Laura Bratz
Havre,MT
Summary
Dedicated, detail-oriented automotive professional with expertise in vehicle troubleshooting, repair, refinish, and customization. Strong commitment to continuous learning and adherence to industry standards. Demonstrated success in developing innovative solutions for complex automotive issues.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Custom Hot Rod Builder
Self Employed
Havre, Montana
12.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with customers to achieve project objectives and align on expectations.
- Engaged in discussions regarding build plans to ensure clarity and alignment.
- Conducted comprehensive research and trials for custom vehicle fitment solutions.
- Utilized advanced technical skills to troubleshoot complex problems effectively.
- Fabricated and retrofitted modern vehicle technologies into vintage chassis systems.
- Maintained current knowledge through ongoing education and training in latest tools and resources.
Automotive Refinish Technician
Custom Collision Repair
Havre, Montana
12.2019 - Current
- Prepared surfaces by sanding, cleaning, and masking areas for painting.
- Applied high-quality finishes using spray guns for automotive repairs.
- Inspected, serviced, repaired, replaced, adjusted and tested vehicle systems, subsystems and components.
- Performed paint correction, and applied paint protection coatings.
- Performed diagnostic tests on vehicles to detect issues and root causes.
- Installed and aligned vehicle body parts and panels.
- Performed dent removal using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Experienced in the use of specialty equipment, such as an advanced paint booth, auto-body frame rack, spot welder, metalworking tools, etc.
- Replaced damaged glass components on vehicles.
- Matched and mixed paint to ensure perfect color matching.
- Calibrated and realigned advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Automotive Technician
Tilleman Motor Company
Havre, Montana
01.2010 - 12.2019
- Repaired vehicles according to manufacturer specifications by replacing worn or defective parts.
- Attended technical training courses and received certifications with General Motors and Mopar (FCA/Stellantis).
- Developed in-depth understanding of automotive systems and components to complete fast and accurate repairs.
- Diagnosed vehicle issues using advanced diagnostic tools and equipment.
- Tested automotive systems such as brakes, steering, suspension, transmission and engine performance.
- Proficient in the use of specialty automotive equipment, such as wheel alignment machine, refrigerant recovery machine, fluid exchange machines, brake lathe, etc.
- Reviewed work orders and discussed with supervisors.
- Maintained certifications and completed training on systems and components.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Automotive Technology
Montana State University-Northern
Havre, MT05-2015
EFI Tuning
High Performance Academy
GM Service Technical College
FCA Mopar Dealer Connect Training
Skills
- Complex problem solving
- Diagnostic testing
- Technical troubleshooting
- Vehicle customization
- Advanced paint application
- Customer engagement
- Repair documentation
- Team collaboration
- Equipment maintenance
- Industry standards compliance
- Attention to detail
- Continuous learning
- Technical documentation
- Time management
- Computer diagnostics
- Electrical systems
- Engine repair
- Drivetrain repair
- Alignment experience
- Hand and power tools
- Continuous learning through ASE and other automotive webinars, as well as High Performance Academy's engine tuning courses
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Custom Hot Rod Builder
Self Employed
12.2024 - Current
Automotive Refinish Technician
Custom Collision Repair
12.2019 - Current
Automotive Technician
Tilleman Motor Company
01.2010 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Automotive Technology
Montana State University-Northern
EFI Tuning
High Performance Academy
GM Service Technical College
FCA Mopar Dealer Connect Training