Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Christopher Leighton

Auto Body Estimator
Ocala,Fl.

Summary

Dynamic automotive professional with extensive experience as a Body Shop Advisor at several body shops and appraisal firms, bringing over 40 years experience into this field. Proven expertise in repair negotiations and total loss understanding, complemented by strong customer service and problem-solving skills. Adept at utilizing CCC One and Mitchell systems to enhance operational efficiency and ensure high-quality repairs.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Parts Associate

Advance Auto Parts
03.2022 - 08.2025
  • Completed sales and service documentation for customer and business records and provided receipts of purchase.
  • Adhered to company guidelines for performance and compliance.
  • Trained and mentored junior employees on regulations, best practices, and performance strategies.
  • Greeted customers via telephone and in person to answer questions, resolve concerns, and complete sales.
  • Maintained clean and neat parts counter and sales floor.
  • Conducted cash handling, credit card transactions, and register closeout at end of business day.
  • Stocked and managed stock of parts.

Body Shop Advisor

Joe Hudson Collision Center
07.2023 - 12.2023
  • Replaced and repaired vehicle parts according to work order instructions.
  • Evaluated OEM manufacturer schematics and service documentation to identify parts to order.
  • Created and reviewed work orders detailing required repairs per shop and manufacturer guidelines.
  • Inspected new parts and areas of repair to verify correctness and quality.
  • Prepared cost estimates for vehicle repairs and provided detailed documentation for customer review.
  • Tested and adjusted newly repaired vehicles to verify proper function.
  • Ordered all parts that were needed for the repair process.
  • Worked daily with several DRP Insurance Companies, photos and estimates uploaded through CCC and Mitchell estimating systems.

Body Shop Advisor

Jenkins Collision Center / Waynes Auto Body
11.2012 - 12.2021
  • Inspected new parts and areas of repair to verify correctness and quality.
  • Inspected completed repairs for accuracy, quality and safety.
  • Examined vehicles to determine extent of damage and repairs required.
  • Evaluated OEM manufacturer schematics and service documentation to identify parts to order.
  • Created and reviewed work orders detailing required repairs per shop and manufacturer guidelines.
  • Prepared cost estimates for vehicle repairs and provided detailed documentation for customer review.
  • Worked daily with several DRP Insurance Companies, uploaded photos and completed estimates through CCC and Mitchell estimating systems.
  • Followed up with insurance companies fo payments on completed repairs.
  • Managed heavy workload and ongoing assignments thanks to strong organizational, time management, and collaboration skills.

Body Shop Advisor

City Collision
01.2012 - 11.2012

Same as above

Automotive Damage Appaiser

Precise Appraisal Service
06.2005 - 12.2010
  • Documented condition and special features to provide accurate estimations.
  • Produced reports with detailed valuations.
  • Answered customer questions and provided information about findings.
  • Maintained high work volume and tight deadlines.
  • Inspected and supplied photos and estimates on damaged vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, boats, and heavy equipment.

Auto Body Shop Manager

Paul Clark Ford / VW
01.2004 - 05.2005
  • Stocked shop with equipment, parts and other resources to promote timely service.
  • Examined damaged vehicles to determine degree of structural and mechanical damage.
  • Processed insurance paperwork and prepared estimates to negotiate insurance settlements.
  • Scheduled work load, managed three body men, one painter, and one shop helper.
  • All appraisals and work orders performed on ADP Dealer Elite software system.
  • Monitored maintenance of paint booths, frame-straightening materials and fixed assets to enhance longevity and long-term value.

Staff Automobile Damage Appaiser

Hanover Insurance Group Inc.
01.2000 - 01.2004
  • Visited site locations to assess value of loss vehicles.
  • Examined client financial records to inform on possible plans for total-loss vehicles or large repairs.
  • Answered customer questions and provided information about findings.
  • Maintained high work volume and tight deadlines.
  • All necessary forms and a copy of the completed estimate given in hand to insured or shop whenever possible.
  • Total loss claims handled directly with the insured.

Automobile Damage Appraiser

Charles Wilson Associates
01.1999 - 01.2000
  • Visited site locations to assess value of damaged property.
  • Scheduled appointments and inspected damaged vehicles. Personal interaction with with body shops, insureds, and claimants for initial inspection and supplemental losses.
  • Excellent working knowledge of EZ-EST and Pathways computer system and direct interaction with CCC valuations.

Automobile Damage Appaiser

Suzor's Appraisal Service
01.1993 - 01.1999
  • Same as above.

Education

No Degree - I-Car Platinum Certification

I-Car Platinum
Ma. & Fl.
09-2023

No Degree - Massachusetts Automobile Damage Appraiser License

Curry College
Milton, MA
08-1986

Skills

  • Repair negotiations
  • Total Loss Understanding
  • Complex claims Experience
  • Proficient in CCC One & Mitchell
  • Team collaboration
  • Customer service
  • Account updating \ owner notification
  • Replacement parts identification
  • Email communication
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Workplace safety

Timeline

Body Shop Advisor

Joe Hudson Collision Center
07.2023 - 12.2023

Parts Associate

Advance Auto Parts
03.2022 - 08.2025

Body Shop Advisor

Jenkins Collision Center / Waynes Auto Body
11.2012 - 12.2021

Body Shop Advisor

City Collision
01.2012 - 11.2012

Automotive Damage Appaiser

Precise Appraisal Service
06.2005 - 12.2010

Auto Body Shop Manager

Paul Clark Ford / VW
01.2004 - 05.2005

Staff Automobile Damage Appaiser

Hanover Insurance Group Inc.
01.2000 - 01.2004

Automobile Damage Appraiser

Charles Wilson Associates
01.1999 - 01.2000

Automobile Damage Appaiser

Suzor's Appraisal Service
01.1993 - 01.1999

No Degree - I-Car Platinum Certification

I-Car Platinum

No Degree - Massachusetts Automobile Damage Appraiser License

Curry College
Christopher LeightonAuto Body Estimator