Chris Hanson

Current

• Digital Strategist - South Central Region at Carmichael Lynch
• Owner at FollowUpForSuccess.com

Past

• eCommerce Consulting Director at VinSolutions
• Director of eCommerce at Nourse Family of Dealerships
• Director of eCommerce at Saturn of North Texas

• Director of eCommerce at David Thomas Auto Group
• Internet Manager at Hibbing Chrysler
• Sales Consultant at Wallys Auto
• Sled Dog Trainer/Racer at In Great Outdoors :-)
• Tour Guide at Soudan Underground Mine State Park
• Tour Guide at Soudan Underground Mine State Park
• Park Ranger Naturalist at Voyageurs National Park
• Park Ranger Naturalist at Voyageurs National Park
• Sled Dog Trainer / Fuel Tank Farm Manager at Alaska Dog Sledding and Yutana Barge Lines

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9 more...

Education

• Vermilion Community College

Recommended

28 people have recommended Chris

Connections

500+ connections

Industry

Automotive

Websites

• My RSS feed

Chris Hanson’s Summary

Chris Hanson has been in the car business for 11+ years selling cars on the floor, Internet Manager, Sales Trainer & Director of eCommerce for two different Dealer Groups.

Hanson also writes about how to sell more cars online & build a loyal customer following on his blog at FollowUpForSuccess.com.
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CHRIS HANSON IN THE PRESS
♦2009 Special Guest Speaker for Ai-Dealer at NADA
♦2008 Hanson gives Two Day Internet Sales Workshop for ISM's from around the US and Mexico
♦2008 The Internet Marketing Report writes an article on how Hanson is using 800 tracking numbers
♦2008 Car Dealer Insider writes an article on how Hanson is using Video eMail & Live Chat to sell more cars
♦2008 Internet Marketing Report Interviews Hanson about using a Shopping Cart to sell cars
♦2007 Car Dealer Insider interviews Hanson about Car Shopping Online
♦2006 Special Guest Speaker for AutoSuccess Magazine at NADA
♦2006 Featured Speaker at AutoSuccess Summit IV
♦2006 Featured writer for AutoSuccess Magazine
♦2005 Recognized by Chrysler as one of the top ten salespeople in the country
♦2005 Selected for Subject Matter Expert in Developing Your Business Web Course for DaimlerChrysler Academy (DCA)
♦2005 COMPUTERWORLD interviews Hanson for an article on how he is using Video eMail to sell cars
♦2005 Picked as one of the elite group of the most successful DaimlerChrysler salespeople for the development of Prospecting for Success web course
♦2005 Featured writer for AutoSuccess Magazine
♦2004 The Daily Tribune interviews Hanson for a feature story "Perseverance pays off for local automobile salesperson
♦2004 Cobalt invites Hanson to speak on a panel at NADA
♦2004 Car Dealer Insider writes a cover story about Hanson
♦2003 Cobalt releases a three page Case Study on Hanson because of his high closing ratio & strong Internet sales numbers

Chris Hanson’s Specialties:

Using unique, innovative ideas and a proven process to sell more cars via the Internet and build a loyal customer following. Hanson also has an exceptional understanding of implementing Tools, Technology, Process & Training at the dealer level to increase sales by providing comprehensive solutions & direction over single & multiple store operations.

Chris Hanson’s Experience

• Digital Strategist - South Central Region

  Carmichael Lynch

  (Privately Held; Marketing and Advertising industry)

  July 2009 — Present (5 months)

  Support Subaru of America digital marketing at the regional and local levels.
  
  • ILM Process
  • Dealer Sites Maintenance and Process
  • Program/Campaign Integration
  • Digital Media and Search
  • Subaru.com Content

• Owner

  FollowUpForSuccess.com

  (Automotive industry)

  September 2005 — Present (4 years 3 months)

  ♦ Hanson started Follow Up For Success because there was and still is such a great need to assist dealerships around the country who just do not know how to get their Internet Departments started or how to take their current one to the next level.
  ♦ Follow Up For Success would help develop and build dealers Internet Departments by using unique and innovative ways backed by his proven, solid, follow up process. In house training: process, templates, video email, blogging, phone scripts, website design and what vendors to use.
  ♦ Most of Hanson's past clients saw 50% PLUS increases in their Internet sales by simply following the process and the techniques I gave them.
  ♦ 2006 Hanson is invited to speak at the AutoSuccess Summit IV
  ♦ 2006 Guest Speaker for AutoSuccess Magazine at the 2006 NADA Convention

• eCommerce Consulting Director

  VinSolutions

  (Privately Held; Automotive industry)

  October 2008 — June 2009 (9 months)

  ♦ Brought on board to work with dealers to help them grow their Internet Departments through Chris Hanson's proven process, system and technology.
  ♦ Work with dealer base on how to successfully implement CRM/ILM/Inventory Management at the dealer level.
  ♦ Provide In-House eCommerce Sales Training
  ♦ Develop, market and put on eCommerce Boot Camps
  ♦ Developed and implemented my V.I.D. (Virtual Internet Director) Program
  ♦ Conduct eCommerce eValuation’s to determine dealers current areas of opportunities

• Director of eCommerce

  Nourse Family of Dealerships

  (Automotive industry)

  September 2008 — October 2008 (2 months)

  ♦ Hired to completely overhaul The Nourse Family of Dealerships which included Nourse Family Automall, Family Ford Lincoln Mercury, Pioneer Chevrolet Cadillac Chrysler Jeep and Nourse Interstate Automall in Ohio.
  
  ♦ Unfortunately, due to family complications I had to leave the Nourse Group.

• Director of eCommerce

  Saturn of North Texas

  (Automotive industry)

  March 2008 — September 2008 (7 months)

  ♦ Director of eCommerce: Saturn of Irving, Saturn of Lewisville and Saturn of Plano.
  ♦ More than doubled the used car sales at Saturn of North Texas within two months of implementing eCommerce strategies and processes.
  ♦ Took one Internet Salesperson from selling 5 to 7 Internet sales a month to 20+
  ♦ Train and manage follow up process for all incoming leads
  ♦ Responsible for website design and changes for 6 websites.
  ♦ Full reporting of all Internet sales and ROI
  ♦ Responsible for recruiting, hiring and training of all eCommerce staff

• Director of eCommerce

  David Thomas Auto Group

  (Automotive industry)

  October 2006 — February 2008 (1 year 5 months)

  ♦ Built the eCommerce Department up to six ISM's between the two stores and accounted for 46% of the total sales.
  ♦ Responsible for building the eCommerce Department from the ground up for first Subaru Antenna store, Subaru of Plano.
  ♦ Rebuilt Subaru of Dallas Internet Department
  ♦ Responsible for and managed all Internet advertising, website changes, Vendor Relations,
  ♦ Customer Retention
  ♦ Manage all vendor relationships
  ♦ Full reporting of all Internet sales and ROI
  ♦ Desk deals and fill in for the New and Used Car Managers at both stores
  ♦ Helped rebuild Park Cities Auto Leasing. ♦ Responsible for recruiting, hiring and training of all eCommerce staff
  ♦2008 The Internet Marketing Report writes an article on how Chris Hanson is using 800 tracking numbers
  ♦2008 Car Dealer Insider writes an article on how Chris Hanson is using Video eMail and Live Chat to sell more cars

• Internet Manager

  Hibbing Chrysler

  (Automotive industry)

  August 2000 — January 2005 (4 years 6 months)

  ♦ Became Top salesperson after the first year and every year after.
  ♦ Developed my own follow up system which created a repeat and referral customer base that accounted for 90% of my business.
  ♦ Built the 1st Internet department for the dealership from the ground up and maintained a closing ratio of 34.5%.
  ♦ Recognized by Chrysler as one of the top ten salespeople in the country
  ♦ Subject Matter Expert in Developing Your Business Web Course for DaimlerChrysler Academy (DCA).
  ♦ Picked as one of the elite group of the most successful DaimlerChrysler salespeople for the development of Prospecting for Success web course
  ♦ Pioneer of using video email to follow up with customers, create video walk-arounds and Customer Testimonials to sell cars.

• Sales Consultant

  Wallys Auto

  (Automotive industry)

  August 1997 — July 2000 (3 years )

  ♦ My introduction to the car business was at a small, family owned, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealership where I had the privilege of learning the business from A to Z.
  ♦ Put in charge of running the sales department after the second year.
  ♦ Responsible for selling, appraising trade-ins, financing, purchasing cars from the auction and ordering new car inventory.

• Sled Dog Trainer/Racer

  In Great Outdoors :-)

  (Sports industry)

  August 1986 — July 2000 (14 years )

  ♦ Lived in Northern Minnesota, south of the Canadian border where I trained and raced sled dogs. I did that for a two years and then moved to St Michael, AK which is south of Nome to train and race sled dogs.
  
  ♦ Moved backed to Minnesota where I continued to race and won nearly every mid-distance (60 to 200 miles) sled dog race in MN, MI and WI. I also raced in Canada and Alaska always finishing in the top four.
  
  ♦ Have owned up to 60 dogs & have trained two teams for the Last Great Race, the Iditarod and one of which finished in the top 20. Several of my dogs ran on both of these teams and one of my best leaders, lead the whole way right into Nome. For three years I owned a business were I gave sled dog rides at a ski resort and also took people out on day trips & over nights and taught them how to "mush".
  
  ♦ For the years that I trained & raced sled dogs, they were some of the most incredible years of learning, growing, fun and one of those true great experiences in life.

• Tour Guide

  Soudan Underground Mine State Park

  (Leisure, Travel & Tourism industry)

  May 1997 — October 1997 (6 months)

  Conducted 90-minute tours that were 1/2 mile down into the earth. Once underground, we took the groups on a train ride to the deepest area mined were we gave a presentation.

• Tour Guide

  Soudan Underground Mine State Park

  (Leisure, Travel & Tourism industry)

  May 1996 — October 1996 (6 months)

  Conducted 90-minute tours that were 1/2 mile down into the earth. Once underground, we took the groups on a train ride to the deepest area mined were we gave a presentation.

• Park Ranger Naturalist

  Voyageurs National Park

  (Government Agency; Leisure, Travel & Tourism industry)

  May 1993 — September 1993 (5 months)

• Park Ranger Naturalist

  Voyageurs National Park

  (Government Agency; Leisure, Travel & Tourism industry)

  May 1992 — September 1992 (5 months)

• Sled Dog Trainer / Fuel Tank Farm Manager

  Alaska Dog Sledding and Yutana Barge Lines

  (Leisure, Travel & Tourism industry)

  August 1990 — September 1991 (1 year 2 months)

  ♦ Lived in the remote village of Saint Michael, Alaska which is located just south of Nome, Alaska.
  
  ♦ Managed kennel of sled dogs year round for Jerry Austin. Jerry and I trained the dogs to run the 1990 Iditarod Sled Dog Race - "The Last Great Race." Jerry finished in the coveted Top 20 in 19th Place. Three of my dogs ran on Jerry's team.
  
  ♦ In the spring, summer and fall, I managed a fuel tank farm that when full, held two and a half million gallons of fuel.
  
  ♦ I would fill the barges with fuel and then the barges would deliver the fuel to the neighboring villages which is how they would get their fuel for the year. I also loaded and unloaded freight from the barges.

Chris Hanson’s Education

• Vermilion Community College

  Parks and Recreation - Park Ranger, Interpretive Option 1992 — 1994

  Chris Hanson was selected for the Minnesota State Student Achievement Award by the Vermilion Community College Faculty.

Additional Information

Chris Hanson’s Websites:

• My RSS feed

Chris Hanson’s Groups:

•    Automotive Pro Network
•    Automotive Digital Marketing
•    Business Strategy & Competitive Strategy Forum
•    Automotive Industry Marketing & Training Professionals
•    Man in the Mirror
•    AutoPro Training Solutions Network
•    Tweeters
•    Automotive Industry Professionals Worldwide
•    just-auto's industry research group
•    Automotive Internet Marketing
•    DrivingSales.com - Automotive Professionals Worldwide
•    RedNumbat
•    VinSolutions

Chris Hanson’s Honors:

*Subject Matter Expert in Developing Your Business Web Course for DaimlerChrysler Academy (DCA)

*Picked as one of the elite group of the most successful DaimlerChrysler salespeople for the development of Prospecting for Success web course

Chris Hanson’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

• career opportunities
• consulting offers
• new ventures
• job inquiries
• expertise requests
• business deals
• reference requests
• getting back in touch