Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Sean Gaines

Kendall Park,NJ

Summary

Fleet and maintenance leader with 15+ years of experience managing shop operations, budgets, and technical teams in the diesel and heavy equipment industry. Proven success in reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and ensuring safety compliance through strong preventative maintenance programs. Respected manager known for training technicians, developing high-performing teams, and delivering outstanding customer service.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Diesel Technician Instructor

Lincoln Technical Institute
South Plainfield, NJ
11.2023 - Current
  • Deliver classroom instruction and hands-on training in Diesel Technology, including engines, brakes, transmissions, electrical systems, and diagnostics.
  • Facilitate and effectively teach Lincoln Tech’s accredited course curriculum.
  • Demonstrate the use of specialized tools, diagnostic equipment, and repair techniques.
  • Teach and enforce OSHA, EPA, and DOT safety regulations to promote compliance and safe practices.
  • Support and motivate student growth, professionalism, and accountability.
  • Evaluate and grade student performance, providing feedback and mentorship.
  • Prepare lesson plans, lab exercises, and instructional materials to enhance learning outcomes.
  • Administer written and practical assessments to measure student knowledge and skills.
  • Guide students in developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills applicable to the diesel industry.
  • Prepare students for ASE certification exams, and long-term success in diesel maintenance careers.
  • Maintain accurate student records, attendance, and progress reports.
  • Collaborate with other instructors and staff to continuously improve program quality and student success rates.
  • Serve as a role model by demonstrating professionalism, punctuality, and industry best practices.

General Manager

Penn Power Group
Matawan, NJ
08.2022 - 07.2023
  • Directed Parts and Service departments, overseeing sales, profitability, and compliance.
  • Developed and enforced shop processes, boosting efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Trained staff in new technologies (EDL, Pro-Driver, and electronic controls).
  • Ensured adherence to budgets, cost management, and performance standards.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring high production standards, and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, DOT).
  • Conducted root cause analysis to identify inefficiencies, and implemented corrective actions.
  • Managed budgets, expense controls, and revenue streams to maximize profitability.
  • Ensured accurate billing, warranty claim processing, and work order management.
  • Built and maintained strong customer, vendor, and supplier relationships to expand business.
  • Resolved customer concerns promptly to maintain high satisfaction and retention levels.
  • Led sales growth initiatives through new business development and service expansion.
  • Ensured the availability of proper tools, equipment, and resources for technicians.
  • Maintained safe shop operations and environmental compliance standards.
  • Reported to executive leadership on KPIs, branch performance, and business objectives.

Fleet Maintenance Manager

Sysco Metro NY
Jersey City, NJ
02.2018 - 07.2022
  • Managed day-to-day fleet maintenance operations for over 250 vehicles, including trucks, trailers, tractors, and passenger cars.
  • Supervised mechanics and staff, providing mentorship and ensuring adherence to safety and compliance standards.
  • Improved preventative maintenance compliance, reducing breakdowns and extending fleet lifecycle.
  • Reduced vehicle downtime by implementing efficient scheduling, inspections, and audit processes.
  • Collaborated with food safety leadership to ensure documentation and vehicle maintenance compliance for annual BRC Food Safety Audits.
  • Oversaw parts inventory and procurement, negotiating with vendors to control costs and ensure availability of critical supplies.
  • Conducted operational and expense reviews to align departmental spending with company budgets.
  • Monitored and enforced compliance with DOT, OSHA, and EPA regulations.
  • Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

Fleet Maintenance Supervisor

Republic Services
Mount Laurel, NJ
02.2016 - 02.2018
  • Supervised shop operations, technician scheduling, and safety compliance, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow.
  • Led daily team huddles, provided on-the-job training, and conducted employee performance evaluations to strengthen staff capabilities.
  • Oversaw quality control inspections and vendor-performed repairs, ensuring work met company, state, and federal safety standards.
  • Hired, trained, and coached technicians, supporting career growth and improving overall shop performance.
  • Reported shop performance metrics to senior management, recommending process improvements for greater efficiency.
  • Maintained inventory control of tools and parts to support timely and cost-effective repairs.
  • Provided hands-on diagnostic support for complex vehicle issues, mentoring staff through advanced troubleshooting.
  • Reinforced a strong culture of workplace safety, ensuring compliance with OSHA, DOT, and company standards.

Mechanic/Engineer Mechanic

Caruso Excavating Inc
Howell, NJ
09.2014 - 02.2016
  • Repaired and maintained heavy construction equipment, trucks, and on-site vehicles to ensure safe and efficient operation.
  • Performed diagnostics on hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems, completing both routine and emergency repairs.
  • Trained and supervised junior mechanics, delegating tasks and ensuring proper repair techniques were followed.
  • Managed on-site repair operations during construction projects, minimizing downtime and ensuring project schedules were met.
  • Conducted preventative maintenance inspections and maintained accurate service records for equipment reliability.

Mechanic

Campbell Freightliner
South Brunswick, NJ
09.2013 - 09.2014
  • Inspected and repaired trucks, completing diagnostics and corrective maintenance to ensure safety and reliability.
  • Conducted pre-delivery inspections on new trucks and evaluated trade-ins for resale readiness.
  • Trained and mentored junior technicians on repair techniques, safety protocols, and shop procedures.
  • Test-drove vehicles to verify repair quality and compliance with safety standards.
  • Maintained accurate repair records and collaborated with service advisors to ensure customer satisfaction.

Motor Vehicle Mechanic / DOD Contractor

Department of Defense (LINC, VSE Corp, TLC, Bowhead)
Fort Dix, NJ
01.2006 - 01.2013
  • Performed diagnostics, assembly, and repairs on tactical military vehicles, trucks, buses, and heavy construction equipment.
  • Trained and mentored soldiers and junior mechanics on maintenance practices, troubleshooting, and safety compliance.
  • Conducted quality control inspections to ensure repairs met Army and federal safety standards.
  • Interpreted technical manuals, schematics, and engineering drawings to perform precision repairs.
  • Supported mission readiness by managing preventative maintenance, emergency repairs, and on-site service operations.

Manager of Tire Sales

Bridgestone/Firestone
East Brunswick, NJ
01.2001 - 01.2006
  • Performed diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs on passenger vehicles, light trucks, and commercial fleet vehicles.
  • Installed and serviced brakes, tires, and suspension systems to ensure safety and performance.
  • Conducted preventative maintenance inspections, and recommended repairs to customers.
  • Provided customer service support by explaining repair needs and maintenance plans.
  • Managed $800K tire inventory, payroll, and staff scheduling.
  • Increased sales resolved customer concerns, and supervised technicians to ensure quality service.

Education

Certificate - Diesel Technology

Lincoln Technical Institute
Union, NJ
01.1995

Skills

  • Fleet & Shop Management
  • Budgeting & Cost Control
  • Preventative Maintenance & Compliance
  • Staff Leadership & Team Development
  • Training & Mentorship
  • Process Improvement & Efficiency
  • Safety Programs & Regulatory Compliance
  • Customer Service & Client Retention
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
  • ADP Kronos Sprocket CORA Telogis Accounting Portals

Certification

  • Class A CDL
  • Hazardous Material Compliance Certificate
  • Thermo King Fleet Precedent PM Course
  • Industrial Ammonia Refrigeration Operator 1 & 2
  • Facility Safety, Maintenance, and Management Certificates
  • Spill Prevention & Release Reporting
  • Stormwater Discharges & Permits in Construction
  • OSHA 30 (Construction & General Industry)
  • OSHA 10 (Construction)
  • Hazard Communication & GHS Safety Certificates
  • Incident Command Structure Certificate
  • Power Industrial Equipment Trainer Certificate
  • Substance Abuse Awareness Supervisor Training

Timeline

Diesel Technician Instructor

Lincoln Technical Institute
11.2023 - Current

General Manager

Penn Power Group
08.2022 - 07.2023

Fleet Maintenance Manager

Sysco Metro NY
02.2018 - 07.2022

Fleet Maintenance Supervisor

Republic Services
02.2016 - 02.2018

Mechanic/Engineer Mechanic

Caruso Excavating Inc
09.2014 - 02.2016

Mechanic

Campbell Freightliner
09.2013 - 09.2014

Motor Vehicle Mechanic / DOD Contractor

Department of Defense (LINC, VSE Corp, TLC, Bowhead)
01.2006 - 01.2013

Manager of Tire Sales

Bridgestone/Firestone
01.2001 - 01.2006

Certificate - Diesel Technology

Lincoln Technical Institute

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