Devin Kessler
Nashville
Summary
Dedicated Collision Repair Specialist with extensive experience in auto body repair and restoration. Proven expertise in dent removal, frame straightening, and surface preparation for painting. Recognized for enhancing workplace safety and efficiency, leading to increased customer satisfaction through effective workflow management. Aiming to leverage skills within a dynamic team to drive continued success in the industry.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Collision Repair Specialist
Victory Nissan
Nashville
05.2024 - Current
- Installed and aligned vehicle body parts and panels.
- Tested electrical systems for proper functioning prior to returning the vehicle to service.
- Replaced damaged glass components on vehicles.
- Ensured smoothness of vehicle surfaces through sanding and buffing.
- Assessed vehicle damage and developed comprehensive repair plans.
- Used metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches to remove damaged vehicle sections.
- Coordinated with insurance companies for repair approvals.
- Performed welding to repair vehicle frames and bodies.
- Ordered and utilized protective equipment and respirators to promote workplace safety.
- Performed dent removal using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Managed inventory of body shop supplies and tools.
- Adjusted vehicle components such as hoods and doors for proper fitment.
- Identified additional damage that may have been missed during initial assessment.
- Performed diagnostic tests on vehicles to detect issues and root causes.
- Sanded body filler with power sanding tools for a smooth finish.
- Conducted quality inspections on completed repairs.
- Inspected vehicles after completion of work to ensure they met quality standards.
- Kept up-to-date with industry standards and new repair techniques.
- Cleaned up job sites by removing debris at the end of each shift.
- Followed safety procedures and used protective gear.
- Prepared and applied body fillers to repair minor damages.
- Removed dents with hammers, suction and skilled use of dolly blocks.
- Filled small dents and lesser cosmetic issues with plastic or solder to create smooth surfaces for painting.
- Documented repair processes and completed work orders.
- Attended advanced training classes to learn new skills and earn certifications for auto body work.
- Repaired or replaced interior trim, seats, door panels, window regulators, air bags, steering columns, radiators, fuel tanks and exhaust systems.
- Repaired minor dents without having to replace entire panels.
- Installed new parts such as bumpers, fenders, grilles, headlights and taillights assemblies .
- Replaced damaged car fenders, grills and panels.
- Replaced or repaired parts to complete daily work orders on vehicles.
- Performed structural repairs, including welding and straightening frames, panels, and other components.
- Dismantled vehicles to gain access to damaged parts for repair or replacement.
Collision Repair Technician
Tesla
Nashville
05.2023 - 04.2024
- Replaced damaged car fenders, grills and panels.
- Assessed vehicle damage and developed comprehensive repair plans.
- Assisted with windshield, window and light replacements.
- Performed welding to repair vehicle frames and bodies.
- Replaced or repaired parts to complete daily work orders on vehicles.
- Documented repair processes and completed work orders.
- Performed diagnostic tests on vehicles to detect issues and root causes.
- Used metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches to remove damaged vehicle sections.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment by adhering to all safety protocols.
- Evaluated vehicle schematics to assess required parts and order accordingly.
- Replaced defective mechanical parts such as switches and relays with new ones.
- Used PDR (Paintless Dent Removal) techniques for minor dents and dings.
- Repaired or replaced parts such as bumpers, fenders, doors, windows, frames, radiators, grills, headlights.
- Performed dent removal using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Kept up-to-date with industry standards and new repair techniques.
- Documented details of repair work performed on each vehicle in a computer system.
- Organized and maintained work areas free of potential hazards.
- Followed safety procedures and used protective gear.
- Inspected vehicle bodies for damage caused by collision or other incidents before performing repairs .
- Replaced damaged glass components on vehicles.
- Welded broken parts and filled in dents to create smooth vehicle bodies.
- Performed accurate and detailed assessments of damaged vehicles to determine repair needs.
- Adjusted alignment of wheels with special wheel alignment machines when needed.
- Installed and aligned vehicle body parts and panels.
- Followed workplace safety protocols to prevent injuries, accidents and vehicle damage.
- Utilized welding techniques when necessary to reattach structural components of vehicles.
- Maintained cleanliness and orderliness in the work area.
- Tested fitted parts for proper fitment prior to final assembly.
- Calibrated and realigned advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
- Prepared and applied body fillers to repair minor damages.
- Removed upholstery, accessories, electrical window-and-seat-operating equipment and trim to gain access to vehicle body and fenders.
- Worked according to manufacturers' instructions to determine correct methods for restoring and replacing parts.
- Maintained records of all repairs performed on customer vehicles.
- Implemented vehicle structure expertise to effectively remove and replace damaged components.
- Removed dents with hammers, suction and skilled use of dolly blocks.
- Diagnosed problems related to electric systems including wiring harnesses and connectors.
- Inspected completed work for quality assurance purposes before returning the vehicle back to customers.
- Installed new or repaired parts using hand tools or power tools as required.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
Collision Repair Technician
Hendrick Automotive Group
Durham
03.2022 - 05.2023
- Replaced damaged car fenders, grills and panels.
- Reviewed manufacturer manuals to understand vehicle specifications and parts.
- Assessed vehicle damage and developed comprehensive repair plans.
- Performed welding to repair vehicle frames and bodies.
- Replaced or repaired parts to complete daily work orders on vehicles.
- Documented repair processes and completed work orders.
- Performed diagnostic tests on vehicles to detect issues and root causes.
- Used metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches to remove damaged vehicle sections.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment by adhering to all safety protocols.
- Operated hot-air welding guns and immersive hot water baths to soften plastic panels for installation.
- Evaluated vehicle schematics to assess required parts and order accordingly.
- Replaced defective mechanical parts such as switches and relays with new ones.
- Repaired or replaced parts such as bumpers, fenders, doors, windows, frames, radiators, grills, headlights.
- Performed dent removal using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Kept up-to-date with industry standards and new repair techniques.
- Attended advanced training classes to learn new skills and earn certifications for auto body work.
- Organized and maintained work areas free of potential hazards.
- Followed safety procedures and used protective gear.
- Welded broken parts and filled in dents to create smooth vehicle bodies.
- Performed accurate and detailed assessments of damaged vehicles to determine repair needs.
- Followed workplace safety protocols to prevent injuries, accidents and vehicle damage.
- Installed and aligned vehicle body parts and panels.
- Utilized welding techniques when necessary to reattach structural components of vehicles.
- Filled depressions with body filler materials such as plastic resin putty.
- Maintained cleanliness and orderliness in the work area.
- Tested fitted parts for proper fitment prior to final assembly.
- Prepared and applied body fillers to repair minor damages.
- Removed upholstery, accessories, electrical window-and-seat-operating equipment and trim to gain access to vehicle body and fenders.
- Worked according to manufacturers' instructions to determine correct methods for restoring and replacing parts.
- Removed dents with hammers, suction and skilled use of dolly blocks.
- Operated presses to realign structural components with various levels of damage.
Auto Body Technician
Caliber Collision
Monroe
01.2016 - 03.2022
- Maintained cleanliness and orderliness in the work area.
- Followed workplace safety protocols to prevent injuries, accidents and vehicle damage.
- Repaired minor dents, dings, scratches, tears, and rips in vehicle upholstery.
- Attended advanced training classes to learn new skills and earn certifications for auto body work.
- Utilized computerized measuring systems for accurate repairs.
- Documented repair processes and completed work orders.
- Worked according to manufacturers' instructions to determine correct methods for restoring and replacing parts.
- Repaired structural damage such as broken frames using jacks, hammers, wrenches .
- Welded replacement parts into place using MIG and TIG welding equipment.
- Prepared and applied body fillers to repair minor damages.
- Used metal-cutting guns, air grinders and wrenches to remove damaged vehicle sections.
- Performed preliminary inspection of vehicles to determine extent of damage.
- Removed dents with hammers, suction and skilled use of dolly blocks.
- Disassembled and reassembled vehicle components as necessary during repairs.
- Replaced or repaired parts to complete daily work orders on vehicles.
- Filled small dents and lesser cosmetic issues with plastic or solder to create smooth surfaces for painting.
- Performed dent removal using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Welded broken parts and filled in dents to create smooth vehicle bodies.
- Evaluated vehicle schematics to assess required parts and order accordingly.
- Replaced damaged car fenders, grills and panels.
- Installed and aligned vehicle body parts and panels.
- Sanded and buffed vehicles to prepare for painting or repair work.
- Replaced damaged body panels with new or recycled OEM parts.
- Performed welding to repair vehicle frames and bodies.
- Followed safety procedures and used protective gear.
- Performed diagnostic tests on vehicles to detect issues and root causes.
- Kept up-to-date with industry standards and new repair techniques.
- Assessed vehicle damage and developed comprehensive repair plans.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Kirkland, WA06-2014
Skills
- Vehicle inspection
- Body panel alignment
- Welding techniques
- Paintless dent removal
- Glass replacement
- Diagnostic testing
- Safety compliance
- Quality assurance
- Repair documentation
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Technical aptitude
- Frame straightening
- Manufacturer specifications
- Alignment correction
- Dent removal
- Adhesive bonding
- Spot welding
- Auto body repair
- Hand tools proficiency
- Fiberglass repair
- Airbag system
- Collision diagnostics
- Panel replacement
- Electrical systems
- Power tools proficiency
- Body filler application
- Structural analysis
- Vehicle disassembly
- Plastic repair
- Suspension repair
- Electrical system diagnosis
- Damage assessment
- Glass installation
- Deadline oriented
- Pneumatic tool proficiency
- Vehicle testing
- Repair assessment
- Frame assessment
- Corrosion protection
- Power tool proficiency
- Hydraulic equipment operation
- Welding proficiency
- Diagnostic scanning
- Strong leadership skills
- Body part replacement
- Quality-focused
- Airbag system repair
Timeline
Collision Repair Specialist
Victory Nissan
05.2024 - Current
Collision Repair Technician
Tesla
05.2023 - 04.2024
Collision Repair Technician
Hendrick Automotive Group
03.2022 - 05.2023
Auto Body Technician
Caliber Collision
01.2016 - 03.2022
High School Diploma -
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Similar Profiles
Terry EdmondsonTerry Edmondson
Sales Consultant at Victory NissanSales Consultant at Victory Nissan
Jonathan CraftJonathan Craft
Finance Manager at Victory NissanFinance Manager at Victory Nissan
Terry EdmondsonTerry Edmondson
Sales Consultant at Victory NissanSales Consultant at Victory Nissan