Brandon Gates
Great Falls
Summary
Accomplished professional with 16 years in autobody collision repair, possessing comprehensive knowledge of industry practices. Proven expertise in vendor relationship management and delivering exceptional customer service, supported by positive reviews. Demonstrates strategic problem-solving abilities and meticulous attention to detail. Skilled in optimizing repair processes to achieve superior results.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Estimator
Ed's Autobody
Great Falls
05.2025 - Current
- Submitted supplements and matched estimates from all carriers, ensuring accuracy.
- Collaborated with various insurance carriers for seamless claim processing.
- Managed multiple repairs simultaneously to ensure timely service delivery.
- Communicated with clients to clarify repair needs and expectations.
- Scheduled customer appointments for repairs, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Ordered and received parts, processing invoices in CCC One system.
- Conducted quality control on vehicles during and after repairs, maintaining high standards.
General Manager
Caliber Collision
Great Falls
02.2024 - 04.2025
- Managed daily business operations, encompassing budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, and sales.
- Managed daily operations to streamline workflow and enhance service quality.
- Addressed customer complaints swiftly to uphold service delivery standards.
- Developed comprehensive repair plans by reviewing OEM blueprints and procedures.
- Performed quality checks on vehicles pre- and post-repair to ensure adherence to OEM procedures.
Estimator/Blueprinter
Mitchells' Crash Repair
Great Falls
07.2021 - 02.2024
- Developed customer estimates utilizing CCC One and Mitchell platforms.
- Created repair plans based on OEM procedures reviewed thoroughly.
- Finalized billing for carriers and third parties, aligning with original estimates.
- Executed parts ordering to support repair inventory management.
- Processed incoming parts and invoiced through CCC One system.
- Organized repair scheduling to optimize service delivery.
- Facilitated vehicle check-in at drop-off for efficient management.
- Coordinated vendor sublets to facilitate on-time repair completion.
Production Manager, Estimator
1st Ave Auto Body
Great Falls
02.2019 - 07.2021
- Supervised daily production operations in fast-paced auto body shop, ensuring timely completion of projects.
- Managed workflow and assigned tasks to enhance team efficiency and meet production deadlines.
- Resolved customer issues related to production through proactive planning, improving client satisfaction.
- Eliminated process discrepancies by implementing continuous improvements in scheduling procedures.
Parts Manager, Estimator, Auto Body Technician
Flawless Auto Body
Great Falls
03.2013 - 02.2019
- Prepared detailed estimates in CCC One, collaborating with insurance carriers to ensure comprehensive coverage and client satisfaction.
- Designed and created supplement sheets still in use today for improved efficiency.
- Identified hidden damage during disassembly, minimizing unnecessary supplement costs and improving repair accuracy.
- Executed vehicle repairs adhering to factory specifications and OEM procedures.
- Welded components, including quarter panels and box sides, ensuring structural integrity.
- Developed and implemented parts cart system, streamlining inventory processes and enhancing order accuracy.
- Achieved parts return rate under seven percent through strategic management.
- Negotiated enhanced vendor discounts, creating lasting financial benefits for company.
Auto Body Technician
Big Sky Collision Center
Billings
03.2009 - 02.2013
- Apprenticed under master technician Dan Peters, gaining hands-on experience in automotive repair.
- Disassembled and repaired various makes and models, improving diagnostic and repair techniques.
- Restored a 1971 Ford F-150, demonstrating versatility and craftsmanship in vehicle restoration.
- Restored a 1958 Thunderbird, demonstrating attention to detail and craftsmanship.
- Assisted during Father's Day tornado recovery efforts, providing vital support to community restoration efforts.
Wind Turbine Technician
Mortenson Construction
Cut Bank
01.2006 - 09.2009
- Conducted routine inspections on wind turbine components.
- Completed punch lists from engineers promptly, improving project efficiency.
- Scaled over 400 wind turbines at 320 ft height while adhering to safety protocols.
- Constructed bolt cages at groundwork bases to enhance structural stability.
- Maintained readiness for emergencies as a member of wind tower glacier wind rescue team.
Education
Diploma -
Great Falls High School
Great Falls, MT01.2004
Skills
- Project estimation
- Cost estimation
- Autobody collision repair
- Repair planning
- Vehicle inspection
- Quality control
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving and analysis
- Data entry and computer skills
- Customer service excellence
- Customer service
- Vendor management
- Team leadership
- Maintenance & repair
Certification
- I-CAR Certified
- Welding Certified
Timeline
Estimator
Ed's Autobody
05.2025 - Current
General Manager
Caliber Collision
02.2024 - 04.2025
Estimator/Blueprinter
Mitchells' Crash Repair
07.2021 - 02.2024
Production Manager, Estimator
1st Ave Auto Body
02.2019 - 07.2021
Parts Manager, Estimator, Auto Body Technician
Flawless Auto Body
03.2013 - 02.2019
Auto Body Technician
Big Sky Collision Center
03.2009 - 02.2013
Wind Turbine Technician
Mortenson Construction
01.2006 - 09.2009
Diploma -
Great Falls High School