PDR Workshop Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dave Oh, Christopher Ray
The PDR Workshop consists of two distinguished Master Technicians in the Paintless Dent Repair industry who have teamed up to share with you their business practices, marketing techniques, Q & A, and tool recommendations. Dave Oh (PDR Workshop) and Christopher Ray (Dentless Touch) are respected and influential business owners who continually strive to push the Paintless Dent Repair industry forward.
Trying to prepare for any industry changes and threats to PDR is what we must do as business owners to be able to pivot or adjust at any given moment. We drive briefly into what could be some of the most significant changes to the automotive industry, especially dealing with Paintless Dent Repair.
Dave and Chris dive into customer service and wonder if it can overpower a less than 100% PDR repair. Tune in to catch their thoughts and what they do to deliver the ultimate customer service experience in their facilities.
We take a deep dive into what platforms have been useful in 2022 for content creation for Dentless Touch. What is the importance of creating a portfolio of content for your business.
Goals For 2020
- Pop Up Shops - 10 Car Shows
- Make company content more fluid
Internal
- Organization
- Monthly get togethers
- Measure Accountability
Satellite Locations Pros - Cons
- Pros - Look Bigger - Online Presence - SEO
- Cons - Becomes logistic nightmare - Managing multiple business - Quality control - Customer relations
DECADE RECAP 2010 - 2020
- Tools We Used To Use
- Tools that have been great for industry
- Marketing Strategies
- Networking has changed (forums, MTE)
- Where is Industry now
Chris and Dave go over the sales breakdown for Dentless Touch in the month of November. You will be able to hear how the majority of sales are acquired and where they come from. We break down November into a couple of main categories with sub categories to give us a grand total at the end of the month.
Tune in as we explore some new options for a retail location for Dentless Touch. We go through the beginning stages of what it takes to find, relocate, and purchase a new building.
We go over the new aesthetic warranty from Transparent Vehicle Warranty. Parent owner Glassparency brings us a new take on vehicle reconditioning coverage. We go in depth on how this new package allows business owners and vehicle owners to come together.
We go over some of Zan's favorite tools that he uses to glass out these tough repairs. Zan resides in Slovenia where the work lifestyle of PDR is different. We go over some of the differences that he experiences as a master technician.
The Mobile Tech Expo in Las Vegas brought some new tools to the PDR industry. We also talk with some of the great techs in the industry who are always pushing the limits
As always Mobile Tech RX delivering the latest and greatest in mobile technician software for your company and business
We go over all of the little details that made the hail storm that hit our area, run as seemless as possible.
We go over some neat little tips and tricks to help you and your PDR business run more efficent.
Part 2
- The dealership
- setting up the deal
- negotiating
- writing the estimates
- handling insurance
- making sure there was proper count
- reassuring everything will be handled
- starting cars without knowing the final number
- finding a shop
- coordinating bodies to come and push without knowing the count of cars
- multiple accounts needing PDR service for hail damage
First thing we did was find out the area of which the storm hit. Which may consist of physically traveling to the area and surveying possible dealerships or parking lots for damage. You can then receive a rough guesstimate on how many cars will be on the ground ready to work on within the week.
Typically after that the next couple of days will be your accounts service in that area calling. If you don’t have any in that area then you are trying to promote your name in that area. A lot of shops or dealerships will be looking for companies to service their cars.
We show some of the different ways a technician is able to maintain some of their tools in their arsenal.
Check out what we feel you should do before hiring your first employee for your PDR company
We go over what we think the REAL issues and complications are with scaling a PDR company
We go discuss how you can properly use Instagram for your business which will help drive sales. We found an article that reviews 10 ways to help utilize Instagram.
https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/instagram/
You can check out the article we went over here: http://appliedcolors.com/so-what-do-car-dealers-think-of-their-vendors.html
Why Wholesale Is King
- Monetary benefits - With multiple accounts, wholesale can lead to a day to day steady flow of income
- Conveience Aspect - When dealing with multiple wholesale accounts, there is little time for other avenues. It allows for a technician or a company to deliver the most value possible to there dealerships that they service. There is a cadence that will naturally progress and accounts can easily be serviced 1 -2 times a week. Sometimes 5 days a week of the volume allows
- Time - Wholesale allows for flexibility within a technicians schedule, where as long as they are there on the day they say they will be, everything will most likely run smooth
- Growth Potential - If servicing many wholesale accounts, it allows for a larger volume of work to flow through the company which will naturally bring more money in. This steady flow of income from multiple dealerships will allow a company to gain revenue sometimes quicker than strictly a retail setting.
- Stability - It possibly easier to grab 1-2 cars from a wholesaler than to close 1 -2 retail sales
Chris and Dave discuss whether the tools or the tech make the repair. A technician can have all of the tools in their arsenal but is it up to them to know how to use them?
Mistakes Every PDR Tech Makes
Repair
- Not recognizing your tip
- Knocking down too early
- Using some sort of cart
- Estimating damage w/o light, w/o comparative pricing, w/o pre-scan
- Tool Variety — Not appreciating new tools or methods
- Looking for secondary access or all of the ways to gain access
- Changing tools throughout the repair — Using the best tool for the job
- Underestimating large damage
- Not asking for help
- Not respecting the craft/ Constant Learning
Business
- Not understating basic business foundation
- Targeting proper clientele for your SKILL level and your Business
- Not building proper relationships w/ accounts
- Misuse of Ads —— Relying solely on ads — not using them efficiently
- No Insurance
We discuss some of the major differences between being an Entrepreneur vs a Solorpreneur.
What are the benefits of both
What are some common practices that Entrepreneurs put in place for growth
Do Solopreneurs have it easier
What are some tools available for solo technicians that can help manage daily tasks
A recap with Stanliner PDR Tools on their event held by Stanliner
https://www.stanlinertools.com/pages/seminar2?fbclid=IwAR1p3Ags_uw-JYaOuKLfnHxKKwPimqyCNAkbnIilmbmDPrvM5KJ4R3UH4AA
You will be taking a dive into using the exciting Stanliner tools with demonstrations. You’ll get your hands dirty and seeing first hand how to use the Stanliner Tools to it’s potential.
This course will cover many aspects of pdr damage including;
- Complex damages
- Deep/regular door dings
- Hail damage
- Glue pulling
We go over a recap of the Stanliner Tool training over the weekend.
Hosted by DentKraft with Owner Don Kavanagh
Stanliner Tools
Kazimieras Stanliner
Thomas Stanliner
- How can we work smarter not harder
- What are some new tools that will be available
- What did the training entail
- How many attended the Stanliner Training
We go over what we feel are some of the worst vehicles to perform PDR on
What categorizes a car to be on this list
- Metal type
- Impossible access
- R&i s needed
- Tools required
- Common dents
- Paint durability
Please Support our Sponsors
Blehm Tool Co
https://pdrtoolstore.com/
Mobile Tech RX
https://mobiletechrx.com/
Dentcraft PDR Tools
https://dentcrafttools.com/
We go over why we choose to work on bigger damage. Extra long creases, minor collision, body lines are all just some of the advanced repairs we choose to tackle in the field while performing Paintless Dent Removal. We go over some of the reasons why we choose to take on these big jobs rather than passing.
We go over some of the newest features and the biggest update Mobile Tech RX has had since its release.
John is able to reveal some of the ups and downs with building a highly competent software that allows mobile technicians to run their business in a smooth organized fashion from their mobile devices.
Q&A - Episode #56 | The Best Paintless Dent Repair Work Vehicle | PDR Workshop
- What Do you look for in a work vehicle ,mpg , rolling billboard(branding), price, reliability, maintenance cost, Customization, Comfort
- What type of vehicle to you recommend for a beginner tech and a season tech
- Does the vehicle you pull up in make a difference
- How does a certain style vehicle help with efficiency
What are some reasons you need to choose a cargo van for your business:
- Fuel savings! When choosing a cargo van, you have to choose an incredibly fuel efficient van – not only will it help the environment but you’ll also get better mileage for less money. And with all the competition out there, many cargo van makers are taking fuel efficiency very seriously, with some vans ranging 22 miles a gallon.
- Reliability. There are so many well known brands available that you always know that when choosing a van, you are getting the most advanced van with all the standards.
- Branding. You can easily have mobile billboard for your business! Choose a simple design but make sure the logo is easily seen.
- Customization. Either the interior or exterior can be customized. You can transform the van to be as comfortable and practical as you need.
- Space. A full-size cargo van is spacious and on average has 120-200 cubic feet of space.
- Comfort. Most commercial vehicles are uncomfortable but a full-size cargo van does carry the comfort level of an SUV or minivan. And also has the storage and hauling potential of that of a commercial vehicle.
We go over how to make money by pre and post scanning a vehicle in your shop. Add Ons and Supplements to your estimate can lead to higher profit margins and inform the insurance companies on the challenges we deal with as Paintless Dent Repair Technicians.
We go over some of the terminology we use as PDR Technicians that typically we only understand
Ep. 55 what’s the true cost of starting a Pdr business
We all wish we knew exactly what it was going to cost to start our companies before spending a single dime. As everyone has different budgets the fact is, planning all the expenses beforehand can dramatically reduce the chances of unexpected expenses. In 2009, the Kauffman Foundation estimated that the average startup costs $30,000 lets break down how accurate this number is with a PDR Business.
- Training time and cost $6-15k
- Tool expense $10k
- Setup process
- Marketing budgets $2k $500week
- Networking
- Vehicle purchase $5-15k
- Recurring bills (phone, gas,
- Insurance $300
- Professional fees $1000
- Business registration
Ep.54 How partnering with a local tech can be beneficial
- What do you think of when a we say partnering up?
- Describe a time were you and another tech joined up
- What questions do you ask to figure out common interest?
- When is the best time to seek an alliance?
- Examples of how techs worked together for better effectiveness
alliance[uh-lahy-uhns]
a merging of efforts or interests by persons, families, states, or organizations:
The positive/negative possibilities for each category
Hail side of the industry
Local Retail market
Share Techniques
Territories or geographic
Marketing ideas
Mentorship
Strategic alliances are probably the most overlooked form of offline marketing and, yet, they’re one of the most meaningful. Two heads are better than one. With the same goals and values you can be an unstoppable force. Many of us tend to be so individualistic that sometimes it’s hard to rely on someone else. Don’t think of alliances as handing over part of your business, but rather just like networking.
Chris and Dave go over how Appearance Affects Sales. You can find the latest article at https://dentlesstouch.com/how-does-appearance-affect-sales/
We discuss how we feel a technician or business owner should prepare for their next PDR appointment. Dave shows off the Tequila Tabs and Chris brings on the Carepoint Flatbar.
You can find the full article at
https://dentlesstouch.com/three-factors-that-effects-your-dent-repair-time-tech-talk/
We talk about how we feel these three key elements affect repair time.
Chris and Dave go over their experiences of when they have had to quit a repair due to certain circumstances. The chat engages with us and also tells stories of when they have also had to call it quits.
We talk with Charlie Moline with ThePDRShop out of Texas. Charlie has been a technician in the dent removal industry for more than 15 years. From being a New Orleans native, to being forced to move due to Hurricane Katrina, Charlie tells us the ups and downs he has had throughout his career and where that's brought him to today as a family man, a technician, and business owner.
We discuss our opinions on learning paintless dent repair online. The chat was going crazy on everyones view on learning paintless dent repair from tutorials, online training platforms, and in home practice.
Join us tonight as we discuss the Ups and Downs of learning this trade (PDR)
Emotional effects
Technical difficulties
Determination
Confidence
Integrity
Attitude
We always look forward to an engaging live chat from you guys during the show! So please don’t hesitate to join in.
A brief Bio on Chistropher Ray. The digital enthusiast, entrepreneur, and family man. Christopher Ray
We have a recap on the 2019 Mobile Tech Expo. We talk about who we met, what new tools we saw, what was education day like. Ryan talks about the new tools he purchased. Dave goes over the relationships built this year. Chris talk about his experience with one of the education day classes.
Ryan, Dave, and Chris talk about their prep for the Mobile Tech Expo in Orlando, Florida. How we feel the expo itself will be, what we are excited to learn, education day, meeting a lot of the listeners.
We chat with Ryan Shutt about his career, business practices, and marketing skills. Ryan shows off the Willy Quick PDR knockdown and blending hammer. Chris shows off the new Dji Osmo Pocket.
We go over how to point out pre existing damage to a customer. There may have been a previously painted panel, or previous PDR on the panel you are working. We talk about how to properly show this to a customer and incorporate that into the sale before the repair is performed. Dave shows off a magnetic knockdown from DruzToolz. Ryan shows off a great Black Friday deal with some DeWalt batteries. Chris shows off some new Hawg Glue. We answer questions from our viewers.
We talk about how to handle a disgruntled customer. It isn't always the easiest when a customer has intense questions about a repair or after a repair. We go over how to handle this certain situation. Dave brings on the Magnatek Mat. Chris shows off a nifty tool for R&I and his new bag. Ryan shows off the new Bryce Rockhill blending hammer.
We talk about how to build a relationship with your customers. Building a customer base is not the easiest thing to do for a business. We go over building and maintaining these relationships as a business owner. Dave travels to the east coast to hang out with Ryan and Chris.
We go over what it is like to deal with the elements of weather when you are a mobile technician. Weather can make or break a job or a tech. Chris shows off the B&D Edge Pliers.
We dive into who is Dave Oh. We talk about how he got into the industry, what sparked the biggest decision of his life, where WindyCityDentRepair is at currently. Dave shows off two door hook tools he uses. Ryan brings on the EDT Hammer and knockdown.
We talk about technicians creating tools that make it easier perform the job. Educating customers. Chris shows off a useful Blehm door tool and a Milwaukee heated jacket. Dave shows off an Ultra knockdown used for crowns. Ryan shows a mini R4 tip from Dentcraft.
We go over how to create content for your PDR business. We utilize many platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram to distribute content pertaining to our businesses. Having a local social media presence can give you a leg up on the competition. Ryan happens to be at SEMA!
Chris, Dave, and Ryan go over the one thing they would all like to improve upon in their PDR Businesses. Chris shows off how he knocks down large crowns. Dave shows what tip he's been using on the Ding Bat. Ryan receives a care package from EdgeTools.
We go over why we feel MTRX is the best application for the Paintless Dent Repair industry. We also talk with one of the creator/founders of MTRX and gives us some insight to the different functions of MobileTechRx. John also gives a little inside scoop as to what is expected for 2019.
We bring on a fellow PDR Technician who is also creating amazing products. Matt started getagripnow.com to offer versatile tools to help with our everyday repairs. Chris shows off the Stuckey Glue Gun. Ryan shows the VIP knockdown. Dave brings on a nifty wheel cover for when working on fenders or quarter panels.
We speak with Hudson Tansey of DentGents from The Woodlands, TX. A family man running a successful PDR business and building a beautiful family. Hudson speaks on work/life balance. Maintaining accounts and customer retention. Ryan shows off a Dentcraft hand tool and an amazing new Get-A-Grip tool. Chris shows how to use the measuring tool on your iPhone to estimate damage.
We go over how we negotiate with a customer. Not every customer will say YES to your price, and being in business you will have to do some negotiating. We go over how we negotiate with a customer. We use points such as a standard pricing guide, bodyshop pricing, and the insurance company.
Chris and Ryan show off some ugly repairs, and how they approached these extremely damaged vehicles.
As a 20 year technician Dave Johnson has seen it all. He explains how the process of Paintless Dent Repair has changed over time to the tools we use, management styles, and industry techniques. Dave Oh shows off a tool from a company no longer in business. Chris shows a new way to use a Dent Dial. Dave Johnson explains his DingBat.
We run through some different slides and explain if we feel certain damage is repairable or not.
We chat with Dave Streen from Edgy Tools about a couple of brand new products he will be releasing. We dive into marketing a PDR business and maintaining a proper PDR website.
We explain how we add value to our bodyshops. Dave shows off some new square tabs. Chris brings on the Milwaukee cordless heat gun. Ryan brings on two of his favorite snap on hammers.
We chat with Myke Toledo of DentTime out of San Diego, CA. We go over if you are able to teach yourself the art of PDR. Myke shows off a tool called the Dent Reaper. Ryan shows off the Endeavor Dent Tools hammer and knockdown. Chris brings on the accessories for glue pulling with the Dent Dial.
We talk with Manny Lopez with Manny's PDR out of Brea, CA. We talk about his story from being a successful body shop estimator to the owner of a paintless dent repair company. Ryan shows off a new Edgy Tool tip, Dave brings on the door jammer he uses for everyday repairs.
We go over how we keep our dent repairs clean throughout the repair. Ryan shows off the Endeavor Dent Tools Hatch Bar as well as a new Endeavor pushing rod. Chris shows which blending hammer he prefers.
Coming from a route perspective, Dave explains what tools he feels every PDR Technician. Tools such as a standard Elimadent Light, Dent Dial, Etc. Chris speaks on what tools are available to him at his shops and why they are important for his business.
We bring on a special guest to talk about making the switch from chasing hail to opening a retail PDR shop. Hail can be a lucrative market but does take a toll on a technician being away from home for so long. After a period of time out on the road chasing hail, Christiaan has made the decision to make the switch.
We explain how we negotiate with customers and insurance companies. Ryan shows off a new blending hammer. Chris brings a useful whale tail.
We talk with Chad Peters of Endeavor Dent Tools. Chris shows the different Edge Jack sizes. Dave brings on his new Milwaukee Mini Buffer.
We go over what went down at our PDR Workshop June 23, 2018. Dave shows the new Tequila tabs from Anson PDR. Chris shows the Caterpillar tabs from Keco. Ryan shows off the brand new Endeavor Tools window hanger.
We talk about what will be talked about and gone over in our June PDR Workshop class. Ryan shows off his business cards and explains the benefits of why his card works. Chris speaks on what headphones work best for him.
Should you contact warranty companies and start to work with them? Will they be beneficial to you and your business? We go over a couple of dent warranty companies and the pros and cons of using them in your area. Ryan shows off a DentMagic Tool and an almost non existent PullDog slide hammer. Chris brings on the important Tessa Tape and talk about its benefits.
We talk with Brice Kelly with Central Florida Dent Repair about business, PDR, and repairing extremely large damage
Things we will be discussing
- Stanliner Tools
- Retail Market
- Repairing Large Damage
Things we will be discussing:
Why to R&I panels
When to R&I panels
R&I over Drilling
Pricing and Charging for R&I
We go over the procedure as a local technician when a hailstorm hits your area. Who should you contact, what happens with your accounts, what work when entail when this happens.
We will be going over:
Estimates/Invoicing
Networking
Advertising
Industry Changes
Insurance
Bodyshops
Finding Help
We explain the different methods in how we apply heat to a panel. Chris shows off the SlapperTapper. Ryan brings in his glue gun carrying kit.
We go over the basic components of glue pulling a dent. What a technician needs to do to prep a panel before glue pulling. What glue tabs work for us. Ryan explains what glue gun he prefers. Chris brings on some new tabs that have a new look.
We go over the major differences between the metal manufacturer's use to build their cars and how it affects us as PDR technicians. Dave shows off the writing pads he uses for his customers. Chris brings the PDR Finesse paddle and a Milwaukee buffer. Ryan showcases his new Sony 5100 he will use for filming.
We go over how to blend, talk to customers, and some scheduling apps. Ryan talks about the Snap-On hammer he uses for knocking down. Chris brings on the Edge-Jack and how he uses it for edges. Dave shows off the Mobile Tech Shade.
How to acquire and maintain wholesale accounts. Chris talks about MobileTechRx. Dave showcases a new UltraDentTool. Ryan brings a new DruzToolz pick on the show.
In this episode we talk about the pros and cons of being completely mobile or having a retail location to service your customers. Paintless Dent Repair can be performed in either atmosphere. Some businesses are setup for both. We go over which style of service we use in our businesses and how they impact our daily routine.
Dave shows off a couple of tools he uses daily. Chris shows off a new light. Ryan talks about the Ding Bat. We also answer various questions from our viewers.
PDR Workshop goes over how we all start dents differently. Chris shows off a new PDR Finesse tool. Ryan brings on a new Meguire's rubbing compound. Dave talks about wholesale accounts.
Ryan goes over the new CarbonTech's new window bar and solid carbon fiber pushing rod. We explain some of the challenges as a PDR technician from dealerships, customers, bodyshops, dents.
We go over questions from our viewers who are looking for tool tips, dent removal techniques, and business systems.
A brief overview of Christopher Ray with Dentless Touch, Ryan Shutt with RPS Dent Specialists, and Dave Oh with WindyCityDentRepair and how we got into the PDR industry. We also answer some questions from our viewers about chasing hail, opening a retail location, and new tools.
Our first episode of the PDR Workshop Live Show. We go over some of the reasons why you should choose PDR over a Bodyshop and why a Bodyshop over PDR.