Justin Knowles
Olympia
Summary
Forward thinking Collision Center Management Specialist with over 31 years of industry experience ranging from painter to estimator, manager, and shop owner. Proven track record of collision center increased profitability from day 1 through creative problem and conflict resolution, strategic implementation of improved shop processes, and high level of customer satisfaction. Implementation of leadership and hiring strategies leading to successful center in a fast paced, deadline driven environment. Mechanical, service writer, and management background with long standing insurance, vendor, and dealership relationships exceeding company and customer expectations while driving business results.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Refinish Technician
Classic Collision
05.2025 - Current
- Operated spray guns and sanding tools to achieve high-quality finishes on vehicles
- Conducted thorough inspections to identify surface imperfections before refinishing
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflow and enhance productivity
- Maintained inventory of paint supplies and equipment for optimal operational efficiency
- Primer repaired panels prior to refinishing
- Demonstrated attention to detail in restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Streamlined repair processes for increased efficiency, coordinating closely with other technicians on complex tasks.
- Reduced material waste by accurately estimating required supplies for each job, optimizing resource use.
- Ensured timely completion of projects by managing workload effectively and prioritizing tasks according to urgency and complexity.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment to ensure efficient workflow and reduce safety hazards.
- Provided exceptional service by adhering to strict quality control standards during all stages of the refinishing process.
- Achieved consistent results in reducing imperfections through meticulous surface preparation techniques before refinishing applications.
- Enhanced vehicle appearance through expert color matching, preparation, and paint application techniques.
- De-nib and polish refinished panels
General Manager
United Auto Body
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Led operational strategy to enhance service efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and quality standards.
- Streamlined workflow processes to reduce turnaround times and improve productivity.
- Developed training programs for staff, fostering skills enhancement and team collaboration.
- Led daily production meetings for optimal production with technicians and daily workload.
- Wrote estimates and secured work orders with customers.
- Order parts as needed. Post part invoices or credits as received.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
GENERAL MANAGER
Automotive Experts
06.2022 - 09.2023
- Managed and oversaw three shops (2 Automotive, 1 deisel) while increasing shop profitability $116,000 in less than 9 months. I Made the shop over $1 million dollars within 1st year as manager. Then promoted to general manager of all three locations as a result of the growth and success of Automotive Experts.
- Managed 22 employees across (3) locations
- Interviewed all potential employees
- Worked with technicians for efficient production and implemented cost effective repairs
- Wrote service repair tickets and oversaw day-to-day operations
- Scheduled work, daily production, ordered parts and invoiced customers and businesses once repairs were completed
- Set up new vendor accounts and negotiated contract pricing and purchase discounts
- Continuous communication with customers throughout repair process
- Awarded Top 5 in Sales out of 86 businesses within company
- Attended Leadership/Management training courses in New York
COLLISION CENTER OWNER
Vision Collision
01.2017 - 12.2021
- Due to Collision Center success was given opportunity to purchase shop that was 3100 sq ft with 6 employees with sales over $1 million per year. After purchased increase account management that resulted in $250,000 sales growth within 1st year of ownership.
- Increased market reach of shop by leveraging social media accounts
- Developed and implemented SOPs and inventory, office, human resources, and management systems
- Evolved and executed training program from all employees
- Oversaw all daily business operations
- Continuously implemented any necessary regulatory changes affecting business operations
- Established long term relationships with vendors, dealerships, and commercial accounts including Port of Seattle, City of Seattle, BNB Builders, Walkers Mazda and Subaru, Bud Clary Dodge and Hyundai, Car Pros Kia, Dodge, and Hyundai
- Mentored all new hired employees to help their career growth
- Grew customer base through quality service and timely repairs establishing long term/ repeat customers
- Financial Management included accounts payable and receivable, payroll, fiscal year budgeting, budgeting for marketing resources, and vendor contracts for purchase discounts and weekly review of P&L sheets.
- Quick conflict resolution through meticulous research and decision making
- To help increase production took on painter role after normal business hours to drive increase revenue and cycle time
GENERAL MANAGER
Vision Collision
08.2014 - 01.2017
- As General Manager oversaw daily business operations while increasing sales from $340,000 up to $850,000 year over year in a 3100 sq foot shop. Created efficient production processes with limited space and staff, streamlined procedures, and continuous communication with customers to increase overall customer satisfaction.
- Managed 5 employees
- Reconciled daily sales, returns, and financial transaction reports and prepared bank deposits and payroll
- Negotiated repair costs and procedures with insurance companies
- Prepared all customer repair estimates and supplements for insurance companies
- Coordinated daily work and production schedule and ordered all parts
- Facilitated vendor discounts
- To help increase production took on painter role after normal business hours to drive increase revenue and cycle time
Education
High School Diploma -
Highline High School
Burien, WASkills
- Organization
- Finance Management (including P&L)
- Conflict Resolution
- Team Leadership
- Customer Service
- Improving Efficiency
- Communication
- Business Development
- Resource Management
- CCC1, Audatex, Mitchell, Protractor Mechanical Estimating
- Quickbooks
- Microsoft Suite
Certification
- ICAR Platinum Certified
- RIVIAN Certified
Timeline
Refinish Technician
Classic Collision
05.2025 - Current
General Manager
United Auto Body
05.2024 - 05.2025
GENERAL MANAGER
Automotive Experts
06.2022 - 09.2023
COLLISION CENTER OWNER
Vision Collision
01.2017 - 12.2021
GENERAL MANAGER
Vision Collision
08.2014 - 01.2017
High School Diploma -
Highline High School