Today we’d like to introduce you to Gene Smith.
Hi Gene, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am an ex-athlete now top Sales Professional. I am an award-winning Sales Professional with over eight years of experience. Not only do I bring a unique physical presence standing 6’8, 240lbs, but in addition a closer mindset to every opportunity. In 2014, I earned Salesman of the Year! In addition, I lead the dealership in positive Google reviews and have so since my entry into the Sales world in April of 2013. Whether cultivating a robust pipeline, nurturing high-potential relationships, or negotiating profitable contract terms, I deliver nothing less than excellence in every facet of my life. At least, that is my daily goal. I have exceeded expectations in every position I’ve held, most recently generating immediate, significant growth in the luxury automobile market. With diverse experience in B2B and B2C business, I possess the skills to build consultative sales relationships with prospects from all walks of life and throughout the country. I adore the community I reside in and look forward to being as active within the community as I was for the eight years I resided in Houston, Texas. I have only lived in Georgia since August of 2021.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“My life ain’t been no crystal stair” borrowing the words of acclaimed author Langston Hughes. I was reared in a single-parent household up until I was thirteen. I did not meet my biological father until age 35, I’m 51 now. Growing up in the Nation’s Capitol was not easy all the time easy. My body was undergoing changes at a rapid pace. I grew a foot in a year’s time. With that came injury after injury because according to my Orthopedic Doctor, I was “experiencing a delayed stage of puberty and by body had to adjust all of a sudden.” My first hero in life was my Grandfather who was the main father figure at the time and he passed unexpectedly. This was the first time I contemplated taken my own life. I could not understand why this would happen to me a year before I graduated college.
I later was employed as a Therapist where I was an instrumental part of a Treatment Team that treated sexually and physically abused children. This position allowed me the opportunity to mentor children who were reared in single-parent households like mine. I absolutely love mentoring and assisting people wherever there is a need. I entered the automobile industry in April of 2013 and sold Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram before being promoted to our import division where I sold Maserati and Alpha Romeo. In June of 2016, I took another devastating loss by losing my beloved mother, my best friend to Pancreatic Cancer. In February of 2018, two years later I lost my father due to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. In August of 2021, I was recruited to take on the Brand Manager position with Bentley Atlanta.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My official title is Brand Manager with the only Bentley Dealer in Georgia, Bentley Atlanta. I am responsible for orchestrating the purchase of our handmade vehicles that begin at a quarter of a million dollars. For all of my out-of-town clients, I am responsible for setting up the transportation needed to ship their vehicles to their “front door”. One of my specialties I would say is relationship building and representing my company within the community. I am most proud of reaching this level of ultra-luxury in only an eight years span. Besides my physical stature of 6’8, 240lbs, I would like to say my love for people and wanting to CRUSH the negative stereotypes that are associated with Sales Professionals within the Automobile Industry sets me apart from others.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up an only child in the Nation’s Capitol. Every summer growing up my mother would send me to my Grandparent’s home in Tuskegee, Alabama. This is where I was groomed to adopt and practice the “throwing the rope back” mantra that I model my life after daily. Hence the reason I try to be extremely active in every community I have resided in. I’m a firm believer in “It takes a village to raise a child.” I have a HUGE heart and most would probably say I am more sensitive and caring than most men. I blame that on my Momma. 🙂 I have always loved good stimulating conversation, so I enjoy reading and learning a wide array of things. I enjoy working out, traveling, and going to the cinema.
Contact Info:
- Website: Yourbentleyguy.com & bentleyatlanta.com
- Instagram: Signhere1
- Facebook: Gene Smith-Bentley Brand Manager
