Russell Merten
Kansas City,MO
Summary
Dynamic National Sales Manager with over 15 of experience in the automotive industry, excelling in outside sales and strategic account management. Proven ability to exceed sales targets and drive revenue growth through innovative strategies and strong client relationships. Skilled in market analysis to identify new opportunities and optimize performance. A collaborative leader dedicated to team development and delivering exceptional customer service.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
National Sales Director - DSI
4 Wheel Parts
09.2023 - Current
- Strategic Leadership: Developed and executed national sales strategies to drive growth and market penetration in the automotive sector, resulting in a 100% increase in sales revenue in 2024.
- Client Relationship Management: Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with key accounts, dealers, and distributors.
- Market Analysis: Conducted comprehensive market research and competitive analysis to identify trends and opportunities.
- Collaboration: Worked closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product development, and accounting, to align sales strategies with overall business objectives.
- Training and Development: Designed and implemented training programs to enhance the sales team's product knowledge and selling techniques.
National Business Development Manager - DSI
4Wheel Parts
07.2022 - 09.2023
- Relationship Building: Established and nurtured relationships with automotive dealers and distributors to foster long-term partnerships.
- Market Research: Analyzed market trends and competitive landscape to inform business strategies and identify areas for growth.
- Collaboration: Partnered with internal teams, including marketing and product development.
- Reporting and Analysis: Monitored sales metrics and prepared regular reports for senior management, providing insights on performance and recommendations for improvement.
Regional Sales Director - DSI
4Wheel Parts
03.2018 - 07.2022
- Sales Leadership: Directed sales operations across North Central United States, developing and implementing regional sales strategies.
- Team Management: Led and mentored a team of 16 outside sales representatives, providing guidance, performance evaluations, and professional development.
- Market Analysis: Conducted in-depth market research to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive landscape.
- Sales Training: Developed and delivered training programs to improve the sales team's product knowledge, sales techniques, and customer service skills.
District Sales Manager - DSI
4Wheel Parts
03.2018 - 02.2019
- Client Acquisition: Identified and pursued new business opportunities within the automotive industry, successfully expanding the territory by 70%.
- Relationship Management: Developed and maintained strong relationships with automotive dealers, fleet managers, and other key stakeholders.
- Sales Presentations: Conducted compelling product demonstrations and presentations tailored to customer needs, and closing sales.
- Follow-Up: Managed post-sale follow-ups to ensure customer satisfaction, address any concerns, and identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling.
Sales Manager
Lebanon Ford
05.2015 - 03.2018
- Sales Strategy Development: Developed and implemented effective sales strategies to achieve dealership sales goals.
- Team Leadership: Managed and trained a team of 22 sales representatives, fostering a high-performance culture through coaching, leadership, and performance evaluations.
- Inventory Management: Collaborated with management to optimize vehicle inventory levels.
- Sales Training: Designed and delivered training programs for new and existing sales staff, focusing on product knowledge, sales techniques, and customer service excellence.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Business Managment
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, IDSkills
- Customer Engagement
- Key Account Management
- Strategic Planning
- Staff Training
- Business growth and retention
- Staff Development
- Business Development
Accomplishments
Polaris Emerging Leaders Development Program- An exclusive program that cultivates future leaders through hands-on experience and leadership training. Participants engage in mentorship and cross-functional projects to enhance their understanding of the company and drive innovation.
TAP Leadership Development Program - An exclusive group of leaders chosen for targeted training and mentorship. Participants gain essential skills and insights to drive organizational success and innovation.
Timeline
National Sales Director - DSI
4 Wheel Parts
09.2023 - Current
National Business Development Manager - DSI
4Wheel Parts
07.2022 - 09.2023
Regional Sales Director - DSI
4Wheel Parts
03.2018 - 07.2022
District Sales Manager - DSI
4Wheel Parts
03.2018 - 02.2019
Sales Manager
Lebanon Ford
05.2015 - 03.2018
Some College (No Degree) - Business Managment
Brigham Young University - Idaho
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