Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Side mechanical work
Timeline
Generic

Colby Steele

Chesapeake,VA

Summary

My name is Colby L. Steele. I really find it interesting and satisfying on how things work, and how to fix it. I started learning about how auto mobiles work through my father ever since I learned to walk. Many years later when i got into high school, I perused my mechanical interest further by attending the Chesapeake Career Center. I would study my electives in high school for half the day, then I would drive between bells to my local career center (votech) to learn and study automobile repair. I studied here between bells for 2 years. Automotive 1 was my Jr year. I studied how engines and most combustion engines operate. We were tasked with disassembly and re assembly of a combustion engine, followed by a compression test to determine our final grade of the final semester of automotive one, and I did great at the age of 17. Automotive 2 was my senior year study. I studied how steering and suspension worked and how to generally repair most vehicles of light/medium duty nature. Using these skills at a young age, I quickly joined the work force of the automotive field with an advantage. I gained my first work place experience at Priority toyota as a lube technician by quickly understanding my job and performing it well. After a year of working at Priority Toyota, I was given a position at Cavalier Ford as a lube technician at first, and then transported to the Lincoln department as a full technician on high end vehicles. I found it so fascinating to see my self progress to a more advanced level of repair. After working at Lincoln for some time, a dear friend recommended I should take an opportunity at advancing my career to become a school bus mechanic with him at Chesapeake Public Schools. I took the opportunity and I have gained much more mechanical knowledge, especially with the heavy duty/diesel field at the age of 21 currently where I am employed.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

School Bus Mechanic

Chesapeake Public Schools
06.2022 - Current

I am currently a P.M. technician at Chesapeake Public Schools transportation shop. Here, we service school busses and diagnose any issue wrong with a bus. I am trained to service the entire length of the bus from rear axle, to the motor itself, and interior work. Air brake systems repair and simple hydraulics. While working on my bus, we are dispatched frequently to road calls. I drive to multiple schools a day to repair an immobilized or damaged bus, rain or shine. I also perform Virginia State Inspections, depending upon if the inspection sticker is due by the PM service interval. The list below is a regular process of what some of the many skills, practices, and procedures I go by when a bus is assigned to me for its regular P.M. service.

  • Diagnosed mechanical problems for repair or replacement.
  • Improved bus safety by conducting thorough inspections and identifying necessary repairs.
  • Performed preventive maintenance on diesel engines, preventing malfunctions.
  • Completed specialized training in electronic control systems to enhance diagnostic capabilities for modern bus technologies.
  • Used specialized tools and equipment to diagnose and repair issues with diesel engines.
  • Enhanced fleet performance by maintaining and repairing school buses according to manufacturer guidelines.
  • Promoted a safe working environment by following established safety protocols and encouraging coworkers to do the same.
  • Serviced and maintained engines by performing regular oil and filter changes.
  • Determined cost-effective solutions to mechanical issues, saving company money.
  • Maintained safe transportation for students by repairing or replacing faulty brake systems, suspension components, and steering mechanisms.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Handled repairs, replacing broken components and inspecting engines for wear and tear.
  • Organized test drives in buses and trucks to identify needed repairs.
  • Increased fuel efficiency by regularly monitoring and adjusting engine components as needed.
  • Maximized vehicle longevity with regular maintenance checks, including oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations.
  • Conducted full operational compliance inspections before releasing vehicles for use.
  • Managed parts inventory and tracked status of recent orders to maintain tool and equipment stock.
  • Assisted coworkers in diagnosing complex mechanical problems when additional expertise was required.
  • Collaborated with other mechanics to inspect diesel engines for signs of damage.
  • Assessed equipment for damage, wear, battery life, and fluid levels.
  • Checked completed repairs in buses and trucks, confirming correct servicing procedures.
  • Analyzed engine faults in buses and trucks, identifying potential causes and determining needed repairs.
  • Communicated effectively with team members to coordinate efficient completion of daily tasks while minimizing downtime for vehicles awaiting repair or maintenance services.
  • Reduced downtime for buses with prompt diagnosis and repair of mechanical issues.

Mechanic

Cavalier Ford Lincoln
05.2021 - 06.2022
  • Tuned automotive systems and components to optimize functionality and prolong life of each piece.
  • Increased tire lifespan by accurately aligning wheels, balancing tires, and performing rotations as needed.
  • Investigated customer complaints to identify cause of malfunctions.
  • Utilized computerized diagnostic equipment to conduct thorough inspections and determine outcomes.
  • Completed full vehicle inspections to check for leaks, damage, or other issues of concern.
  • Analyzed vehicle data using advanced diagnostic equipment.
  • Corrected faults and maximized performance by rebuilding systems and individual components.
  • Inspected and tested equipment to locate worn and damaged parts.
  • Kept equipment in good working order by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, and maintaining supplies.
  • Contributed to the success of the service department by providing excellent customer service and clear communication regarding vehicle maintenance needs.
  • Repaired and replaced worn and damaged components.
  • Performed preventative maintenance oil changes and brake jobs to preserve performance and reliability of vehicles.
  • Improved vehicle performance by conducting thorough inspections and identifying necessary repairs.
  • Repaired brake, exhaust, electrical and other systems for domestic automotive brands.
  • Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
  • Explained estimates and determined repair timelines to manage customer expectations.
  • Maintained a safe working environment at all times by adhering to company guidelines and OSHA regulations, reducing workplace accidents.
  • Reduced downtime for clients by efficiently completing maintenance tasks and repairs on time.
  • Inspected damaged vehicles to estimate repair labor cost and required parts expense.
  • Maximized engine efficiency with routine tune-ups, oil changes, and filter replacements.
  • Repaired engine and transmission components to rebuild engine and enhance vitality.
  • Raised safety standards for vehicles by performing comprehensive brake system repairs and replacements.
  • Enhanced vehicle longevity through meticulous attention to preventive maintenance tasks such as fluid checks, belt replacements, and battery testing.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction with prompt diagnosis and resolution of complex mechanical issues.
  • Checked brake systems and determined need of pad replacement, disc turning or other maintenance requirements.
  • Expanded knowledge of automotive technology by attending professional development workshops, staying current with industry advancements.
  • Read and followed technical documentation to complete accurate repairs.
  • Analyzed and located malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and control systems.
  • Ordered repair parts quickly to prevent delays in projects and repair work.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes.

Lube Technician

Priority Toyota Chesapeake
07.2020 - 07.2021
  • Recommended automotive services and repairs to promote good vehicle operation and enhance road safety.
  • Attended in-house training courses and webinars to learn about vehicle electrical system, brakes and diagnostic and repair techniques.
  • Elevated overall service experience for clients through skilled tire rotations, brake inspections, fluid checks, and filter replacements as needed.
  • Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all safety regulations and protocols.
  • Mounted and balanced tires to promote even wear and decrease on-the-road safety hazards.
  • Explained maintenance and repair needs to customers and offered advice on preventative maintenance.
  • Conducted safety checks for leaks to repair damage on undercarriage of vehicles.
  • Assisted coworkers when needed to ensure smooth operations during peak hours or when dealing with challenging situations.
  • Repaired and replaced worn and damaged components.
  • Changed oil and filters in customer vehicles and safely disposed of used oil in approved receptacles.
  • Optimized workflow efficiency by proactively addressing minor issues before they escalated into costly repairs for clients.
  • Suggested additional services to customers in order to meet upsell goals.
  • Worked alone or in team-based systems to complete up to 20 oil changes each day.
  • Installed wiper blades and headlamps and confirmed items' functionality to promote safe vehicle operation.
  • Inspected damaged vehicles to estimate repair labor cost and required parts expense.
  • Supported business growth through consistent delivery of top-notch service, resulting in positive client referrals.
  • Exceeded performance targets regularly by quickly diagnosing problems and executing appropriate solutions.
  • Inspected vehicles to determine need for changing oils and filters and provided feedback to customers.
  • Kept shop areas neat, clean, and free of safety hazards.
  • Performed tire rotations and recommended necessary tire replacements to promote tire functionality and vehicle safety.
  • Increased shop efficiency with meticulous organization of tools, equipment, and supplies.
  • Successfully met deadlines for scheduled services while maintaining a focus on accuracy during fast-paced shifts.
  • Topped off fluids in vehicle engines to lubricate, protect, and cool engine.
  • Checked brake systems and determined need of pad replacement, disc turning or other maintenance requirements.
  • Read and followed technical documentation to complete accurate repairs.

Education

High School Diploma -

Hickory High School
Chesapeake, VA
03.2020

High School Diploma -

Chesapeake Career Center
1617 Cedar Rd Chesapeake Virginia
03.2020

Skills

  • Virginia State Inspection License
  • Diagnostic Equipment Operation
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Steering systems
  • Decision-Making
  • Documentation
  • Quality Control Procedures
  • Equipment reassembly
  • Auto diagnostics
  • Heavy Equipment Repair
  • Diesel Engine Repair
  • Engine diagnostics
  • Hand-tool proficiency
  • Engine Diagnostic Software
  • Operating Condition Checks
  • Safety Management
  • Safety Examination and Adjustment
  • Vehicle Inspection Procedures
  • Commercial driver's license
  • Critical Thinking
  • Safety Education
  • Equipment Operation
  • Multitasking
  • Time Management
  • Task Prioritization

Side mechanical work

Usually during the weekends, I work in my father's garage behind my house to make some extra profit. I do not advertise any of my work, most of the time its just friends and word of mouth from them onwards. I do from basic tune ups, tires, and brake jobs to entire engine and transmission replacements just from the back garage. 

Timeline

School Bus Mechanic

Chesapeake Public Schools
06.2022 - Current

Mechanic

Cavalier Ford Lincoln
05.2021 - 06.2022

Lube Technician

Priority Toyota Chesapeake
07.2020 - 07.2021

High School Diploma -

Hickory High School

High School Diploma -

Chesapeake Career Center
Colby Steele