Thomas LaTulipe
Kodak,TN
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in automotive and RV maintenance, notably at A & L RV Sales. Expert in electrical systems troubleshooting and preventive maintenance planning, coupled with exceptional customer service skills. Proven track record of enhancing team collaboration and significantly improving service quality. Demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to safety protocols.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
RV Technician
A & L RV Sales
04.2024 - Current
- Communicated with customers, manufacturer representatives and company superiors to resolve recreational vehicle system and equipment problems.
- Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to safety protocols and conducting regular inspections of tools and equipment.
- Utilized advanced diagnostic tools accurately for quick identification of potential issues before they escalated into costly repairs.
- Diagnosed and repaired [Type], [Type] and [Type] problems in recreational vehicles.
- Performed comprehensive pre-delivery inspections of new RVs, guaranteeing quality assurance for customers.
- Collaborated with service advisors to ensure accurate communication of repair needs, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.
Parts Counter Person; Parts Delivery
Parkside Kia
06.2020 - 04.2024
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and knowledge of automotive parts.
- Assisted customers with diagnosing problems for [Type] equipment and purchasing necessary replacements.
- Set up merchandise displays and organized parts on shelves to maximize customer interest and promote overstocks.
- Stocked shelves, built displays and merchandised products enabling customers to find needed items and products.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and organized workspace, promoting an efficient work environment.
- Processed customer orders accurately and efficiently, contributing to repeat business.
- Maintained detailed knowledge of various manufacturers'' warranty policies, enabling accurate communication of coverage information to customers.
- Mitigated financial discrepancies by managing inventory, damaged goods and backorders.
- Responded promptly to phone inquiries from customers seeking advice or assistance in selecting appropriate components.
- Provided exceptional customer support to every guest to promote satisfaction and meet service guidelines.
- Ordered parts for customers, repair shops and [Type] department for use in [Type] and [Type] equipment.
- Utilized computer systems to look up part information, expediting the sales process and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Located new vendors with better costs per unit and set up favorable terms and pricing structures to reduce company expenses.
Shop Foreman
Parkside Kia
09.2016 - 06.2020
- Used hand and power tools, equipment, and instruments accurately.
- Managed resources, materials, systems maintenance, regulatory compliance, schematics implementation and proper documentation of orders, operations, schedules and evaluations.
- Managed materials inside shop and at job locations.
- Continuously updated technical knowledge through attending industry workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay abreast of new trends or advancements in technology relevant to our field of expertise.
- Safeguarded workplace safety through strict adherence to safety protocols and conducting regular training sessions for staff.
- Verified safe and proper operation of wide range of power tools, equipment and instruments.
- Fostered a strong team dynamic by promoting trust, open communication, and collaborative problem solving among team members.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, offering praise for accomplishments and guidance on areas needing improvement.
- Managed a team of skilled technicians, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged professional growth and development.
Automotive Technician
Rusty Wallace Kia
09.2013 - 10.2015
- Changed, rotated, and balanced tires on different types of vehicles.
- Streamlined work processes through effective collaboration with other technicians, resulting in faster turnaround times for customer vehicles.
- Inspected and tested vehicles and completed preventive maintenance such as engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, wheel balancing, and filter replacement.
- Performed diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures to find and identify root causes of mechanical issues.
Shop Foreman; Leader of 10 Member Team
Paramount Kia Asheville
10.2010 - 07.2013
- Used hand and power tools, equipment, and instruments accurately.
- Managed materials inside shop and at job locations.
- Managed resources, materials, systems maintenance, regulatory compliance, schematics implementation and proper documentation of orders, operations, schedules and evaluations.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, offering praise for accomplishments and guidance on areas needing improvement.
- Safeguarded workplace safety through strict adherence to safety protocols and conducting regular training sessions for staff.
- Trained and coached employees to improve performance and skills.
- Conducted thorough inspections of completed work, ensuring all projects met or exceeded company and client expectations before final delivery.
- Verified safe and proper operation of wide range of power tools, equipment and instruments.
- Managed a team of skilled technicians, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged professional growth and development.
Lead Technician
All Star Kia
05.2009 - 10.2010
- Managed team performance by training, mentoring, disciplining, and motivating employees.
- Planned, scheduled, and delegated daily work to team of employees.
- Implemented, configured, and optimized safety standards.
- Improved equipment efficiency by conducting regular maintenance and implementing upgrades.
Auto Technician
Paramount Kia Asheville
05.2006 - 01.2009
- Serviced vehicles according to OEM recommended maintenance schedules for oil changes, engine tune-ups and fluid changes.
- Completed full vehicle inspections to check for leaks, damage, or other issues of concern.
- Tested vehicle components and systems to identify issues.
- Inspected and tested vehicles and completed preventive maintenance such as engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire rotations, wheel balancing, and filter replacement.
Service Manager; Parts Manager
Mostly Toyotas
05.1996 - 04.2006
- Enhanced team morale through regular recognition of exceptional performance and organizing team-building events.
- Improved customer satisfaction by implementing streamlined service processes and staff training programs.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Coordinated warranty claims processing, advocating on behalf of customers to ensure prompt resolution of covered repairs or replacements.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into opportunities for continued patronage.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with customers to build rapport and trust.
- Implemented inventory management systems to reduce costs and increase efficiency in the service department.
- Resolved customer complaints in professional and timely manner.
- Managed a team of technicians, ensuring timely completion of projects and high-quality workmanship.
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict safety protocols and providing ongoing staff training on proper equipment use.
- Analyzed service reports to identify areas of improvement.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure best prices for parts and supplies.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
Assistant Manager
Bill Walker Tire
01.1995 - 05.1996
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
District Credit Manager
Carolina Tire
01.1988 - 01.1995
- Oversaw reporting, documentation and recordkeeping requirements for department.
- Ensured timely resolution of disputed accounts, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to maintain positive customer relationships.
- Reviewed and analyzed loan procedures.
- Devised collection recovery strategies to resolve customer issues and delinquent cases.
Nighttime Shop Foreman
Ken Wilson Ford
01.1985 - 01.1988
- Managed materials inside shop and at job locations.
- Used hand and power tools, equipment, and instruments accurately.
- Managed resources, materials, systems maintenance, regulatory compliance, schematics implementation and proper documentation of orders, operations, schedules and evaluations.
- Managed a team of skilled technicians, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged professional growth and development.
Education
High School Diploma -
Pisgah High School;
Canton05-1986
Skills
- Brake System Maintenance
- Electrical systems troubleshooting
- Preventative Maintenance Planning
- Diagnostic Equipment Usage
- Inventory Management Abilities
- RV Inspection Procedures
- Battery System Management
- Gasoline Engine Expertise
- Awning Installation and Repair
- Roof Repair Techniques
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Engine repair
- Work order completion
- Mechanical Repair
- Team Collaboration
- Suspension Systems
- Vehicle inspections
- Team building
- Self Motivation
- Goal Setting
- Professionalism
- Time management abilities
- Quality Control
- Electrical Systems
- Troubleshooting
- Welding Techniques
- Records Maintenance
- HVAC Systems
- Adaptability
- Preventive Maintenance
- Vehicle Inspection
- Safety Procedures
- Relationship Building
- Safety Compliance
- Parts Ordering
- Decision-Making
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Effective Communication
- Electrical testing
- Organizational Skills
- Brake Systems
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- HVAC system maintenance
- Water system maintenance
Timeline
RV Technician
A & L RV Sales
04.2024 - Current
Parts Counter Person; Parts Delivery
Parkside Kia
06.2020 - 04.2024
Shop Foreman
Parkside Kia
09.2016 - 06.2020
Automotive Technician
Rusty Wallace Kia
09.2013 - 10.2015
Shop Foreman; Leader of 10 Member Team
Paramount Kia Asheville
10.2010 - 07.2013
Lead Technician
All Star Kia
05.2009 - 10.2010
Auto Technician
Paramount Kia Asheville
05.2006 - 01.2009
Service Manager; Parts Manager
Mostly Toyotas
05.1996 - 04.2006
Assistant Manager
Bill Walker Tire
01.1995 - 05.1996
District Credit Manager
Carolina Tire
01.1988 - 01.1995
Nighttime Shop Foreman
Ken Wilson Ford
01.1985 - 01.1988
High School Diploma -
Pisgah High School;
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