Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

LEO MERES

Knoxville,TN

Summary

Highly motivated professional with over 40 years of experience in the locksmith and automotive reconditioning industries. Proven track record of success in growing businesses, leading diverse teams, and implementing strategic initiatives. Skilled in customer service, project management, and process improvement.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Key Operations Director

Dent Wizard
Bridgeton, MO
08.2021 - Current
  • Assumed responsibility for key pricing - achieved significant revenue and margin lifts with Manheim price increase
  • Provided oversight to Licensing and Compliance Operations
  • Supervised the preparation and execution of the Archway Key Supply relocation
  • Initiated a project focusing on asset tagging and tracking using software
  • Built a diverse support team providing cross-functional services
  • Organized and managed a support help desk for ERP, Inventory, and equipment

Key Operations Manager

Dent Wizard
Bridgeton, MO
11.2016 - 07.2021
  • Built a highly skilled field support team to accommodate growth
  • Supervised quality control for 120 Carmax Key Truck Builds in 2017
  • Launched a number of new customer locations
  • Assisted with ERP transition to Rootstock
  • Supervised the Rootstock War Room to provide cross-functional ERP support
  • Equipped, staffed , and operated an inventory refurbishing and redeployment facility (predecessor to Archway)
  • Developed concept & curriculum, selected the trainer, and supervised build-out of Key Technician Training Facility

Key Operations Specialist

Dent Wizard
Bridgeton, MO
05.2014 - 10.2016
  • Traveled up to 50% of the time to train technicians, cover vacations, and troubleshoot operations at customer locations
  • Worked on special projects, including creating the Dent Wizard Key Technician Training Manual
  • Assisted with product pricing, cost reduction, and inventory control
  • Backfilled the Key Operations Manager for seven months while he was assigned to assist with the Carmax RFP
  • Served on team that developed and presented training to Manheim and Dent Wizard personnel who work at 14 locations that serviced Santander Bank vehicles
  • Completed OEM diagnostic tool builds from raw laptops for various vehicle makes

Key Technician

Dent Wizard
Daytona Beach, FL
09.2008 - 04.2014
  • Provided on-site locksmith services to 3 Manheim locations
  • Served as a technician trainer as needed
  • Moved into a dual role in 2010 as a tech support resource for fellow technicians in addition to serving customers
  • Relocated to Greensboro North Carolina in 2011 to launch and service an independent auction customer location
  • Assisted with Netsuite transition
  • Assisted with creation of first standardized national pricing for Manheim

Freelance Technical Writer

The Independent Locksmith Journal
Daytona Beach, FL
01/01/03 - 06/30/07

Freelance Technical Writer
The Independent Locksmith Journal
January 2003 - June 2007

  • Reviewed tools and equipment used in the locksmith industry, providing detailed analysis and recommendations.
  • Wrote articles outlining processes for generating keys for cars, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles, including best practices and troubleshooting tips.
  • Conducted in-depth research to ensure accuracy and relevance of content.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and exceeding client expectations.
  • Developed content tailored to the target audience, ensuring clarity and readability.

Owner

Bill’s Locksmith, Inc
Ormond Beach, FL
01.1987 - 12.2011
  • Transformed a small family business into the largest locksmith company in the Daytona Beach, FL area.
  • Achieved revenue growth averaging 24% over 10 years, with a total increase of 770% from 1997-1998

Locksmith

Bill's Locksmith, Inc.
Daytona Beach, FL
05/01/82 - 12/31/86
  • Provided on-site locksmith and safe/vault technician services
  • Maintained equipment and service trucks

Education

Bachelor - Science of Business Management

WGU Missouri
02.2022

Skills

  • Team Building and Leadership
  • Project Management
  • Customer Service
  • Process Development and Improvement
  • Budgeting and financial analysis
  • Extensive Netsuite and Sales Force Experience
  • Inventory control
  • ERP management

Certification

  • Dent Wizard Outstanding Leadership Award 2023
  • Dent Wizard President's Award 2018
  • Dent Wizard Special Recognition award 2018
  • Dent Wizard Top Auction Team 2010
  • Dent Wizard 4-Star Key Technician
  • Associated Locksmiths of America - Certified Master Locksmith

Timeline

Key Operations Director

Dent Wizard
08.2021 - Current

Key Operations Manager

Dent Wizard
11.2016 - 07.2021

Key Operations Specialist

Dent Wizard
05.2014 - 10.2016

Key Technician

Dent Wizard
09.2008 - 04.2014

Owner

Bill’s Locksmith, Inc
01.1987 - 12.2011

Freelance Technical Writer

The Independent Locksmith Journal
01/01/03 - 06/30/07

Locksmith

Bill's Locksmith, Inc.
05/01/82 - 12/31/86

Bachelor - Science of Business Management

WGU Missouri
LEO MERES