John Hickling
Riverside,CA
Summary
Talented Regional Operations Manager adept at keeping employees operating at high standards of efficiency, accuracy and quality. Hands-on management professional motivates improvements and maximizes performance.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Crew Chief / Regional Operations Manager
OPENLANE (formerly BACKLOTCARS)
05.2020 - Current
- Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in increased repeat business and positive feedback.
- Proficient in; Excel, People Soft, When I Work App, KBB Dealer, Carfax Dealer, Auto check, JD Power, Microsoft Teams.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in increased repeat business and positive feedback.
- Managed tight schedules to ensure timely project completion and client satisfaction.
- Mentored junior crew members, fostering a supportive work environment and promoting professional growth.
- Increased safety awareness among the crew by conducting regular training sessions and updates on industry best practices.
- Organized daily assignments for crew members, ensuring efficient use of time and resources.
- Collaborated with other supervisors to address workflow challenges and develop innovative solutions.
- Maintained high levels of productivity by setting clear expectations and monitoring progress throughout each project.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations through diligent recordkeeping and adherence to established protocols.
- Communicated effectively with clients, addressing concerns promptly to maintain strong working relationships.
- Optimized resource allocation by accurately forecasting labor needs based on project timelines and client requirements.
- Played an integral role in the successful completion of numerous projects, meeting or exceeding all objectives within designated timeframes.
- Solved complex problems quickly through effective collaboration with team members from various departments and disciplines.
- Adapted easily to changing project specifications, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to meeting evolving client requirements.
- Trained all team members on key roles to maintain flexibility.
- Supervised crew in daily inspections and troubleshooting
Reconditioning Manager and Assistant Used Car Manager
Fritts Ford Dealership
03.2013 - 05.2020
- Responsible for overseeing the Reconditioning Department and manage mechanics
- Assist in managing the Used Car Department and the mechanics
- Assign, supervise, and evaluate the work of the mechanics in the maintenance and repair of vehicles
- Purchase, auction buy, appraise, recondition, display, and merchandise the used vehicle inventory
- Manage the mechanics work orders, schedules, and ensure each job is done efficiently
- Attend factory auctions
- Maintain budget and financial costs associated with in both departments and ensure they are profitable
- Ensures that reconditioning is performed within the dealership's cost and time limitations
- Prepare and close computer generated work orders
- Maintain vehicle inventory
- Maintain positive relationships with outside vendors and customers
- Receive and resolve customer complaints
- Work with Car Power, V Auto, KBB, Manheim, and other software.
Accessory Sales and Installation Specialist
Fritts Ford Dealership
11.2005 - 03.2013
- Oversaw the after-market accessory department
- Sold after-market products to customers
- Generated work orders
- Ordered parts and scheduled installation
- Delivered and demonstrated products to customers
- Auto technician and after-market parts installer.
Department Manager
Woodcrest Vehicle Center
11.2004 - 11.2005
- Managed employees and oversaw the assembly of Riverside County Sheriff's Patrol vehicles
- Oversaw the installation, inventory control, and overall inspection of the vehicles
- Managed auto technicians work orders, schedules, training.
Automotive Technician/Mechanic
Moss Ford Dealership
11.2003 - 11.2004
- Automotive repair and maintenance
- Served as installer of all after-market and factory accessories.
Auto Glass Technician
Auto Glass America
04.2001 - 11.2003
- Installed automotive glass
- Performed windshield crack repair, troubleshooting, parts ordering and installation.
Supervisor and Lead Auto Technician
Strong's Enterprises Inc
05.1992 - 04.2001
- Managed shop operations, including employee training and scheduling
- Oversaw and assisted in installation, troubleshooting, retail sales, and inventory control
- Completed data entry on all jobs completed.
Education
Certificates in Automotive -
Ford Technical Training
Project Management fundamentals -
UC Riverside Extension Professional Studies
12.2018
Skills
- Team Developer
- Automotive Repair
- Crew Leadership
- Quality Assurance
- Schedule Coordination
- Schedule Management
- Crew Supervision
- Staff Training
- Computer Literacy
- Attention to Detail
- Organizational Skills
- Adaptability
Certification
- Certified Pre-owned Sales Manager Base Certification, Present
- Certified Pre-owned Service Manager Base Certification, Present
- Certified Pre-owned Used Vehicle Operations, Present
- Certified Pre-owned Sales Consultant Base Certification, Present
- Certified Pre-owned Sales Skills, Present
- Certified Pre-owned Fixed Operations, Present
- Certified Pre-owned Ford/Lincoln CPO Program Overview, Present
- Certified Pre-owned Understanding How to Certify Used Vehicles, Present
- Certified Chassis Master through Ford Training, Present
- CA issued Automobile Sales License, Present
- Manheim Auction Card, Present
- Wood Badge Boy Scouts of America, Present
Groups
Boy Scouts Den Leader Pack 1230, 03/01/17, Present
Awards
Perfect 100 CPO Review Award, 07/01/18, Perfect 100 point CPO Review Score Given by Ford Motor Company
Timeline
Crew Chief / Regional Operations Manager
OPENLANE (formerly BACKLOTCARS)
05.2020 - Current
Reconditioning Manager and Assistant Used Car Manager
Fritts Ford Dealership
03.2013 - 05.2020
Accessory Sales and Installation Specialist
Fritts Ford Dealership
11.2005 - 03.2013
Department Manager
Woodcrest Vehicle Center
11.2004 - 11.2005
Automotive Technician/Mechanic
Moss Ford Dealership
11.2003 - 11.2004
Auto Glass Technician
Auto Glass America
04.2001 - 11.2003
Supervisor and Lead Auto Technician
Strong's Enterprises Inc
05.1992 - 04.2001
Certificates in Automotive -
Ford Technical Training
Project Management fundamentals -
UC Riverside Extension Professional Studies
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