Keith Rust

• Manage multi-million dollar towing, repossession, and auto transport operations across East Coast.
• Oversee hiring, training, and performance management of staff.
• Research and coordinate procurement of new wrecker chassis and equipment.
• Manage fleet service intervals, including ECM adjustments for fuel efficiency.
• Handle legal challenges related to repossessions and damage claims.
• Supervise accounting processes and prepare monthly financial statements.

Direct fleet management of repossession tow boats while evaluating each repossession opportunity to ensure repossession agents operate with minimal contact with debtors and maximize safety of bank asset and marina property. Deal directly with asset rehabilitation and remarketing . Hire captains as needed until the asset can go to its next owner or broker for resale .

Assumed responsibilities of dealer principal, sales manager, and general sales manager during leadership transitions , due to quits , firing , or death . Trained sales staff on effective upselling techniques, greeting customers, handling objections, and follow-up strategies. Expert in creating Internet business development centers to enhance online presence and engagement. Leveraged social media insights to drive dealership visibility and promote brand awareness. Implemented cost-effective marketing strategies using local high schools and animal shelters for community outreach. Organized weekly Cars and Coffee events to boost word-of-mouth referrals and customer loyalty. Preferred low-cost advertising methods, focusing on print and targeted messaging in classified sections.

Developed a fleet from one single Kenworth W 900 B Tractor and six cut up salvage trailers & headrack purchased out of Atlanta Georgia on a Sunday morning to 147 auto transporters supporting industry leaders like Carvana , Give Me The Vin .Com , Car Max and multiple Charlotte based mega dealers . . Orchestrated management of new cars entering rental fleets alongside outgoing vehicles slated for auction. Led initiatives on new Peterbilt / Cottrell acquisition, maintenance, repairs, and sales of aging car carriers. Diligently monitored drivers to detect fuel theft and unauthorized route deviations using GPS technology. Addressed concerns regarding employee cash advance fake tire blow out & fake repair theft while ensuring safety compliance across operations. Proactively evaluated weather impacts on transport routes to reduce delays. Sourced new clientele through government contracts and military transfers to grow business footprint. Coordinated with prominent moving companies like Mayflower , North American , and independents . We relocated 200 unit out of trust dealer inventories in hours . Nationwide relocation for repossessions and rental fleet asset relocations.

Ordered new Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Buick, and GMC vehicles through the new ( VOM ) vehicle order management system. Controlled floor plan days in stock by prioritizing oldest inventory placed inside the showroom. Managed used car inventory by displaying oldest vehicles prominently outside the showroom. Established sales team bonuses to incentivize performance on used car sales and especially the oldest units in inventory . Oversaw service department operations, ensuring high-quality customer service. Directed body shop activities to maintain efficient repair processes. Supervised the wholesale used car division and reconditioning department to optimize inventory readiness. Conducted morning sales meetings and walk around training and product knowledge . Worked with the back office to ensure timely production of monthly financial statements. Watched for employee theft and outside theft .

Acquired cars from local rental agencies and new car dealer trade-ins for auction resale after reconditioning. Developed buy-here-pay-here business model leveraging vehicles from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Orchestrated transport of automobiles from purchase points to Lumberton, NC for final sale. Directed daily operations alongside managing a small sales team while conducting manual accounting. Successfully sold buy-here-pay-here receivables to Trans South at end of 1997, adhering to all banking standards.

Worked as a car wash reconditioning lot porter from 10th grade until high school graduation. Engaged in dealership's thriving car wholesale program, mastering buying and selling strategies. Gained insights into automotive market dynamics, emphasizing loss mitigation and inventory control. Cultivated expertise in retail sales and auto transport operations. Established lasting friendship with Bill Wright, receiving invaluable mentorship in automotive business.