Erica Ann Barber
Erica Barber is an accomplished professional with nearly 15 years of experience in the collision repair industry. She currently serves as the Office Manager at Dave Barber’s Paint and Body in Gainesville, Florida, where she oversees all aspects of daily operations, including estimates, billing, payroll, and insurance coordination. Erica’s path into the collision repair field was both unexpected and transformative. While on maternity leave, she stepped in to assist her father’s business as a secretary fill-in. Following his passing, she committed to the business, learning every facet of the operation through hands-on experience and trial and error. Her dedication and adaptability have allowed her to grow into a leadership role, supporting both her team and the customers they serve with professionalism and integrity.
In addition to her professional experience, Erica is pursuing an Associate of Arts in Business Administration and Management at the University of Phoenix, where she has been recognized on the Dean’s List and is in the process of being inducted into The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). Her decision to return to school underscores her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in management, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to lead a thriving collision repair business. Balancing full-time work, college, and raising three children demonstrates her exceptional organizational abilities, resilience, and dedication to personal and professional growth.
Erica is highly regarded for her meticulous attention to detail, strong leadership, and customer-focused approach. She takes pride in advocating for her clients, ensuring that their needs are prioritized and that they receive accurate, fair, and transparent estimates. Her hands-on expertise, combined with formal business education and ongoing professional development, has made her a trusted leader within her field. Beyond her professional pursuits, Erica values family time and is committed to modeling dedication, perseverance, and integrity for her children, reflecting the same principles that guide her work every day.
• University of Phoenix - AA, Business Administration and Management, General
• Dean's List
• The National Society of Leadership and Success
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the journey it took to get where I am today. I started out working at a golf course, and after my father's unfortunate passing, I took on a role at his collision repair business that began as just a secretarial fill-in position. Through trial and error, I learned the ropes and eventually stepped up when my brother needed someone to take on more responsibility. That led me to go back to school while working full-time and raising my three children. Through all of this, I've developed strong estimating abilities, which I consider one of my biggest accomplishments. I love helping the customers and advocating for them to ensure that these insurance companies pay for the repairs when they're supposed to. For not knowing how to do this initially and just learning hands-on, being able to write a good estimate for customers is something I'm really proud of.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you can build a meaningful career in a field you love while making a difference, even as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. This guidance has inspired me to embrace challenges, pursue opportunities for growth, and approach every role with confidence and dedication, knowing that passion and perseverance can open doors and create impact regardless of the field.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is that you can absolutely build a career you love, achieve success, and continue your education to reach your goals. With dedication, persistence, and a willingness to learn, you can navigate challenges, grow in your role, and create opportunities for yourself, proving that passion and hard work can take you far in any field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face in my field right now is balancing the demands of being a full-time employee, pursuing my college education, and raising three children. At the same time, this situation presents a significant opportunity to develop resilience, time-management skills, and the ability to prioritize effectively. Juggling these responsibilities has taught me to stay organized, remain focused on my goals, and continuously grow both personally and professionally.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me are working hard in school - I just made the Dean's List - and providing excellent customer service by advocating for my customers against insurance companies. But equally important is being able to spend time with my children. I have three kids, and when I'm not working or studying, I'm trying to spend time with them. Balancing being a full-time employee, a college student, and a mom of three is challenging, but spending time with my kids is a priority for me.