The All Access From Dent Repair Now

#71 Insurance Repair Talk

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  *  What insurance issues are you running into on the collision/smash side? *  How are hail delays different this year versus previous seasons? *  What's your take on the industry-wide shift to virtual estimating? *  Where should the PDR community be having this conversation? *  How do you schedule multi-day repairs around unpredictable adjuster timelines? Links & Resources  PDR Expo 2026 — Sept 25–26, The Rio, Las Vegas [https://www.pdrexpo.com] Follow: @dentrepairnow on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

#70 CamAuto Competition Recap and Thoughts

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.

#69 Tool Talk and Competition Prep

EPISODE 69 – TOOL TALK, COMPETITION PREP & CHASING THE CAM AUTO TROPHY 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. CAM AUTO COMPETITION PREP Gene then shifts into full competition mode as he prepares for the CAM Auto event in Canada. He discusses: * What he learned from competing last year * The importance of staying calm and managing time * Quarter panel strategy * Lateral tension and reshaping * Working without backside access * Cold weather glue pulling challenges * The mental side of competition repair He also breaks down the competitors, judges, and the challenge of the first-ever glue pull-only format. TOOLS DISCUSSED ANSON LEVERAGE BAG 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. GLEXO DIABLO COLD GLUE Gene talks about the new larger 32mm preloaded Glexo Diablo tabs and explains why fresh cold glue dramatically improves pulling performance and cleanup. PERFECT PULL GLUE PELLETS 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. BLACK PLAGUE SUPER STRAIGHT TABS Gene explains why these tabs have become one of his go-to options for sharp damage and deep pulls. VIP TRACTION TIPS Peter from VIP PDR Tools introduces new textured pushing tips designed to reduce slipping and improve control while moving metal. SHOCK BLOCKER XL Gene discusses why the larger Shock Blocker XL knockdowns are becoming his favorite setup for crown work and blending. JVF MINI TIPS 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. UPCOMING EVENTS PDR EXPO 2026 Gene previews: * His upcoming cold glue classes * Live hands-on training * Audience participation * Networking and mastermind discussions * The return of competitions in Las Vegas

#68 Anson Open House 2026

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. 🔥 WEEKEND RECAP 📍 ARRIVAL & 20 GROUP MEETUP * Early arrival in Dallas for a PDR 20 Group mastermind * In-person masterminds still hit different—high-value conversations and connection 🛠️ ADVANCED GLUE PULL CLASS * Full class with strong engagement * Highlight: 81-year-old student flying in to learn GPR * Hands-on learning + real-time feedback = massive impact 🎉 ANSON OPEN HOUSE * One of the best-attended open houses to date * Massive showroom + hands-on tool testing * Free food, raffles, and giveaways (including MTE tickets, tools, and more) * Celebrating Anson’s 30th Anniversary 🧰 TOOLS & GEAR HIGHLIGHTS * New hub tools and extensions * VIP blending tips (purple = fan favorite) * Wizard Dice caps for sharper pushes * Cold glue systems and mini slide hammer kits * Anson leverage bag (multi-position support tool) 🌮 THE EXPERIENCE * Taco truck + open networking atmosphere * Smaller, more intimate than MTE or PDR Expo * Easier to have real conversations without the chaos * After-hours hangouts, firepit conversations, and industry bonding 🤝 THE BIG LESSON: NETWORKING “Your network is your net worth.” * Relationships open doors across the country * Events create long-term connections, not just short-term value * One introduction leads to another… and another 🎯 WHY YOU SHOULD GO TO EVENTS * Hands-on access to tools before buying * Face-to-face learning and mentorship * Real conversations with top techs and tool makers * Opportunities you can’t get online 🚀 WHAT’S COMING NEXT * PDR Expo * New hands-on training format * Live car demos during classes * Roundtable on networking and industry growth * Cam Auto Event (Montreal) * Upcoming podcast guests and interviews 💡 FINAL THOUGHTS * Make time for events—don’t wait until it’s “convenient” * Even a quick in-and-out trip is worth it * Investing in yourself pays off long-term

#67 What Is Wrong With Me

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.   🚨 THE “SUPERHERO CAPE” PROBLEM Every hail season, it happens: * A rough panel comes in * You know it’s going to be a grind * But you say: “I got this” Even when: * The dent count is extreme * Replacement might make more sense * The job will blow your schedule 👉 The real issue isn’t skill—it’s self-imposed pressure 🧠 WHY TECHS DO THIS Gene breaks down a few possible reasons: * Obsession with the craft * Desire to prove what's possible * Influence from elite techs (like the “Bryce Kelly effect”) * Internal pressure—not customer pressure This isn’t about capability… it’s about identity. ⏱️ TIME VS. REALITY A key lesson from this job: * Estimated time: ~6 hours * Reality: significantly more * Result: stress, backlog, frustration 👉 The takeaway: Time is your most limited resource—and it’s easy to ignore that in the moment ⚖️ GROWTH VS. LIFESTYLE BUSINESS A major theme in this episode: * Do you have to keep growing? * Or is it okay to build a business that supports your life? Gene reflects on: * Running a full shop vs. solo operation * Overhead vs. profitability * The idea that “if you’re not growing, you’re dying” 👉 Is that actually true… or just something we’ve been told? 🔁 THE CYCLE OF OVERCOMMITMENT This pattern shows up everywhere: 1. Say yes to more work 2. Overload schedule 3. Stress builds 4. Push through anyway 5. Repeat next storm 👉 The real question: Why is it so hard to break that cycle? ⚡ EFFICIENCY VS. SPEED A great insight from training discussions: * Newer techs want to go faster * But the focus should be on doing better work Example: Highly efficient technicians optimize: * Movement * Setup * Tool positioning * Energy use 👉 Speed is a byproduct of efficiency—not the goal 🎓 TRAINING & INDUSTRY TALK * Excitement around upcoming training content in the industry * Shoutout to high-level efficiency-focused technicians * Discussion of different teaching styles and philosophies 🎤 WHAT’S COMING NEXT * Live-style episode from the Anson event * Interviews and industry conversations * Tool reviews (including new glue and tips) 💬 QUESTION FOR YOU * Do you ever take on jobs you know you shouldn’t? * Why do you think we do this? * Where are you at—growth mode or lifestyle mode? 🙌 FINAL THOUGHT This episode isn’t about technique. It’s about something deeper: 👉 Understanding the mindset that drives your decisions—and learning when to pull back.