Gene talks about what the culture at Dent Repair Now looks like, how they have evolved and what does work ethic mean? Is a strong work ethic actually healthy? PDR Expo is coming up in September at The RIO LAs Vegas! September 25,26 2026. See the round table and Gene’s talk on cold glue.  Also keep an eye out for the Soft Skills Seminar to be held at Dent Repair Now in late October or early November. 

Episode 72: Gratitude, Burnout, and When the Adjuster Actually Shows Up Episode 72 of the All Access Podcast from Dent Repair Now. Gene Fetty opens with a moment of gratitude after a punishing eight-day stretch, then updates the Jake's Insurance claim story from Episode 71, goes deep on the industry-wide insurance crisis, and wraps with a conversation about old tools, new podcasts, and what's coming up for Dent Repair Now. Quote of the Week "What a privilege it is to be tired from the work you once dreamed about." Gene reflects on nearly 25 years in PDR and challenges longtime technicians to stop and look back at how far they've come — instead of always chasing what's next. Jake's Insurance Update The adjuster came out Tuesday and approved the job. He was the original virtual adjuster who had written a low estimate from photos — and immediately acknowledged the truck was far worse than the pictures showed. The only change he made was backing out a flare replacement that, on inspection, turned out to be an easy scuff repair. The rest of Gene's numbers held. Total: approximately $4,800 approved. Why In-Person Adjusters Matter The contrast between the adjuster who refused to come out (Episode 71) and the one who did tells the whole story. In person, you can physically see the damage, take your own photos, and build a human connection. Over the phone, it's easy to stonewall. Gene believes that connection — not the paperwork — is what gets fair outcomes. The Scheduling Problem Gene's week was already fully booked when both insurance approvals came through at once. That forced late nights and weekend work for the team. Unlike body shops that run a full lot of waiting cars, most PDR work isn't insurance-based — which makes scheduling around unpredictable adjuster timelines a serious operational challenge. Gene is asking: should these cars stay longer? Should rental car clocks start ticking on drop-off? No clean answer yet. Shoutouts Big thanks to Louie and Mac for stepping up during the crunch week, including Mac coming in on a Sunday instead of spending it with his girlfriend. Building an Industry Playbook Gene is exploring whether PDR shops should get more engaged with SCRS and other body shop trade organizations. He's also looking at reaching out to Collision Hub and SCRS for an educational series specifically aimed at PDR techs navigating insurance claims. The question he's sitting with: when AI is writing the denial, who's our AI on the other side? Tool Talk The $4,800 smash repair was partially saved by a tool from a former employee — a 20-year-old A1 or Inventure rod with the right kick and a blunt tip, pulled from the basement stash. Gene makes the case for keeping old tools: you never know when a weird angle or a specific radius is exactly what the job needs. He also mentions buying a new football tip from Dent Reaper (.com) and somehow spending $700 on tools in the process. New Beginner Podcast Coming soon: a 10-episode Netflix-style series aimed at people new to PDR — covering the real look of the industry, what it takes to get in, and what the lifestyle actually looks like. Will have broad appeal even for experienced techs. A cool interview is lined up for July. Watch @dentrepairnow for the announcement. Soft Skills Seminar — Pittsburgh Coming this fall (likely October or early November) at Gene's shop in Pittsburgh. Focus areas: sales, marketing, and navigating insurance — evolving as the claims landscape changes. More details to follow. PDR Expo 2026 Sept 25–26 at The Rio, Las Vegas. Gene is doing a roundtable and a two-hour cold glue session Saturday morning — classroom theory in the first half, live hands-on repairs on a real car in the second half. pdrexpo.com Facebook Milestone Dent Repair Now is close to 5,000 followers on Facebook. Share the page, tell your friends, help push them over the line. Community Questions How are you scheduling insurance cars when approvals are delayed by a week or more? What's your go-to move when a virtual adjuster stonewalls you? Should PDR shops be more engaged with SCRS and body shop trade orgs? What's the old tool you can't bring yourself to throw away — and has it saved you? What resources are you using to build your insurance claims playbook? Links & Resources PDR Expo 2026 — Sept 25–26, The Rio, Las Vegas Dent Reaper Tools: dentreaper.com Follow: @dentrepairnow on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Episode 71: Insurance Talk — When the Adjuster Won't Show Up

Episode 71 of the All Access Podcast from Dent Repair Now. Gene Petty walks through a live insurance claim battle on a deer-hit truck — from a lowball photo estimate and an adjuster who refused to show up, to a speakerphone call that cracked the case open. He also covers Erie Insurance's move to pull all field adjusters off the road, and opens the floor to the PDR community to share what they're experiencing. 

The Claim 

A truck came in with significant damage — roughly 30" on the rear door, plus hits in front of the wheel well and on the bedside. Shannon wrote it at $4,800. The customer filed a claim with their insurer (referred to as 'Jake's Insurance'), who ran a photo estimate and came back at ~$3,000. 

The Adjuster Standoff 

When Gene filed for a supplement, the assigned adjuster (Bob) called before the shop opened and refused to come out — stating Gene wasn't a body shop and the claim had been written for conventional repair. This was Gene's first time in 18 years of doing PDR insurance claims having an adjuster flatly refuse a visit. 

The Speakerphone Moment 

Gene called in a favor from his body shop partner (Joey), who swung by, agreed the door needed a full skin, and texted the original adjuster (Jim) directly. During the call, Jim didn't know he was on speakerphone — and said Gene was 'out of his mind' before realizing Gene was standing right there. The conversation shifted immediately, and Jim agreed to come out Tuesday. 

The Bigger Problem 

Insurance companies are now routing photo claims to local adjusters to write virtually rather than visit in person. Gene believes this is intentional — a built-in strategy to low-estimate claims knowing a large percentage won't get repaired. 

Erie Insurance Going Virtual 

Gene shares that Erie Insurance — one of the best insurers to work with in the Northeast — is pulling all in-person automotive adjusters from the field before year end. He considers this a major setback for PDR collision work. 

Kristin Feller / Collision Hub 

Kristin gave a talk on claims handling at a recent event (Montreal) and Gene recommends it highly. Key takeaway: adjusters are increasingly scripted and AI-driven, and repairers need specific language strategies to get around dead ends like 'we don't pay for that.' 

PDR Expo 2026 

Sept 25–26 at The Rio, Las Vegas. Gene is presenting on cold glue — theory in the morning, live hands-on repair in the afternoon with participants doing actual repairs on a live car. pdrexpo.com 

Join the Conversation 

Links & Resources 

PDR Expo 2026 — Sept 25–26, The Rio, Las Vegas

Follow: @dentrepairnow on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

This week on the podcast, Gene breaks down the CAM Auto Completion competition from this past weekend in Montreal, Canada — covering the highs, the setbacks, and the moments that defined the event. From intense runs and unexpected damage to standout performances from competitors across the field, Gene gives his honest perspective on how the competition unfolded. The episode also includes exclusive damage photos and visual breakdowns as Gene walks through what happened, what failed, and what teams can learn moving forward. Along the way, he recognizes competitors who pushed through adversity, delivered impressive performances, and helped make the weekend memorable. Whether you were at the event or just following along online, this is a detailed recap of a wild weekend in Montreal — competition analysis, community recognition, and real discussion about the wins, losses, and damage that came with it.

Gene Fetty returns with a packed episode covering competition prep for the upcoming CAM Auto glue pull competition, lessons learned from last year’s event, and a deep dive into several tools and products currently earning a spot in his repair arsenal.

The episode opens with a reminder that Dent Repair Now is planning a Soft Skills event later this year focused on business, sales, communication, and customer interaction inside the PDR industry. Gene shares a story about helping another technician improve phone sales in just a few minutes and explains why soft skills are often the missing link in many businesses.

Gene then shifts into full competition mode as he prepares for the CAM Auto event in Canada. He discusses:

He also breaks down the competitors, judges, and the challenge of the first-ever glue pull-only format.

A simple but versatile support bag designed for leverage and tool positioning during repairs. Gene predicts it’ll become one of those heavily used “can’t live without it” shop tools.

Gene talks about the new larger 32mm preloaded Glexo Diablo tabs and explains why fresh cold glue dramatically improves pulling performance and cleanup.

After revisiting the Perfect Pull glue system, Gene shares why the glue has become one of his current favorites for heavier tension work and collision pulls.

Gene explains why these tabs have become one of his go-to options for sharp damage and deep pulls.

Peter from VIP PDR Tools introduces new textured pushing tips designed to reduce slipping and improve control while moving metal.

Gene discusses why the larger Shock Blocker XL knockdowns are becoming his favorite setup for crown work and blending.

A standout tool in the episode, Gene praises the precision and polish of the new JVF mini knockdown tips for clean crown work and controlled striking.

Gene previews:

Recorded straight from the airport after a packed weekend in Texas, this episode recaps the Anson Open House 2026, the advanced glue pull class, and why events like this are one of the most powerful growth tools in the PDR industry.

“Your network is your net worth.”

This episode is a candid, unfiltered look into the mindset of a high-level PDR technician during hail season. Gene shares a recent experience tackling a difficult hail truck—and how it turned into a reminder of a recurring problem:

Trying to do too much… just because he can.

Every hail season, it happens:

Even when:

👉 The real issue isn’t skill—it’s self-imposed pressure

Gene breaks down a few possible reasons:

This isn’t about capability… it’s about identity.

A key lesson from this job:

👉 The takeaway:
Time is your most limited resource—and it’s easy to ignore that in the moment

A major theme in this episode:

Gene reflects on:

👉 Is that actually true… or just something we’ve been told?

This pattern shows up everywhere:

👉 The real question:
Why is it so hard to break that cycle?

A great insight from training discussions:

Example: Highly efficient technicians optimize:

👉 Speed is a byproduct of efficiency—not the goal

This episode isn’t about technique.

It’s about something deeper:

👉 Understanding the mindset that drives your decisions—and learning when to pull back.

🎉 Birthday Weekend + Showing Up Anyway Turning 50 → full weekend celebration with family and friends Reality check: not 21 anymore 😄 Lesson: Even when you don’t feel like it, you show up and do the work 🔧 Advanced Glue Pull Class @ Anson Coming up soon (limited spots remaining) Focus areas: Lateral tension techniques Reshaping sharp/deep dents Body line repairs Cold glue speed + finishing Format: Hands-on + demo-based learning Bonus: $100 Anson gift card + lunch included Link: https://www.dentrepairnow.com/advanced-glue-pull 🧠 Why Headlines Matter (A LOT) Up to 80% of ad success = headline/hook Same applies to: YouTube videos Social media content Google Ads 👉 If your hook fails… nothing else matters 📘 Copywriting Resource Advertising Headlines That Will Make You Rich – David Garfinkel Breakdown: Proven headline formulas Fill-in-the-blank style adaptation Real-world application for local businesses 🔗 https://a.co/d/0dz3Ml51 🧩 The Power of Words “Only $4.99” vs “Costs $4.99” “Investment” vs “Price” Small wording changes = big perception shifts 👉 Every word in your copy matters 🎯 Speak to ONE Person Instead of: “Pittsburgh, we fix hail damage” Say: “Were you hit by the hailstorm in Ross Township?” Talk directly to the individual Enter the conversation already happening in their head 🌩 Real-World Example: Hail Marketing Shops overwhelmed → not taking estimates Opportunity = positioning + messaging Example angle: “Immediate hail repair openings” “We know local shops are booked—we can help now” 👉 Timing + wording = conversions 💬 Conversational Copy Wins Write like you talk Drop the formal tone Be human, not corporate Example: ❌ “Dear Sir or Madam…” ✅ “Hey, it’s Gene—the dent guy…” 🧠 The “Caveman Brain” Rule Your marketing should be instantly clear: “Ugg… dent broken. They fix dent. Call.” No confusion No overload No friction 📄 Landing Page Tip (Huge One) Best-performing pages: Match the exact wording of the ad Example: Ad: “Dent Repair Canonsburg” Page headline: “Dent Repair Canonsburg” 👉 Consistency = higher conversions ✏️ Keep It Simple (Crayon Simple) Short sentences Bullet points over paragraphs Easy to scan Easy to understand 🎥 Be Yourself on Camera Authenticity builds connection People don’t just buy services—they buy you Real example: Customer came in after watching a non-PDR “life” video Connection → trust → sale 🔥 Final Challenge Test your headlines Test your hooks Test your wording 👉 Then test again 💬 Call to Action What’s your best-performing headline or hook? Drop it in the comments or message Gene directly

PDR Business From Scratch: What I’d Do If I Started Over in a New City Episode Summary: What happens if you lose everything—your contacts, your reputation, your content—and have to rebuild your PDR business from zero? In this episode, Gene Fetty lays out a complete, practical roadmap for restarting in a brand-new market. From immediate cash flow to long-term stability, this is a step-by-step strategy rooted in real experience. Key Takeaways 1. Cash Flow First — Survival Mode Matters You’re not in the dent business yet—you’re in the marketing and sales business Start where money is immediate: Independent used car lots (COD work) Small body shops (quick pay + opportunity) 2. Go Where the Cars Are Car washes Detail shops High-traffic vehicle locations Set up simple, fast: Mobile setup Quick-turn repairs Volume over perfection early on 3. Build Reviews Immediately Set up your Google Business profile ASAP Ask every customer for a review Frame it as reciprocity, not begging “Reviews are how the next customer finds you.” 4. Document EVERYTHING (Content Machine) Every repair = content opportunity Use your phone—no excuses Post everywhere: Google Business YouTube Facebook Instagram 5. Wholesale = Long-Term Stability Target franchise dealerships (BMW, Lexus, etc.) Position yourself as: Backup to current tech Bridge between PDR and body shop 💡 Key insight: Sell once → get paid for years 6. Play the Long Game with Dealers Consistency wins Show up weekly Build relationships, not pressure 7. Turn On Google Ads Early Don’t wait for SEO Start with $300–$500/month Focus on high-intent searches 8. Build a Foundation Before Scaling Early work = “site prep” Wholesale = foundation Retail + marketing = growth layer Quote Worth Remembering “Until you have dents in front of you, you’re not in the dent repair business—you’re in the marketing business.” Call to Action Interested in advanced training? Grab a seat before they’re gone. Follow DRN for more real-world PDR business strategy. Share this episode with someone trying to level up.

Episode #63 – Sales Talk, Tips, & Advice

Sales is one of the most overlooked—and most important—skills in the paintless dent repair industry. In this episode, Gene Fetty breaks down the mindset, strategies, and real-world experiences that have shaped his approach to selling PDR services.

Most technicians enter the industry focused on tools and repairs, but quickly realize that without sales, there is no business. This episode dives into how to bridge that gap and become more confident, effective, and ethical in your sales process.

No matter your role—retail, wholesale, or hail—you are always selling. Without a sold job, there is no repair.

Inspired by Zig Ziglar, Gene explains why believing in your service creates a responsibility to sell it properly—for your benefit, your customer’s benefit, and the industry as a whole.

A powerful real-world example of what happens when a job is underpriced:

Before any sale happens, customers must:

Gene explains how to build all three quickly through communication, body language, and connection.

Customers don’t understand the complexity of PDR—until you show them. By walking them through the process, you remove resistance and justify pricing naturally.

Using tools like Mobile Tech RX and structured pricing:

Advanced Glue Pull Class:
https://www.dentrepairnow.com/advanced-glue-pull 

Larry Story Example Video:
https://youtu.be/8ZJsJGsO4Kk?si=cu8cVF6FRjEizzFr 

Selling isn’t about being pushy—it’s about guiding customers to the right decision with confidence, clarity, and integrity.