Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Other Relevant Experience
Awards
Generic

Thomas S. Porter

Barco,NC

Summary

Experienced General Manager with over 30 years in the automotive repair and collision industry. Skilled in managing all aspects of body shop operations, including team leadership, estimating, customer relations, and insurance claims. Proven ability to optimize workflow, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Adept at driving business growth through effective DRP management and vendor relationships. Proficient in collision estimating software, dealership management systems, and financial tools. Committed to ensuring quality repairs, maintaining compliance, and achieving business profitability.

Overview

43
43
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

General Manager

Bayside Body Shop
01.2013 - 01.2025
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
  • Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
  • Estimate writing
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.

Body Shop Manager

Team One Chevrolet Buick GMC
01.2009 - 01.2013
  • Company Overview: (Transferred from Patriot Chrysler to Team One. Both franchises owned by same employer)
  • Manager of the largest collision repair facility in Garrett County, Maryland. Responsible for the day to day operation of facility including employee management, scheduling, customer interaction, insurance claim processing/negotiation, DRP management, warranty processing, estimating, regulatory compliance, departmental documentation, CSI, and quality control.

Body Shop Manager

Patriot Chrysler Dodge Jeep
01.2004 - 01.2009
  • Collision Shop manager. Responsible for the day to day operation of all aspects of the department including employee management, scheduling, customer interaction, insurance claim processing/negotiation, warranty processing, estimating, regulatory compliance, departmental documentation, and quality control.

Consultant Service Manager Technician

Appalachian Restoration Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2004
  • Working manager of a high line automotive facility offering premium mechanical service, classic restorations, sport compact performance modifications, and customization’s.

Owner General Manger Technician

Porter Service & Restoration, Inc.
01.1993 - 01.2002
  • Relocation of previous business. Emphasis placed on repair and restoration of British autos and European automobile service. Also engaged in the rebuilding of salvaged European vehicles for a private dealer.

Machinist Technician

Cresap Automotive Machine Shop
01.2001 - 01.2001
  • Machinist/technician in modern machine shop setting. Skills included operation of the vertical mill, line-boring machine, horizontal mill, honing bench, balancing machine, and other machinery. Also, complete rebuilding and reconditioning of motors as well as performance racing applications.

Owner General Manager Technician

Porter Motorsports, Inc.
01.1985 - 01.1993
  • Working manager of full service facility offering mechanical repair, collision repair, refinishing, and classic restoration. Preformed all activities associated with the day-to-day management of a small business with employees. Utilized computerized bookkeeping and word processing systems. Also the building and maintenance of road racing and autocross cars.

Working Partner Technician

International Auto Specialist
01.1982 - 01.1984
  • Co-managed full service import mechanical-body service center. Preformed bookkeeping, payroll and employee management. Preformed mechanical repair and restoration on classic autos and sports cars.

Education

High School Diploma -

Beall High School
Frostburg, MD

Skills

    Computer Skills & Software Knowledge
  • Management Systems: ASI Dealership Management System, ADP DealerSuite, Chrysler Direct Connect Service & Parts Portals, Chrysler Star Parts Portal
  • Collision Estimating & Claims Software: CCC Comp-Est, CCC Pathways Estimating Suite, Audatex Claims Management, Autowatch Utility
  • Accounting & Financial Management: QuickBooks, Quicken, Microsoft Money, and MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Works)
  • Additional Tools: DuPont Performance Alliance Portal, DuPont Color-Net System, Digital Photography, and Internet/Online Commerce
  • Technical Proficiency: Basic computer electrical connections, network devices, hardware installation, and maintenance
    • Bookkeeping & Financial Management
  • Proficient in managing business finances including payroll, state and federal taxes, worker’s compensation, unemployment, and accounts receivable/payable
    • Machinist Operations & Tools
  • Machinery & Tools: Skilled in operating advanced machine shop equipment, including vertical mills, line boring machines, balancing machines, lathes, honing machines, and press operations
  • Precision Work: Familiar with various measuring devices and precision tools used for rebuilding, reconditioning, and modifying components
    Mechanical Operations & Automotive Tools
  • Diagnostic & Repair Expertise: In-depth knowledge of engine management, engine mechanical systems, chassis, electrical systems, driveline, suspension, brakes, and diagnostic work
  • Engine Rebuilding & Performance Modifications: Complete engine rebuilding, from stock to performance applications Extensive experience with domestic, import autos, and light trucks
  • Tools & Equipment: Proficient in using hand tools, machine tools, advanced test equipment, and diagnostic tools used in all aspects of automotive repair
    • Paint & Body Operations
  • Refinishing & Repair: Extensive experience in all phases of automobile refinishing—from base metal to paint, using systems such as lacquer, enamel, urethane, base, and clear coats
  • Collision Repair: Hands-on experience in heavy collision repairs, including frame machine work, welding, and rebuilding total-loss vehicles
  • Fiberglass & Composite Repair: Knowledgeable in repairing fiberglass and composite materials, ensuring quality restoration of both structural and aesthetic elements
    • Welding (Metal & Aluminum)
  • Skilled in Oxygen-Acetylene Welding, MIG, TIG, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding for both metal and aluminum materials Capable of performing welding tasks on automotive frames, panels, and other critical parts

Certification

  • EPA Area Source Rule Training 40 CFR Part 63
  • EPA Section 609 Requirements met
  • PPG certification Envirobase HP
  • ADP DealerSuite management training
  • ASE certification: Collision Repair Estimator, damage analysis & estimating
  • ASE certification: Collision Repair technician, mechanical & electrical
  • ASE certification: Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Program
  • S/P2 Safety and Pollution Training Supervisors Certificate
  • General Motors Training current certification Body Shop Manager
  • Chrysler Academy Level 1 certification, Body Mechanical Level 2 certification, Chrysler 5-Star
  • Chrysler Star Parts System Certification
  • I-Car AHSO1 Advanced High Strength Steel
  • DuPont Alliance University “Understanding the DuPont Performance Alliance” (24 credit hours)
  • Smart Management Damage Analysis (24 credit hours)
  • Certification paint repair DuPont Performance Alliance
  • DuPont Master Paint SOP V6.0
  • Certification Insurance SOP’s for Allstate, Erie, Nationwide, and State Farm insurance companies.

Timeline

General Manager

Bayside Body Shop
01.2013 - 01.2025

Body Shop Manager

Team One Chevrolet Buick GMC
01.2009 - 01.2013

Body Shop Manager

Patriot Chrysler Dodge Jeep
01.2004 - 01.2009

Consultant Service Manager Technician

Appalachian Restoration Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2004

Machinist Technician

Cresap Automotive Machine Shop
01.2001 - 01.2001

Owner General Manger Technician

Porter Service & Restoration, Inc.
01.1993 - 01.2002

Owner General Manager Technician

Porter Motorsports, Inc.
01.1985 - 01.1993

Working Partner Technician

International Auto Specialist
01.1982 - 01.1984

High School Diploma -

Beall High School

Other Relevant Experience

  • Sports Car Club of America Professional Racing, SMC Motorsports (Nissan 200SX) (Toyota MR2) & Mother Bakins Racing (Audi Coupe GT) Pittsburgh, PA
  • Crew member during 6 to 24 hour endurance road races at various tracks in the US and Canada. Repaired, and maintained vehicles during high-speed events.
  • Sports Car Club of America PRO Ralley Series Dominoes Pizza Ralley Car Pittsburgh, PA
  • Crew member for VW Golf ralley car. Maintained and repaired vehicle during the course of professional off road ralley events lasting 12 to 72 hours. Drove chase vehicle at selected events.
  • Sports Car Club of America Amateur Racing Porter Motorsports Racing Cumberland, MD
  • Participated as builder/driver in a sponsored sports car participating in Mid Atlantic and Steel Cities Racing Series consisting of 12 plus races per year at several East Coast and Mid Western tracks.
  • Competition Cars Constructed
  • Triumph TR7 (2) SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Class ITA ITS
  • Dodge Shelby Charger SCCA Class ITA
  • Dodge Omni GLH SCCA Class SSA (Constructed prototype roll cage for Autopower Industries)
  • Volkswagen Formula V open wheel racer
  • Chevrolet road racer/autocross car

Awards

Personal, General Motors Mark of Excellence Award, Driver of the year class ITS Steel Cities Region SCCA, 1st place crew chief competition SCCA PRO Ralley Chillicothe, OH, 5th place Mid Atlantic Road Racing Championship Class ITS, Restoration projects National and Regional Titles, 1st 2nd 3rd and National Concours 1968 Austin Healey 3000, 2nd place National Concours, Feature article “Excellence Magazine” 1955 Porsche 356A Coupe, Feature photo “Porsche Power Performance and Perfection” book by Susan Miller, Best of show Memphis Euro Fest 1954 Sunbeam Alpine, 1st and 3rd place National & 2 regional Concours titles 1972 Triumph Stag, 1st in class British Car Day Bowie, MD 1968 Triumph GT-6, Best finish, British Car Day Bowie, MD 1976 MGB, Best in class British Car Day Pittsburgh, PA 1980 TR7-7 & 1973 MGB-GT, Two feature magazine articles and best in class win Carlisle PA 1985 VW Jetta

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Thomas S. Porter