PATRIOT SOFTWARE
Samantha BENEFIELD
President/CEO
Newnan,GA
Summary
Entrepreneurial Small Business Owner with automotive and financial business experience. Knowledgeable about B2B, retail sales and customer service, with budgeting, training and operational management skills. Committed to running smooth and profitable businesses with focus on customer satisfaction and retention.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Small Business Owner
Middle Ga Auto Auction, LLC
Macon, GA
11.2018 - 04.2022
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Introduced new methods, practices and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Outlined finances, goals and daily operations of company in detailed business plans.
- Used business software packages to maintain files and administrative records.
- Promoted business via social media to generate leads and maximize brand identity.
- Performed statistical analyses to gather data for operational and forecast team needs.
- Frequently studied market to keep abreast of new industry trends.
- Maintained up-to-date administrative records to monitor operational conditions.
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
- Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
- Coached and mentored employees through effective recruitment, hiring and goal setting methods.
- Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
- Upheld great standards of leadership for employees, consistently leading by example for best-in-class auction services.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- The building and property I was leasing, was going to be turned into a body shop by the owner, and I have yet to secure another location. Owning an auction is my dream, but I am looking for other opportunities and challenges to expand my knowledge and passion.
Business Owner
Line Of Sight Automotive
Carrollton, GA
12.2012 - 10.2018
- Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
- Studied market to determine optimal pricing of goods and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- Entered income and expense details into business databases to track purchases and address variances.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns and transaction reports.
- Line of Sight was my first used car dealership- I handled all financing, in house and bank loans,
- Finalized and perfected contracts, liens, tax, tag, and titles
- Responsible for day to day operations
- Opened second location in 2015 in Macon Ga
- Managed all wholesale and retail operations
- Purchases through local and out of state auctions
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing and weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
Outside Sales Representative
Adesa Atlanta
Fairburn, GA
01.2010 - 08.2012
- Followed up with customers after completed sales to assess satisfaction and resolve technical or service concerns.
- Created strategic brand building events to promote current product portfolio.
- Established new accounts through cold calling and personal visits to potential customers.
- Prospected and conducted face-to-face sales calls with business executives and directors throughout assigned territory.
- Identified prospective customers by using business directories and following leads from existing clients.
- Performed required travel for training and scheduled events.
- Contacted new and existing customers to discuss ways to meet needs through specific products and services.
- Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions and close deals.
- Achieved or exceeded company-defined sales quotas.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
- Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
- Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
- Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
- Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
Inside Sales Representative
Adesa Atlanta
Fairburn, GA
12.2006 - 04.2009
- Developed strategic relationships with existing customers by learning preferences and managing regular communications.
- Exceeded targeted sales goals through continuous pursuit of new sales opportunities and expert closing of customer deals.
- Used digital methods and traditional telephone approaches to generate sales leads.
- Managed friendly and professional customer interactions.
- Used CRM software to maintain detailed contact logs and account records.
- Followed up with customers after completed sales to assess satisfaction and resolve technical or service concerns.
- Set up new accounts, established customer credit and set up payment methods.
- Applied mathematical skills to calculating amounts, negotiating prices and setting up contracts.
Customer Service Representative
Adesa Atlanta
Fairburn, GA
02.2005 - 11.2006
- Provided primary customer support to internal and external customers.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
- Clarified customer issues and determined root cause of problems to resolve product or service complaints.
- Recorded account information to open new customer accounts.
- Transferred titles between buyer and seller
- Responsible for buyers payment types (check, cash, floorplan, finance companies), and distributed sellers' checks in a timely manner.
Bank Teller
Bank Of America
College Park, GA
10.2003 - 11.2004
- Assisted customers with setting up or closing accounts, completing loan applications and signing up for new services.
- Educated customers on use of banking website and mobile apps.
- Answered customer inquiries regarding account balances, transaction history, services charges and interest rates.
- Turned in excess cash to maintain drawer security.
- Assisted customers with compromised debit cards and issued new credentials.
- Provided customer records, account statements and copies of checks.
- Completed highly accurate, high-volume money counts via both manual and machine-driven approaches.
- Counted and packaged currency and coins.
- Processed customer transactions promptly, minimizing wait times.
Education
High School Diploma -
Fayette Christian School
Fayetteville 11.2000 - 05.2001
Skills
Business growth and retention
New business launch
Cost control and analysis
Business management and development
Human resources administration
Strategic planning
Relationship building
Coaching and mentoring
Inventory management
Business Development
Staff training/development
Recruitment
Effective leader
Delegation
Client account management
Employee scheduling
Employee reviews
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 17 staff members.
- Achieved sales forecasting and customer management by introducing a software I had made (Auction101.com) for daily tasks.
- Voted "BEST OF MACON'S AUTO AUCTION 2019
Software
EXCEL
QUICKBOOKS
INVOICING
GOOGLE SLIDES/PRESENTATION
Interests
Reading/listening to financial podcasts
Supporting my son's travel ball team with fundraising/gift giving
Nutrition
Vehicles
Watching documentaries
Woodworking/ home improvement diy
Cooking
Organizing/ simple home and business solutions
Timeline
Small Business Owner
Middle Ga Auto Auction, LLC
11.2018 - 04.2022
Business Owner
Line Of Sight Automotive
12.2012 - 10.2018
Outside Sales Representative
Adesa Atlanta
01.2010 - 08.2012
Inside Sales Representative
Adesa Atlanta
12.2006 - 04.2009
Customer Service Representative
Adesa Atlanta
02.2005 - 11.2006
Bank Teller
Bank Of America
10.2003 - 11.2004
High School Diploma -
Fayette Christian School
11.2000 - 05.2001