Stephen Ruiz

At Baytown Ford, I bring my extensive automotive industry experience to contribute to a winning culture by mentoring junior sales staff, contributing to team strategy, and upholding company standards for professionalism, compliance, and brand excellence.

At THIScar, I play a key role in driving strategic growth by connecting retail buyers and independent dealers with a smarter, more efficient way to source pre-owned vehicles. As part of a forward-thinking team built by the founders of TexasDirectAuto, I help expand our market reach through consultative selling, relationship building, and a deep understanding of wholesale pricing dynamics. THIScar's unique model—sourcing directly from private sellers and bypassing auctions and rental inventories—allows us to deliver unmatched value and scalability. I’m passionate about helping clients streamline acquisitions, reduce costs, and grow their automotive operations through a modern, tech-enabled sales experience.

At Momentum CDJR of Sealy I served in a dual-capacity role, seamlessly integrating front-end sales and finance operations to deliver a cohesive and customer-focused experience. Supported in-store, phone, and digital clientele while managing a personal portfolio to strengthen customer loyalty and drive dealership growth. In the finance office, cultivated relationships with a broad network of lenders to secure tailored financing solutions. Ensured the accurate and compliant execution of all legal and regulatory documents and maintained efficient deal funding timelines. -Collaborated closely with dealership leadership to support operational efficiency and uphold a high standard of professionalism and service.

At Sterling McCall Hyundai South Loop I delivered an exceptional customer experience in a dynamic, post-pandemic retail environment, leveraging over a decade of automotive sales expertise to meet the evolving expectations of modern car buyers. Engaged walk-in, phone, and digital clients with a consultative approach, helping them navigate inventory limitations, supply chain disruptions, and financing challenges. Managed a personal client portfolio to drive retention and referral business, while maintaining strong product knowledge and adapting quickly to shifting market conditions. Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and consistent performance in a highly competitive and rapidly changing industry landscape.

At Lazo Realty I performed as a state of Texas Licensed Real Estate professional with hands-on experience guiding investors and homebuyers through Houston’s fast-moving, pandemic-era market. Blended market analytics, targeted digital marketing, and sharp negotiation skills to close deals efficiently and deliver long-term value for clients. Adaptable, data-savvy, and results-focused, with a strong track record of managing smooth transactions in challenging conditions.

At D&M Leasing, an industry leader in remote auto leasing, I managed the full sales cycle virtually—guiding clients from initial inquiry to vehicle delivery without requiring a dealership visit. Through phone and email consultation, I identified client needs, established urgency, and tailored lease options that met both vehicle preferences and budget goals. Once approved, I coordinated with dealer partners to secure the vehicle and arrange delivery. This role emphasized a streamlined 3-step sales approach, combining consultative selling with efficiency and convenience.

At Jaguar | Land Rover Houston Central I delivered premium customer experience by assisting walk-in clientele, contacting previous clients for brand retention, and responding to online inquires in a prompt, professional, accurate, and courteous manner. Generated sales appointments with customers who contacted the dealership via online or phone inquires. Utilized prospect management tools to manage inquiry flow, update files, track customer trends, and market to existing database.

At Volkswagen of The Woodlands as a tenured automotive sales professional I was responsible for assuring customer retention and profitability of the New Car Sales Department by forecasting goals and objectives for volume, gross, and customer satisfaction. Hiring, motivating, coaching, and monitoring performance of new car sales consultants by setting aggressive yet realistic monthly targets and inspecting daily. Refined procedures to follow up with potential clients, monitor sales leads through phone call tracking, and conduct daily meetings to review possible lost sales opportunities. Built relationship with manufacture to analyze, determine and secure the right mix of inventory. Worked closely with manufacture's lending arm to meet targets and customize a remarketing plan to increase customer retention.

As an eCommerce Director I coached a team of four to ensure an exceptional buying experience, while meeting or exceeding sales targets both individually and and as a team. Developed monthly marketing strategies for sales and fixed operations to target new and existing clientele through our dealer website, third party lead providers, email campaigns, and quarterly direct mail campaigns. Track efficiency of lead providers to maximize return on investment. Proactively monitored online reputation. Grew online presence through social media outlets. Closely monitored competitive dealers to ensure pricing was aggressive in the market. Worked diligently with sales managers on traffic management to actively review all sale opportunities.

As an Internet Sales Consultant at Momentum Volkswagen of Jersey Village I delivered premium customer experience by responding to online inquires in a prompt, professional, accurate, and courteous manner. Generated sales appointments with customers who contacted the dealership via online or phone inquires. Utilized prospect management tools to manage inquiry flow, update files, track customer trends, and market to existing database.

As an Automotive Sales Consultant I interacted with hundreds of customers to help guide them through the car buying experience while providing exceptional service to retain customer loyalty. These opportunities came from drive up customers, incoming phone calls, and warm prospect lists provided by the dealership. Demonstrated the ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast paced environment while possessing strong organizational and time management skills.