Gabriel Best
Eaton Rapids,MI
Summary
Dynamic automotive professional with extensive experience at A&D Collision, Top rated in the Greater Lansing Area. Proficient with PPG Envirobase waterbourne paint, as well as Deltron solvent based paint. Specializing in expert paint correction and efficient paint application. Proven leadership in enhancing workflow efficiency and achieving high-quality finishes. Skilled in advanced spray techniques and adept at coordinating with technicians and estimators to ensure timely project completion, consistently exceeding customer expectations.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Automotive Painter
A&D Collision
12.2023 - Current
- Responsible for maintaining quality control over paint department, and ensuring efficient cycle times
- Performed minor body repairs as necessary
- Responsible for employing LEAN processes to reduce cycle inefficiencies as well maintaining reasonable material margins
- Oversaw blueprinting/Mapping/ Repair plan process to ensure efficient throughput as well as quality repairs, as per OEM and paint manufacturer guidelines
- Oversaw all paint correction/defect removal operations
- Responsible for ensuring and maintaining lifetime guaranteed repairs and refinishing
- Maintained an average of 30-50 hours of refinish time daily, when available
- Maintained a material margin of at least 50% on every order
- Prepared surfaces for painting by sanding, masking, and cleaning vehicles.
- Mixed and matched paint colors to achieve desired finishes and quality standards.
- Applied primer, base coats, and clear coats using spray guns and specialized equipment.
- Ensured adherence to safety protocols while handling hazardous materials and tools.
- Collaborated with technicians to assess repair needs and improve workflow efficiency.
- Conducted quality inspections of finished work to ensure high standards were met.
- Trained new staff on painting techniques and safety procedures to enhance team performance.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced waste and increased overall productivity in shop operations.
- Achieved consistent color matching by utilizing digital paint mixing systems, resulting in uniform finishes on all vehicles.
- Collaborated with team members to complete large-scale projects, maintaining a cohesive work environment and improving overall efficiency.
- Enhanced vehicle appearance by applying high-quality paint jobs, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Mixed and thinned paints and other coatings to specified colors and consistency using viscometers and mixing equipment.
- Maintained a safe and clean workspace by adhering to safety protocols and properly disposing of hazardous materials, reducing workplace accidents.
- Completed complex paint jobs within tight deadlines, demonstrating exceptional time management skills and attention to detail.
- Streamlined painting processes by implementing efficient spray techniques, reducing waste and increasing productivity.
- Maintained strong relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials needed for ongoing projects, avoiding potential delays or setbacks.
- Reduced material costs by optimizing paint usage and minimizing waste, contributing to the profitability of the shop.
- Hammered out minor body dents and dimples using bumping hammer.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining focus on quality control for each individual task assigned.
- Increased workflow efficiency by proactively addressing minor repairs before painting, minimizing rework after the final coat was applied.
- Provided excellent customer service by consulting with clients on desired outcomes and ensuring their expectations were met or exceeded upon project completion.
- Assisted with damage assessment and repair estimates for insurance purposes, ensuring accurate quotes for customers in need of automotive painting services.
- Assisted with inventory management for paint supplies and equipment, contributing to cost-effective operations within the shop.
- Sprayed specified amounts of finish, primer and protective and decorative coatings onto vehicle surfaces.
- Provided supervisor with daily status report on all job tasks and workers' duties.
- Used metal pick hammers and punches to remove minor pits and dimples in body.
Automotive Paint Technician
Island Auto Body
2021 - 12.2023
- Oversaw quality control for both repair and refinishing operations
- Responsible for repair and refinishing customers vehicles
- Oversaw all paint correction/ defect removal operations
- Prepared surfaces for painting by cleaning, sanding, and masking to ensure high-quality finishes.
- Operated spray guns and mixing equipment to apply automotive paint consistently and efficiently.
- Conducted quality checks on painted surfaces, identifying imperfections and addressing issues promptly.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a safe, organized workspace in compliance with safety regulations.
- Used metal pick hammers and punches to remove minor pits and dimples in body.
- Provided supervisor with daily status report on all job tasks and workers' duties.
- Hammered out minor body dents and dimples using bumping hammer.
- Mixed and thinned paints and other coatings to specified colors and consistency using viscometers and mixing equipment.
- Sprayed specified amounts of finish, primer and protective and decorative coatings onto vehicle surfaces.
- Met exacting tolerances when sanding and sealing final finishes.
- Inspected completed work for adherence to very strict guidelines and highest quality standards.
Automotive Detailer
Sundance Body Shop
2019 - 2021
- Oversaw quality control for both repair/refinish processes
- Assisted in both body repair and refinishing operations
- Oversaw all paint correction/ defect operations
- Oversaw vehicle detailing processes to ensure high standards of cleanliness and presentation.
- Trained new staff on effective cleaning techniques and safety protocols.
- Implemented quality control measures to enhance service consistency and customer satisfaction.
- Managed inventory of cleaning supplies, ensuring availability for seamless operations.
- Developed efficient workflows that reduced detailing time while maintaining quality standards.
- Collaborated with team members to address customer feedback and improve service offerings.
- Conducted regular maintenance checks on detailing equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Led initiatives to streamline operations, resulting in improved efficiency across detailing services.
- Washed, waxed, and buffed vehicle bodies for professional shine.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure consistent quality and timely completion of tasks.
- Exceeded performance expectations while working efficiently under pressure during peak business hours or tight deadlines.
- Washed cars and trucks daily for auto dealership.
- Inspected interior and exterior of vehicles for cleanliness and accurately identified imperfections outside vehicle standards.
- Streamlined the detailing process, reducing turnaround time for customer vehicles.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing thorough interior and exterior detailing services.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Athletico
2019 - 2019
- Assisted in developing and implementing individualized patient care plans.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatment programs as necessary.
- Educated patients on rehabilitation exercises and techniques for recovery.
- Collaborated with physical therapists to evaluate patient needs and outcomes.
Education
High School Diploma -
Eaton Rapids High School
Eaton Rapids, MI06.2019
Skills
- Efficient surface preparation
- Expert Paint Correction
- Extremely efficient material usage
- Able to coordinate with body technicians/estimators for timely completion of vehicles
- Proficient with CCC estimating software
- Proficient with PPG Paint Manager software
- Able to perform B Technician body repairs as necessary
- Proficient in all steps of the repair process
- High end detail-oriented finishing
- Leadership qualities
- Expert color matching
- Project estimation
- Damage assessment
- Advanced spray techniques
- Quality control inspection
- Adherence to safety protocols
- Paint blending proficiency
- Thorough sanding skills
- Proper masking techniques
Certification
- Certified Automotive Paint Technician, PPG
- Certified Refinish Technician, ICAR
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Lead Automotive Painter
A&D Collision
12.2023 - Current
Automotive Paint Technician
Island Auto Body
2021 - 12.2023
Automotive Detailer
Sundance Body Shop
2019 - 2021
Physical Therapist Assistant
Athletico
2019 - 2019
High School Diploma -
Eaton Rapids High School