David Caldwell Jr.
Palm Bay,FL
Summary
Detail-oriented, hard-working automotive service professional with 25+ years experience in mechanical repair, collision restoration, and insurance repair claims. Expert knowledge of repair diagnostics and warranty systems to deliver seamless client communication and efficient repair coordination.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Auto Claims Adjuster (Remote)
Percepta LLC
Melbourne, FL
05.2020 - 08.2026
- Resolved inquiries from dealerships and independent auto repair shops on warranty processes and claims, ensuring compliance with contract terms.
- Worked directly with inspectors taking verbal and digital inspection reports and documenting them appropriately.
- Provided expert powertrain related technical support to repair facilities to enhance service quality and customer satisfaction.
- Provided clear and supportive guidance to repair facilities on claim determination processes and potential authorization denials.
Automotive Body Technician
Mike Erdman Toyota
Cocoa, FL
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Inspected damaged vehicles to assess repair needs to provide accurate estimates.
- Replaced or repaired damaged panels, ensuring alignment with factory specifications.
- Executed painting tasks using industry standard practices for high quality results.
- Utilized advanced tools and equipment to enhance efficiency and quality of paint applications.
Lead Painter and Body Technician
Camping World
Cocoa, FL
10.2017 - 12.2019
- Executed body and paint repairs for recreational vehicles, achieving high-quality results that consistently met or surpassed industry standards.
- Mentored junior painters in proper techniques and safety protocols to enhance team performance.
- Utilized Duncan RV Damage Estimating System to generate and manage RV repairs, estimates, and warranty claims, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Autobody Technician
Gerber Collision & Glass
Melbourne, FL
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Performed frame straightening and alignment using specialty equipment and tools to maintain accurate vehicle structure alignment.
- Identified necessary repairs to minimize supplements and ensure timely vehicle repairs for customers.
- Identified all necessary repairs to minimize supplements and ensure timely repairs for shop and customer.
- Planned and executed comprehensive vehicle disassembly to support accurate damage assessment and detailed repair plan preparation.
- Worked closely with fellow employees to ensure steady progress toward meeting shop deadlines.
Bodyshop Manager / Lead Mechanic
Don Reid Ford
Orlando, FL
2010 - 2016
- Managed Paint Department operations, including ordering supplies and maintaining safety standards.
- Used Mitchell Estimating Systems, OASIS, and Ford ESP programs alongside insurance claims processing to maintain consistent documentation workflows.
- Supervised daily body shop workflow and quality control processes to ensure consistent, standards-aligned outcomes.
- Coordinated with Service Advisors and Parts Directors to align service and parts operations for improved profitability across departments.
Education
High School Diploma -
Eau Gallie High School
Melbourne, FLSkills
- Warranty claims processing
- Claims processing
- Automotive diagnostics
- Effective problem resolution
- Customer communication
- Enhanced customer service skills
- Call center management
- Engine maintenance and troubleshooting
- Transmission system analysis
- Vehicle electronics expertise
Timeline
Auto Claims Adjuster (Remote)
Percepta LLC
05.2020 - 08.2026
Automotive Body Technician
Mike Erdman Toyota
01.2020 - 05.2020
Lead Painter and Body Technician
Camping World
10.2017 - 12.2019
Autobody Technician
Gerber Collision & Glass
01.2016 - 01.2017
Bodyshop Manager / Lead Mechanic
Don Reid Ford
2010 - 2016
High School Diploma -
Eau Gallie High School
Certifications and Licenses
- Warrantied by Dupont, PPG, Autocolor, Nason, and Sikkens painting sytems
- PPG 2K Auto Body and Paint Class - Solvent based Paint matching
- PPG 2K Waterbase Paint System
- I-Car Certified - Gold Class Status
- Rotunda Certified