Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Stephen Schum

Wilmington,NC

Summary

Knowledgeable about vehicle features and operations, dealer services and aftermarket products. Hardworking and goal-oriented professional possessing excellent interpersonal and time management skills. Successful Automotive Sales Associate specializing in consulting with customers with unique backgrounds to uncover and meet diverse needs. Resourceful, hardworking and reliable team player. Enthusiastic entry-level automotive sales professional knowledgeable about vehicles and eager to develop sales abilities. Hardworking, reliable and professional. Outgoing automotive sales professional dedicated to continuous improvement in face of evolving markets, vehicles and customer buying preferences. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.

Overview

43
43
years of professional experience

Work History

Independent Manufacturers Rep

Self Employed Services
Wilmington, NC
11.2019 - Current
  • Established positive relationships with customers through effective communication techniques.
  • Evaluated needs of departments and delegated tasks to optimize overall production.
  • Oversaw quality control to identify inconsistencies and malfunctions.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
  • Answered questions and resolved concerns for customer support.
  • Conveyed value proposition to persuade clients.
  • Displayed strong telephone etiquette, effectively handling difficult calls.
  • Provided customer service by answering product and service related questions.
  • Established relationships with existing customers to promote new product or service opportunities.
  • Demonstrated exceptional service skills by going above and beyond to satisfy customers on phone and in person.
  • Demonstrated strong problem solving skills when faced with challenging situations or complex inquiries from customers.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner while remaining empathetic to their concerns.
  • Conducted outreach calls, promoting brand and encouraging purchases.
  • Utilized broad knowledge to recommend solutions to potential customers.
  • Greeted customers and responded to inquiries in a timely manner.
  • Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
  • Built relationships, earning client trust through listening to drive sales.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.

Automotive Sales Consultant

Rippy Cadillac
Wilmington, NC
01.2019 - 11.2019
  • Described merchandise and explained use, operation and care.
  • Arranged test drives for potential buyers, emphasizing key features of the vehicles being tested.
  • Analyzed customer needs to make suitable product recommendations and demonstrations.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of new products and services offered by the dealership.
  • Prepared sales contracts and other necessary paperwork for vehicle purchases.
  • Performed market research on competitor vehicles and pricing strategies.
  • Showcased vehicle features and took customers on test drives in local area.
  • Checked purchased vehicles at delivery time for damage and completed remaining preparations.
  • Explained differences between models to clients, comparing and discussing capabilities and features.
  • Generated leads through cold calling prospective clients.
  • Consistently exceeded quotas by pursuing and closing sales.
  • Greeted customers at arrival to build positive relationships and discuss vehicles.
  • Conducted follow-up calls to ensure customer satisfaction after vehicle purchase or service visit.
  • Collaborated with other departments within the organization to facilitate efficient workflow processes.
  • Collaborated with prospective customers over phone and email to schedule sales appointments.
  • Responded to inquiries from potential customers via email and telephone.
  • Scheduled automotive deliveries with vendors and customers.

Automotive Sales Consultant

Audi Cape Fear
Wilmington, NC
05.2018 - 12.2018
  • Met with potential customers to inquire about car preferences, assess financial limitations and offer information about vehicle choices.
  • Arranged test drives for potential buyers, emphasizing key features of the vehicles being tested.
  • Analyzed customer needs to make suitable product recommendations and demonstrations.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of new products and services offered by the dealership.
  • Prepared sales contracts and other necessary paperwork for vehicle purchases.
  • Showcased vehicle features and took customers on test drives in local area.
  • Checked purchased vehicles at delivery time for damage and completed remaining preparations.
  • Explained differences between models to clients, comparing and discussing capabilities and features.
  • Answered customer inquiries regarding vehicle availability, specifications, financing terms.
  • Greeted customers at arrival to build positive relationships and discuss vehicles.
  • Conducted follow-up calls to ensure customer satisfaction after vehicle purchase or service visit.
  • Greeted customers and identified their automotive needs.
  • Educated customers about sales processes, warranty requirements and service standards.
  • Collaborated with service department personnel to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Followed up with customers to build long-term relationships and successful referrals.
  • Greeted customers to determine wants or needs.
  • Maintained high referrals and consistent repeat business due to first-rate customer service standards.

Automotive Sales Consultant

BMW of Wilmington
Wilmington, NC
05.2016 - 04.2018
  • Met with potential customers to inquire about car preferences, assess financial limitations and offer information about vehicle choices.
  • Arranged test drives for potential buyers, emphasizing key features of the vehicles being tested.
  • Finalized documentation for contracts, purchase receipts, vehicle registrations, and dealer files.
  • Analyzed customer needs to make suitable product recommendations and demonstrations.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of new products and services offered by the dealership.
  • Prepared sales contracts and other necessary paperwork for vehicle purchases.
  • Performed market research on competitor vehicles and pricing strategies.
  • Showcased vehicle features and took customers on test drives in local area.
  • Checked purchased vehicles at delivery time for damage and completed remaining preparations.
  • Explained differences between models to clients, comparing and discussing capabilities and features.
  • Generated leads through cold calling prospective clients.
  • Answered customer inquiries regarding vehicle availability, specifications, financing terms.
  • Consistently exceeded quotas by pursuing and closing sales.
  • Greeted customers at arrival to build positive relationships and discuss vehicles.
  • Formed impactful relationships with current customers while initiating cold and warm calls with prospects.
  • Conducted follow-up calls to ensure customer satisfaction after vehicle purchase or service visit.
  • Advised customers on extended warranties, insurance policies, and other related services.
  • Collaborated with other departments within the organization to facilitate efficient workflow processes.
  • Collaborated with prospective customers over phone and email to schedule sales appointments.
  • Greeted customers and identified their automotive needs.
  • Educated customers about sales processes, warranty requirements and service standards.
  • Collaborated with service department personnel to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Greeted customers to determine wants or needs.

Automotive Sales Consultant

Leith BMW
Raleigh, NC
01.2016 - 05.2016
  • Arranged test drives for potential buyers, emphasizing key features of the vehicles being tested.
  • Analyzed customer needs to make suitable product recommendations and demonstrations.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of new products and services offered by the dealership.
  • Prepared sales contracts and other necessary paperwork for vehicle purchases.
  • Showcased vehicle features and took customers on test drives in local area.
  • Checked purchased vehicles at delivery time for damage and completed remaining preparations.
  • Answered customer inquiries regarding vehicle availability, specifications, financing terms.
  • Collaborated with other departments within the organization to facilitate efficient workflow processes.
  • Collaborated with prospective customers over phone and email to schedule sales appointments.
  • Greeted customers and identified their automotive needs.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.

Senior Vice President of Sales

CID Resources
Dallas, TX
07.2010 - 11.2015
  • Led sales planning, development and account management to grow existing accounts and establish new sales accounts.
  • Analyzed market trends and identified potential opportunities for new products and services.
  • Negotiated terms of sales agreements and developed contracts to successfully close sales.
  • Met with sales and design departments to determine project road maps and create unique products to drive profitability and champion brand.
  • Conducted market research to identify selling possibilities and evaluate customer needs.
  • Supported sales team members to drive growth and development.
  • Provided guidance on product positioning and pricing to maximize revenue growth potential.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales volume, market share, and profitability.
  • Reviewed customer feedback surveys in order to improve customer experience.
  • Created and maintained relationships with customers, vendors, partners, and other stakeholders.
  • Identified potential business opportunities through research and analysis of industry trends.
  • Conducted market research and reported on competitors.
  • Assigned qualified leads to field sales team for further development and closure.
  • Oversaw regional and local sales managers and staff.
  • Developed incentives programs designed to drive employee engagement and motivation.

Executive Vice President of Operations

NU Dimensions Uniforms
New York, NY
02.2000 - 05.2010
  • Recruited top talent into key positions within the organization's operations division.
  • Developed and deepened relationships with functional leadership to interconnect revenue generation initiatives with day-to-day operations.
  • Cultivated and maintained positive working relationships with employees, executives and other stakeholders.
  • Improved productivity initiatives, managing budgets and accounts, coordinating itinerary and scheduling appointments.
  • Maintained business operations by communicating with coworkers and managers.
  • Collaborated with other executive team members to develop long-term business plans and goals.
  • Boosted company profits by optimizing performance strategies and increasing efficiency.
  • Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocol.
  • Developed and managed brand identity in new market launches.
  • Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
  • Delivered expert thought leadership recognized for driving process improvements.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Established key performance indicators that tracked progress against organizational objectives.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Traveled to trade shows and client meetings to promote company brand.
  • Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
  • Maintained open communication with team members and stakeholders, resulting in successful project outcomes.

Manufacturer's Representative

Crest Uniform Company
Wilmington, NC
08.1992 - 12.1999
  • Learned customer needs and desires to suggest specific product options.
  • Supported clients with targeted and highly successful product launches.
  • Assisted customers during selection process and helped choose perfect products to meet individual needs.
  • Represented manufacturer at trade shows, building brand recognition, establishing contacts and identifying potential service partners.
  • Communicated effectively with clientele to maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Exceeded sales goals using consultative sales talents and effectively explaining programs and services to generate interest.
  • Met with store managers to discuss product needs, accomplish sales goals and facilitate sales growth.
  • Collaborated with other departments within the organization to ensure successful operations.
  • Cross-sold additional products and services to purchasing customers.
  • Boosted sales by executing complete sales cycle process from prospecting leads through contract negotiations and close.
  • Monitored competitor activity in order to stay ahead of the competition.

Vice President of Sales

Professional Uniform and Shoes
Wilmington, NC
06.1981 - 08.1992
  • Family owned retail uniform stores.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration

UNCW
Wilmington, NC

Skills

  • Needs Analysis
  • Sales Reporting
  • Customer Support
  • Market Research
  • Account Servicing
  • Lead Prospecting
  • Network Development
  • Business Growth and Retention
  • Market Intelligence
  • Client Relationship Building
  • Client Service
  • Product Promotions
  • Sales Expertise
  • Retention Strategies
  • Business Development
  • Territory Management

Timeline

Independent Manufacturers Rep

Self Employed Services
11.2019 - Current

Automotive Sales Consultant

Rippy Cadillac
01.2019 - 11.2019

Automotive Sales Consultant

Audi Cape Fear
05.2018 - 12.2018

Automotive Sales Consultant

BMW of Wilmington
05.2016 - 04.2018

Automotive Sales Consultant

Leith BMW
01.2016 - 05.2016

Senior Vice President of Sales

CID Resources
07.2010 - 11.2015

Executive Vice President of Operations

NU Dimensions Uniforms
02.2000 - 05.2010

Manufacturer's Representative

Crest Uniform Company
08.1992 - 12.1999

Vice President of Sales

Professional Uniform and Shoes
06.1981 - 08.1992

Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration

UNCW

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Stephen Schum