Cory Burkhardt
Fargo,ND
Summary
Experienced Shop Production Manager at Valley Imports with a strong background in automotive repair and team building. Proven ability to enhance workflow efficiency and ensure safety compliance. Skilled in mentoring staff and driving customer satisfaction, resulting in improved service ratings. Strong leadership and mechanical knowledge contribute to operational excellence. Adaptable professional with proactive problem-solving skills and excellent oral and written communication abilities. Many years of comprehensive experience in service department operations, customer order fulfillment, and data entry. Comfortable lifting heavy loads and standing for the entire shift. Background includes successfully managing employees in a fast-paced production environment. Consistently meet and exceed performance targets while prioritizing safety and remaining responsive to changing workflows and company demands.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Shop Production Manager
Valley Imports
Fargo, US
03.2020 - 03.2025
- Coordinated vehicle dispatching into shop technicians.
- Make sure shop is safe, clean and Osha approved
- Make calls to vendors to fix equipment as needed
- Manage 20 technicians with in service department
- Work with techs to get repairs done in a timely manner
- Monitored the daily operations of the production team, providing guidance and support as needed.
- Ensured that all safety policies and regulations were followed in accordance with company standards.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in workflow design and implementation.
- Coached and mentored employees to develop and enhance career skills.
- Monitored equipment, checked supplies and coordinated manpower to meet expected demand.
- Kept permits current and accurate for legally-sound operations.
- Collaborated with leadership to develop production department budget and forecast.
- Monitored employee attendance records and took disciplinary action when appropriate.
- Scheduled staff work assignments, rotations and overtime.
- Reviewed maintenance and repair problems to determine appropriate action for resolution.
Service Advisor
Valley Imports
Fargo, US
05.2007 - 03.2020
- Lead Advisor for Mercedes Benz & Porsche clients
- Duties of selling maintenance and repairs
- Porsche Brand Ambassador Certified, Base Certified in Mercedes Benz
- Have automotive background since twenty years of age
- Have knowledgeable background in complete customer care, shop profitability, shop cleanliness
- Strong diesel engine knowledge, maintenance and repairs
- Increased customer satisfaction ratings by effectively answering questions, suggesting effective solutions, and resolving issues quickly.
- Prepared invoices for services rendered and collected payments from customers.
- Exceeded established service goals while leveraging customer service, sales and employee management best practices.
- Conducted customer satisfaction surveys to identify areas for service improvement.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with customers to ensure repeat business.
- Resolved customer complaints in an efficient and courteous manner.
- Greeted customers and addressed their needs in a professional manner.
- Educated customers on proper vehicle maintenance, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and loyalty.
- Conducted thorough vehicle inspections to identify needed maintenance or repairs, recommending appropriate services to customers.
- Assisted in training new Service Advisors, sharing best practices for effective communication and problem-solving skills.
Service Manager
West Acres Amoco
Fargo, US
05.2005 - 05.2007
- Performed manager duties, payroll, scheduling, hiring employees, shop & equipment repairs
- Dispatched towing services
- Vehicle repair & maintenance sales
Service Advisor
Precision Tune Auto Care
Fargo, US
05.2000 - 05.2005
- Duties of selling service maintenance and repairs on vehicles, also worked as a tech when help was needed
- Was lead advisor when boss was off site
- Performed vehicle inspection reports in a fast, accurate time frame
Education
2 year -
NDSU
Fargo, ND08.1998
Diploma -
Fargo South High School
Fargo, ND06.1995
Skills
- Equipment Repair
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Mechanical Knowledge
- Mechanic Experience
- Automotive Repair
- Automotive Diagnostics
- Brake Repair
- Suspension
- Diesel engine/repair knowledge
- DOT inspection process
- Office
- ADP
- Excel
- Facilities maintenance
- Workflow optimization
- Customer service
- Team building
- Employee training
- Quality assurance
- Performance monitoring
- Quality inspection
- Strong leadership
- Safety management
- Adaptability
- Multitasking capacity
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Timeline
Shop Production Manager
Valley Imports
03.2020 - 03.2025
Service Advisor
Valley Imports
05.2007 - 03.2020
Service Manager
West Acres Amoco
05.2005 - 05.2007
Service Advisor
Precision Tune Auto Care
05.2000 - 05.2005
2 year -
NDSU
Diploma -
Fargo South High School