- Participate in adult volleyball leagues and bowling, as recreational activities to maintain physical fitness
- Road Trips and random weekend adventures with my kids
Joshua Schekel
Bakersfield
Summary
Dynamic leader and skilled adjuster with a proven track record at Western Auto & Truck Appraisers, adept in liability analysis and fostering customer relations. Excelled in streamlining claims processes and enhancing team performance, achieving top-tier claim closure metrics. Demonstrates exceptional problem-solving abilities and a commitment to quality, ensuring high customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Result-driven professional equipped for claims adjustment roles. Adept at navigating intricate claims processes and fostering collaborative team environments to achieve optimal outcomes. Highly reliable and adaptable, with strong investigative and negotiation skills valued by employers.
Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Adjuster
Western Auto & Truck Appraisers
11.2024 - Current
- Consistently met performance metrics for claim closures by managing caseloads effectively and prioritizing urgent cases.
- Streamlined communication channels between policyholders and insurance carriers by serving as a liaison throughout the claims process.
- Collaborated with other adjusters, agents, and experts to exchange information, seek advice, or provide guidance on complex cases.
- Maintained a solid understanding of how policy language applied to specific claims situations ensuring consistent interpretation for all parties involved.
- Traveled to on-site locations of loss on scheduled or sudden notice, addressing phone-recorded statements, securing photos and measurements and documenting scope of property damage.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing timely updates on claims status and addressing concerns promptly.
- Built strong relationships with policyholders, fostering trust and ensuring accurate information gathering during the claims process.
- Increased accuracy in estimates by utilizing industry-standard software tools for calculating repair costs based on collected data.
- Expedited claim resolution times with prompt onsite inspections after receiving new assignments from supervisors or dispatch centers.
- Adapted quickly to changing claim environments or new company policies, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in a fast-paced industry.
- Ensured regulatory compliance in handling claims by adhering to state laws, insurance policies, and company guidelines.
- Managed multiple priorities simultaneously while ensuring all tasks were completed within set deadlines and quality standards maintained.
- Improved workflow efficiency by maintaining organized records of all claim-related documents, photos, and correspondence.
- Kept electronic claim files properly documented with accurate, clear and timely information and reports reflecting adjustment activities and substantiating any payments made.
- Identified insurance coverage limitations with thorough examinations of claims documentation and related records.
- Investigated and assessed damage to property and reviewed property damage estimates.
- Visited customer locations to evaluate damage and provided cost estimates for remediation.
- Maintained claims data using the CCC1 systems.
Auto Body Shop Manager
H & S Body Works and Towing
05.2019 - 04.2024
- Provided exceptional customer service through transparent communication about repair timelines, costs, and expectations throughout the entire process.
- Enhanced shop efficiency by streamlining repair processes and allocating tasks effectively.
- Reviewed technician performance on a regular basis, providing constructive feedback and recognition for exceptional work, leading to an increase in overall shop productivity.
- Maintained an orderly workspace by enforcing cleanliness routines among staff members leading to improved workflow.
- Established rigorous quality control standards to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality repairs for all customers.
- Expanded service offerings to include specialized repairs, attracting a wider range of clientele and increasing revenue streams.
- Increased overall profitability through effective cost control measures, such as managing inventory and reducing waste materials.
- Boosted employee morale by fostering a positive work environment and encouraging professional development opportunities.
- Reduced average repair time with thorough monitoring of workflow and technician performance.
- Optimized scheduling procedures for both employees and customer appointments to improve overall efficiency within the shop operations.
- Ensured timely completion of projects by closely tracking progress against deadlines and adjusting resources as needed.
- Developed strong relationships with insurance companies to facilitate seamless claims processing for customers.
- Collaborated with marketing efforts to promote the auto body shop''s services within the local community, driving increased foot traffic and business growth.
- Prepared work orders by describing repair and replacement services required, obtaining approval signatures, and entering orders into work management system.
- Supervised and managed shop operations and tasks.
- Developed estimates by costing parts, supplies and labor and calculating customers' payments.
- Processed insurance paperwork and prepared estimates to negotiate insurance settlements.
- Examined damaged vehicles to determine degree of structural and mechanical damage.
- Built and maintained good relations with customers, encouraging loyalty and obtaining recommendations.
- Coordinated and supervised 12 shop and field service technicians and assigned tasks and work orders.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
Body Shop Estimator
Jim Burke Ford
02.2014 - 04.2019
- Supported team members through cross-training initiatives, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and skill development within the body shop team.
- Enhanced communication with insurance companies by maintaining clear and consistent documentation of repair processes.
- Streamlined the estimation process by implementing efficient software tools and technology.
- Provided excellent service during client interactions, resulting in positive reviews and repeat business referrals from satisfied customers.
- Reduced average turnaround times for repairs, effectively managing scheduling and prioritizing urgent jobs.
- Exceeded monthly sales goals consistently by proactively engaging potential clients in need of body shop services.
- Improved workflow efficiency in the body shop by collaborating with technicians to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions.
- Evaluated vehicle damages accurately using industry-standard tools such as measuring devices, paint depth gauges, and inspection cameras.
- Coordinated with other departments to provide a seamless customer experience from initial estimate through repair completion and vehicle pickup.
- Upheld high ethical standards when appraising vehicles for damage, ensuring honest assessments that built customer trust.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing accurate and timely repair estimates for body shop services.
- Assisted customers in understanding complex insurance claims processes by breaking down complicated terminology into easily digestible information.
- Replaced and repaired vehicle parts according to work order instructions.
- Followed standard operating procedures to achieve consistent quality of work.
- Inspected vehicles to identify and document repair needs.
- Inspected new parts and areas of repair to verify correctness and quality.
- Tested and adjusted newly repaired vehicles to verify proper function.
- Prepared cost estimates for vehicle repairs and provided detailed documentation for customer review.
- Evaluated OEM manufacturer schematics and service documentation to identify parts to order.
- Created and reviewed work orders detailing required repairs per shop and manufacturer guidelines.
- Diagnosed and repaired various mechanical and electrical problems on diverse vehicle makes and models.
- Examined vehicles to determine extent of damage and repairs required.
- Inspected completed repairs for accuracy, quality and safety.
Store Manager
Starbucks
04.2004 - 02.2014
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, ensuring they were well-equipped to excel in their roles from day one.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Maximized sales by creating innovative visual merchandising displays and store layouts.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong relationships between team members through team-building activities and consistent recognition of individual achievements.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Managed financial aspects of store operations, including budget planning, expense tracking, and accurate record-keeping to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Optimized labor scheduling according to store needs while adhering to budget constraints, maximizing productivity without compromising service quality.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
- Increased store profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and efficient inventory management strategies.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
- Developed a successful employee retention plan, reducing staff turnover rates significantly.
- Implemented a loyalty program that boosted repeat business and increased overall sales revenue.
- Fostered culture of excellence and accountability among staff, resulting in higher employee morale and lower turnover rates.
- Enhanced employee performance and satisfaction by establishing clear goals and providing regular feedback.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize waste and ensure product availability, supporting customer satisfaction and sales efficiency.
- Reduced employee turnover by creating supportive work environment and recognizing outstanding performance.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
Education
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield, CAHigh School Diploma -
West High School
Bakersfield, CASkills
- Liability analysis
- Aluminum repair
- Auto body repair
- Store operations
- Parts ordering
- Estimating techniques
- Training and mentoring
- Damage assessment
- Detail-oriented
- Store opening and closing
- Friendly and positive
- Outstanding communication skills
- Insurance regulations
- Team leadership and coaching
- Customer service
- Vehicle inspection
- Inventory management
- Problem-solving
- Highly motivated
- Cash management
- Attention to detail
- Employee scheduling
- Retail inventory management
- Multitasking and organization
- Shift scheduling
- Critical thinking
- Employee training
- Team collaboration
- Excellent work ethic
- Active listening
- Goals and performance
- Verbal and written communication
- Performance evaluations
- Team building and leadership
- Decision-making
- Claims processing
- Quality-focused
- Recruiting and hiring
- Data entry
- Deadline oriented
- Insurance liaison
- Policies and procedures
- Staff supervision
- Client service
- Collision repair
- Collision estimates
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Quality control
- Opening and closing procedures
- Innovation and creativity
- Workflow management
- Safety management
- Relationship building and management
- Training and coaching
- Order management
- Workflow coordination
- Strong leadership skills
- Team development
- P&L management
- Payroll management
- Bank deposit procedures
- Commitment to quality
- CCC reports
- Customer relations
- Flexible schedule
- Employee motivation
- Delegating work
- Recruitment and hiring
- Shop management
- Employee relations
- Staff management
- Interpersonal communication
- Scheduling
- Repair services coordination
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Excellent communication
- Customer service and support
Accomplishments
In the short time at my current job I have added additional insurance companies to our network of providers through reaching out and inquiring about what requirements they have to receive work assignments. With that information I then gathered all the specific requirements needed and sent my companies information showing we meet those requirements. After showing we met the specific items they requested we were added to their network to receive job assignments from them and I have ensured any new claims sent our way from them are handled in a timely and professional manner. In the month since receiving our first assignment from the new insurance company we have steadily seen an increase in new assignments sent our way from them due to the timely and professional manner we handled the fist claims assigned to us.
Interests
Timeline
Independent Adjuster
Western Auto & Truck Appraisers
11.2024 - Current
Auto Body Shop Manager
H & S Body Works and Towing
05.2019 - 04.2024
Body Shop Estimator
Jim Burke Ford
02.2014 - 04.2019
Store Manager
Starbucks
04.2004 - 02.2014
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Bakersfield College
High School Diploma -
West High School
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