Melody Phillips
Evansville,IN
Summary
Skilled I-CAR Platinum Certified Estimator offering 14 years of experience in writing and managing collision shop estimates by coordinating with insurance adjusters, appraisers, suppliers, shop personnel and customers.
Successful in devising repair estimates in line with insurance guidelines, standards and specifications through clear communication and attention to detail.
Driven to minimize costs by utilizing the best methods of parts selection and coordinating shop scheduling to ensure timeline for repair is met and rental costs are minimized.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Estimator
Jim Phillips Collision Center
10.2011 - 04.2025
- Greeted customers, analyzed vehicle damage and calculated labor times accordingly.
- Reviewed damage assessment with customers and explained the repair process following insurance guidelines and state law.
- Confirmed parts pricing and availability utilizing multiple systems and calling different suppliers.
- Created parts orders and repair plans for estimates and processed work orders.
- Attended tech meetings to provide parts updates and insights on current shop jobs as well as anticipated incoming repairs.
- Prepared reports used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
- Analyzed repair phases for completeness and accuracy, ensuring alignment with expected completion dates.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure accurate scheduling and resource allocation, improving overall performance and efficiency.
- Established a reputation for delivering reliable and accurate estimates, resulting in increased productivity, trust and repeat customers.
- Evaluated and adjusted repair timelines as deemed necessary.
- Communicated with customers throughout the repair process providing updates and information relative to any changes that occurred that may delay repair completion.
- Audited work files ensuring completeness and accuracy.
- Reviewed and approved invoices for payment.
- Created supplements for submission to insurance with applicable photos and parts pricing quotes.
- Contributed to company success by consistently meeting or exceeding expectations.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing best pricing for materials, labor and equipment.
- Utilized cost-estimating software to streamline estimating processes and produce accurate and reliable estimates.
- Calculated labor hours accurately based on trade-specific productivity rates, leading to more realistic repair timelines and work plans.
- Used specialized software to create estimates quickly and accurately and make estimates easily understandable and shareable.
- Collaborated with other departments and suppliers to access all necessary information and expertise to create comprehensive estimates.
- Stayed current with industry regulations and standards to produce cost estimates in compliance with all relevant laws.
- Prepared material orders to complete jobs on time and within budget.
- Mentored junior estimators in company processes and best practices, increasing the team’s overall effectiveness.
- Reviewed and approved invoices and payments, verifying accuracy of expenses.
- Continuously improved estimating procedures by staying updated on industry trends and attending relevant training courses.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Acted as a team leader during high volume times by delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing repairs from start to finish.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working in a team environment.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
Education
Business Administration And Management
Capella University
Minneapolis, MNF.J. Reitz High School
Evansville, IN05.1989
Skills
- I-CAR Platinum Certified Estimator
- Collision Estimate Preparation
- CCC One software proficient
- Customer Relationship Management
- Schedule Coordination and oversight
- Microsoft Office
- Supervision and leadership
- Analytical Thinking
- Team Management
- Recordkeeping
- Good Telephone Etiquette
- Interpersonal Communication
- Excellent Communication
- Problem Resolution
- Data Entry
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Math
- Vendor relationships
- Cost Estimation
- Supplement management
- Policy Implementation
- Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
- Process Improvement Initiatives
- Daily Facility Operations
- Training Junior Team Members
- Standard Operating Procedures Proficient
- Status Meetings
- Allocating Work
- Team Meetings
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
It’s all in how you say things. Be courteous and respectful. Actions speak louder than words. Keep your promises and commitments. Maintain your integrity. Honesty is always best. When you fail, don’t quit… Learn from your mistakes. Strive to be better than you were yesterday.
Certification
I-CAR Platinum Certified Estimator
Timeline
Estimator
Jim Phillips Collision Center
10.2011 - 04.2025
Business Administration And Management
Capella University
F.J. Reitz High School
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