AUTO DAMAGE EXPERTS - Key Persons
Barrett Smith is a second generation collision repair professional who grew up in the family owned collision repair facilities in the states of Washington and Alaska. At a young age Barrett began performing duties including sweeping and cleaning the facility to performing basic tasks such as sanding and masking and eventually performing repairs, restorations and customizing vehicles.
Upon joining the United States Air Force Barrett left the great Northwest and was transferred to Texas for training, then to West Central Florida where he served as a Pharmacy Technician with what is now known as the 6th Medical Group Squadron at MacDill, AFB by Tampa.
Upon receiving an honorable discharge Mr. Smith remained in Florida and began his career as a collision repair facility owner while attending continuing education in the collision repair field under the GI Bill. He began and successfully operated an independent high quality auto body repair and customization facility for five years before selling the business and taking a position offered by a fast growing national insurance company. Seizing the opportunity to learn claims practices, Barrett worked his way to Senior Claims Adjuster whereas his primary responsibilities were the evaluation of vehicular damages and repair, including motor cycles, commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles and other property. Claim resolution responsibilities included the evaluation, assessment and settlement of property damage issues, including pre-loss condition evaluations; pre-repair damage assessments/estimates, total loss valuations, liability investigations, accident scene documentation/reconstruction, post repair inspections, diminished value claims etc. Additional activities included the assessment and settlement of property damage issues including, but not limited to structure (private and commercial), miscellaneous personal property repair and/or replacement valuation, first and third-party bodily (personal) injury and other loss related assessments and negotiations with legal professionals including bodily injury claims, property damage, loss of use, temporary dwelling and others as called upon.
Barrett Smith left the insurance industry to re-enter the collision repair industry whereas he successfully carried out the responsibilities as manager of an independent high production collision facility, followed by joining two GM new/used car dealerships as collision center operations manager. His duties included all day to day operations including, but not limited to facility design, equipment acquisition/maintenance, advertizing, interacting with upper management, team members, vendors/suppliers, consumers, and insurance claims people.
Mr. Smith later became a partner and operations manager for a new venture independent high quality collision repair facility located within a new/use car and light truck GM dealership. After a very successful startup and first year Barrett sold his shares and entered into another new venture whereas as President and CEO for Brandon Paint & Body, Inc., a high quality collision and restoration facility in Brandon, Florida, significant and steady growth in revenues ensued. During the 15 years that followed, Brandon Paint & Body, Inc. enjoyed exceptional growth in sales, profitability and a reputation as being ranked among its peers and quality oriented insurers as one of the nation's "Top-Shops".
The company was nominated and received numerous local and regional awards including two local Chamber of Commerce "Small Business of The Year Awards" and "The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Small Business of The Year Award". The company, and Mr. Smith's efforts, have been recognized nationally throughout the collision repair and related industries
Barrett has authored numerous industry trade journal/magazine articles including Auto Body Repair News and several cover stories for Body Shop Business Magazine. His ongoing efforts have been, and continue to be to aid in establishing a level field for all interested parties to achieve equally successful resolutions to automotive related property damage issues, including proper and thorough repair, reasonable repair profitability for repairers, equitable claim settlements for both claimants and the responsible/paying parties.
Barrett began providing the much needed and sought after automotive damage/repair forensic related services as early as 1993. Because most appraisers and their organizations provide services to insurers, a significant void and need was found to exist for consumer related services. Auto Damage Experts, Inc. (ADE) was founded by Mr. Smith as a result of the specific needs of consumers and industry professionals for a truly independent and unbiased service provider capable of providing a high degree of professionalism, accuracy and an ethical commitment to those who require its services, regardless of their positioning. This commitment has enabled ADE to be recognized across the country by legal professionals, local and state governmental overseers and corporations, as well as the individual consumer in need of assistance.
Mr. Smith states: "We firmly maintain that the long-term success of our company has been, and will continue to be, based upon the simple and indispensable ‘Core Values' as follows: "If we can consistently satisfy the needs of our clientele, and those of our team members, the company's success will be assured. Furthermore, if we cannot accomplish this with the breastplate of honesty and integrity, we chose not to be in the business! Integrity is simply what one is and does when no-one is watching!"
Job Titles:
- President
- Portland Expert
- President of Operations
David Smith is the President of Operations for Auto Damage Experts (aka ADE), one of the nation's original Auto-Body Repair Inspection and Diminished Value Assessment service providers.