In this episode, Gene sits down at a Pittsburgh cigar bar with long-time friend and industry road dog Jack Bucknell. They dive into what truly changes a PDR technician’s career: relationships, networking, getting off your island, and plugging into the community.

Together they unpack:

Why so many techs feel isolated

How going to events like MTE and PDR College Advanced Skills Seminar changed their lives

How real relationships lead to real opportunities (hail work, retail growth, worldwide travel, and lifelong friendships)

Upcoming highlights for MTE 2026, including new talks, new tools, and what Gene & Jack will be involved in

The newest tools shaking up the PDR world, including:

Reaper Revolver Hood Stand

Keco’s Dent Slayer Panel Stand

Anson Mini Hub

Carbon Tech Light Stand

Shock Blocker

Flip Light /  Elimadent Mini Light

Gene’s favorite new tool of the year

Jack’s top three tools of the year

The power of massive action, showing up, and saying yes

Announcements for:

Level Up Training (“If we get enough people, we’re doing it.”)

AAI → Dent Repair Now migration for all students

If you've ever felt like you're “on an island” in the PDR world — this episode is the antidote.

You’re only on an island if you choose to be.
Getting off your island starts with showing up: MTE, meetups, open houses, toy drives, anything.

Relationships create opportunities you can’t plan for.
Jobs, travel, collaborations, tool development, training, masterminds — all of it happens because you meet people.

PDR College was a turning point for many techs.
Listening → going to events → taking massive action = career transformation.

Efficiency tools = more cars = more income.
The Revolver stand, Carbon Tech light stands, and tension tools are changing how fast techs work.

MTE 2026 is going to be huge.
Gene is speaking, co-hosting the Shop Owners Roundtable, and participating in Radio Row along with Jack.

Level Up Training may return.
Message Gene or Zan if interested.

The AAI migration to DRN Institute is complete.
Students retain full access and can log in at dentrepairnow.com/institute.

(Add your affiliate or shop links here if you want a monetized version)

Reaper Revolver Hood Stand

Keco Dense Layer Stand

Keco K-Power + Tab Straps

Anson Mini Hub

Carbon Tech Light Stand

Elim A Dent Flip Light / Limited Mini Light

Shock Blocker

Industrial Glue Gun (Jonathan’s)

Watch the video version on YouTube → @DentRepairNow

Log into all AAI courses at → dentrepairnow.com/institute

Message Gene or Zan if interested in Level Up Training (February)

Follow Gene on all platforms → @DentRepairNow