Steve Cook
Tulsa,OK
Summary
Dynamic, results-oriented leader with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, consistently driving sales growth and elevating customer satisfaction. A passion for the business fuels a commitment to fostering a winning culture and building high-performing teams. Proven ability to inspire and motivate others, ensuring collective success through collaboration and strategic vision. Dedicated to achieving exceptional results and enhancing the overall customer experience in every endeavor.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
7
7
Certification
Work History
Variable Operations Director
Jackie Cooper Imports
02.2025 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
- Oversaw successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to assess team progress, providing constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement.
- Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
- Negotiated with vendors, suppliers.
- Contributed to talent acquisition efforts by participating in recruitment activities, identifying top candidates and facilitating smooth onboarding processes.
General Manager
Team Gillman Chevrolet
10.2023 - 11.2024
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
General Manager
AutoNation Chevrolet Gulf Freeway
05.2022 - 10.2023
- Setting a clear vision and goals for the store to achieve targeted performance in all areas of the business
- Engaging and motivating the team to achieve key goals, performance expectations and AutoNation best practice processes
- Attracting, developing and retaining the very best talent for the store
- Creating an exceptional customer experience to drive customer loyalty
- Developing and maintaining productive relationships with manufacturer partners
- Analyzing the business to determine shortfalls and developing action plans to improve performance.
- Driving the business through a high-level of involvement in the day-to-day operations
General Manager
AutoNation Acura Gulf Freeway
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Setting a clear vision and goals for the store to achieve targeted performance in all areas of the business
- Engaging and motivating the team to achieve key goals, performance expectations and AutoNation best practice processes
- Attracting, developing and retaining the very best talent for the store
- Creating an exceptional customer experience to drive customer loyalty
- Developing and maintaining productive relationships with manufacturer partners
- Analyzing the business to determine shortfalls and developing action plans to improve performance.
- Driving the business through a high-level of involvement in the day-to-day operations
Retail Operations Development Manager
AutoNation Houston Market 10
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Conduct in-store visits to work one-on-one with GMs and Sales Managers to help them drive business results through improved process execution working with them to develop effective and sustainable action plans
- Analyze available data to determine areas of opportunity in a store and in the market, and use this information to prioritize workload and maximize effectives
- Work one-one-one with GMs and Sales Managers to help them become better leaders, managers, and coaches of their teams
- Work with Phone and eCommerce Teams to maximize results through proper staffing, management and process execution
- Partner with the MP, other Market team members and store management to drive positive results in lowering turnover, improving associate productivity, increasing CSI, Market Share, PVRs and Sales
- Keep Market President updated on store best practices, opportunities for improvement and concerns
- Assist in major Market or Region sales events such as offsite tent sales or new stores acquisitions as directed
- Provide feedback to the AN HQ Variable Operations team
- Required to live in one of the cities where we have stores within the assigned Market
- Conduct market meetings to share results, workshop opportunities and develop best practices
- Assist in the implementation of new pilot programs and initiatives related to sales operations
- Act as a liaison for store associates as it relates to our selling systems
- Moderate travel required (50%)
General Sales Manager
AutoNation BMW of Houston North
08.2017 - 05.2021
- Leading myself and the team in a way that supports AutoNation’s Vision and Mission
- Setting a clear vision and goals for the sales team to achieve targeted performance in new and used vehicle sales, financial services product sales and overall sales profit
- Engaging and motivating the team to achieve key goals, performance expectations and AutoNation best practice processes
- Driving the business through a high-level of involvement in the day-to-day operations
- Managing the negotiation and financing processes with Sales Associates ensuring that customers understand their vehicle purchase options and pricing
- Leading the Used Vehicle Department including inventory management, merchandising, pricing and the reconditioning process.
- Appraising vehicles for trade
- Managing all three areas of customer traffic: Showroom, E-Commerce, and Phones
- Partnering with General Manager to plan and manage new and used vehicle inventory
- Assisting in managing controllable expense elements for the New and Used Vehicle Departments
- Analyzing the business to determine shortfalls and developing action plans to improve performance
Education
High School Diploma -
Clear Lake High School
Houston, TX05.1999
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Sales Planning and Implementation
- Business Development
- Employee development
- Performance Improvement
- Process Implementation/Improvements
- Expense Control
- Analytical Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel
- CDK/Reynolds
- VinSolutions/eLeads
- Darwin/Dealertrack/Axcessa
Certification
- CFS Menu Certification AutoNation 2019
- General Manager University 2020
- Sales Manager University 2018
- eCom Managers University 2014
- Used Vehicle Managers University 2019
Timeline
Variable Operations Director
Jackie Cooper Imports
02.2025 - Current
General Manager
Team Gillman Chevrolet
10.2023 - 11.2024
General Manager
AutoNation Chevrolet Gulf Freeway
05.2022 - 10.2023
General Manager
AutoNation Acura Gulf Freeway
08.2021 - 05.2022
Retail Operations Development Manager
AutoNation Houston Market 10
05.2021 - 08.2021
General Sales Manager
AutoNation BMW of Houston North
08.2017 - 05.2021
High School Diploma -
Clear Lake High School
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