sales associates and three technicians) over an additional seven-year period.
  • Achieved significant monthly and annual sales unit increases, selling over 3,000+ vehicle units in total volume since the 2011 launch.
  • Surpassed Mercedes-Benz's annual sales objectives for the dealership every year since 2011.
  • 2014, surpassed sales objectives by 17%.
  • 2015, surpassed sales objectives by 40%.
  • 2016, surpassed sales objectives by 21%.
  • 2017, surpassed sales objectives by 4%.
  • Regional ranking in the top 5 Sprinter Van vehicle sales in the Southern Region for over 4 years consecutively.
  • In 2016, ranked #1 in sales in the Southern region.
  • In 2017, ranked #2 in sales in the Southern region.
  • National ranking in the top 10 sprinter total monthly sales in the nation for 3+ years.
  • 2016, ranked #1 in sales the nation.
  • In 2017, ranked #1 in sales in the nation.
  • Developed and implemented seasonal marketing plans and platforms for Sprinter Van programs.
  • Built and cultivated relationships with National Fleet customers (e.g., Hertz, Coca-Cola, Donlen, Enterprise, Sixt) and vendors (e.g., Kodiak, Hanvey, Midway, Midwest, McSweeney) through weekly field visits to guarantee optimal performance from the beginning to the end of large commercial vehicle transactions and to ensure repeat and fleet customer accounts.
  • Hands-on management and training of the Sprinter Van sales team, with interdepartmental management over inventory, service, vehicle upfitting, and delivery.
  • All-in-One sales specialization: vehicle sale, professional up-fit, and finished vehicle.

Area Manager - Recruiting

GPM mbH, Personal Service
Aurich, Germany
03.2006 - 02.2008
  • Area manager over regional teams with four in-house direct reports.
  • Worked with temporary employment and recruiting.
  • General HR duties include interviewing new clients, as well as recruits.
  • Contract negotiations.
  • Attended sales and marketing events and shows to showcase campaigns and projects.
  • Implementation of marketing campaigns.
  • Managed itineraries of work assignments over regional teams.
  • Key account management for engineering, project management, client firms, etc.
  • Responsible for the extension of ISO 9001/2000 certification.
  • Certified 'Safety for Operational Supervisors' (temporary work).

Representative for Audi and VW / Fleet Accounts Manager

Eihusen & Wilken GmbH
Norden, Germany
01.2005 - 02.2006
  • Operated as Brand and Fleet Accounts Manager.
  • Built a strong customer base for the auto and commercial vehicle departments.
  • Attended regular trade events and industry shows, resulting in business development for the department.
  • Conducted sales of new and used cars (Audi and VW).
  • Conducted sales of new and used commercial vans (Sprinter, etc.).
  • Oversaw all customer service management for accounts.

Representative for Mercedes Benz/Field Sales and Leasing Consultant

Karl Lonecke GmbH
Wittmund, Germany
01.1995 - 12.2004
  • Sales of new and used commercial vans, e.g., Sprinter, Vito, Viano.
  • Certified as a Sales and Leasing Consultant - Mercedes-Benz, Germany.
  • I began my career in the automotive industry, becoming an industry expert over a 24+ year period while at this dealership for the first 10 years of that career.

Insurance Agent

Deutscher Ring Insurance
Ganderkesee, Germany
05.1992 - 12.1994
  • Achieved and exceeded target insurance sales objectives: health, life, property insurance, and financial services.
  • Sold a variety of insurance products to businesses and individuals, achieving a 25% success rate in selling extra coverage.
  • Answered questions or concerns on policies, insurance claims, coverage, etc.
  • Monitored insurance claims to ensure they were settled equitably for both the client and the insurer.

Education

EntreLeadership Master Series SUMMIT - Business Development

EntreLeadership - SUMMIT
Grapevine
04-2024

EntreLeadership Master Series - Business Management

Ramsey Solutions
Franklin, TN
11-2023

John Maxwell Training - Organizational Leadership

Live To Lead
Atlanta, GA
10-2023

EntreLeadership Master Series - Business Development

Ramsey Solutions
Nashville, TN
09-2022

Hendrick Finance Training -

01.2013

Professional Mercedes-Benz New Car and Sprinter Sales Consultant -

USA

Professional Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant -

Germany

Mercedes Benz Leadership Academy -

Mercedes Benz Commercial Certified -

Hendrick Training -

Dale Carnegie

Mercedes Benz Training - Sales and Leasing

VW and Audi Training - Sales, Leasing and Marketing

Skills

  • Mastered Dealership/Franchise Concepts
  • Relationship Building and Partnership Cultivation
  • Team Management and Collaboration
  • Recruiting, Product Training and Sales Coaching
  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership
  • Innovation and Vision
  • Stakeholder Communication/Executive Reporting
  • Business Development
  • Marketing Strategy and Analysis
  • Special Promotions Planning
  • Sales Forecasting and Revenue Generation
  • Repeat Awards for Sales Achievements
  • Performance Evaluation and Monitoring
  • Team and Customer Relationship Management
  • Product Innovation & Education
  • Key Accounts Management
  • Cross-Functional Project Management

Awards Honors Professional Affiliations

  • Won National Sprinter Sales Competition Dec 2017
  • Won National Sprinter Sales Competition Oct 2016
  • Won National Sprinter Sales Competition Dec 2016
  • Won National Sprinter Sales Competition Dec 2014
  • Sprinter Association Annual Managers Conference (7 years)
  • Participated in Sprinter Introduction in Colli del Tronto, Italy
  • Participated in Viano and Vito Introduction in Berlin, Germany
  • Participated in C - Class Introduction in Mallorca, Spain
  • Participated in A - Class Introduction in Rastatt, Germany
  • Member of GACC – German American Chamber of Commerce
  • 4 year Member of Business Network International - RRG Chapter
  • Foreign language skills – Fluent German, Fluent in English
  • Full US and German Dual Citizenship
  • Contract Amateur in the 3rd League Germany (Kickers Emden - Soccer)
  • 1st Junior League Germany (Soccer)

Continued Education

  • EntreLeadership Master Series: SUMMIT - Business Development - Ramsey Solutions 2024
  • EntreLeadership Master Series: Business Development – Ramsey Solutions 2022 and 2023
  • Certified as Professional Mercedes-Benz New Car and Sprinter Sales Consultant in the USA
  • Certified as Professional Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant in Germany
  • Mercedes Benz Leadership Academy
  • Mercedes Benz Commercial Certified – all available certifications achieved
  • Hendrick Training with Dale Carnegie – 6-month program
  • John Maxwell Training – ongoing (2009-present)
  • Certified - Hendrick Finance Training – 2013
  • Certified - Mercedes Benz Training “Sales and Leasing”
  • Certified - VW and Audi Training “Sales, Leasing and Marketing”

Key Professional Skills

  • Mastered Dealership/Franchise Concepts
  • Sales Forecasting & Fiscal Planning
  • Repeat Awards for Sales Achievement
  • Product Innovation & Education
  • Customer Management & Relationship Building
  • Key Accounts Management
  • Strategic Vision & Leadership
  • Sales & Marketing Promotion
  • Cross-Functional Project Management
  • Executive Reporting & Team Delegation

Affiliations

  • Avid boater and experienced captain, spending hours on the water on a weekly basis for business and pleasure. Raised on the North Sea in Germany and further trained in the US, I have completed boat captain licensing on both national and international waters.
  • Retired semi-pro soccer player and team captain. Played competitive soccer at a semi-pro level in Germany for 16 years, with several years as team captain. Community league player for 10 years in Charlotte, NC. Team sports are a lifelong passion of mine both from a leadership perspective and also in developing team building skills, teamwork mindsets, positive attitude, loyalty and collaboration.

Accomplishments

  • Honored as Top 1% Producer in the US 4 years in a row for Mercedes Benz Van Division (Ranked between #1-#4 in the nation four years running).

Languages

German
Professional
English
Professional

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Co-owner and Managing Director

Elite Crete of the Carolinas, LLC
08.2024 - Current

Co-Owner and CEO

Diamond Concrete Coatings, LLC
10.2020 - Current

Co-Owner and COO

Floor Boys of White Knoll, LLC
04.2019 - 11.2021

German Account Specialist/Sales

G&W Equipment, Inc.
04.2018 - 04.2019

Commercial Sales Manager

Hendrick Motors of Charlotte, NC
10.2008 - 03.2018

Area Manager - Recruiting

GPM mbH, Personal Service
03.2006 - 02.2008

Representative for Audi and VW / Fleet Accounts Manager

Eihusen & Wilken GmbH
01.2005 - 02.2006

Representative for Mercedes Benz/Field Sales and Leasing Consultant

Karl Lonecke GmbH
01.1995 - 12.2004

Insurance Agent

Deutscher Ring Insurance
05.1992 - 12.1994

EntreLeadership Master Series SUMMIT - Business Development

EntreLeadership - SUMMIT

EntreLeadership Master Series - Business Management

Ramsey Solutions

John Maxwell Training - Organizational Leadership

Live To Lead

EntreLeadership Master Series - Business Development

Ramsey Solutions

Hendrick Finance Training -

Professional Mercedes-Benz New Car and Sprinter Sales Consultant -

USA

Professional Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant -

Germany

Mercedes Benz Leadership Academy -

Mercedes Benz Commercial Certified -

Hendrick Training -

Dale Carnegie

Mercedes Benz Training - Sales and Leasing

VW and Audi Training - Sales, Leasing and Marketing

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Renee Avent