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Chris Mirante2404 258th Street NE a- Arlington, WA 98223Cell: (425) 293-4166 a- Home: (360) 403-8498 a- cme997ee@westpost.net

Automotive Industry Professional

25+ years of experience in the automobile industry a- Expertise in all aspectsof dealership operations

Built a successful career with several high-volume automobile dealerships, growing from entry-level lot attendant to sales representative, finance manager, andgeneral sales manager. In-depth understanding of dealership goals, operating procedures, sales systems, marketing plans, and internal departments. Experienced in partnering with manufacturers and outside organizations to coordinate dealership operations. Proven ability to recruit, coach, and direct high-performing, cohesive teams. A talent for setting and reaching ambition, realistic goals.

Areas of Expertise

Dealership Management & Strategic Planning a- Teambuilding a- Coaching & Staff DevelopmentProcess Development & Improvement a- Relationship Management a- Recruiting &Hiring

Revenue Enhancement & Budgeting a- Business Development a- Goal Development

Professional Experience

KARMART VOLKSWAGON, Burlington, WA a- Sales Manager a- Feb. 2009 a" Nov. 2010

Directed all sales and customer relations functions in a service-oriented dealership with six sales representatives. Worked collaboratively with owner and General Manager to formulate and execute progressive sales policies and procedures.Grew the operation by identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities.

Developed a cooperative relationship with all internal dealership departments to foster a harmonious work environment; partnered with management team, sales representatives, service technicians, service writers, parts staff, lot attendants, and administrative personnel to ensure that dealership goals were met.

a Enhanced customer experiences by instituting a customer-focused approach in all departments; ensured that all dealership personnel understood their vital roles in the success of the business.a Promoted trusting customer relationships to keep service business in the dealership and not outside shops.a Achieved a 98% Customer Service Index (CSI) score; ranked among highest in zone for exceptional CSI.

Provided direct leadership to sales team; increased skills of representatives through training, coaching, and mentoring; taught sales team a straightforward selling system; spearheaded the overhaul of the dealershipas sales operation to increase revenue in New and Used Car Departments; instituted a contemporary salesapproach to relate to todayas more educated consumer.

a Improved relationships between dealer and customers by adopting a non-confrontational sales philosophy; established trust and promoted customer loyalty through transparency and a focus on superior service.a Enhanced used car sales by displaying prices on vehicles; reversing a long-sta

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nding dealership policy.a Rebuilt sales team and recruited experienced, knowledgeable, and service-oriented professionals.a Trained sales team in low-pressure selling with a concentration on follow-up and relationship building.

KARMART EXPRESS, Burlington, WA a- Sales Manager a- Aug. 2001 a" Feb. 2009

Recruited to build and manage a satellite store for Karmart. Established a thriving, profitable used car business by instituting customer-friendly practices.Managed deals from initial customer contact through negotiation and close.

Developed a successful operation that averaged 40 cars per month in a highly competitive market; built business into a clearinghouse for selling less-desirableused vehicles acquired by main dealership.

Chris Mirante Page 2

Professional Experience

KARMART EXPRESS (Continued):

a Dominated market and established a loyal customer following through full disclosure and honest selling practices; sold thousands of cars with zero returns or

refunds over an eight-year period.a Expanded revenue and customer traffic by developing and managing a successfulinternet sales operation.a Established relationships with independent automobile repair shops; negotiatedpricing and developed automobile reconditioning strategies; maximized profits by identifying cost-effective alternatives.a Prepared and administered advertising/marketing budgets.

FRONTIER FORD, Anacortes, WA a- General Sales Manager a- Feb. 2000 a" Aug. 2001

Provided leadership to 12 sales representatives in a high-volume dealership amidintense competition. Hired to revamp existing sales practices and create a mor

e effective approach to attract and close customers. Established a reputation for the dealership as a transparent, open, and customer-friendly operation.

Increased monthly units sold from 150 to 225 through fair pricing and a non-confrontational sales approach; maintained high gross profit by negotiating vehicletrade-ins and strengthening the F&I department.

a Worked closely with F&I Manager to develop sales strategies and systems to accommodate a rapid influx of customers; created processes to maximize profits while meeting the needs of a diverse customer base.a Instrumental in earning Blue Oval Certification; created a selling system to meet Fordas stringent criteria; increased revenue and profits while enabling dealership to capitalize on manufacturer incentives.

FRONTIER CHRYSLER DODGE VOLKSWAGON, Burlington, WA a- General Sales Manager a- 1997 a" 1999

Invigorated sales in a stagnant dealership by replacing an antiquated sales approach with a contemporary and effective philosophy. Positioned the dealership asa leader in the local market and enabled the company to take full advantage ofan upswing in the economy. Provided leadership to six sales representatives.

Increased new car sales from 40 units to 125 units, and used car sales from 40

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units to 175 units per month within a two-year period; played a key role in building a strong sales foundation, which enabled company to open a second facility;recruited and developed a highly productive and successful sales team for new location; attained 5-Star ranking from Chrysler (highest level) for excellent sales and CSI results.

TOWN & COUNTRY CHRYSLER JEEP, Seattle, WA a- New Car Manager a- 1991 a" 1994& 1994 a" 1997

Managed a team of 15 salespeople in the New Car Department. Increased sales from 80 units to 125 units per month in three years. Recruited back after a briefstint at another dealership.

GREG RAIRDON CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP, Arlington, WA a- General Sales Manager a-Summer 1994

Developed an effective sales training program fro the dealership. Quickly recruited back by Town & Country.

MOUNTAINVIEW MOTORS, Burlington, WA a- Sales Manager a- 1989 a" 1991

Contributed to the profitable growth of the dealership through the consistent attainment of sales goals. Trained and managed a top-performing sales team.

TOTEM LAKE FORD TOYOTA, Kirkland WA a- 1984 a" 1989

Originally hired as a Lot Attendant and earned promotions to Detail Manager, Assistant Used Car Manager, Sales Representative, Customer Relations Manager, CrewChief, Closer, and Finance Manager.

Education

South Seattle Community College

Personal and professional references are available upon request.