Justin Sonder
Doc's Auto Clinic
Valparaiso,NE
1
Certification
7
years of professional experience
Detail-oriented estimator with proven success in accurate cost estimation, vendor negotiations, and improving team efficiency. Committed to delivering precise quotes and fostering strong client relationships.
Work History
Estimator
3 Months- Prepared accurate estimates for repair and service costs using industry-standard software.
- Collaborated with technicians to assess vehicle conditions and determine necessary repairs.
- Reviewed customer requests to provide timely and detailed quotes for services.
- Maintained organized records of estimates and proposals for future reference.
- Assisted in evaluating parts availability and pricing to ensure competitive estimates.
- Communicated effectively with clients regarding their service options and costs.
- Adapted quickly to changes in pricing structures and labor rates within the industry.
- Contributed to team meetings by sharing insights on service efficiency improvements.
- Used specialized software to create estimates quickly and accurately and make estimates easily understandable and shareable.
- Established a reputation for delivering reliable and accurate estimates, resulting in increased client trust and repeat business opportunities.
- Gathered cost and material data for accurate and up-to-date information on material and labor costs.
- Calculated labor hours accurately based on trade-specific productivity rates, leading to more realistic project timelines and work plans.
- Presented comprehensive bid proposals to clients, showcasing a clear understanding of their requirements and expectations.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable prices and terms to lower material costs.
- Identified areas for cost saving to help increase profitability and lower client costs.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors, ensuring timely delivery of materials and services.
- Reduced material costs without compromising quality by negotiating better terms with suppliers, leveraging bulk purchase discounts.
- Improved client satisfaction with detailed and transparent cost breakdowns, establishing trust and facilitating smoother project negotiations.
Paint Technician
2 Years 2 Months- Operated spray guns and mixing equipment to apply high-quality paint finishes.
- Prepared surfaces by sanding, cleaning, and priming to ensure optimal adhesion.
- Conducted color matching and mixing to achieve desired aesthetic results.
- Inspected painted surfaces for quality assurance, correcting imperfections as needed.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflows and improve efficiency in painting processes.
- Implemented maintenance schedules for painting tools to minimize downtime and ensure reliability.
- Ensured customer satisfaction through prompt and effective communication, addressing any concerns or issues efficiently.
- Adhered to environmental regulations by properly disposing of hazardous materials and maintaining ventilation equipment.
- Improved turnaround times by coordinating tasks efficiently within the team, reducing unnecessary downtime between jobs.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality finishes through precise attention to detail.
- Collaborated with team members to complete large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, promoting safety and efficiency in the paint booth.
- Promoted workplace safety by adhering to company guidelines and conducting regular safety training sessions for staff.
- Increased paint quality by implementing proper mixing techniques and ensuring accurate color matching.
- Coordinated closely with other departments such as bodywork teams for seamless project completion.
- Provided supervisor with daily status report on all job tasks and workers' duties.
- Removed surface imperfections, applied special undercoats, and sealed seams to ready surfaces for paint application.
- Prepared vehicles by removing unnecessary accessories and applying protections to adjacent surfaces.
- Inspected completed work for adherence to very strict guidelines and highest quality standards.
- Custom mixed colors to match customers' desired color.
Estimator
4 Years- Participated in pre-bid meetings and site visits to understand project scope and identify potential issues or challenges.
- Prepared material orders to complete projects on time and within budget.
- Continuously improved estimating procedures by staying updated on industry trends and attending relevant training courses.
- Analyzed designs and performed accurate cost analysis.
- Collaborated with other departments and contractors to access all necessary information and expertise to create comprehensive estimates.
- Collaborated with project managers to ensure accurate scheduling and resource allocation, improving overall project efficiency.
- Reviewed completed projects'' actual costs compared against estimates as part of a continuous improvement process, refining future estimates based on lessons learned.
- Tracked project costs and expenses to monitor progress and identify and mitigate deviations from original estimate.
- Reviewed and approved invoices and change orders to monitor project expenses and reflect any change to scope in project budget.
- Contributed to company success by consistently meeting or exceeding target profit margins on awarded projects.
- Maintained an extensive database of unit costs, enabling quick reference during the estimation process for increased efficiency.
- Identified areas of risk during preconstruction phase, recommending appropriate mitigation strategies to prevent costly delays or changes later on in projects.
- Fostered collaborative work environment, leading to more accurate and timely project estimations through effective team coordination.
- Facilitated successful project bids, consistently delivering detailed proposals under tight deadlines.
- Identified and mitigated potential cost overruns early in project lifecycle, safeguarding profit margins.
- Contributed to winning several high-value contracts by presenting compelling and competitive estimates to potential clients.
- Increased profitability with strategic cost-saving initiatives in procurement and labor allocation.
- Optimized resource allocation for projects, ensuring efficient use of manpower and materials.
- Prepared bids and proposals to submit to clients and secure new business.
- Gathered data on materials, labor and equipment costs to determine total costs of projects.
- Collaborated with project managers and contractors to obtain necessary information for preparing cost estimates.
- Stayed current with industry regulations and standards to produce cost estimates in compliance with all relevant laws.
- Provided accurate estimates by defining scope, timelines, potential setbacks, and limitations.
- Conducted site visits to gather information and data on project locations, infrastructures and conditions.
- Attended project meetings to provide updates and insights on project costs.
- Prepared estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing best pricing for materials, labor and equipment.
- Prepared accurate estimates for repair and service costs using industry-standard software.
- Collaborated with technicians to assess vehicle conditions and determine necessary repairs.
- Reviewed customer requests to provide timely and detailed quotes for services.
- Maintained organized records of estimates and proposals for future reference.
- Assisted in evaluating parts availability and pricing to ensure competitive estimates.
- Communicated effectively with clients regarding their service options and costs.
- Adapted quickly to changes in pricing structures and labor rates within the industry.
- Contributed to team meetings by sharing insights on service efficiency improvements.
- Used specialized software to create estimates quickly and accurately and make estimates easily understandable and shareable.
- Established a reputation for delivering reliable and accurate estimates, resulting in increased client trust and repeat business opportunities.
- Gathered cost and material data for accurate and up-to-date information on material and labor costs.
- Calculated labor hours accurately based on trade-specific productivity rates, leading to more realistic project timelines and work plans.
- Presented comprehensive bid proposals to clients, showcasing a clear understanding of their requirements and expectations.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable prices and terms to lower material costs.
- Identified areas for cost saving to help increase profitability and lower client costs.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors, ensuring timely delivery of materials and services.
- Reduced material costs without compromising quality by negotiating better terms with suppliers, leveraging bulk purchase discounts.
- Improved client satisfaction with detailed and transparent cost breakdowns, establishing trust and facilitating smoother project negotiations.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Auto Collision Repair Technology
Skills
Cost estimation
Material takeoffs
Estimate preparation
Estimating software
Vendor relationships
Problem-solving
Multitasking Abilities
Written communication
Excellent communication
Organizational skills
Attention to detail
Relationship building
Certification
- I-Car Gold Certified Training - 2019
Timeline
Estimator
Doc's Auto Clinic
02.2026 - 05.2026Read More
Paint Technician
Restore a Muscle Car
12.2023 - 02.2026Read More
Estimator
Glenn's Carstar Body Shop
10.2019 - 10.2023Read More
Southeast Community College, Milford Campus
Associate of Applied Science from Auto Collision Repair Technology
Read More