Sterling Duarte
Summary
Experienced collision repair professional skilled in damage estimation, quality control, and customer relationship management. Proven ability to enhance service experiences and optimize workflow in custom automotive applications.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Custom Autobody/Collision Center Owner
A.P.A.C.
Linthicum Heights
08.2014 - 10.2020
- Prepared damage estimates using CCC platform to ensure accurate assessments.
- Managed direct communications with insurance companies and adjusters.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers to enhance service experience.
- Coordinated repair timelines and communications with customers to enhance satisfaction.
- Delegated tasks to staff and helpers to optimize workflow.
- Submitted supplements for collision jobs to ensure accurate billing.
- Executed custom bodywork and paint modifications to meet customer specifications.
- Organized car shows, preparing vehicles for promotional events.
Painter/Bodyman Combo
Musselman's Dodge
Catonsville
09.2009 - 08.2014
- Disassembled vehicles to assess and prepare for supplemental repairs
- Coordinated directly with insurance adjusters to facilitate timely repair approvals
- Structural repair
- Dent repair
- Metal repairs/welding
- Panel replacements
- Straightened panels using filler to restore vehicle integrity and appearance
- Priming repairs
- Prepping repairs for paint
- Painting vehicles
- Executed final assembly and ensured timely delivery of vehicles
Body Shop Assistant
Boyd's Autobody
Halethorpe
05.2009 - 09.2009
- Assisted technicians in performing repairs and maintenance on various vehicles.
- Streamlined inventory management of tools and parts to support repair operations.
- Prepared work areas by cleaning and ensuring proper equipment availability.
- Coordinated orders with suppliers to ensure timely availability of parts for repairs.
- Cleaned store areas, such as counters and displays, to maintain a neat and orderly appearance.
- Received shipments from vendors; checked contents against invoices; stored incoming merchandise properly in designated areas within the shop.
- Replaced body men and painters during absences.
- Performed basic collision repairs to restore vehicle integrity and appearance.
- Trained along side owner to become a body tech full time (bring skills current)
Paint Tech
Auto Collision Clinic
Fallston
11.2008 - 05.2009
- Prepared surfaces for painting by sanding and cleaning vehicles thoroughly.
- Mixed paint colors to specifications for various vehicle models.
- Operated spray guns to achieve smooth, even finishes on car exteriors.
- Maintained equipment to ensure optimal performance of painting tools.
- Monitored paint application processes to ensure adherence to quality standards.
- Assisted in managing inventory of paints and supplies for projects.
- Conducted quality control checks at each painting step to maintain high accuracy.
- Covered surrounding areas with protective materials to prevent paint overspray.
Paint Tech/Paint Prep Tech
CarMax
White Marsh
08.2003 - 10.2008
- Prepared vehicles for painting by sanding, cleaning, and masking surfaces.
- Mixed paints to match specifications and customer preferences accurately.
- Applied primer, sealer, base coat, and clear coat according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols during paint application processes.
- Operated spray guns efficiently while minimizing material waste.
- Inspected painted surfaces for quality and consistency prior to final approval.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain clean work areas and equipment.
- Trained new technicians on painting techniques and safety measures effectively.
Body Shop Helper
Musselman's Dodge
Catonsville
08.1998 - 08.2003
- Prepared vehicles for painting by sanding and masking surfaces to enhance finish quality.
- Assisted technicians with vehicle repairs and maintenance, contributing to on-time project completion.
- Organized parts and supplies, streamlining workflow and reducing downtime in the body shop.
- Collaborated with team members, ensuring projects met deadlines and quality standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and safety standards in work areas, ensuring a secure environment for team and clients.
- Utilized tools and equipment safely during repair processes to minimize risks.
- Cleaned store areas, including counters and displays, to uphold a neat appearance.
- Received shipments, verified contents against invoices, and stored items properly.
Education
High School Diploma -
Western School of Technology And Environmental Sci
Catonsville, MD06-1998
Skills
- Collision repair
- Structural repair
- Paint application
- Damage estimation
- Quality control
- Custom automotive applications
- Customer relationship management
Outside of Worklife
- Assistant coaching in both my 15 year old daughter's soccer and 12 year old son's baseball
- Misc. construction projects around the house
Timeline
Custom Autobody/Collision Center Owner
A.P.A.C.
08.2014 - 10.2020
Painter/Bodyman Combo
Musselman's Dodge
09.2009 - 08.2014
Body Shop Assistant
Boyd's Autobody
05.2009 - 09.2009
Paint Tech
Auto Collision Clinic
11.2008 - 05.2009
Paint Tech/Paint Prep Tech
CarMax
08.2003 - 10.2008
Body Shop Helper
Musselman's Dodge
08.1998 - 08.2003
High School Diploma -
Western School of Technology And Environmental Sci