STEVE LAUGHRIDGE
** ******* **. **** * *** - Darien, GA 31305
706-***-**** - *************@*****.***
Skills
Skilled leader with a variety of management attributes including open, honest, direct
communication while cultivating talent. Motivation, dedication and sense of urgency and honor
are the principals that drive my actions in attaining success.
Work History
Mike Murphy Kia, Brunswick, GA 31525
Service Manager - August 2008 to July 2015
• Built a service department from the ground up at a new dealership location
• Evaluated, Ordered, supervised and lead installation as well as maintained all specialized
tools and equipment
• Held responsibility for all parts inventories that maintained $45,000-$95,000 in active
inventory and evaluated business needs daily to maximize profitability
• Acted as liaison between the factory, dealer, and consumer on all facets of warranty,
employee training, policies and procedures, and daily operations metrics
• Utilized interpersonal and management skills to motivate and manage my team
professionally, practicing Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action and
Workforce diversity principles in leading a staff
• Consistently ranked in the top 100 dealers nationwide in customer satisfaction rating
Terry Reid Kia, Cartersville, GA
Service/Parts Manager - August 2007 to August 2008
• Managed a new car inventory of 150+ vehicles per month, serviced 1200 new and over
4000 used vehicles while I developed loyal customer relationships
• Managed a revolving inventory of $80,000 with a total value of $1.4 million
• Developed the supervisory skills necessary to select, motivate, and supervise employees,
establish goals and objectives for the staff, and provide guidance for direct development
in conjunction with each individual employee to assure smooth operation
• Retooled and renovated an outdated dealership service department floor to ceiling for
better performance and customer appeal
North Georgia Mountain Realty, LLC - Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Realtor - April 2005 to August 2007
• Built a personal brand and marketed and established myself as a trusted property advisor
• Prepared proposals for purchase and sale of property in North Georgia Mountains
• Performed factual comparisons of similar properties, researched deeds, performed
statistical analysis on similar properties, inspected properties and coordinated appraisals,
and inspections of homes and land, performed contract negotiations, and wrote Georgia
Real Estate contracts
Kia of Blue Ridge/Cartersville - Blue Ridge, GA/Cartersville, GA
Sales/Service/Parts Manager - June 1997- April 2003
• Performed all aspects of dealership duties including sales, customer service, Repair Order
write-ups with customer, parts ordering, inventory control, supervision of 3 mechanics
and employees.
• Provided a model for creative thinking, innovative solutions and non-traditional
approaches to improve effectiveness and productivity of the shop
• In 2000, I won the Kia Southeastern new vehicle demonstration competition which
included a trip to Korea to tour the factory, test facilities, and learn about the Korean
culture.
Marriott - Charlotte, NC
Head Bartender – Cutters Cigar Bar - February 1996 to May 1997
• Opened the first cigar bar in Charlotte, NC in 1996. Very upscale, high-end spirits, ports,
and fine cigars.
• Coordinated with management inventory control, ordering procedures, and customer
satisfaction
• Clientele included many Bank of America executives, Carolina Panthers football players,
NASCAR drivers, other professional athletes and businessmen in the Charlotte area.
United States Air Force - Charleston, SC
Crew Chief C-141 Aircraft - December 1991to January 1996
• Responsible for the launch and recovery of aircraft coming into and out of
Charleston Air Force Base; this involved inspection and repair of the aircrafts hydraulics
systems, jet engines, avionics, electrical systems, primarily on the C-141 Starlifter
aircraft.
• Personally selected as a member of the Charleston Air Force Base Honor Guard.
• Quality maintenance on my aircraft allowed aircraft 6500279 to maintain a 94%
launch reliability rate for FY93.
• Personally selected for my outstanding work ethic and dedication to deploy as a
specialized crew chief into Antigua, West Indies.
• Mobilized worldwide in support of US missions with direct support of dignitaries
and world leaders including President Moi of Kenya, Secretary of Defense William Perry,
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Shalikashvila, Commander of the 21st Air
Force General Armstrong, Commander of the 15th Air Force General Ingersol.
• Selected as one of the military liaisons to help coordinate and organize the 1993
Special Olympics in Charleston ensuring that each child was a winner in their event.
Certifications
• KIA Master Certified in Service/Parts/Warranty Management
• JM&A Certified
• Hazmat Certified
Education
Gaston College
Catawba Valley Community College
Western Carolina University
References
Jimmy N. Palmer
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Instructor
Brunswick, GA 31525
***.******@***.***
Ken Gossett
******@*****.***
Tim Strickland
PGA Professional
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Mike Murphy Sr.
Mike Murphy Kia Owner
*******@*************.***