George B. Connolly
** ******** *****, ********, *******, L3Z 3C8
Home: 905-***-**** Cell: 647-***-**** Email: ***********@******.***
Profile
Over 20 year’s experience in Dealer Development, Field Management and retail. Proven
ability in building and leading dealer networks nationally. Skilled in relationship
building, selling, and marketing. Demonstrates knowledge with financial composites and
dealership operations.
Career History
Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. Jun. 2013 – Nov. 2014
Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. entered Canada in 1983 and has grown to 210 dealers nationally.
Manager, Dealer Development
Manage all aspects of the processes and programs related to the selection, enhancement and profitability of
the Hyundai dealer body function. Start process for update factory image program for the dealer network and
implementation schedule with vendors and all stakeholders. Contract position covering for Mat Leave ended
November. 2014
Dilawri Group of Companies Nov. 2012 – May 2013
The Dilawri Group of Companies owns and operates over 47 dealerships representing 29 automotive brands
in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Owned and operated by the Dilawri family since
1985.
National Composite Analyst Working
with Canada's largest dealer group and provide key account, balance sheet analysis along with KPI
development at the owner & regional management levels. Development and implementation of national
accounts for appreciable profitability. 5 month contract position.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. 2004 – Oct. 2012
Mitsubishi Motors entered Canada in 2002 and has grown to 83 dealers nationally.
Manager, Dealer Development (2006- 2012)
Responsible for overall dealer network development and relationships. Focused on dealer composites,
profitability, communications and relationship development.
Business Development Consultant (2004-2006)
Responsible for managing national dealer placement activities, assist in prospecting and site selections, and
assure new and existing dealers meet existing requirements for management, capital, facilities and retail
image.
Dealer Strategy and Support
• Grew national dealer network from 48 to 83 dealers
• Managed national dealer placement activities including the development
of Dealer Proposal Packages for Letter of Understanding, Letter of Intent and Dealer
Agreement packages for new dealers, buy/sells, entity changes & dealer terminations.
Coordinated with contract staff and for senior management review.
• Coordinated national dealer placement activities, assist in prospecting
and site selections, and assure new and existing dealers met existing OEM requirements
for management, capital, facilities and retail image.
• Coordinated POLK parameters to assist forecasting existing and potential
markets and report formats to be utilized for both senior and district management.
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• Utilized Business Development vendor (Snap On Business Solutions) at
dealer level as well as business forecast tool implementation.
• Managed budgets reaching up to $4MM/year for Dealer Accelerator
Program, New Dealer Support Funds and other programs that may arise. Provide the
accruals for these budgets to Accounting on a monthly or quarterly basis as required.
Presented marketing business cases to Senior Management for final approvals.
Profitability, Communications and Marketing
• Created a dealer scoring matrix to determine dealer upgrade and/or
replacement of poor performing dealers. Worked closely with members of the
executive team and field staff to manage Performance Improvement Plans for dealers.
Tracked results quarterly.
• Reviewed, analyzed and monitored dealer financial statements. Advised
field operations concerning profitability, capitalization and adherence to OEM financial
policies and procedures.
• Provided business management support to 15 field staff as required.
• Coordinated dealer composite direction through vendor process,
implementation and develop reporting system to both senior and district managers.
• Managed Market Study analysis to determine optimum dealer count and
preferred locations. Recommended and reviewed ideal markets for expanding dealer
operations.
Kia Canada Inc. 1999-2004
Kia opened retail operations in 1999 with 23 national locations, by 2004 there were 63 dealers in the
network.
District Parts and Service Manager – Ontario (2001-2004)
Seconded to this role to clean up policies and overall warranty processes within Western and
Eastern Ontario – 33 dealer network. Focused on leading the implementation of manufacturer’s
policies and procedures.
District Sales Manager (2000-2001)
Responsible for managing sales and relationships within the Eastern Ontario dealer network –
13 dealers in total.
District Service and Parts Manager (1999-2000)
Responsible for overseeing all of Ontario and Manitoba dealer networks. Focused on
implementing fixed operations and directing dealers to adhere to manufacturer’s policies and
procedures.
Communication and Reporting
• Supported and communicated KCI’s service mission statement to all
dealers: Provide competent, quality service that will enhance customer perception of
product, the dealer and ownership experiences and maximize their repeat purchase
intent.
• Ensured KCI’s policies and procedures are accepted and adopted by the
dealer body.
• Authorized repairs and adjustments when appropriate when dealing with
parts, service and owner problems.
• Conducted field training for all service and parts programs.
Customer Service and Dealer Relations
• Heavily involved in supporting the build of the dealer network from
ground-up, efforts resulted in establishing 33 Ontario and Manitoba based dealers over a
2 year period.
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• Assisted dealerships in inventory management and stocking right parts to
satisfy customer satisfaction.
• Provided competent quality support to the dealer body
• Coordinated between dealers and KCI product allocations, sales
programs.
• Managed co-op advertising and other activities related to dealer sales
functions.
• Analyzed dealer performance and recommended changes; resulted in
efficiency improvements of up to 20% in bottom-line sales.
• Assisted dealerships in area of customer satisfaction, personnel training,
effective marketing and sales techniques.
• Ensured KCI’s policies and procedures and operating philosophy are
accepted and implemented by the dealer body.
Suzuki Canada Inc.
1991-1999
Suzuki Canada is involved in both automotive and recreational products. Auto dealer network
was 93 dealers in 1999.
District Service & Parts Manager – Automotive (1995-1999)
Responsible for managing Ontario and Manitoba dealer networks. Focused on ensuring
manufacturer policies and procedures were followed. Supported a 13 member dealer network.
• Investigated and reported on technical reports.
• Investigated, followed-up, and resolved customer relation cases.
• Provided objectives and recommendations to dealer management.
• Promoted the stocking and sales of genuine OEM products.
• Maintained communication between dealer and distributor.
• Reviewed, administered, interpreted and explained distributor’s warranty
policies.
Warranty Coordinator – Automotive and Recreational Products (1991-1995)
Responsible for processing warranty claims, warranty parts inspections and factory quality
reports. Worked closely with Factory Engineering and operations. Administered vendor recover
programs, rebuilds and assisted with OEM parts and accessory evaluation.
Gestetner Inc. 1989-1991
Manager, Distribution and Warranty Claims
Responsible for logistics and distribution of product and parts. Oversaw a team of 12. Supported sales and
warranty functions.
Bai-Conn Group 1988-1989
Co-owner and Operator
Sold and distributed automotive sportswear and accessories.
Education
Centennial College, Scarborough, Ontario
• Studied Architectural Technology with emphasis on design and
building standards.
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Computer Skills: Windows, Word, Excel, Power Point, Lotus Notes, AS400
Mainframe functions
Activities and Interests
Automotive: Basic mechanics,
Member of MG Car Club of Toronto
Collector of vintage sport cars
Sports: Baseball, Hockey, Golf, and Auto Sports
References available upon request.
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