Episode 56 — Gene Fetty with Chase Dolan Where we start Chase’s background: 27 years in autobody, mainly painting First exposure to glue pull at his shop (Keco kit sitting unused) The “whoa” moment when a dent actually moved Training journey 8 months trying to learn mostly online Real World PDR with Jim Mitchell (one week in person) Dent Wizard/Chris/Dave O weekend training Why in-person coaching fast-tracked everything What actually made him better Daily metal time Learning to slow down Cross-checking with light Knowing when to knock down vs. push Finishing vs. “good enough” Big lessons from Level Up Better starts = better finishes Lateral tension concepts Handling stretch metal When to commit to a tough dent instead of quitting Why patience is a superpower in PDR Real-world win The nasty bedside repair he almost gave up on How shrink and glue changed the outcome Why the customer was thrilled not to paint Why he signed up again for Level Up 2026 Small room. Big instructors. Real dents. Training with Gene + Žan = priceless reps Wants to get better at blending and tough rails Advice to newer techs Stop trying to “figure it out alone” Invest in in-person training Practice hard dents, not easy ones Don’t quit when it gets uncomfortable Where to find Chase dolandentrepair.com Facebook: Dolan Dent Repair Level Up 2026 First class sold out fast Second class tentative (March 5–7) if 5 deposits come in 👉 https://dentrepairnow.com/level-up

🔥 LIVE from Radio Row at MTE! 🎙️ Straight from Radio Row at MTE, we sat down with 6 guests for an unfiltered conversation on PDR, growth, and the realities of the trade. Recorded live from the floor of MTE, this podcast brings candid insight, real stories, and actionable takeaways you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you’re a seasoned technician or pushing past your current limits, this episode delivers no-nonsense value from real people doing real work. 🎧 LISTEN & LEARN: 🔗 Level Up Training with Zan Vidic & Gene Fetty: https://www.dentrepairnow.com/level-up This is where experienced techs go to sharpen their skills, refine how they think through damage, and get hands-on guidance that actually moves the needle — limited seats available. 💬 FOLLOW & CONNECT Subscribe for more PDR tips, stories, and training updates! Leave a comment — tell us what part hit hardest or what you want next. 📩 Want to be on the show? Reach out! 🔥 Thanks for watching — and remember: Skill doesn’t come from watching — it comes from doing.

Episode 54: MTE Pregame, Level Up Training, and Education Day Picks

In this episode of The All Access Podcast, Gene Fetty checks in after Snowmageddon 2026 and lays out what’s coming next — from the upcoming Level Up Advanced Training in Pittsburgh to a full breakdown of Mobile Tech Expo (MTE) Education Day.

Gene dives into:

Why this year’s Level Up Training (Feb 26–28, Pittsburgh) may sell out before it ever goes public

What makes Level Up different: real hands-on reps, advanced damage, and real-world application

Deep rails, sharp dents, cold glue evolution, creases, body line tension, shrinking, smash repair, and metal flow

How Gene and Jean approach the same damage differently — and why that matters for your growth

The business side: estimating, selling, marketing, and content creation woven into the class

Gene also previews everything he’s involved in at MTE, including:

Live podcast recording from Radio Row

Beginner Day Glue Pull Training

KECO Education Day presentation on unlocking and keeping metal unlocked

Shop Owners Roundtable discussion

His must-see picks from Education Day, including business, hail, AI estimating, total loss strategies, and production efficiency

If you’re attending MTE, thinking about advanced training, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at what really moves the needle in PDR and business — this episode is loaded.

👉 Interested in Level Up Training?
DM Gene or Jean to get early access before it’s released publicly.

In this episode of The All Access Podcast from Dent Repair Now, Gene gets real about discipline, consistency, and showing up even when motivation is nowhere to be found. With MTE right around the corner, he also dives into a deep tool breakdown featuring brand-new releases, updates, and problem-solvers every serious PDR tech should know about. Gene shares behind-the-scenes thoughts on sticking to weekly podcast commitments, why discipline always beats motivation, and how small daily actions compound into real progress — in business, content creation, and repair work. The second half of the episode shifts into full tool-nerd mode, covering new and updated tools from some of the most respected names in the industry, plus a few surprises you’ll want to see in person at MTE. What’s Covered in This Episode: Why motivation fades — and discipline is what actually moves the needle Keeping promises to yourself (even when you don’t feel like it) Encouragement for techs putting themselves on camera for the first time MTE updates and how to get involved with the podcast live from the show New tool highlights and first-hand impressions What’s worth checking out (and testing) on the MTE show floor Tools & Brands Mentioned: Anson PDR https://ansonpdr.com Black Plague PDR https://blackplaguepdr.com Sundial Tool https://sundialtool.com Events & Announcements: MTE 2025 – Live podcast recording, tool demos, and in-person conversations Glue Pull 101 @ MTE – Beginner-friendly, results-driven glue pulling Shop Owners Roundtable – Real conversations with real operators Level Up Training – Limited-seat advanced training (details coming soon)

Episode Summary You can be incredible at what you do — and still be invisible. In this episode, Gene dives into a problem he’s been talking about for nearly a decade: technicians creating amazing repair content without ever putting themselves on camera. The result? Beautiful work… and zero connection. Gene explains why video isn’t about becoming an influencer — it’s about trust. Customers don’t just buy repairs; they buy people. And video is the fastest way to build that connection before a customer ever calls or walks through the door. Along the way, Gene shares real stories from his own business that prove how powerful video can be, even when it’s imperfect. The episode wraps with industry updates, support for a longtime PDR leader, and news from around the PDR world. Key Topics Covered Why silent repair videos are holding techs back The Know–Like–Trust factor and how video accelerates it Simple ways to get on camera (even if you hate it) Using voiceovers and time-lapse as stepping stones Why personality matters more than polish Real customer stories where video pre-sold the job Sharing wisdom beyond dents and repairs A direct challenge to get uncomfortable — and visible Practical Takeaways You don’t need to be a content creator — you need to be seen Your phone is already a professional video tool Voiceover is better than silence Wide shots make getting on camera easier Customers trust familiarity more than perfection Industry Updates & Mentions Mobile Tech Expo (MTE 2026) Gene will be attending MTE with multiple appearances, including Beginner Day focused on Glue Pull Repair, Education Day with KECO, the Shop Owners Roundtable, and a live podcast recording from the show floor. Paul Kordon A foundational figure in the PDR industry and the “PK” behind modern pricing systems, Paul was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. Gene encourages the industry to support Paul however possible — financially, emotionally, or through prayer and positive energy. PDR Universe Podcast A brand-new podcast hosted by Žan Vidic and Zeeshan, bringing global PDR perspectives, competition-level insight, and technician conversations to the community. Call to Action This week: Make one video Put your face or voice in it Tag @DentRepairNow Post it No excuses.

In this first episode of 2026, Gene breaks down a simple but powerful system for goal-setting and productivity that actually works in the real world. Instead of New Year’s resolutions that fade by February, this episode focuses on daily execution, accountability, and winning the day—one decision at a time.

Gene shares personal lessons, productivity frameworks he’s returning to this year, and a practical way to turn massive goals into daily wins using the Power List concept popularized by Andy Frisella.

Why most New Year’s resolutions fail

Overestimating the year vs. underestimating the day

Quarterly goal check-ins and adjusting the target

The Power List: 3–5 daily actions to win the day

Turning daily wins into weekly, monthly, and yearly success

Focus Finder sessions and deep work

Productivity habits for business and life

The episode that inspired this mindset shift:

🎧 “Win the Day” – Real AF with Andy Frisella (Apple Podcasts)
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-af-with-andy-frisella/id1012570406?i=1000377906163 

Ginger Bros Dent Show – Shop Owners Roundtable

MTE 2026:

Beginner’s Day: Glue Pull Repair 101

Keco Talk: Unlocking & Staying Unlocked

Level Up Training – February 26–28, Pittsburgh

🌐 https://dentrepairnow.com 
📲 Instagram / Facebook / YouTube: @dentrepairnow

Episode 50 is a milestone — and it’s also my longest, most tool-packed episode to date.

In this episode of The All Access Podcast, I break down the must-have PDR tools for 2026, along with new tools to watch heading into Mobile Tech Expo (MTE) 2026. This isn’t theory, hype, or “tool influencer” talk — these are real tools I use every day in the shop, on hail cars, door dings, and large collision repairs.

Some of these tools are brand new.
Some have been around forever.
All of them earn their place in my cart.

This episode is designed to help you:

Build a smarter, more efficient tool setup

Stop over-switching tools mid-repair

Understand why certain tools matter — not just what they are

Prepare for what’s coming at MTE 2026

Wedges, blocks, and leverage tools that never leave my cart

Why simple tools still matter more than flashy ones

How proper leverage saves time, fatigue, and paint

My go-to blending hammer

Finishing paddles vs. power paddles (and when to use each)

Why handle design and material matter more than most techs realize

Small-diameter rods and tight-access tools

Phenolic and specialty tips for clean, aggressive pushes

Why buying all the tips actually saves money long-term

Shock-absorbing knockdowns vs. traditional styles

Tip materials, weight, and control

Why I stopped switching knockdowns mid-repair

My everyday cordless glue gun setup

High-output collision glue guns for large pulls

When multiple guns beat one “do-everything” gun

Why I was wrong about cold glue (and what changed my mind)

My finishing-stage cold glue setup

Slide hammers I rely on — and why I own more than one

My preferred tension tools for unlocking repairs

Why lateral tension changes everything on collision damage

Tools that move metal without creating new problems

Carbon fiber rods and extensions

Long-reach knockdown setups

Tools that save your body during large hail jobs

I also talk about my upcoming Education Day session at Mobile Tech Expo 2026, where I’ll be teaching:

Lateral tension strategies

How to unlock repairs and stay unlocked

Tool setups that expand what’s possible in PDR

(Listed for reference — this episode is not sponsored)

Anson PDR

Dent Craft Tools

KECO Tabs

VIP PDR Tools

Dent Slayer / A-1 Tool

Finesse PDR Tools

Black Plague PDR

Dent Vision Tools

Glexo

Perfect Pull Dent Repair

JVF Tools

Fast PDR Tools

CamAuto

Carbon Tech PDR

Willy Quick

Dent Gents

Stuckey Tools

Episode 50 isn’t about buying more tools — it’s about buying better, using fewer tools more intentionally, and working smarter instead of harder.

If you’re heading into 2026 feeling overwhelmed by tool options, this episode will help you:

Simplify your setup

Speed up your repairs

Protect your body

And get better results with less effort

🎧 Listen to the full episode
📺 Watch on YouTube
📍 Join me at MTE 2026 – Education Day

In this episode of The All Access Podcast from Dent Repair Now, Gene dives deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in modern PDR marketing: social media.

While platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are more popular than ever, Gene explains why relying on them as your primary business strategy is a dangerous long-term mistake—especially for local, retail-focused PDR businesses.

Using real-world examples, personal experience, and years of marketing experimentation, Gene breaks down why your website is the asset you actually own, how SEO compounds over time, and how social media should be used as a distribution tool, not the foundation of your business.

Topics Covered

Why social media is “rented land”

The risk of losing years of content overnight

Website-first vs social-first strategies

Local SEO vs vanity metrics

Why content should age like wine, not milk

How YouTube fits into a smart PDR marketing plan

Real examples of long-tail SEO paying dividends for years

Using social media to support—not replace—your website

A practical challenge for local PDR business owners

Listener Challenge
If you don’t have a website — start one.
If you do have a website — publish one piece of content this month that answers a real customer question.

Shout-Out
Huge thanks to Cass from CTBodyTech for the thoughtful card and stickers — and for being a great example of implementing training and taking action.

Coming Up Next
Episode 50: 2026 Must-Have PDR Tools
Gene breaks down the tools that actually make you money — not hype tools, not drawer-fillers.

Episode Highlights: - Why there is no universal “best” training - The importance of learning style vs teaching style - One-on-one training: fastest results, highest cost - Small group training: best balance of value and access - Why seminars are great for mindset and micro-wins - The NASCAR analogy: chasing 1% improvements - Why online training does work (when done right) - The real problem: techs refusing to commit to anything - Why metal time matters more than format - Upcoming MTE appearances and topics - Possible Level Up class (Feb 2026 – Pittsburgh) Mentioned Events & Topics: - MTE Beginner Day & Education Day - Glue Pull 101 - Unlocking & Staying Unlocked (KECO) - Shop Owner Round Table (MC’d with Matt Moore)

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