How do you actually learn PDR and get started in paintless dent repair?

In this episode, we break down the best ways to learn PDR, from in-person training and online courses to apprenticeship and self-taught learning.

We talk about:

- how to start paintless dent repair

- the fastest vs cheapest way to learn PDR

- what beginners should focus on first

- how long it takes to become a PDR technician

- what tools you need to get started

- common mistakes when learning PDR

Whether you're thinking about getting into PDR or already starting out, this episode will help you understand the real path to becoming a PDR technician.

Training:

bestpdrtraining.com

0:00 Intro

0:35 How to learn PDR

1:30 Why more people want to get into PDR

4:01 How the PDR industry changed

5:21 Fastest way to learn (in-person training)

8:21 Apprenticeship pros & cons

10:29 Online PDR training explained

12:12 Best beginner path

17:40 Learning analogy (fast vs slow paths)

22:16 Different learning styles in PDR

24:37 Self-taught route explained

27:09 Beginner tools discussion

29:48 Best learning combination

34:44 Why learning alone is slower

36:39 Time vs money in PDR learning

44:56 Real beginner costs

50:29 Why quality tools matter

57:35 Final advice

59:25 Outro

PDR Universe - Episode 14

In this episode, we talk about why some PDR technicians get stuck in their journey and stop improving.

Maybe the work is still coming in.

Maybe the customers are happy.

Maybe the money is still decent.

But if you stay too comfortable, avoid harder dents, and stop pushing yourself, sooner or later someone else will pass you.

We talk about:

• why comfort can quietly hold you back

• why bigger dents create bigger opportunities

• how body shops and customers start trusting you more when you tackle harder repairs

• why training, repetition, and failure are all part of growth

• how seminars and online training can speed up your progress

• why copied tools and stagnant thinking hurt the whole industry

This episode is all about growth, discipline, and staying hungry in PDR.

Training & tools:

bestpdrtraining.com

In Episode 13 of the PDR Universe Podcast, we talk about a big business question for dent techs: should you open your own PDR shop, or stay mobile?

Žan and Zeeshan break down the pros, cons, risks, costs and long-term opportunities of having a shop.

They talk about:
🚗 mobile PDR vs shop life
🏢 buying vs renting
💸 overhead, mortgage and pressure
📈 business growth and long-term thinking
🛠️ adding services like polishing
🔥 why a shop can help you level up

A great episode for any dent tech thinking about the future of their business.

Best PDR training:
https://www.bestpdrtraining.com

🎙️ PDR Universe – Episode 12

In this episode, Žan and Zeeshan sit down with DB Expo 2026 Champion Alex Piven to talk about what it really takes to compete and win in PDR.

We cover:
✅ how Alex started in PDR
✅ learning from his father Igor Piven
✅ how he prepared for DB Expo
✅ mindset under pressure
✅ why “slow is fast”
✅ competition strategy, tools and execution
✅ why training never stops, even after 10+ years

We also talk about Zeeshan making another final, the new DB Expo competition dent, and why fitness, discipline and constant learning matter at the highest level.

🎓 Training:

https://bestpdrtraining.com/

In Episode 11 of the PDR Universe Podcast, Žan and Zeeshan talk about how PDR technicians should communicate with insurance adjusters.

Topics include:

• How to justify repair hours
• Why adjusters underestimate PDR repairs
• How to educate insurance companies
• Why speed should not reduce your pay
• The importance of building good relationships with adjusters

If you do hail repair or insurance work, this episode will help you avoid disputes and get repairs approved faster.

🎓 Training:https://bestpdrtraining.com/

🎙️ PDR Universe – Episode 10

This episode was recorded LIVE at IASRE 2026 in Germany 🇩🇪

We break down:
✅ the new competition format
✅ tougher dents + less time
✅ why that makes judging better
✅ the growth of the expo
✅ live reactions from organizers and competitors

Guests in this episode:
🔥 Almin – competition organizer
🔥 Freddie – expo organizer
🔥 Bart – competitor fresh out of round one

We also talk about tools, glue, competition pressure, and why events like IASRE, MTE, PDR Expo and CamAuto matter so much for the PDR industry.

🎓 Training:

https://bestpdrtraining.com/

In Episode 9 of the PDR Universe Podcast, Žan Vidic and Zeeshan sit down with Josh Kidd (Canada) to discuss scaling a PDR business with an abundance mindset — without burning bridges. Josh shares his journey from early door ding work to hail operations, partnerships, insurance contracts, merging companies during COVID, running multiple locations, and adding services like ADAS calibrations to stabilize year-round revenue.Training & courses: https://bestpdrtraining.com/

🎙️ PDR Universe – Episode 8

We’re joined by Stefan from the USA 🇺🇸 — an 18-year autobody tech making the transition into full-time PDR.

We talk about the REAL side of switching:

✅ aluminum surprises

✅ underbidding and learning

✅ why R&I becomes a huge advantage

✅ building a PDR business while still working a shop job

✅ fears of leaving W-2 security

✅ the best advice for body techs who want to jump into PDR

🎓 Train with us:

https://www.bestpdrtraining.com

Guest:

Stefan Esche (MyDentShopLLC / UBreakIFix47)

🏆 Should you compete in PDR even if you don’t win?

In PDR Universe – Episode 7, we recap MTE and Dent Olympics, and break down why competitions are valuable even without a trophy.

Competing helps you:

✅ perform under pressure

✅ handle people watching you (customers, techs, judges)

✅ build confidence (which makes selling easier)

✅ sharpen skills faster

✅ create reputation + open doors for work

We also talk about mistakes, mindset, how to mark your dent, and why MTE dents are on another level.

🎓 Want to get faster + better at hail and real-world PDR?

https://www.bestpdrtraining.com

Burnout in PDR is real—especially in hail season.
What helped YOU the most when you felt burned out: time off, changing environment, changing work type, or something else?

Train with us (Hail + PDR fundamentals): https://www.bestpdrtraining.com 👊
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