Derek Choat
Summary
Proactive and meticulous Auto Body Tech and Mechanic with over eighteen years of experience in the automotive industry. Proficiencies in auto body estimates, mechanical repairs, maintenance, sales, staff training and development. Customer-oriented team player with expertise generating optimal satisfaction levels while building profits and client generation.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Facilities Maintenance
Newcastle ISD
04.2022 - Current
- Maintained accurate records of all vehicles'' registration, insurance policies, maintenance logs, and other relevant documentation for easy access during audits or inspections.
- Inspected vehicles and requested maintenance tasks be completed within specific timeframes.
- Increased fleet efficiency by implementing preventive maintenance programs and scheduling regular vehicle inspections.
- Completed repairs and scheduled maintenance on school vehicles.
- Led the development of a comprehensive School Facility management plan, outlining long-term goals and strategies for continuous campus improvement.
- Optimized asset life cycle management through strategic planning and implementation of grounds preventative maintenance schedules.
- Enhanced overall school fleet safety through rigorous compliance with regulatory standards and implementation of best practices in risk management.
- Increased fleet efficiency by implementing preventive maintenance programs and scheduling regular vehicle inspections.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the school system.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Analyzed transportation data to identify improvement opportunities.
- Directly supervised janitorial staff, insuring that required health codes, safety regulations were up to public school requirements.
- Maintained a well-stocked inventory of all supplies to ensure all necessary equipment was available for use.
Auto Body/Mechanic Shop Owner
Brazos Truck & Auto
03.2018 - Current
- Utilized programs such as CCC One, ALLDATA, & I- CAR, to give accurate parts pricing, availability, OEM Repair Methods, and insurance guidelines.
- Used CCC one scorecards to accurately communicate with insurance companies regarding claims.
- Maximized profits with careful budget management, monitoring expenses closely to minimize overhead costs.
- Provided accurate forecasting of labor hours, parts costs, and equipment needs for successful repair completion.
- Ensured high-quality repairs by staying up-to-date on industry trends, technology advancements, and best practices.
- Expanded clientele through effective marketing strategies and strong customer relationships.
- Strengthened business partnerships with suppliers, negotiating competitive pricing for parts and materials.
- Educated customers on the details of their repair estimates, fostering trust and transparency between clients and the auto body shop.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors to negotiate better pricing on vehicle parts, fuel, and other essential services for local fleet management.
- Had to close shop store front due to sudden decrease in business at the start of COVID-19.
HVAC Installer
Comfort Air Mechanical Systems
05.2021 - 04.2022
- Assembled air ducts, pipes, discharge valves and flues to central heating and cooling equipment.
- Removed old equipment from customers' homes and cleaned up areas to prepare for new installations.
- Maintained a clean, organized workspace during installations and repairs, demonstrating respect for clients'' properties and minimizing disruptions.
- Promoted workplace safety by consistently following established protocols and diligently wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Located and marked pipe positions, hole passages and duct connections in walls and floors.
- Installed bypass dampers, low voltage wiring, smoke detectors, split systems, and package units in commercial or residential buildings.
- Ensured top-quality installations by adhering to local building codes, manufacturer specifications, and industry best practices.
- Accepted this temp job while living in Cortez while my wife was travel nursing. When her travel nursing assignment was over we went home to Texas.
Sandblasting Painting Foreman
Self-employed
05.2006 - 03.2018
- Maintained a safe and clean work environment in order to reduce accident rates on the job site.
- Inspected equipment and tools used for safe operation.
- Sourced suppliers and purchased necessary materials for work.
- Maintained abrasive blasting equipment and performed oilfield tank and water separator repairs.
- Increased customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality results in a timely manner on all assigned projects.
- Selected surfaces for blasting and masked specific parts.
- Determined accurate mixtures and times for sandblasting to meet desired finish.
- Provided accurate forecasting of labor hours, material costs, and equipment needs for successful project completion.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Autobody Repair
WyoTech - Laramie
Laramie, WY05.2006
Skills
- DRP Savvy
- Auto Body Repair Estimation
- Body Filler Application
- Paint Matching
- Vehicle Inspection
- Welding Techniques
- Damage Assessment
- Repair Planning
- Upholstery Repair
- Restoration techniques
- Parts Ordering
- Grounds Maintenance
- Work Order Management
- Electrical Systems
- Preventive Maintenance
Certification
- I-CAR Intro Series Certified
- I-CAR Pro Level 1 Non-Structural Certified
- I-CAR Pro Level 1 Refinishing Certified
- PPG Painter's Certified
- 609 EPA Certified (Freon Recovery and Recycling)
- ASE Certified
- Snap-On 525F Multimeter Certified
Timeline
Director of Facilities Maintenance
Newcastle ISD
04.2022 - Current
HVAC Installer
Comfort Air Mechanical Systems
05.2021 - 04.2022
Auto Body/Mechanic Shop Owner
Brazos Truck & Auto
03.2018 - Current
Sandblasting Painting Foreman
Self-employed
05.2006 - 03.2018
Associate of Applied Science - Autobody Repair
WyoTech - Laramie
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