Robert Sweetapple

1273 Ashland Avenue

Columbus, Ohio 43212
614-325-5443
robertsweetapple@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/robertsweetapple

Dear Selection Committee:

As a seasoned business professional in the financial services
industry, I have developed a proven track record and would like to
put my skills to use for an organization such as yours. The results I
have achieved encompass areas such as leading award winning
departments, facilitating division start-ups, improving operations,
increasing customer satisfaction, reducing operating expenses,
streamlining labor costs, increasing efficiency, and providing key
negotiations to maintain budgets.
Most recently I served as the National Credit Manager for BMW
Financial Services where I directed all aspects of retail consumer
and business credit application processing operations. My broad scope
of responsibilities included systems development, management,
enhancements, application processing support, customer management
(internal and external), and key relationship development. I also
supervised 6 direct reports and 47 indirect reports while building a
highly effective team. Some of the contributions I have made during
my most recent tenure include the following:
* Led department to JD Power Best in Industry Award (2005 through
2008).
* Significant contributor to 2 startup divisions, Alphera Services
Credit Department and Up2Drive.
* Improved speed of credit decisions, increased customer service /
satisfaction, and lowered sales loss risk.
* Reduced operating costs $150,000 annually through initiatives
streamlining systems / improving processes.
* Decreased headcount through increase in automated decision-making
solutions.
My prior roles included Regional Credit Manager, Customer Service
Team Lead, Funding Manager Team Lead, and Regional Collections Team
Lead. While working my way through the ranks I gained valuable skills
and insight and also built solid relationships. My ability to
communicate effectively with superiors, peers, and subordinates is an
asset that cannot be quantified but has added greatly to my success.
A more quantifiable breakdown of my early career history includes the
following:
Regional Credit Manager
* Increased efficiency 15% and lowered credit losses well below
target.
* Clear contributor; member of committee that developed highly
successful manager mentoring program.
* Saved department $18,000 annually through term negotiations with
credit bureaus.
* Assisted regional team with production of best application
turnaround time, that increased customer satisfaction.
Customer Service Team Lead - Retail
* Elevated customer satisfaction survey to 98% overall rating
within group.
* Lowered call volume 10% through implementation of additional
customer self-service options on website.
* Orchestrated 3% increase year-over-year in customer satisfaction.
* Instituted associate performance matrix aligning individual
objectives with department goals.
Funding Manager Team Lead
* Guided team through comprehensive modification of funding process.
* Facilitated 30% quality increased after participation on project
team reducing errors and improving quality.
With a focus on increasing sales, profits, efficiency, productivity,
and customer satisfaction while concurrently reducing costs I believe
it would be beneficial for us to meet. I am certain I offer the
skills and experience you seek, and would welcome a discussion in
which I could share additional insight into how my background could
be of value to your team. I appreciate your time in reviewing my
qualifications and look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,

Robert Sweetapple