Mitchell Thome
Naples,FL
Summary
Accomplished Body Shop Manager/ Estimator bringing 15+ years of experience working in the Collision repair industry, specializing in Automotive Estimating and Painting. Possesses developed leadership qualities to motivate and direct team and meet challenges in both shop and office.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Body Shop Manager
Germain Toyota Of Naples
Naples, FL
11.2021 - 09.2023
- Built and maintained strong relationships with customers to encourage loyalty and obtain recommendations.
- Inspected vehicles for damage prior to repair work being performed.
- Oversaw and evaluated key performance indicator (KPI) metrics, spanning efficiency, revenue and profitability.
- Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
- Assessed customer needs accurately in order to provide appropriate solutions.
- Estimated automobile repair time accurately, scheduling jobs according to shop capacity.
- Wrote complete and accurate cost estimates for labor and parts.
- Inspected vehicle repairs for quality control during entire repair process and prior to customer delivery.
- Supervised a team of mechanics, painters, detailers and other staff members.
- Maintained records on vehicle repair progress, parts used, labor hours.
- Communicated effectively with insurance companies, documenting in detail each process of repair.
Senior Field Adjuster
Allstate Insurance Co
Grand Rapids, MI
10.2019 - 11.2021
- Input claim information and payments into company database.
- Analyzed cost estimates for repair work submitted by body shops or vendors.
- Negotiated settlements with customers and lien holders paid out total loss settlements and obtained necessary documents to process titles for branding.
- Contacted banks to acquire credit information.
- Traveled throughout assigned territory conducting onsite visits at garages, dealerships, salvage yards.
- Reduced loss ratios through fair and prompt processing of claims.
- Explained loss coverage, assisted policyholders with itemizing damages and coordinated alternative living arrangements.
- Processed and negotiated settlements with claimants and insured parties.
- Researched and verified insurance policy coverage.
- Communicated effectively with customers regarding policy coverage issues and claims status updates.
Owner /Lead Technician
Autocraft Custom Collision
Grand Rapids, MI
05.2015 - 10.2019
- Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Determined pricing for products or services based on costs and competition.
- Conducted performance reviews for employees on a regular basis.
- Replaced or repaired parts to complete daily work orders on vehicles.
- Removed upholstery, door panels and interior trim components to gain access to vehicle body and frame.
- Reviewed manufacturer manuals to understand vehicle specifications and parts.
- Attended advanced training classes to learn new skills and earn certifications for auto body work.
- Installed new parts such as bumpers, fenders and mirrors according to manufacturer's specifications.
- Distributed vehicle parts to technicians for replacement on in-shop vehicles.
- Matched colors using computerized color matching systems or hand mixing formulas.
Lead Paint Technician
Todd Wenzel Buick GMC of Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI
03.2013 - 04.2015
- Sanded and sealed completed finishes according to precise specifications.
- Primed vehicle repairs to improve adhesions of new paint coats.
- Taped off adjacent areas and parts such as mirrors and handles to prevent overspray.
- Applied primers, sealers, base coats and clear coat finishes to vehicles according to manufacturer's specifications.
- Regularly checked finished products for quality assurance purposes.
- Matched paints to vehicle color specifications or original manufacturer colors.
Body Shop Technician / Painter
Legend Restorations
Sparta, MI
06.2010 - 03.2013
- Disassembled vehicle interiors when necessary to access body damage or perform repairs.
- Reviewed manufacturer manuals to understand vehicle specifications and parts.
- Performed welding on various metals to repair damaged parts.
- Repaired and replaced body panels, fenders, bumpers, grills, door handles, window regulators and other exterior components.
- Sanded, refinished and painted car bodies to improve appearance and overall value.
- Assisted in the training of new employees on proper repair techniques.
- Ensured that customer satisfaction was achieved by meeting established deadlines for completed jobs.
- Prepared vehicles for painting by sanding primed surfaces as well as removing old paint with chemical removers or abrasive materials.
- Mixed paints according to manufacturer specifications.
Lead Painter
Rockford Collision
Rockford, MI
07.2007 - 06.2010
- Prepared vehicles for painting by removing rust, dirt, grease, and wax; cleaned and sanded surfaces to ensure proper adhesion of paint.
- Masked off areas not intended for painting with tape and paper; removed masking after painting was complete.
- Selected paint matching specified color charts and customer preferences.
- Sanded and sealed completed finishes according to precise specifications.
- Performed spot repairs on damaged vehicles including dents, scratches, chips and rust spots.
- Followed safety procedures while working with hazardous chemicals such as thinners and solvents.
- Applied primers, sealers and undercoats using spray guns or other application techniques.
- Polished finished products with buffers and polishing compounds; inspected painted surfaces for flaws or defects.
Body Shop Apprentice
Rockford Collision
Rockford , MI
04.2005 - 07.2007
- Repaired minor scratches, dents, chips and other imperfections on vehicle surfaces prior to painting.
- Cleaned up after each job with solvents and cleaners as needed.
- Mixed paint following specifications and color charts to match original vehicle colors.
- Performed Wet sanding and polishing procedure after the vehicle was painted
- Assisted with re assembly
- Cleaned vehicle for delivery
Education
High School Diploma -
Rockford High School
Rockford, MI06-2006
High School Diploma -
Kent Career Technical Center
Grand Rapids, MI06-2006
Skills
- Personnel Management
- Training and Coaching
- Marketing
- Quality Control
- Data Collection
- [Software] Expertise
- Cost Estimation
- Self-Directed
- Dependable and Responsible
Timeline
Body Shop Manager
Germain Toyota Of Naples
11.2021 - 09.2023
Senior Field Adjuster
Allstate Insurance Co
10.2019 - 11.2021
Owner /Lead Technician
Autocraft Custom Collision
05.2015 - 10.2019
Lead Paint Technician
Todd Wenzel Buick GMC of Grand Rapids
03.2013 - 04.2015
Body Shop Technician / Painter
Legend Restorations
06.2010 - 03.2013
Lead Painter
Rockford Collision
07.2007 - 06.2010
Body Shop Apprentice
Rockford Collision
04.2005 - 07.2007
High School Diploma -
Rockford High School
High School Diploma -
Kent Career Technical Center
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