Leon Yeates
Bendigo,Victoria
Summary
With over 30 years' experience in the automotive industry, I am a professional and effective leader with a proven ability to perform and exceed targets. I possess excellent communication, rapport building, organisation, and time management abilities as well as exceptional negotiation skills. I am highly motivated, hardworking, energetic, and passionate about the brand I represent. My management style is of a mentoring nature with a focus on exceeding customers' expectations and I have a good understanding of business financial reporting. I have completed a Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management), achieved a Diploma in Business, and completed the Toyota Future Dealer Principal development program. I am 50 years of age, have been married to my wife Tanya for 25 years and we have 3 children which we are very proud of.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Development Officer
Shannons Insurance
01.2024 - Current
- Part time weekend position
- Representing Shannons at car shows in the Bendigo PMA
- Identified new business opportunities for sustained expansion and profitability in the region
- Details available upon request
General Manager/General Sales Manager
Kyneton Toyota
04.2017 - Current
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction
- Day to day running of the New & Used Vehicle Departments
- Report directly to the Dealer Principal and oversee the dealership in his absence
- Liaise with the Sales, Service, Parts, Finance, Administration & detailing departments daily to ensure effective communication and efficient delivery of the new & used cars to our customers
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations
- Valuations & wholesale of trade-in vehicles
- Oversee vehicle reconditioning
- Stock Control (New & Used)
- Assist with marketing activities (TV, press, internet & social media)
- Achieved 112% of Toyota's yearly target in 2017 & GSI of 95.6%
- 2017 Silver Knights Award
- 2017 Bronze Sales Excellence Award
- 2017 Bronze Used Vehicle Excellence Award
- 2017 Toyota Presidents Award for Excellence
- Achieved 100% of Toyota's yearly target in 2018 & GSI of 97.2%
- 2018 Silver Knights Award
- 2018 Bronze Sales Excellence Award
- 2018 Bronze Used Vehicle Excellence Award
- 2018 Brand & Guest Experience Excellence Award
- 2018 Toyota Presidents Award for Excellence
- 2018 Toyota Rural Dealer of the Year
- 2018 Toyota National Rural Dealer of the Year
- Achieved 102% of Toyota's yearly target in 2019 & GSI of 96.5%
- 2019 Knights Award
- 2019 Bronze Sales Excellence Award
- 2019 Bronze Used Vehicle Excellence Award
- 2019 Bronze Brand & Guest Experience Award
- 2019 Toyota Presidents Award for Excellence
- 2019 Toyota Rural Dealer of the Year
- 2019 Toyota National Rural Dealer of the Year
- Achieved 114% of Toyota's yearly target in 2020 & GSI of 96.4%
- Achieved 115% of Toyota's yearly target in 2021 & GSI of 93.7%
- 2021 Bronze Used Vehicle Excellence Award
- 2021 Bronze Marketing & Guest Excellence Award
- Achieved 107% of Toyota's yearly target in 2022 & GSI of 95.7%
- Achieved 107% of Toyota's yearly target in 2023 & GSI of 94.9%
- Achieved 97% of Toyota's yearly target in 2024 & GSI of 95.6%
- 2024 Bronze Used Vehicle Excellence Award
- Achieved 115% of Toyota's yearly target in 2025 YTD & GSI of 95.3% YTD
General Sales Manager
Melbourne City Lexus
12.2016 - 04.2017
- Day to day running of the New & Used Vehicle Departments
- Reported directly to the Dealer Principal
- Liaise with the Service, Parts, Finance, Administration & detailing departments on a daily basis to ensure effective communication and efficient delivery of the new & used cars to our customers
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals
- Oversee the dealership in the absence of the Dealer Principal
Pre-Owned Vehicle Manager
Poyser Motor Group
06.2016 - 10.2016
- Day to day running of the Pre-Owned Vehicle Department at High Street in Bendigo
- Reported directly to the Dealer Principal
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work
- Oversee the Business Manager – Finance and Insurance, Used Sales Consultants & Car Cleaner
- Valuations for the companies multiple New Car brands as well as the Pre-Owned Department
- Purchasing of vehicles for retail purposes
- Make decisions regarding vehicle reconditioning (expenses)
- Wholesale of trade-in vehicles
- Conduct social media advertising to increase customer engagement & enquiry
General Sales Manager
Echuca Toyota
05.2015 - 05.2016
- Day to day running of the New & Used Vehicle Departments
- Reported directly to the Dealer Principal and oversee the dealership in his absence
- Liaise with the Service, Parts, Finance, Administration & detailing departments on a daily basis to insure effective communication and efficient delivery of the new & used cars to our customers
- Oversee the dealership in the absence of the Dealer Principal
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings
- Achieved sales targets consistently by closely monitoring sales performance and adjusting strategies as needed
- Valuations & wholesale of trade-in vehicles
- Oversee vehicle reconditioning
- Stock Control (New & Used)
- Manage the Toyota For Life (TFL) standards, policies and procedures
- Arrange marketing activities (TV, press, internet & social media)
- Arranged layout, content and functionality for the Echuca Toyota Website
- Achieved Toyota's monthly sales plan 12 out of 12 times in 2015 (122% of yearly target) & GSI of 95.6%
- 2015 Southern Region – Rural Silver Sales Excellence Award
- 2015 Silver Knights Award
- Achieved Toyota's monthly sales plan 3 out of 3 times in 2016 & GSI of 94.6%
General Manager/Director
Bendigo Toyota
06.2010 - 03.2015
- Joined Bendigo Toyota as General Manager
- Reported directly to and worked jointly with the Dealer Principal
- Purchased equity in the business in June 2011 and further equity in July 2012
- Increased Nett Profit by $1,591,338 (FY2011-2014) v's (FY2008-2010)
- Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the dealership and its 60 employees
- Managed the daily operations of the New Vehicle, Used Vehicle, Finance & Insurance, Service, Parts & Accessories, Aftermarket, Marketing, Administration & Detailing Departments
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth
- Responsible for planning & submitting our yearly Ascendancy Plan to Toyota Australia
- Responsible for Marketing & HR during the period of Sept 2010 – May 2014
- Arranged layout, content and functionality for the Bendigo Toyota Website
- 2010 – CSI of 95.5%
- 2011 – CSI of 92.1%
- 2012 – CSI of 92.0%
- 2013 – CSI of 95.2%
- 2014 – CSI of 94.5%
- 2015 – CSI of 94.9%
General Manager
Pakenham Toyota
10.2009 - 05.2010
- Moved to Pakenham Toyota from Harris Freer Toyota to run the new branch operation
- Reported directly to the Dealer Principal who was based at head office
- Opened the dealership on the 21st of October 2009
- Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the dealership and its 30 employees
- Managed the daily operations of the New Vehicle, Used Vehicle, Finance & Insurance, Service, Parts & Accessories & Pre-Delivery Departments
- Recruited and trained staff
- Compiled and introduced policies and procedures
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels
- Created unique branding for the dealership
- Designed and implemented marketing strategies
- Developed layout, content and functionality for Pakenham Toyota Website
- Exceeded sales volume & gross profit targets after 3 weeks of trading
New Vehicle Sales Manager (Retail & Fleet)
Harris Freer Toyota
07.2006 - 10.2009
- Reported directly to the Dealer Principal
- Set individualized goals for each team member in alignment with overall dealership objectives
- Assisted in resolving any customer issues or concerns swiftly while maintaining a professional demeanour throughout interactions
- Coordinated with finance department to offer attractive financing options for buyers, facilitating more closed deals
- Growth in sales volume of 25% (FY07/08FY V's FY06/07)
- Increased New Car Dept Gross Profit by $736,096 (FY07/08) V's (FY06/07)
- 2006 - CSI of 92.5%
- 2007 - Achieved sales target 10 times & CSI of 92.4%
- 2007 - Silver Knights Award
- 2007 - Toyota Sales Society Leader
- 2008 - Achieved sales target 11 times & CSI of 93.8%
- 2008 - Bronze Knights Award
- 2008 - Toyota Sales Society member
- 2008 - Pilot dealer for Toyota Enquiry module (STEAM), 1 of 6 dealers Nationally
- 2008 - Completed Toyota Australia Future Dealer Principal Course in November
- 2009 - Achieved sales target 9 out of 10 times & CSI of 93.2%
- Developed layout, content and functionality for Harris Freer Toyota Website
New Vehicle Sales Manager (Retail)
Cannon Toyota – Camberwell
09.2004 - 07.2006
- Reported directly to the Dealer Principal
- Increased vehicle sales by developing and implementing effective sales strategies tailored to customer needs
- Established an effective referral program that encouraged satisfied customers to recommend our dealership to friends and family members
- Led weekly sales meetings to review performance metrics, share best practices, and discuss upcoming opportunities
- 2004 - Achieved sales target 3 out of 4 months
- 2005 - Achieved sales target 5 times
- 2006 - Achieved sales target 5 out of 6 months
- 2005 - Commenced Toyota Australia Future Dealer Principal Course
- 2005 - Developed layout, content, and functionality for Cannon Toyota Website
- 2006 - Pilot dealer for Toyota prospect management system entitled S3
- 2006 - Highest Volume - Middleweight Dealership in June with 202 registrations (Victorian record)
New Vehicle Sales Manager (Retail & Fleet)
Cannon Toyota – Heidelberg
02.2002 - 09.2004
- Reported directly to the Dealer Principal
- Set individualized goals for each team member in alignment with overall dealership objectives
- Assisted in resolving any customer issues or concerns swiftly while maintaining a professional demeanour throughout interactions
- Oversaw daily operations of the showroom floor, ensuring smooth functioning and a welcoming environment for customers
- Streamlined sales processes to improve efficiency, resulting in shorter closing times and increased revenue
- Growth in sales volume in 2002 of 48.3% over 2001, achieved sales target 12 times
- Growth in sales volume in 2003 of 11.7% over 2002, achieved sales target 10 times
- Growth in sales volume in 2004 of 18.4% over 2003, achieved sales target 5 out of 8 months
- 2002 Regional Retail Sales Manager, Retail Metro – Highest Volume Over Target
- 2002 National Retail Sales Manager, Middleweight Dealership – Volume Over Target
- 2002 Silver Knights Award
- 2003 Sales Excellence Award
- 2003 Silver Knights Award
- 2003 Toyota Metropolitan Dealer of the Year
- 2004 Toyota Presidents Award for Excellence
New Vehicle Sales Consultant (Retail)
Silver Star Mercedes Benz
09.2001 - 02.2002
- Reported to the New Vehicle Sales Manager
- Achieved a monthly sales average of 11 vehicles over employment period
New Vehicle Sales Consultant/Assistant New Vehicle Manager
Harris Wood Toyota
02.1998 - 09.2001
- Reported to the New Vehicle Sales Manager
- Achieved high closing ratios by skillfully overcoming objections and presenting persuasive solutions to specific buyer concerns
- Maximized sales revenue by consistently meeting and exceeding monthly sales targets
- Achieved top-ranking status among peers through consistent high-performance results, demonstrating a strong commitment to personal growth and professional development within the automotive sales industry
- Maintained a clean, inviting showroom floor while effectively merchandising inventory to showcase popular models strategically
- Achieved a monthly sales average of 23 retail vehicles over employment period
- No1 volume salesperson within company from June 1998 to Sept 2001
- 1998 Winner of Victorian Sales Consultants Skills Contest
- 1998 Finalist National Sales Consultants Skills Contest
- 1998 & 1999 Toyota Sales Society gold member
- 1999 Finalist Victorian Sales Consultants Skills Contest
Parts & Accessories Department Manager
Healesville Toyota
06.1997 - 02.1998
- Details available upon request
Sales Representative/ Assistant Branch Manager
Repco Auto Parts
01.1995 - 06.1997
- Details available upon request
Sales Consultant / Measurer & Fitter
Dollar Curtains & Blinds
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Details available upon request
Education
Future Dealer Principal Development Program -
Toyota Institute Australia
11.2008
Diploma in Business - Business
Australian Institute of Workplace Learning
06.2008
Certificate IV in Business - Frontline Management
Australian Institute of Workplace Learning
08.2007
Victorian Certificate of Education -
Maroondah Secondary College
Croydon, VIC01.1992
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Customer relationship management
- Sales expertise
- Employee development
- Problem resolution
- Process improvements
- Inventory control
- Verbal and written communication
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Time management
- Administrative skills
- Team player
IT SKILLS
RevNEXT, TUNE, SAP, Autogate, LiveMarket, iAppraise, Autograb, RealVal, VicRoads, Outlook, Excel & Word
Hobbies and Interests
I enjoy spending my time with wife, 3 children and our friends. I am a very active person with my main form of exercise being cycling which I find to be fantastic for my health, fitness, mental wellbeing, friendships, and networking. I have a very keen interest in Formula1 and have a passion for most things automotive, particularly the Toyota, Porsche Ferrari and Ducati brands. I also have an interest in most forms of motorsport, military aircraft, war history, music and photography.
Timeline
Regional Development Officer
Shannons Insurance
01.2024 - Current
General Manager/General Sales Manager
Kyneton Toyota
04.2017 - Current
General Sales Manager
Melbourne City Lexus
12.2016 - 04.2017
Pre-Owned Vehicle Manager
Poyser Motor Group
06.2016 - 10.2016
General Sales Manager
Echuca Toyota
05.2015 - 05.2016
General Manager/Director
Bendigo Toyota
06.2010 - 03.2015
General Manager
Pakenham Toyota
10.2009 - 05.2010
New Vehicle Sales Manager (Retail & Fleet)
Harris Freer Toyota
07.2006 - 10.2009
New Vehicle Sales Manager (Retail)
Cannon Toyota – Camberwell
09.2004 - 07.2006
New Vehicle Sales Manager (Retail & Fleet)
Cannon Toyota – Heidelberg
02.2002 - 09.2004
New Vehicle Sales Consultant (Retail)
Silver Star Mercedes Benz
09.2001 - 02.2002
New Vehicle Sales Consultant/Assistant New Vehicle Manager
Harris Wood Toyota
02.1998 - 09.2001
Parts & Accessories Department Manager
Healesville Toyota
06.1997 - 02.1998
Sales Representative/ Assistant Branch Manager
Repco Auto Parts
01.1995 - 06.1997
Sales Consultant / Measurer & Fitter
Dollar Curtains & Blinds
01.1993 - 01.1995
Future Dealer Principal Development Program -
Toyota Institute Australia
Diploma in Business - Business
Australian Institute of Workplace Learning
Certificate IV in Business - Frontline Management
Australian Institute of Workplace Learning
Victorian Certificate of Education -
Maroondah Secondary College
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