Larry E. Hicks Jr
Menifee,CA
Summary
Results-driven Collision Center General Manager with over 15 years of leadership in high-volume automotive collision repair operations. Expertise in operational leadership, financial management, and team development. Proven track record in enhancing profitability and operational efficiency while fostering strong customer and insurance partner relationships.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Gerber Collision & Glass
Lake Elsinore, CA
03.2023 - Current
- Lead the center with a hands-on, people-first approach—running daily production walks and weekly check-ins to keep jobs on schedule to maintain a cycle time of 10 days.
- Managed payroll for 19 employees, A/P and A/R, while fostering strong vendor relationships to ensure timely parts delivery and competitive pricing.
- Conducted quality control inspections to ensure repairs met OEM and company standards, achieving a return rate of 4.5%.
- Conduct quality control inspections to ensure repairs meet OEM and company standards to maintain a Return rate of 4.5%
- Manage payroll for up to 19 employees, A/P and A/R, and maintain strong relationships with primary vendors to ensure timely parts and fair pricing.
- Monitored and analyzed KPI performance to ensure strategic goals were met. Maintained a ranking in the top 5 with 4 major ins companies
- Follow and promote the WOW operating plan and monitor KPIs and insurer metrics to meet company standards.
- Maintained an avg of 47%GP/Indirect of 12.5% with a Mix of 42%L/38%P/0%/PT
General Manager
Caliber Collision
Fountain Valley, CA
03.2015 - 03.2023
- Directed overall center operations across production, risk management, client relations and administration; ensured compliance with company, insurer and OE requirements.
- Managed financial performance through forecasting and analysis of monthly results, identifying opportunities for profitability improvement.
- Platinum I-CAR certified; Steel Structural Technician; managed three successful shops while driving year-over-year sales growth per center avg of 10% per month.
- Led DRP and insurer relationships, auditing estimates for accuracy while ensuring regulatory and safety compliance (hazmat, I-CAR).
- Established cross-department and vendor relationships to drive repeat and referral business, maintaining GMG scores of 90+.
- Platinum I-CAR certified; Steel Structural Technician; managed three successful shops while driving year-over-year sales growth per center avg. of 10% per month.
Auto Body Repair Tech
South County Collision of Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo, CA
12.2012 - 01.2015
- Reviewed repair orders and executed tasks outlined in work orders
- Diagnose damage and repairs that are needed
- Removed and installed components for repair processes.
- Read Repair orders and perform task on work order
- Collaborated with estimator to ensure accurate repair orders
- R&I/R&R components when needed
- Order material as needed
- Coordinated with insurance to confirm required repairs and timelines
- Obtained Lexus certification to enhance repair expertise.
- Produced $85k per month in sales
Inventory Controller
Cathy Jean Inc
Irvine, CA
Key holder/Merchandiser
American Rag Cie.
Newport Beach, CA
Inventory Analyst/Assistant Buyer
Jet Apparel
Costa Mesa, CA
Education
Technical degree - Street rod & Custom Fabrication with Collision/Refinishing Technology
WyoTech
Blairsville, PA2007
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Fashion Merchandising
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA2006
High School Diploma - General Education
Nansemond River High
Suffolk, VA2001
Skills
- Collision Center Operations
- P&L Management
- Budget forecasting
- KPI performance
- Production Planning
- Quality Assurance
- Safety compliance
- Operations
- Management
- CCC One
- Mitchell Connect
- Vendor management
- Inventory management
- Team collaboration
- Customer relations
- Insurance relations
- Leadership competencies
Timeline
General Manager
Gerber Collision & Glass
03.2023 - Current
General Manager
Caliber Collision
03.2015 - 03.2023
Auto Body Repair Tech
South County Collision of Mission Viejo
12.2012 - 01.2015
Inventory Controller
Cathy Jean Inc
Key holder/Merchandiser
American Rag Cie.
Inventory Analyst/Assistant Buyer
Jet Apparel
Technical degree - Street rod & Custom Fabrication with Collision/Refinishing Technology
WyoTech
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Fashion Merchandising
Old Dominion University
High School Diploma - General Education
Nansemond River High