Sean Hightower

• Directed the transition to an external advertising agency to support the growing needs of the multi-rooftop automotive group, improving creative output, campaign scalability, and digital performance.
• Collaborated closely with sales leadership to align marketing efforts with real-time business objectives, ensuring every campaign directly supported showroom traffic, lead volume, and sales targets.
• Implemented data-driven marketing strategies across traditional and digital platforms, consistently generating measurable ROI and contributing to month-over-month growth in unit sales and gross profit.
• Oversaw branding consistency and campaign messaging across all stores and channels, reinforcing the group’s reputation for transparency, value, and customer-first service.
• Regularly analyzed campaign performance, adjusted budgets and creative direction based on in-store activity and market response, and provided reporting to executive leadership to support agile decision-making.

• Oversaw operations across three existing rooftops and successfully led the launch of a fourth all-new Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram location, including full staffing, vendor setup, and grand opening execution.
• Negotiated contracts with key vendors and established strong, lasting relationships with national and regional lenders to support finance operations and improve backend profitability.
• Directed all hiring and onboarding for the new store, building out sales, service, and support teams from the ground up to align with the group’s performance standards and culture.
• Led the planning and execution of high-visibility grand opening events, driving awareness, traffic, and early success for the new location.
• Developed and managed monthly and weekly sales and service forecasts across all departments, analyzing performance daily to track progress, identify gaps, and keep all teams accountable to goals.
• Worked closely with department heads to implement process improvements, maximize gross, and ensure alignment with operational and financial objectives across all rooftops.

Took a planned career sabbatical to travel and experience the entirety of the 48 continental United States. This journey offered a rare opportunity to step back, gain fresh perspective, and reconnect with core values that drive personal and professional success.

Throughout this time, I remained actively engaged with the evolving automotive landscape—tracking market trends, studying the shift in consumer behavior, and observing how leading dealerships adapted to new retail challenges. I returned reenergized and refocused, with a broadened outlook and a renewed commitment to leadership, innovation, and delivering exceptional results in a rapidly changing industry.

• Enhanced Customer Relations: Excellently managed customer interactions, promptly addressing and resolving issues, significantly elevating customer satisfaction levels. This approach not only bolstered client loyalty but also reinforced the dealership's commitment to exemplary service standards.
• Operational Process Optimization: Innovatively redesigned and implemented new operational procedures, significantly streamlining daily activities. This strategic enhancement led to improved efficiency and effectiveness in dealership operations.
• Financial Oversight and Profitability: Skillfully managed the dealership's financial aspects, encompassing budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. This vigilant financial stewardship played a critical role in maximizing profitability and ensuring fiscal health.
• Team Development and Leadership: Provided mentorship to staff members, cultivating a supportive and productive work environment. This leadership significantly boosted employee performance, morale, and retention, contributing to a high-performing team dynamic.
• Inventory Management Efficiency: Expertly oversaw inventory control, ensuring optimal stock levels while minimizing excess and wastage. This effective management was pivotal in maintaining operational readiness and cost-efficiency.
• Staff Training and Service Excellence: Initiated and administered comprehensive training programs for staff, elevating service quality and fostering increased customer loyalty. These programs were instrumental in enhancing overall service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborative Marketing and Sales Initiatives: Partnered with the General Manager in devising and executing innovative marketing strategies, effectively elevating brand visibility and accelerating sales growth.
• Facility Maintenance and Operational Continuity: Diligently monitored and coordinated all aspects of facility maintenance, ensuring timely upgrades and repairs. This proactive approach guaranteed uninterrupted and efficient dealership operations.

• Strategic Sales Revenue Enhancement: Effectively implemented targeted marketing campaigns and nurtured strong customer relationships, resulting in a substantial increase in sales revenue. This strategic approach underscored my commitment to driving business growth and enhancing market position.
• Sales Team Development and Performance Management: Excelled in developing a high-performing sales team through rigorous coaching, tailored training, and motivational strategies. My leadership in this area led to enhanced team efficiency and effectiveness, consistently exceeding sales goals.
• Efficiency-Driven Sales Process Improvement: Streamlined sales operations to maximize efficiency, significantly improving close rates and reducing the duration of sales cycles. This refinement of sales processes demonstrated my focus on operational excellence and customer service speed.
• Market Share Expansion through Proactive Lead Generation: Spearheaded aggressive market expansion efforts, employing proactive prospecting and lead generation tactics. This proactive stance was instrumental in uncovering new business opportunities and expanding the dealership's market footprint.
• Balanced and Competitive Pricing Strategy Implementation: Skillfully implemented pricing strategies that balanced profitability with competitive market positioning. This approach ensured the dealership's offerings were attractively priced while maintaining healthy profit margins.
• Managed over $30 million average in combined New and Used inventory.
• Maintained #1 Volume Chevrolet Dealer in Oklahoma every year in position.
• Maintained store CSI scores above the regional average for both sales and service.
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• Increased sales revenue by implementing strategic marketing campaigns and fostering strong customer relationships.
• Developed a high-performing sales team through consistent coaching, training, and motivation techniques.

• Developed and maintained strong relationships with manufacturers, resulting in favorable pricing and vehicle allocations.
• Managed inventory levels to maintain optimal stock while minimizing aging units and maximizing profitability.
• Oversaw the entire new car sales process, ensuring a smooth and efficient customer experience from start to finish.
• Trained and mentored sales staff, leading to improved individual performance and team success.

• Lead Management and Sales Optimization: Skillfully managed an Internet Sales Department, adeptly handling over 1,000 leads monthly. Demonstrated consistent performance by maintaining an impressive 15% closing rate, exemplifying a keen understanding of sales dynamics and customer engagement strategies in the automotive sector.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Relations: Fostered and cultivated robust relationships with key lead providers and digital vendors, enhancing department efficiency and collaborative opportunities. This approach not only streamlined operations but also reinforced the department's reputation for excellence and reliability.
• Process Streamlining and Customer Experience Enhancement: Strategically directed the online retailing process, focusing on optimizing the customer journey from initial contact to final sale. This initiative resulted in a more seamless, efficient, and customer-centric approach, thereby boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Financial Management and Deal Structuring: Took full charge of all financing and transactional details within the department, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and profitability in every aspect of the deal-making process. This meticulous approach underscored a commitment to operational excellence and fiscal responsibility.