Lars Svanoe
Santa Clarita,CA
Summary
Results-driven Sales Manager / Operations professional with 35+ years’ experience in the automotive industry. Proven track record of driving revenue growth, developing high-performance teams, streamlining operations, and managing hands-on sales and product initiatives across B2B and D2C channels.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Brand Manager
GAHH Automotive
11.2024 - 12.2025
- Oversee brand strategy, product positioning, and market presence for premium automotive convertible tops and interior products.
- Oversee sub brands German Auto Tops, Auto Seats and Tops, Sierra Auto and Sierra Offroad. Duties included rolling out a revised website for German Auto Tops and a complete new website for Sierra Offroad.
- Manage B2B and D2C sales channels, supporting growth initiatives across wholesale and retail markets.
- Lead brand messaging, digital content direction, and campaign planning to strengthen customer engagement.
- Build and maintain a strong CSR team including Sales and Warranty departments.
- Analyzed market trends and competitive landscape to inform positioning and messaging initiatives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch successful marketing campaigns across digital platforms.
- Presented regular updates to senior leadership, demonstrating progress towards key objectives and securing ongoing support for marketing initiatives.
Service Advisor
Galpin Jaguar Land Rover
04.2024 - 10.2024
- Assessed customer needs and provided tailored vehicle service recommendations.
- Acted as liaison between customers and service technicians.
- Coordinated service appointments, ensuring optimal scheduling and resource allocation - Up to 30 appointments daily.
- Communicated repair needs, pricing, and warranty coverage to customers to obtain approvals. Closed 80% of proposals with an average of $1500
- Managed repair orders from creation through vehicle delivery, including payment collection and pricing verification.
- Ensured a professional and friendly service experience with follow-up communication.
International Sales Manager
DPI Off-Road
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Created Norse Enterprise LLC to manage all international accounts for DPI in a remote capacity.
- Managed all international customers for all 10 DPI brands.
- Cultivated relationships with key distributors in various regions to enhance partnerships.
- Achieved 10–25% month-over-month international sales growth; one account exceeded prior full-year sales in 4 months.
- Added an average of 3+ new international customers monthly.
- Oversaw account creation, sales, order processing, payment collection, and shipment tracking.
Sales Manager / Operations
Nitro Gear and Axle / DPI
10.2020 - 07.2023
- Increased annual sales from $2.3M to $7.75M in the second year.
- Rebuilt sales staff, creating and training a new customer service department with 3 new agents and led sales team to exceed quarterly targets through strategic planning and execution.
- Managed team during ERP migration from QuickBooks to Global Shop.
- Reviewed and presented sales, purchasing, and shipping analytics.
- Implemented new commission structure resulting in ~20% productivity growth.
- Supported facility relocation while maintaining daily operations.
- Contributed to record shipping day of $180K with only 5 warehouse staff.
Manufacturer's Representative
Aftermarket West
11.2011 - 10.2020
- Operated a manufacturers rep agency with up to 16 brands, exceeding $1.4M in monthly related sales.
- Represented leading brands including WeatherTech, Firestone, ViaAir, Ranch Hand, Tuff Country and others.
- Grew multiple brands from zero presence to multi-million-dollar accounts.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality service delivery.
- Represented brands at industry trade shows across the U.S.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to enhance product availability and reduce costs.
Education
AA - IT, Minor in Networking
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ, United States01.2009
Skills
- Automotive Aftermarket B2B & D2C Sales, Market Analysis
- Operations, Manufacturing, Welding, Product Design
- Customer Service, Shipping/Receiving
- Netsuite, Global Shop, Quickbooks
- 8x8 Phone Systems, Nextiva Phone Systems
- Magento, WooCommerce
- Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook
- Sales support, Event coordination, Staff coaching
Websites
Timeline
Brand Manager
GAHH Automotive
11.2024 - 12.2025
Service Advisor
Galpin Jaguar Land Rover
04.2024 - 10.2024
International Sales Manager
DPI Off-Road
08.2023 - 04.2024
Sales Manager / Operations
Nitro Gear and Axle / DPI
10.2020 - 07.2023
Manufacturer's Representative
Aftermarket West
11.2011 - 10.2020
AA - IT, Minor in Networking
University of Phoenix