Walter Sheppard
Maintenance Director | Operations & Facilities Management
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About
Maintenance and operations leader with more than 15 years of experience managing multi-site facilities, maintenance teams, capital projects, vendor relationships, and preventative maintenance programs. Proven ability to improve operational efficiency, control budgets, develop high-performing teams, and oversee large property portfolios. Experienced in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction, project management, and emergency response.
Recognized for strong leadership, problem-solving, and a hands-on management style.
Experience
Director of Maintenance - Dominion - Knoxville, TN
(2022-08)
- Direct maintenance operations for a portfolio of approximately 3,000 apartment units across 16 communities.
- Lead, mentor, and develop maintenance supervisors and technicians across multiple territories.
- Manage preventative maintenance programs to improve equipment reliability and reduce emergency repairs.
- Coordinate emergency maintenance services for three regional territories, including after-hours response.
- Oversee vendor relationships, negotiate pricing, and manage service contracts to control operating costs.
- Approve inventory purchases and maintain material budgets.
- Coordinate annual apartment turn schedules, painting teams, and renovation projects.
- Ensure maintenance teams consistently meet budget and performance goals.
- Manage corporate office maintenance and housekeeping operations.
Maintenance Technician / Supervisor - Dominion Management Group - Knoxville, TN
(2018-05 - 2022-08)
- Diagnosed and repaired HVAC systems while maintaining EPA compliance.
- Installed and serviced residential HVAC equipment.
- Performed electrical, plumbing, appliance, drywall, framing, and general construction repairs.
- Completed apartment renovations and unit turns while maintaining occupancy schedules.
- Assisted in supervising maintenance personnel and daily operations.
Construction Project Coordinator - Blue Ridge Concepts - Asheville, NC
(2017-11 - 2018-04)
- Assisted with residential construction projects from foundation through final completion.
- Coordinated subcontractor scheduling and workflow.
- Supported project management to maintain quality standards and production timelines.
Operations Manager - DPM Enterprises - Knoxville, TN
(2013-02 - 2017-05)
- Managed daily operations for commercial floor maintenance crews.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised more than 20 employees.
- Improved production efficiency through scheduling optimization and workflow management.
- Managed customer accounts, invoicing, scheduling, and project tracking using Service Auto Pilot (SAP).
- Performed preventative maintenance on commercial cleaning equipment and company vehicles.
Project Manager - Southland Remodelers - Knoxville, TN
(2011-08 - 2013-01)
- Managed residential remodeling projects from sales through completion.
- Prepared estimates, contracts, and customer invoices.
- Coordinated jobsite materials, equipment, and subcontractors.
- Ensured OSHA compliance and maintained project quality standards.
- Conducted final inspections and customer walkthroughs.
Head Technician - Retro Foam of East Tennessee - Knoxville, TN
(2009-05 - 2010-12)
- Supervised insulation crews on residential projects.
- Maintained customer communication throughout project completion.
- Installed polyurethane foam insulation in attics and crawl spaces while ensuring safety and quality standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education - University of Tennessee
