Todd Swenke

Directed the used vehicle department and handled buying, reconditioning, and wholesale operations for the dealership. Managed sales teams performance, coaching staff on product knowledge, closing techniques and customer engagement.

• Led used vehicle inventory strategy, aligning acquisition, pricing, and reconditioning with market demand.
• Evaluated trade-ins and wholesale units, applying appraisal guidelines to support competitive pricing decisions.
• Managed sales desk activity, structuring deals and coordinating approvals to keep transactions moving efficiently.

Directed operations for a large scale independent used vehicle business focused on off site sales across Southern California.

• Implemented staffing plans, coaching managers to improve accountability and team execution.
• Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
• Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.

Bought vehicles at auctions for San Diego area franchise and independent dealers' inventories. Processed vehicle deals for multiple dealers conducting offsite sales events across San Diego County.

Sourced merchandise from vendors, comparing pricing, quality, and delivery terms.

Negotiated purchase agreements to secure favorable margins and inventory availability.

Analyzed market trends to identify profitable product opportunities and buying cycles.

Part of a management team that oversaw the volume and profitability of a high performing fast paced dealership. Responsibilities included, team building, desking, closing, deal placement at lenders, used Vehicle auction purchasing, wholesale operation.

• Directed staff performance, coaching team members on closing process, compliance, and customer care.
• Managed vehicle inventory, coordinating merchandising, pricing updates, and lot presentation standards.

Led and oversaw a large sales and finance staff in a fast-paced environment.

• Directed sales team performance, coaching staff on customer engagement, closing techniques, and dealership standards.
• Coordinated inventory strategy with management, aligning vehicle mix with market demand and sales objectives.

Managed sales and finance department teams. Managed volume and profitability, contracts in transit, new/used inventory management, training, scheduling, and collaboration with other departments.

• Directed sales operations to improve front-end gross, inventory mix, and dealership profitability.
• Coached sales managers and consultants on desk deals, negotiation, and closing techniques.
• Analyzed market pricing and appraisals to support accurate vehicle acquisition and trade valuations.

Led sales team with strong focus on desking deals in high-traffic environment. Responsibilities included: Managing and training team, producing daily deals, following deals through funding, closing deals, appraising trades.

• Led sales team performance, coaching associates on customer needs and dealership sales process.
• Analyzed monthly sales reports, identifying trends to improve retail performance and follow-up.

I worked in all aspects of the sales department during my tenure there. Received salesman of the year honors in 1989 and 1990. Team leader/Closer 1991 New car manager 1992/1993. Used car manager 1994/1996.