MARK LUTES

604 S. Main, Whitewater, KS 67154 * (316) 799-2725 * ml4b31c6@westpost.net

GENERAL MANAGER
Sales / Customer Service/ Finance / Employee Management / Marketing
Skilled business owner and manager with 25 year track record successfully managi
ng small business operations and people. Strong insight into money management a
nd finance as an entrepreneur and through extensive experience in managing finan
cing and loan approval processes for customers. Proven success in selling to co
nsumers and exceeding sales goals by cultivating strong customer relationships t
hrough a consultative and personable sales approach. Excellent organizational,
communication, and negotiation skills. Delivers and demands loyalty and honesty
in the workplace.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
B&B TRAVELAND 1984 - 2009
General Manager / Owner
Instrumental in building a successful recreational vehicle (RV) sales and servic
e business in a competitive market. Skillfully managed busy day-to-day operatio
ns, including sales, customer service, A/P, A/R, finance, employee management/la
bor, and marketing.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT/ LEADERSHIP
* Performed employee management and retention activities for 10 employees on ave
rage, including staff hiring, employee performance evaluations, and ongoing trai
ning. Trained employees in proper procedures and methods of work and provided d
aily leadership and direction as needed. Strived for and achieved a high level
of team morale through a cooperative and hands-on leadership style.
* Managed staff to enhance performance and efficiency and assure the quality and
quantity of all work performed.
* Supervised mechanics performing RV service and repairs and scheduled work assi
gnments to ensure manpower was efficiently utilized and work was completed in an
organized and resourceful manner. Effectively managed inventory levels and par
ts procurement to prevent delays.
* Produced and reviewed various records and reports to include work schedules, d
aily sales reports, payroll, and accounting records.
FINANCE
* Monitored short-term and long-term financial standing and progress of the comp
any.
* Established and cultivated business relationships with a variety of lenders, r
anging from small, local banks to large national lenders, and gained extensive k
nowledge of products and services available.
* Acted as the liaison between lender and customer from application of financing
through approval. Gathered customer credit paperwork, retrieved credit informa
tion from bureaus, recommended available financing options, and identified and n
egotiated with lender to finalize delivery.
* Demonstrated strong financial insight and keen ability to identify obstacles t
o financing and coordinate with the customer and lender to resolve issues and se
cure funding.
* Successfully sold after market extended warranties and optional insurances and
settled warranty claims.
SALES AND CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
* Exhibited strong, persuasive sales skills to sell high cost luxury RVs in a co
mpetitive and seasonal market and consistently met and exceeded sales quotas wit
h an impressive 20 sales per month on average.
* Acted as customer point of contact and provided individualized and personal at
tention and service throughout entire sales process to ensure customer satisfact
ion at all stages.
* Established relationships with manufacturers and used extensive product and ma
rket knowledge to select, customize, and purchase RVs for inventory.
* Spearheaded all company marketing and promotional efforts to gain exposure and
increase sales. Created a strong presence at industry and sales shows, designe
d direct mail pieces, and developed content for media and print advertising. Es
tablished company website and developed and maintained all website content inclu
ding photos, descriptive text, and sales banners.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Jan Kelly Financing & Insurance (F & I) School - 1997
Gorman Planning (Management Training) - 1991