Kari Rieger
Saint Paul,MN
Summary
Proven to excel in fast-paced environments, I leveraged my organization and communication skills at LaMettry's Collision to exceed monthly sales goals and significantly enhance customer satisfaction. My adeptness in using advanced management programs and commitment to professional service have consistently fostered trust and loyalty among customers.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Receptionist, Biller, and Auto Body Estimator
LaMettry's Collision
Saint Paul, MN
01.2007 - 06.2023
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Served as a liaison between customers, insurance companies, and the repair team to facilitate clear communication regarding vehicle expectations and timelines.
- Consistently met or exceeded monthly sales goals through diligent follow-up on potential leads and cultivating strong customer relationships.
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Handled cash transactions and maintained sales and payments records accurately.
- Streamlined front desk operations for increased efficiency by effectively managing phone calls, emails, and walk-in clients.
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
- Maintained a well-organized reception area with updated materials, contributing to a welcoming environment for visitors.
- Supported office efficiency by performing clerical tasks such as data entry, photocopying, scanning, and faxing documents.
- Conducted thorough vehicle inspections to identify all necessary repairs and accurately estimate costs.
- Maintained a clean, organized workspace that projected professionalism and contributed to efficient workflow processes.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements, ensuring accuracy in repair techniques and cost estimation.
- Reduced turnaround time for completed repairs by closely monitoring technician progress and adjusting workload distribution as needed.
- Developed strong relationships with insurance adjusters to facilitate smooth claim processing for clients.
- Organized detailed records of client interactions, vehicle assessments, and repair estimates to streamline workflow processes.
- Collaborated with technicians to ensure a comprehensive understanding of required repairs, resulting in more accurate estimates.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing accurate and timely auto body repair estimates.
- Educated customers on the details of their repair estimates, fostering trust and transparency between clients and the auto body shop.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Offered advice and assistance to customers, paying attention to special needs or wants.
- Performed complete blueprints on vehicles after the technician tore the vehicle down, to ensure accuracy for the insurance company and less supplements.
- Worked with multiple management programs and estimating systems including CCC1, Audatex, Mitchell, and Performance Gateway.
- Gathered information through research and vendor inquiries to provide job estimates.
- Received invoices from vendors, making sure the price was correct and the correct mark-up was applied.
- Arranged sublet repairs, and added the the repairs to the estimate to reflect the work done with the correct markup.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, fostering trust and loyalty among clientele.
- Worked effectively with repair staff and parts providers, staying current on availability and service processes.
- Responded proactively and positively to rapid change.
- Cross-trained and backed up other customer service managers.
- Inspected completed repairs for accuracy, quality and safety.
- Made sure every customer left with a smile.
Restaurant Hostess and Waitress
Bakers Square
Maplewood, MN
02.2004 - 01.2007
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by handling telephone inquiries while attending to in-person guest needs seamlessly.
- Handled high-pressure situations gracefully, managing multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a calm demeanor.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by greeting and seating guests promptly upon arrival.
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Contributed to a positive team atmosphere by supporting coworkers during peak hours or when understaffed.
- Developed rapport with regular customers, enhancing their overall dining experience through personalized attention.
- Balanced multiple responsibilities simultaneously, managing order-taking, drink refills, and general guest inquiries effectively.
- Participated in dining room sidework such as refilling condiment bottles, preparing menus and arranging silverware packages.
- Completed credit payments via card processing systems.
- Adhered to strict hygiene standards when handling food items and setting tables according to restaurant guidelines.
- Accurately recorded orders and relayed dietary restrictions to the kitchen staff, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Resolved issues promptly while maintaining professionalism, ultimately improving customer satisfaction levels.
- Streamlined dining experience for guests by efficiently managing food orders and delivering meals promptly.
- Sustained calm and congenial manners during communications with angry guests, directing disgruntled clients to appropriate managers.
- Maintained detailed knowledge of specials and currently available items to provide guests with informative menu descriptions.
- Increased revenue by upselling menu items and suggesting daily specials based on individual preferences.
- Strategically timed check-ins with customers to take orders and confirm satisfaction with meals after delivery, taking action to correct any problems.
Education
Elementary Education
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Duluth, MNHigh School Diploma -
Hill Murray High School
Maplewood, MN05.2003
Skills
Organization skills
Time Management
Telephone skills
Verbal and written communication
Customer and client relations
Professional Demeanor
Service-oriented mindset
File Management
Timeline
Receptionist, Biller, and Auto Body Estimator
LaMettry's Collision
01.2007 - 06.2023
Restaurant Hostess and Waitress
Bakers Square
02.2004 - 01.2007
Elementary Education
University of Minnesota - Duluth
High School Diploma -
Hill Murray High School