Chris Long

Experience

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  Max Used Auto Parts

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2009

  Customer Service Representative

  Promoted organizational efficiency by taking on a wide variety of responsibilities, including customer service, administrative operations, deliveries, and inventory management. Headed sales through interacting with customers and business accounts as well as directly communicating with vendor managers/owners. Ensured that auto part information was accurate by consistently cross-referencing key data.

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  Hillside Motors, INC

  Jan 2010 - Dec 2012

  Sales Representative
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  J&L Motors Of Hickory

  Jan 2013 - Jul 2014

  Buyer

  Purchased a high-volume of vehicles (85+ vehicles per week) by closely collaborating with a team of buyers to assess product quality and review pricing. Provided potential buyers with insight into products by representing the automobiles at auctions. Built key subcontractor relationships and partnerships with company ownership by establishing and maintaining direct connections. Remained up to date on the wholesale automotive market by conducting consistent research and data tracking.Key Accomplishments:Established fundamental operations procedures and logistic knowledge from the largest independent wholesaler by directly collaborating with management and ownership throughout the entire volume wholesale process, building an understanding of tools and automotive company management/development. Show less

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  Hillside Motors, INC

  Jul 2014 - Feb 2022

  Sales & Finance Manager

  Streamlined daily processes by directly managing the Sales team, client/financial accounts, purchasing, and auto loan applications, as well as serving as the key decision maker for the Sales and Finance departments. Facilitated sales and revenue growth by directing and servicing loans to clients. Ensured that the department upheld industry regulations by remaining up to date on all related laws. Drove high-quality employee performance by providing hands-on coaching and mentoring to managers and sales representatives. Leveraged market trends to identify opportunities for improvement by analyzing market conditions and competitors. Cultivated client, vendor, agency, and bank relationships by maintaining strong lines of communication.Key Accomplishments:• Facilitated retail sales growth by 24% within the first year of employment and maintained 20-25% increases in subsequent years by adjusting company inventory to better align with the target market and focusing on underutilized higher profit units.• Boosted gross profit in retail sales by 81%, 70% higher by the third year, by broadening the target market via wholesaling more vehicles to other dealers, including less desirable units.• Maximized performance by creating and integrating innovative employee management and evaluation systems.• Successfully maintained low turnover rates throughout the sales department via effective initial training in addition to utilizing a mix of democratic and strategic leadership methods.• Drove overall efficiency and job satisfaction while simultaneously slashing the number of mistakes by integrating an innovative and more streamlined SOP, leading to clear objectives and expectations. Show less

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  MANN+HUMMEL

  Feb 2022 - now

  Product Development Manager

  Drive continued business growth by leading product development across multiple Mann+Hummel/private label brands from concept to market launch, overseeing multiple projects simultaneously, and working cross-functionally across a large part of the company. Ensure that the company delivers premium products for affordable prices by spearheading negotiations and partnering with global locations to source products. Identify potential market gaps by conducting line reviews. Support customer satisfaction by working within the Sales and Marketing group to address needs and efficiently resolve issues. Maintain long-lasting relationships with vendors and company teams by upholding strong lines of communication.Key Accomplishments:• Specifically chosen to lead RFID implementation in all Mann+Hummel products sold in Walmart (~5M units) from the ground up (including conducting research, proposing action plans, and working with vendors to optimize pricing) due to being the only SME within the company.• Generated a projected sales impact of $15M+ throughout employment by initiating 500+ projects, including the addition of new product lines across multiple brands.• Slashed time to market by 50%+ (2023) by closely collaborating with the team on OKRs.• Boosted OPP within the first year of employment by 155 SKUs by submitting RFQs to current and potential product suppliers to obtain the best price.• Managed lines and reviews with multiple high-profile corporations and their product lines, including Shell Pennzoil, Mobil One, O’Reilly’s, Advance Auto Parts, and Napa. Show less