Brian Pepperd
Buford,GA
Summary
Dynamic auto industry professional with extensive experience in vehicle dealership management, towing & transport company management, collision center management, business management, bridged with decades of automobile insurance claims handling, negotiation and sales experience. Possessing deep technical knowledge in all aspects of automobile purchasing and sales, combined with hands-on experience in both mechanical and collision repairs. Operations Manager with expertise in sales, dealership operations, and logistics. Credentialed Professional offering a strong regulatory foundation, including former automobile dealer and sales licenses in the state of Pennsylvania, alongside former transportation company ownership and management, which required both Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) compliance numbers. Over thirty years of vehicle evaluation skills in all size classes of vehicles. Proven success in driving revenue growth and enhancing operational efficiency through strategic vendor negotiations and performance analysis. Excellent track record of providing extraordinary customer service to over twenty thousand customers over several decades while maintaining high customer satisfaction ratings. Focused on sales growth, customer retention and operational efficiency. Committed to fostering a safe, efficient, and professional work environment. Dedicated to delivering a high level of professionalism and integrity to the position while going above and beyond to ensure the team's continued success.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO/CFO
Shell Vero Beach
Vero Beach, FL
2024.08 - 2026.01
- Owned and operated Shell station in Vero Beach, Florida, achieving annual sales of three million dollars. CEO/CFO Managed every aspect of running the day to day operations of a very large Shell gas station grossing three million dollars a year in sales. Additionally managed store inventory, all purchasing and contract negotiations with vendors, tracked and managed fuel inventory and deliveries on 50,000 to 60,000 gallons of fuel sales volume per month, Directed employee management and HR duties, including oversight of P&L statements and product ordering.
Estimator
Penske Collision
West Palm Beach, FL
2022.02 - 2024.08
- Managed collision repair processes from estimates to parts orders, ensuring quality control for all jobs.
- Evaluated vehicle damage for accurate repair estimates.
- Collaborated with insurance companies to ensure effective claims processing.
- Prepared detailed reports outlining repair costs and timelines.
Senior Material Damage Appraiser
Allstate Insurance Company
Saint Petersburg, FL
2002.11 - 2022.01
- Managed field and drive-in claims in designated territory, including catastrophic losses, total losses, thefts, fire, flood, hail, lightning, and fraud claims. Evaluated physical damage for a variety of vehicles, including autos, motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts, RVs (all classes of motorhomes and travel trailers), semi trucks, heavy and medium duty trucks, boats, and classic cars. Also performed stated amount policy appraisals and diminished value claim assessments. Drafted denial letters for uncovered losses to ensure clear communication of claim outcomes. Communicated effectively in writing and speaking to clarify claim processes and outcomes. Worked directly with lien holders, rental companies, negotiated labor rates with Dealerships on Mechanical rates, negotiated labor times and discussed repair procedures with Collision repair industry professionals, Negotiated charges with tow facilities. Maintained state licensing, biannual continuing education requirements, and I-Car Certification.
- Evaluated vehicle damage to determine repair costs and settlement values.
- Collaborated with repair facilities to ensure quality and compliance with standards.
- Conducted thorough inspections of vehicles involved in accidents for accurate assessments.
CEO/CFO
BZB Towing & Transport LLC
Glen Saint Mary, FL
2015.12 - 2018.12
- Oversaw all aspects of financial management, including budgeting and forecasting.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, suppliers, and partners.
- Directed the implementation of new business initiatives from concept through completion.
- Implemented risk management strategies designed to protect assets while mitigating potential losses.
- Helped direct cross-functional teams to improve workflow and service delivery.
- Supported organizational culture through clear communication and leadership practices.
- Headed towing and transport operations in Glen Saint Mary, Florida, coordinating logistics and customer service.
Auto Salvage Virtual Auction Process Expert
Salvage Direct.com
York, PA
2000.01 - 2002.11
- Co-lead a team of young professionals at a dot com start-up Company specializing in auto salvage disposal for major insurance companies. Handled computer data entry, photo processing, damage description, quality control along with completion and posting vehicles to live auctions all types of auto, truck, motorcycle, ATV and specialty (boat, heavy truck and RV, motorhome, travel trailer salvage). Developed new processes and maintained professionalism while collaborating with auto PD unit managers from insurance companies and tow facilities. Streamlined business process re-engineering and established structured documentation methodology. Fostered strong relationships with team members to improve overall team dynamics and efficiency. Collaborated with managers to identify and resolve diverse problems, enhancing team performance and efficiency.
- Streamlined operational processes for efficient workflow management.
- Facilitated training sessions for team members on best practices.
- Analyzed data trends to enhance process improvements and efficiency.
Education
High School Diploma - Academic & Business
Halifax Area High School
Halifax, PAinsurance estimation training
Vale National Training Center / Vale Tech
Mechanicsburg, PASkills
- Financial management
- Financial forecasting
- Revenue growth
- Operations management
- Operational strategy
- Inventory control
- Vendor negotiation
- Negotiation techniques
- Risk management
- Process improvements
- Team leadership
- Customer relationship management
Certification
I-Car Training (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) – Platinum Certification
Timeline
CEO/CFO
Shell Vero Beach
2024.08 - 2026.01
Estimator
Penske Collision
2022.02 - 2024.08
CEO/CFO
BZB Towing & Transport LLC
2015.12 - 2018.12
Senior Material Damage Appraiser
Allstate Insurance Company
2002.11 - 2022.01
Auto Salvage Virtual Auction Process Expert
Salvage Direct.com
2000.01 - 2002.11
High School Diploma - Academic & Business
Halifax Area High School
insurance estimation training
Vale National Training Center / Vale Tech