Resume - Rod Ricciardi | Automotive Dealer Turnaround Consultant %

ROD RICCIARDI

MANAGING DIRECTOR

BUSINESS STRATEGY | MARKET & REVENUE GROWTH | PROCESS IMPLEMENTATION

205.249.6014 | Summerville SC | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodricciardi/

Results-driven Sales and Multi-Franchise Operations Executive with over 25 years of expertise leading the implementation and execution of sales methodology frameworks, process optimization, and revenue growth within the automotive industry. Proven track record of delivering and sustaining profit gains within highly competitive regions. Demonstrated a history of driving dealer status through relationship management, market intelligence, and penetration to maximize front and backend gross revenue, MSR, and CSI. Highly adept at building productive sales teams, transforming operational efficiency, and fostering collaboration to increase value, customer experience, and business growth.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Executive Direction
Finance & Expense Control
Business Plans & Strategy
Budgeting/Profit Growth
Competitive Analysis
Sales Management

Performance Management
Customer Retention
Business Development
Process Optimizatio
Portfolio Management
Change Management

Market Intelligence
Product Strategy
Media Buying
Sales Operations
Digital Marketing
Inventory Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Independent Consultant | People’s Info
01/2024-Present

People’s Info is a dealership performance advisory firm focused on operational turnarounds, profitability optimization, and OEM performance alignment across multi-brand automotive groups.

Executive

Principal consultant advising dealership owners, brokers, and OEM stakeholders on operational turnarounds and performance optimization across sales, fixed operations, CRM/DMS, inventory strategy, and financial management.

Lead full operational audits and implement restructuring strategies for underperforming stores across multi-brand franchises including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Nissan, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Genesis, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Acura.

Selected Engagement Results:

• DARCARS (3 Stores) – Increased monthly volume from 60 to 200 units; improved MSR from 30% to 130%; elevated CSI to top regional ranking; transitioned operations from loss to $2M annual net profit.

• Mid-West Automotive (2 Stores) – Improved profitability to $3M+ annually; raised CSI from bottom-tier to top district performance in Chicago region.

• San Diego Dealer Group – Scaled sales from 60 to 250 units/month; increased parts & service revenue by 250%; improved Google rating from 3.0 to 4.5; turned -$10K/month loss into +$170K/month profit.

• Chicago-Based Dealer – Reversed -$500K annual loss to $1M annual pace; increased volume from 80 to 200 units/month; achieved $2,300 front-end and $2,200 back-end gross per unit.

• Florida Dealership – Increased front-end gross from $200 to $2,500 per unit; back-end to ~$2,000 per unit; lifted total PVR from ~$1,000 to ~$4,000.

PATRIOT MOTORS | IOWA/Wisconsin
01/2023-2024

Patriot Motors is your trusted Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, and Lincoln dealerships in the Greater Midwest area.

Managing Partner

Under the direction of the President, governs daily operations for 35 direct/100+ indirect across five stores managing $50M in annual revenues. Promoted to Partner leading the business growth strategy of a Platform of new WI dealerships (Chevy, Ford, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram).

Started as GM at Patriot’s newly acquired Lincoln store in Iowa, where average monthly car sales were 15; elevated an underperforming dealership achieving a remarkable 200% increase in sales, 100% shop, and profit growth.
Led the dealership to secure the top CSI ranking for Lincoln in Iowa, demonstrating a commitment to exceptional customer satisfaction; spearheaded the financial stability of the dealership, establishing P&L statements, forecasts, and marketing.
Orchestrated a remarkable sales transformation, catapulting monthly sales, achieving stellar growth, and established a benchmark for successful turnarounds in challenging markets.
Implemented an impactful digital marketing overhaul, harnessing web platforms, Dealer.com, Ford Direct, and others, resulting in heightened brand visibility and exceptional engagement rates.
Spearheaded dynamic SEO, SEM, and social media campaigns across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, significantly amplifying online presence and lead generation.
Led a daily video production initiative, crafting engaging videos to enhance customer interaction, foster brand recognition, and drive remarkable engagement levels; elevated team performance and knowledge through comprehensive training.

STEP ONE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP | Savannah, GA 01/2019-11/2021

Step One has an extensive selection of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat vehicles for sale on pre-auction, used and luxury cars.

Director of Operations, Savannah South

Reported to the CEO, selected to spearhead the implementation and standardization of all sales processes to exceed MSR (Market, Share, Retail) and monthly VGP profitability for the Service, Parts, and Sales functions across the South region.

ROD RICCIARDI

Bolstered team performance through improved scheduling, quality, cross-functional communication, and strategic recruitment strategies to attract top candidates; efforts led to a 59% increase in sales and the achievement of #2 ranking across the Charleston District in a down market.

MILLER MANAGEMENT AUTOMOTIVE | Erie, PA 01/2016-11/2019

Miller Management operates as a multi-franchise serving customers throughout the United States.

Director of Operations

Reported to the Owner and directed 20 Sales Consultants, talent acquisition, training & development, and marketing staff. Engaged to revitalize MSR and profitability by deploying sales management best practices for six stores across PA/FL regions.

Acknowledged for the #1 dealer ranking in the Erie District and #3 in Ram sales across the Mid-Atlantic region.

California Superstores | Van Nuys, CA
06/2013-06/2015

Chrysler Corp is one of the “Big Three” automotive manufacturers and dealers in the United States.

Director of Operations, California Superstores

Reported to the President, immersed in the California Superstores’ turnaround and alignment of newly acquired locations. Directed the sales and service production of 132 staff across five business units to reduce operating expenditures and increase bottom-line profits.

Employed the manufacturer’s cooperative marketing program to align sales projections with the Minimum Advertised Price (MAP); expanded brand recognition and stabilized profit gains for the dealer.
Cultivated cross-functional synergy across New/Used Sales, Service, Parts, and Finance departments fostering collaboration and accountability, performance excellence, and employee retention.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

General Manager | Hoover CDIR of Moncks Corner/ Addy’s Harbor Dodge Corp.

General Manager | Bessemer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Corp.

General Manager | Greater Birmingham CDJR/ Rockville Mitsubishi

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Master Certified in Automotive Digital Marketing | FCA Certified Digital Program

Certified in Sales, Service, BDC, F&I | Grant Cardone Sales Training University

TECHNICAL SKILLS