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Josh Lovstad
Johnston,IA
Summary
Medically retired auto collision technician with 14 years of experience in automotive collision repair and damage assessment. Expertise in writing estimates, managing claims, and leading shop operations to ensure timely vehicle repairs. Proficient in structural and non-structural repairs using advanced welding techniques. Strong leadership skills with a focus on team cohesion and customer satisfaction through effective communication and thorough repair processes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Manager in Training
Stivers Collision Center
Waukee, IA
03.2026 - Current
- Writing customer walk in estimates and assessing damage for various insurance companies.
- Evaluated vehicle damage and created detailed repair estimates.
- Obtained accurate quotes for sublet and vendor work to ensure cost-effective repairs.
- Collaborated with insurance adjusters to clarify claims and coverage details.
- Facilitated communication with insurance companies to ensure clarity on customer and vehicle requirements.
- Managed incoming claims at the shop to ensure compliance with insurance deadlines and expectations.
- Informed customers about vehicle repair progress and communicated estimated timelines.
- Communicated with customers to explain repair processes and timelines.
- Resolved customer issues and complaints with effective solutions.
- Resolved customer inquiries regarding estimates and repair progress efficiently.
- Managing vehicle drop off schedules to keep work moving consistently through the shop.
- Coordinated with technicians to ensure proper implementation of repairs.
- Supported manager in daily operations and task management.
- Utilized estimating software to prepare accurate cost assessments.
- Reviewed repair orders for completeness and accuracy before submission.
- Documented findings in a written report with photos to be used for insurance claims.
- Adhered to DRP insurance procedures and rates applicable to estimates.
- Created blueprints and assessed damage on vehicles before and after the initial teardown process.
Structural Collision Technician
Gerber Collision & Glass
Waukee, IA
07.2025 - Current
- Executed disassembly, structural and non-structural repairs, and reassembly on diverse makes and models, ensuring high-quality standards.
- Enhanced vehicle repair quality through extensive use of car-o-liner frame machine and equipment.
- Coordinated shop workflow, facilitating timely vehicle delivery and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
- Worked to develop a cohesive team culture, promoting efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
- Inspected vehicles for damage and assessed repair needs.
- Operated tools such as welders and frame machines for repairs.
- Removed and replaced damaged body parts using hand tools.
- Prepared surfaces for painting by sanding and priming effectively.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient workflow during repairs.
- Documented repair processes and provided clear updates to clients, ensuring transparency and customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in training new technicians on shop procedures and safety standards.
- Liaised with customers to explain repairs and present estimates.
- Documented details of repair work performed on each vehicle in a computer system.
- Inspected vehicles prior to delivery to ensure quality control standards were met.
- Removed upholstery, accessories, electrical window-and-seat-operating equipment and trim to gain access to vehicle body and fenders.
- Documented all repairs performed on customer vehicles to ensure accurate service history.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment by adhering to all safety protocols.
- Inspected vehicle bodies for damage caused by collision or other incidents before performing repairs .
Auto Collision Technician
Caliber Collision
Grimes, IA
10.2023 - 07.2025
- Executed tear-down, supplement, repair, and reassembly tasks on assigned vehicles for multiple insurance companies.
- Familiar with most makes and models, main expertise on Japanese/Korean brands.
- Experience with various makes and models and various shop equipment including Car-O-Liner frame machines, spot welders, and mig welders.
- I pride myself on thorough, accurate tear downs to cut down on part delays and missed replacement/R&I parts.
- I really enjoy the satisfaction of a completed repair well done.
- Diagnosed vehicle damage and determined necessary repairs.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient workflow and timely repairs.
- Inspected vehicles post-repair for quality assurance and adherence to standards.
- Communicated effectively with customers regarding repair processes and timelines.
- Reviewed repair estimates and discussed with customers.
- Filled dents using hammers and dollies or plastic fillers.
- Welded replacement parts into place using MIG welding equipment.
Body Technician
Graham Collision
Waukee, IA
06.2022 - 10.2023
- Responsible for Tear-Down, Supplement, Repair and Reassembly of assigned vehicles for various insurance companies.
- Ability to repair all damage from light to heavy structural damage.
- Experience with various makes and models and various shop equipment including Spanesi frame machines, spot welders, and mig welders.
- I pride myself on thorough, accurate tear downs to cut down on parts delays and missed replacement/R&I parts.
- I really enjoy the satisfaction of a completed repair well done.
Body Technician
Willis Automotive
Clive, IA
05.2018 - 06.2022
- Responsible for Tear-Down, Supplement, Repair and Reassembly of assigned vehicles for various insurance companies.
- Experience with various makes and models and various shop equipment including Car-O-Liner frame machines, spot welders, and mig welders.
- I pride myself on thorough, accurate tear downs to cut down on parts delays and missed replacement/R&I parts.
- I really enjoy the satisfaction of a completed repair well done.
Auto Body Technician
CarMax
Urbandale, IA
03.2015 - 05.2018
- Trained combo tech, repairing vehicles from start to finish including metal straightening, plastic repair, light to heavy mud work, and refinishing using Axalta products.
- Also trained as a PDR technician, doing light PDR work.
Body Man / Paint Prep
Lithia Body & Paint
Urbandale, IA
01.2014 - 03.2015
- Body man/Paint Prep Responsible for tear down of vehicles per estimate, inspection for additional parts.
- Repair of metal and plastic parts.
- Also light duty frame/structural repair or replacement.
- Re-assembly and prep for customer delivery.
- Also did stepped in to help paint prep when needed.
Combo Technician / Estimator
C & J Body Shop
South Sioux City, NE
06.2013 - 01.2014
- Responsible for many shop tasks, from body work to painting.
- Also took part in some restoration projects and commercial vehicles.
- Had some experience on the frame machine along with SMC/Fiberglass Repair.
- Also took over shop scheduling, writing estimates and payroll while the manager was on vacation or out of the office.
Detailer / Custom Paint Prep
Curt Bacon Body Shop
Fort Dodge, IA
04.2013 - 06.2013
- Washed, cleaned and inspected cars for delivery.
- Prepped motorcycles, drag cars, rat rods and even an ambulance for custom paint.
- Also did a limited amount of collision repairs.
Detailer
Northland Auto and Marine
Humboldt, IA
01.2013 - 03.2013
- Detailed Cars for sale, transported vehicles when needed.
- Also did some light body/mechanical work.
Painter - Large Line
Hagie Manufacturing
Clarion, IA
05.2012 - 11.2012
- Responsible for Prep, Paint and Inspection of large line items such as frames, booms, wheels and various large farm machinery attachments.
- Had to complete objects according to pace times and required quotas per day.
Grocery Stocking
Fareway Stores, Inc.
Storm Lake, IA
07.2007 - 05.2012
- Unload semi trailers, re-stock and organize back room.
- Organize and condense pallets for storage.
- Also stocked shelves, wrote orders for isles and took care of customers on the front end.
Education
Automotive Collision Repair - Associate
Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge05-2013
Skills
- Supplement requests and estimates
- Fabrication and repair techniques
- Automotive electrostatic painting
- Hand and power tools
- Paintless dent removal
- Automotive parts installation
- Welding techniques
- Restoration industry experience
- Customer communication and resolution
- Mechanical knowledge and maintenance
- Sheet metal replacement
- Plastic and fiberglass repair
- Auto body restoration
- Body filler application
- Frame repair and straightening
Certification
- I-CAR Certification
- Welding Certification
- Driver's License
- I-CAR Steel Welding Certification
- Welding Training & Certification: Aluminum GMA (MIG) Welding (WCA03)
- Welding Training & Certification: Steel GMA (MIG) Welding (WCS03)
- Welding Training & Certification: Steel Sectioning (SPS05)
Additional Information
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Accomplishments
- Caliber Best In Tech Award
Timeline
Assistant Manager in Training
Stivers Collision Center
03.2026 - Current
Structural Collision Technician
Gerber Collision & Glass
07.2025 - Current
Auto Collision Technician
Caliber Collision
10.2023 - 07.2025
Body Technician
Graham Collision
06.2022 - 10.2023
Body Technician
Willis Automotive
05.2018 - 06.2022
Auto Body Technician
CarMax
03.2015 - 05.2018
Body Man / Paint Prep
Lithia Body & Paint
01.2014 - 03.2015
Combo Technician / Estimator
C & J Body Shop
06.2013 - 01.2014
Detailer / Custom Paint Prep
Curt Bacon Body Shop
04.2013 - 06.2013
Detailer
Northland Auto and Marine
01.2013 - 03.2013
Painter - Large Line
Hagie Manufacturing
05.2012 - 11.2012
Grocery Stocking
Fareway Stores, Inc.
07.2007 - 05.2012
Automotive Collision Repair - Associate
Iowa Central Community College