John Romano

Multifaceted, results-driven automotive professional with 25+ years of experience within all operational areas of the industry. Demonstrated leader with superior expertise in operational management, customer acquisition, F&I, negotiation, team building, purchasing, and inventory management. Ambitious professional with a proven ability to develop and execute innovative operational, sales and customer services strategies to successfully drive profitability.

Proficient at building customer rapport and utilizing consultative sales techniques to identify needs and deliver creative customized solutions in order to close sales. Skilled communicator adept at building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to elevate revenue and deliver optimal results across all areas. Accomplished track record of meeting or exceeding defined performance benchmarks and leading sales teams to implement strategic initiatives which increase sales and elevate the organization's competitive position.

Owner/General Manager - Best Buy Pre-Owned - Manheim, PA

(2016-02)

• Maintain P&L accountability and total operational oversight of full-service 30-unit used car dealership; execute all activities related to the buying, selling and trading of used vehicles
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize sales and profitability including optimal purchasing techniques, proficient negotiation, upselling of additional products, and superior customer service
• Effectively manage inventory to ensure adequate supply of premium vehicles to meet customer requirements; identify and secure inventory from a variety of sources including auctions and online
• Set customer appointments, appraise trades, and negotiate with customers to close approximately 25 end-to-end deals per month while ensuring customer satisfaction across all interactions
• Execute advertising of all vehicle inventory across multiple sites and continually optimize listings to generate additional traffic and assure quick turnover of all inventory
• Oversee and manage all financing and licensing activities, including maintaining lender relationships, presenting financing options to customers, and preparing all dealership, finance, state, and customer paperwork
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with external repair facilities and execute ongoing collaboration to deliver timely completion of vehicle repairs
• Proficiently manage all customer issues or concerns through timely and efficient problem resolution
• Maintain dealer license, issuing agent license, and banking license to provide a full-service experience for customers
• Launched business in 2009 and successfully grew client base through superior customer service, word of mouth, and customer referrals necessitating relocation to a larger site in 2016

Owner/General Manager - Best Buy Pre-Owned - Manheim, PA

(2009-09 - 2012-03)

Finance Manager - Whitmoyer Auto Group - Mount Joy, PA

(2012-03 - 2016-02)

• Led and managed all finance and insurance activities for approximately 85 deals per month across two adjacent properties with three new car brands (Ford, Chevrolet and Buick) as well as a large used inventory lot; assumed additional duties of Sales Manager during absences and when customer volume was especially high
• Presented financing and insurance options to customers and detailed aftermarket products and extended warranties as well as manufacturer and dealership service procedures and policies
• Executed a consultative sales approach to develop trust with customers, ascertain their unique requirements, and provide customized, innovative solutions to successfully close sales and effectively meet or exceed established benchmarks
• Developed and maintained productive relationships with a variety of external vendors, including lending institutions to secure competitive interest rates and financing programs
• Processed financing and leasing deals accurately and secured customer approval through financial sources and through the proper federal, state and corporate channels
• Trained and provided the sales team with information on finance and lease programs and the benefits of the dealership's financing and extended service programs
• Maintained communication and built relationships with customers to maximize satisfaction, generate referrals, upsell additional company products and services, and ensure repeat business
• Generated additional income through sales of credit insurance, extended vehicle service contracts, GAP coverage, paint protectant, and other available products
• Additional responsibility for autonomously identifying and purchasing quality inventory for the used vehicle lot containing approximately 60 cars, ensuring maximum value for the dealership

Finance Manager/Sales Manager - Twin Pine Auto Group - Ephrata, PA

(2005-04 - 2009-09)

• Responsible for assessing and analyzing customer needs and presenting finance and insurance, warranties and related coverages, and aftermarket opportunities to each customer while illustrating product benefits and features
• Successfully closed approximately 120 deals per month through delivery of a consultative and value-added sales approach to develop rapport and trust with every customers
• Maximized finance department's overall profitability and product penetration through effective customer communication and collaboration with sales team to build profitable deals and create a smooth transition for customers from sales to finance
• Managed the timely funding of all deals, reviewing and overseeing the flow of paperwork on a daily basis to insure efficient turn around on all deals, as well as the accuracy of all documentation
• Maintained productive working relationships with finance sources including lenders to ensure the best relationships with internal and external customers

Office Manager/Sales Manager - Auto Ventures, Inc. - Hellam, PA

(2001-05 - 2005-04)

• Oversaw and managed multiple functional areas for 125+ used vehicle lot; hired as Sales Representative and promoted to Sales Manager with oversight of a team of 3, including hiring, training, setting and attainment of sales goals, and performance appraisals
• Worked directly with customers to ascertain specific requirements, present appropriate options from inventory, overcome objections, and close sales to drive organizational profitability
• Established as company notary and assumed responsibility for processing of all paperwork for customers and the state from start to finish
• Co-managed purchasing and inventory management processes to ensure steady supply of inventory from auctions to meet customer demand

Bachelor's Degree - Art - Millersville University