Birdie's Biography:

Melissa “Birdie” Patterson has spent nearly 30 years in the automotive industry, working her way up from sanding bumpers and prepping cars to managing repair shops and guiding them through ownership transitions. As a former shop manager and I-CAR certified collision estimator, she knows firsthand the challenges shop owners face - building trust, leading teams, and keeping business running smoothly. Birdie had the privilege of working closely alongside Maylan Newton for years, whose serve-first philosophy and “attitude of servitude” continue to shape her approach today. She teaches using the Maylan Method - blending real-world shop experience, industry data, and storytelling that sticks.

Her style is practical, engaging, and sprinkled with humor, making even complex topics feel approachable. Whether she’s helping shops strengthen their teams, refine their marketing, or connect more deeply with customers, Birdie brings fresh energy and real-world experience to the conversation. She’s been a featured speaker at events like TOOLS Pennsylvania, and in 2024 & 2025 has been invited to speak at ATRA, ASTA, and AAPEX. 

When she’s not working with shops, she enjoys cooking, swimming, and working toward her private pilot’s license - always open to the next adventure, whether in business or in the sky.