LEON SOUTHARD III
Yorktown
Summary
Results-driven Finance Director with expertise in financial analysis, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance. Improved operational efficiency and profitability through strategic lender relationship management. Experienced in fast-paced environments, inspiring teams to achieve performance goals and delivering measurable results.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance Director
Williamsburg KIA CDJR
Williamsburg
09.2024 - Current
- Managed customer financing contracts and delivery workflows, streamlining operations for greater efficiency.
- Conducted structured finance product presentations, driving profitability through strategic client engagement.
- Review applications against established parameters, determining approval or modification requirements.
- Oversee financial reporting and analysis to support executive leadership decision-making.
- Optimized lender relationships, increasing approval rates and enhancing customer retention while maintaining compliance.
General Sales Manager
Mercedes Benz of Hampton
Hampton
2023 - 2024
- Analyzed market trends to uncover specific opportunities for vehicle sales growth.
- Implemented customer follow-up procedures that enhanced client relationships and retention.
- Drove revenue growth and improved closing ratios across new and pre-owned departments
- Encouraged team members to meet and exceed objectives by setting goals, tracking performance daily and implementing improvement strategies.
- Maintained department profitability by managing expenses effectively and ensuring high customer satisfaction.
Finance Director
Mercedes Benz of Hampton
Hampton
2022 - 2023
- Directed finance department operations across 3 total stores: Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Genesis, including lender negotiations and product sales
- Ensured compliance with state, federal, and OEM guidelines
- Reviewed applications against established parameters to determine approval, rejection, or modification requirements.
Sales Consultant
Mercedes Benz of Hampton
Hampton
2021 - 2022
- Handled customer inquiries, ensuring timely follow-up to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Built strong client relationships, leading to increased repeat business and referrals.
- Analyzed customer needs and identified solutions to meet their requirements.
- Increased revenue by skillfully upselling and closing customer sales and driving product benefits around client needs.
- Assisted customers in vehicle selection and financing options, enhancing their purchasing experience.
- Delivered luxury sales experience, consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets
Sales Consultant
Audi of Hampton
Hampton
2019 - 2021
- Sold new and pre-owned Audi vehicles while maintaining top-tier customer satisfaction
- Guided customers through vehicle selection and financing options, ensuring informed decisions that met their needs.
- Conducted vehicle presentations and demonstrations for potential buyers.
- Assisted in developing promotional events that increased dealership visibility and attracted new customers.
- Performed cold calls to prospective customers, effectively introducing company offerings and generating interest.
Lot Attendant
Audi of Hampton
Hampton
2018 - 2019
- Organized vehicle placement in lot to enhance customer service experience.
- Coordinated vehicle parking based on size and type to maximize space utilization.
- Inspected vehicles for damage and cleanliness before delivery.
- Assisted customers in locating vehicles and providing directions.
- Trained new staff on lot procedures and safety protocols to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Education
High School Diploma -
Tabb High School
Yorktown, VA01-2016
Associate of Science -
Louisburg College
Louisburg, NCSkills
- Financial analysis and market research
- Financial reporting
- Cash flow management
- Profitability and debt analysis
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Regulatory compliance and monitoring
- Contract negotiation and management
- Team leadership and development
- Customer relationship management
Accomplishments
"Most Improved Finance Director" - Mercedes Benz of Hampton (2023)
Timeline
Finance Director
Williamsburg KIA CDJR
09.2024 - Current
General Sales Manager
Mercedes Benz of Hampton
2023 - 2024
Finance Director
Mercedes Benz of Hampton
2022 - 2023
Sales Consultant
Mercedes Benz of Hampton
2021 - 2022
Sales Consultant
Audi of Hampton
2019 - 2021
Lot Attendant
Audi of Hampton
2018 - 2019
High School Diploma -
Tabb High School
Associate of Science -
Louisburg College