🎙️ All Access Podcast #45
From Collision Repair to Global Innovation: The Jonathan Vandenfontyne Story
In this powerhouse episode, Gene sits down with world-renowned technician, tool designer, and industry innovator Jonathan Vandenfontyne (JVF Tools). If you’ve ever wondered how large-damage glue-pull repair evolved… or how Keco’s collision system came to life… or what it takes to invent next-generation PDR tools… this episode is a must-listen.
Jonathan shares his incredible journey from classic European collision work to becoming one of the most influential minds in modern glue-pull and lateral tension repair. You’ll hear the real stories behind the tools, the breakthroughs, the failures, and the innovations that changed the collision and PDR industries forever.
🔥 Episode Highlights
🔧 How Jonathan Entered the World of PDR
Growing up in Belgium and entering collision work at 16.
Training under specialists who handled massive structural repairs.
Seeing his first PDR tech using handmade tools in an old Peugeot factory.
His obsession with learning anything he didn’t understand — including paying just to watch a tech work.
💡 Early Adoption of Glue Pulling (Before Glue Pulling Worked Well!)
Buying the original Würth glue pulling kit around 2004–2005.
Everyone said: “Don’t waste your money — it doesn’t work.”
Jonathan refused to accept that.
Experimented with cleaners, temperatures, polishing, and techniques until he made the kit perform at a high level.
Discovered glue pull solutions for repairing RVs and mobile homes where pushing wasn’t possible.
✈️ The Trip That Changed Everything — Meeting Keco at MTE
Flew standby thanks to his wife working for United Airlines.
Walks into MTE for the first time — “felt like Disney World for PDR.”
Discovers the first-generation flexible centipede tab.
“This tab is incredible — but where are the tools to actually use it?”
Builds his own prototype pull towers, bridges, feet, and hydraulic adapters at home.
Starts pulling massive dents in minutes instead of hours.
📈 The Viral Video That Changed Glue Pull Repair Forever
Gene and Jonathan discuss one of the most influential glue pull videos ever posted—Jonathan’s 2017 “horse-kicked” van quarter panel repair.
A massive double-wall smash
And the dent walks out in minutes
Jonathan received hate mail claiming the repair was faked
But it became the “aha moment” for thousands of techs (including Gene)
🛠️ The Birth of Modern Collision Glue Pulling
Jonathan collaborates with Chris White, Tim and Jerry at Keco.
Designs early prototypes of:
Large-damage pulling systems
The 7mm Dead Center crease tab (born from grinding down a 12mm tab on a whim!)
This evolves into today’s Keco GPR system used worldwide.
🚀 The Creation of JVF Tools
Jonathan shares why he launched his own brand:
Always operated as a freelancer — never an employee
Wanted to build tools that he believed were missing
Wanted to advance lateral tension and combination pulling
Paired with Barry McKearnan and engineer Jerry Leopold
Their combined thinking leads to the invention of…
🔩 The JVF Retention System
One of the biggest leaps in glue pull tech in the last decade.
The science of pulling vs. pushing
Why diving feet were a problem in earlier systems
Why that creates “metal flow” instead of fatigue
Why combining tension with cold glue is so powerful
And how the new Mini Retention System gives PDR techs access to the same concepts in a lighter form
🔥 New Tools & Innovations
Gene and Jonathan discuss:
The JVF glue gun (a game-changer for high-volume glue use)
The upgraded orange lifter adapters
And how Jonathan gauges whether a tool is worth producing:
“If I don’t reach for it as my go-to tool… I don’t release it.”
🎓 The European Masterclass: A New Level of PDR Training
Jonathan previewed his upcoming 3-day Elite Masterclass featuring:
This event is Europe’s answer to PDR College — built for serious techs seeking elite skills in:
And advanced glue pulling
A professional videographer is filming the entire event for future release.
⚠️ Jonathan’s Warning to Inventors
He closes the episode with incredibly important advice:
“If you invent a tool, protect it.
Get a patent.
Even a basic one.
We are in a time when everything is copied immediately.”
How Alibaba/AliExpress copied his Retention System instantly
How his patent allowed him to have all copies removed
Why new inventors MUST protect their designs
Why copying hurts the entire industry
Why supporting original creators ensures we keep moving forward
💬 Gene’s Closing Thoughts
Knockoffs damage innovation
Tool creators like Jonathan, Keco, CamAuto, Anson, etc. push the industry forward
If techs don’t support innovators, the innovations will stop
Invest in real tools from real industry people — not cheap imitations
📌 Links Mentioned
JVF Tools: https://www.jvftools.com
Upcoming European Masterclass: Available on JVF site
Retention Tools available through:
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🎧 Listen Now
All Access Podcast #45 — “Jonathan Vandenfontyne: The Story Behind the Innovation”
