Resourceful problem solver, with 20+ years of OEM and Retail auto industry experience. Factory trained, with areas of expertise in dealer franchising, new vehicle distribution, and financial statement analysis. As an entrepreneur, built a successful, award winning business, and made the decision to sell when it reached optimum value. My duties included day to day general management and bottom-line profit/loss responsibility. We were early adopter of e-commerce solutions, and thru creative marketing and promotion extended our customer solicitations well beyond our trade area. Specialties: Auto Dealership Operations • Sales & Profit Forecasting • Bankruptcy & Restructuring Strategy • Market Evaluation and Representation • Financial Analysis & Cost Control • Customer Relations & Owner Retention • Business Plan Development • Promotion, Advertising & Marketing • E-commerce & Social Networking • Process Improvement Training

Electric Vehicle Operations Manager, Southeast @ Responsible for promotion and sales of the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. This includes event marketing, business to business outreach, and dealership training. The first mass market EV, Nissan LEAF is now the best selling electric vehicle in history, with Atlanta recently passing San Francisco and LA to become the #1 market. A frequent speaker at events and forums, we spread the word that EV's have become a practical choice for consumers. From July 2012 to Present (3 years 6 months) Greater Atlanta AreaManaging Principal @ Provided operational consulting to auto dealerships and service facilities. Evaluated analyzed financial results and current processes to identify inefficiencies. Implemented changes to grow revenue and control costs. Worked with owners to help them understand and track financial performance to maximize profitability. Focused on customer retention, to build long-term business stability. Developed brand message, to reach new customers and focus sales efforts. From January 2009 to November 2012 (3 years 11 months) President & General Manager @ Managed all aspects of dealership operations, including business strategy, personnel development, and budget adherence. Hands-on experience managing the dealership's Service, Parts, E-commerce, Sales and Finance departments. Developed and implemented dealership's annual sales and profit forecast. Ford Blue Oval, Lincoln Premier and Mercury Advantage Awards for Customer Satisfaction and Retail Operations, 2003-2008, From May 1998 to January 2009 (10 years 9 months) Business Development Manager @ Developed the theme, and compiled data for the Region's annual Business Plan, and coordinated presentation to Senior Company Management. Measured the sales penetration and customer satisfaction performance of dealers, in the nation's second largest Ford Region, and recommended remedial actions. • Four-Time Recipient, Award for Regional Business Plan Development • Five-Time Recipient, Ford's Quality Market Representation Action Award From June 1997 to May 1998 (1 year) Office Operations Manager @ Managed the logistics required for operation of a regional sales office. This included facility, systems, vehicle fleet and equipment. Also involved supervision of administrative staff and budget reconciliation. In additon, coordinated major events such as regional dealer meetings, senior managment visits and company and dealership training. From June 1996 to June 1997 (1 year 1 month) Regional Merchandising Manager @ Conducted Promotional Events and coordinated dealership Sales Training to showcase company product. Created and administered Sales Contests to support vehicle sales. Negotiated partnership agreements with like-focused companies to to maximize budget and reach customers who otherwise might not have considered our products. From January 1994 to June 1996 (2 years 6 months) Owner Loyalty Manager @ Responsible for overseeing luxury vehicle customer satisfaction performance, and implementing in-dealership process changes for improvement. Corporate contact for high profile and legal issue customer concerns. Recipient, Award for Highest Customer Satisfaction Improvement by a Region From January 1993 to January 1994 (1 year 1 month) Market Representation Manager, Atlanta Region @ Responsible for recruiting qualified dealer candidates, voicing company position in pending sales, and establishing capitalization requirements. Implement company Market Studies and formulated recommendations for dealer change actions to Senior management. Processed and submitted franchise agreements, amendments and other contracts. • Five-Time Recipient, Ford's Quality Market Representation Action Award From December 1989 to December 1992 (3 years 1 month) Regional Sales Manager, Select Dealers @ Coordinated Ford's launch of the SE Regional Call Center, which managed contacts with geographically remote, or those dealers selling fewer than 250 new vehicles annually. This included managing installation of phone and computer systems, personnel staffing, and overseeing facility layout. As a start-up operation, we had to establish operational processes, training regimens, and managing the installation of systems. From September 1988 to October 1989 (1 year 2 months)

Legal Studies @ Detroit College of Law From 1981 to 1983 Bachelor of Science (BS), Political Science, Speech Communications, Double Major @ Eastern Michigan University From 1975 to 1979 High School Degree, College Prep @ Northwestern High School, Detroit, MI From 1973 to 1975 Cornelius Willingham is skilled in: Automotive, Budgets, Strategic Planning, Business Strategy, Customer Satisfaction, Marketing, Automobile, Business Planning, Business Development, Social Networking, Financial Analysis, Forecasting, Customer Service, Management, Market Research, Sales, Strategy, Training