Paint and Panel: The Edge

Episode: Navigating the Future of the Collision Repair Industry with Russ Hill   Episode Overview:     In this episode, Ben is joined by Russ Hill, a seasoned veteran with 48 years of experience in the collision repair industry. Russ shares his insights into the current state and future trends of the industry, touching on several critical topics:   Key Topics Discussed:   Current Industry Trends a...

Employee Turnover and Retention with Professor Paula Brough Employee Retention in the Collision Repair Industry with Professor Paula Brough, Director of the Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing at Griffith University In this episode of 'The Edge,' we sit down with Professor Paula Brough to explore the critical issue of employee turnover and retention in the Australian car collision industry...

What is a virtual estimator and why should you get one? In this episode, Ben welcomes Ash Jardine back to The Edge to delve into the growing trend of virtual estimators in the collision repair industry.  They discuss how Ash's company has developed a system for training virtual estimators offshore to manage quotes effectively for Australian repair shops.  The conversation covers the benefits of vi...

This week's key takeaway: A deeper dive into training the next generation with Daniel Dusi   Episode intro: The skills shortage in the industry is well documented, so it's time to talk to someone who is doing something about it. Daniel Dusi started in the industry at 16 as a spray technician and has worked across a range of collision repair businesses. Now he's training the next generation as Team...

n Digital ADAS Solution to improve your workflow and profitability - with Martin Pinnell-Brown   This is your opportunity to be an early adopter and steal a march on the rest of the market. We speak to Martin Pinnell-Brown, Director of Innovation at Repairify, who is an expert in ADAS technology and a visionary in the field of automotive repair.   Martin will give you the heads up on how you can m...

This week's key takeaway: Boosting workshop efficiency with 5S: A Guide for Collision Repair Owners   Episode intro: We're doing something a bit different this week, as Ben talks us through a system that could revolutionise your business.   The 5S system is a transformative approach to workplace organisation, which originated from Japan's manufacturing principles. We'll tell you how you can implem...

This week's key takeaway: The journey of I-CAR Australia and the importance of training in 2024 and beyond -   Episode intro: We've got a real big hitter on the show this week - a man who has over 40 years of experience in the industry. Richard Pratt is the Board Chairman of I-CAR Australia, who are doing a great job at training up the industry.   You've probably heard of I-CAR, and maybe you've a...

This week's key takeaway: Using systems and tech to scale your business - with Lachlan Smith   Episode intro: If you haven't automated your business with software, it's high time you do. Our guest this week, Lachlan Smith, tells us how the 1QX package he pioneered transformed his business, and how it could transform yours.   If you want your business to run more smoothly and scale, Lachlan's softw...

This week's key takeaway: Ultra 9K and how anyone can accurately mix paint - with Mark Lyall and Brad Franklin   Episode intro: We're doing another site visit to our friends at Sherwin Williams. This time we're giving you the headsup on their new water-based paint product and mixing machine.   We speak to Mark Lyall (Australian Technical Manager) and Brad Franklin (National Technical Training Mana...

This week's key takeaway: Pulling back the curtain on Sherwin-Williams ANZ with Richard Reneman   Episode intro: Something a bit different this week, as Ben takes a trip out of the studio to a top-of-the-range facility and speaks to Richard Reneman: director of Sherwin-Williams ANZ.   Based down in Kincumber, the Sherwin-Williams site boasts a state-of-the art paint-mixing room and some top traini...

This week's key takeaway: How to diversify into detailing in your collision repair business   Episode intro: In this episode we're going to take a deep dive into detailing. You never know, this might just be the up-sell that transforms your business!   Our deep-diving instructor is Matt Gibb, founder of Matt's Magic Detail. This man is a serious big-hitter! He's been running his own detailing busi...

Episode intro:     What a fantastic event this was! Very well attended and full of buzz. We ran out of magazines to hand out by Saturday morning. Lots of new products and services at the show here are some interviews about them from the show stands.   In this episode, we hear from some of the movers and shakers at the event, and Editor Sam is joined by P&P National Sales Manager, Lynette Rochford,...

This week's key takeaway: Updating the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct   Episode intro: Talking about an Insurance Code of Conduct might sound a bit dry, but this episode is living proof that it can be interesting and more importantly, very useful! Almost all of you listening will get significant amounts of business from insurance companies, and no doubt you will have h...

This week's key takeaway: Bodyshop Awards and more!   Episode intro: This week we're going to give you the lowdown on one of the highlights of the year for our industry, The Paint & Panel Bodyshop Awards. Editor Sam went to visit the platinum sponsor of the awards, Compass, and spoke to CEO James Frape and Claims Manager Zara Dickie about the importance of the awards and why they have been a princ...

This week's key takeaway: Beyond PartsCheck: a deeper dive with Jasmine Lee DeWys   Episode intro: We've been trying to get this week's guest for over a year: the PartsCheck Business Development Manager, Jasmine Lee DeWys.   Jas is a real mover and shaker in the business, and a great example of what you can achieve if, in her words, "you keep knocking on the door." Jas also talks to us about the w...

This week's key takeaway: An insight into the WA collision repair market - with Mike Wilkinson   Episode intro: Editor Sam is in the chair for this week's episode, talking to an absolute legend of the industry, Mike Wilkinson. Mike is the MD of Peter Wilkinson & Co; a prestige repair business in WA that his family started 65 years ago.   Mike is a passionate advocate for the industry. He's on the...

To: ​ Mitchell Fewtrell ​ Thu 14/03/2024 12:18 PM     This week's key takeaway: Everything you need to know about the 2024 Collision Repair Expo Episode intro: This week we're going to give you the lowdown on one of the most important events in the industry calendar: the Collision Repair Expo. Beginning on  April 11  at the Melbourne Convention centre, the event is a great opportunity to immerse y...

This week's key takeaway: Converting the Ford F150 to RHD and adapting to the Aussie market - with Tom Dohrmann   Episode intro: On the show this week we celebrate an incredible feat of Aussie engineering. The Ford F150 is driven off the line in Detroit as a LHD, but once it hits the Australian market, it is a perfectly converted RHD. Australia is the only place in the world that does this, and ou...

This week's key takeaway: Keeping you and your team Cyber Safe with Jason LeGuier   Episode intro: It's time we talk about cyber security! Although most of collision repair doesn't take place on a computer, your business is just as vulnerable to attack as any other. Failure to make your business safe can lead to a hefty fine and serious damage to your reputation. If nothing else, you have a moral...

This week's key takeaway:   The 3 keys to building a profitable body shop - with Ash Jardine   Episode intro: You cannot fail to be inspired by our guest this week, Ash Jardine. The owner of Bodyshop Recruit is a good friend of the show, having spoken to us about how his company helps body shops recruit talent from overseas, but we thought it was high time we heard the full story of what got him i...

This week's key takeaway:   Tackling the ADAS Challenge   Episode intro: We like to keep you abreast with the latest trends, so we sent Editor Sam to ADAS Solutions to pick the brains of two experts: Adrian Parkes (Founder/Director) Amy Morgan (ADAS Advisor)   ADAS Solutions has grown incredibly since they built their first dedicated recalibration site in 2022. Now they have 9 sites across the cou...

This week's key takeaway: Making an impact with a purpose-driven business, with Paul Dunn   Episode intro: We have a truly remarkable guest on the show this week. Paul Dunn is the co-founder and chairman of B1G1 - a magnificent initiative that enables people and businesses to give money to good causes when a product/service is bought. Paul is an award-winning entrepreneur who has given three TEDx...

This week's key takeaway: The past present and future of the industry - panel chat   Episode intro: We're doing something a bit different this week: a roundtable discussion with Ben, Editor Sam and two esteemed industry guests. We'll be reflecting on the good and the bad of 2023 and giving you the headsup on what to expect in 2024.   Joining Ben and Sam: Glenn O'Donnell: Bodyshop Awards winner and...

This week's key takeaway: How to get the most out of Linkedin with Adam Houlahan   Episode intro: You might be wondering how Linkedin can be useful in a practical business like collision repair, but rest assured, there is so much you can do!   Regular listeners will know how difficult it is to find the right talent in this industry. So many of our guests talk to us about recruitment, but this is t...