Nicholas DeShong

Experience

• 

  McAllister Plumbing

  Jun 2013 - Aug 2019

  Apprentice

  Worked as an apprentice under a master plumber-entrepreneur.Started as an entry-level plumber who was working towards a journeyman license.Performed tasks such as identifying and locating leaks, repairing, or replacing parts, helping to prepare cost estimates, enforcing safety protocol, installing pool heaters, installing gas fireplaces, and installing plumbing fixtures. Analyzed proper plumbing and construction techniques. Maintained a safe work site by enforcing safe work habits and any Maryland state safety regulations. Worked with other subcontractors to finalize pool builds. Maintained rapport with subcontractors, homeowners, city officials, and inspectors on site. Conducted homeowner walks when necessary. This included but was not limited to, walking gas line installations, fireplace installations, pool heater installations, rough-ins, shower installations, sink installations, and so on. Coordinated logistics of certain jobs, materials, and equipment. Took payment after jobs were finalized.Conferred with Master plumber, Shawn McAllister, when evaluating job sites and ensured proper risk management assessments were reviewed and completed prior to starting a job. Show less

• 

  Lowe's Companies, Inc.

  May 2019 - Dec 2019

  Sales Associate

  Responsible for establishing profitable sales and new customer accounts day to day.Delivered the right home improvement products with the best customer service and values, across every channel. Maintained the company's potential sales and ensured that the sales goal was met weekly.Set up deliveries when necessary and overcame objections by ensuring the customers felt good about their new purchase. Led the department in sales and exceptional customer service.Utilized my plumbing skills and communication to provide an enjoyable and pure shopping experience. Show less

• 

  CarMax

  Dec 2019 - now

  Manages and oversees team of, generally, 10 – 30 associates to ensure an iconic customer experience is delivered through all internal and external interactions of buying and selling a carInterviews, hires, creates a culture of continuous learning, and promotes associates to support store operations and help fuel company growthDevelops associates through timely and effective feedback, to include observations, file reviews, development plans, performance management, and the Annual Performance Review (APR) processCreates an exciting and engaging environment for our associates through consistent use of engagement tools, such as round tables, one-on-ones, and Associate Voice Engagement MeetingsChampions and implements both company and store initiatives for consistent execution and continuous improvementReviews internal data and leads weekly store meetings focused on driving excellent compliance, strong process execution, and attentive protection of assetsUtilizes reports, analyzes information, displays financial responsibility through P&L management, and identifies opportunities for process improvements and waste reduction in business processesResponsible for learning, teaching, and managing business practices to follow all federal, state, and local regulationsBuilds and maintains relationships with state and/or local agencies and other vendors, as needed to conduct businessAs a member of the store’s Senior Management team, models CarMax company values and leadership in all interactions Show less Manage and execute sales targets that average about 750 cars per month, manage sales promotions, work closely with other departments to maximize dealer revenue.Manage 50+ sales consultants by developing relevant selling skills to achieve sales goals using various methods and tools including the sales performer, providing one-on-one training, conducting sales refresher training, conducting mentor debriefs, and overseeing new sales consultant training.Use relational connections to positively influence the senior managers and department managers throughout the organization to drive quality improvements and have accountability for the selling process. Passionately used root cause analysis to identify the store's opportunity with case management, a platform where customers can file executive complaints, and assessed each department's challenges with case management. Wrote the best practices for CarMax in Laurel, Maryland, and trained individual department managers on the proper execution of case management. Orchestrate the complete recruitment lifecycle for sales positions, conducting thorough resume assessments, facilitating interviews, conducting reference checks, and ensuring a simple and seamless onboarding process. Prioritized stakeholder understanding of key metrics by creating bi-weekly reports and visuals on key performance metrics, such as average time from new hire status updates, compensation/ benefits, and store audit results. Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, casting a vision, teaching principles, and providing direction to Senior managers, department managers, and sales professionals of CarMax.Developed, analyzed, and tracked sales performance metrics through statistical data (department budget, conversion rates, compliance benchmarks, staffing/ hiring targets, YOY comp) with a focus on leveraging data to align all efforts with the overarching organizational goals and objectives to achieve improved results. Show less Used company products and knowledge to assist customers in finding a vehicle that meets their wants, needs, and budget.Guided customers through every step of the sales and appraisal process. This included but was not limited to, entering appraisals, setting up test drives, submitting finance applications, and signing deals.Completed all relevant records and documentation to ensure a simple and seamless transaction for the customers through DocuSign and Salesforce.Retained, managed, and grew the customer base through educating and exciting customers while also leveraging business solutions. Worked in a high-energy sales environment where challenges were welcomed, dedication was required, and exceptional customer service was provided through self-motivation and the ability to resolve clients' problems. Tracked and maintained president club status or higher by meeting sales and extended service plan targets monthly. Show less Worked in a high-energy office environment where working with a team was absolute.Processed critical paperwork, DMV and title management, accounts payable, and cash office management. Handled a wide range of customer interactions and ensured their administrative process was simple and seamless.Completed financial transactions and processed legal documents all with a high level of attention to detail. Ensured today's customers can buy the vehicle they want in a way that suits them. Supported customers during every step of the car-buying journey. Guided customers through the paperwork associated with vehicle sales in DocuSign and support functions of all store departments. Handled administrative details for our store, ensured that our customers received an iconic experience, and strived to continue to be the nation’s largest retailer of used cars with honesty and transparency. Show less

  • Senior Business Operations Manager

    Oct 2024 - now

  • Sales Manager

    Apr 2021 - Oct 2024

  • Sales Consultant

    Jan 2020 - Apr 2021

  • Business Office Associate

    Dec 2019 - Jan 2020