All Access Podcast – DB Expo Italy (Clean Transcript Part 1)
Intro
Gene:
Welcome to the All Access Podcast. We’re live from the DB Expo in Italy.
I think this is episode 61 or 62 — it’s been a long week and I didn’t even check my phone before we hit record.
We came in early for the masterclass. We were planning to vlog the whole thing… that didn’t happen. It’s been hectic. We barely made it here, our luggage showed up two days late, and we had to go buy clothes.
But honestly — it’s been an incredible week.
The masterclass was great. We got to learn from Bryce and Geddes, and it’s always amazing to see how the best in the world approach repairs. The show itself has been crazy busy. We’ve been working and hanging out in the KECO booth, doing demos, and connecting with a ton of people.
We also put together a full lineup of interviews for you. Every guest brings something — a tech tip, life advice, or just a different perspective on the craft.
I’m really excited for you to hear it.
Interview 1 – Wayne (Just PDR)
Gene:
Alright, we’re back here at the DB Expo. I’ve got Wayne from Just PDR.
We actually just met yesterday — you interviewed me first, and I liked what you were doing, so I figured let’s flip it and get you on the show.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Wayne:
I’m from the south coast of England, near Brighton. I’ve been doing PDR for about 12 years now — mostly route work with some retail on the side.
Gene:
And you’re starting a new content series, right?
Wayne:
Yeah — it’s not live yet, but the idea is to go deeper than just before-and-after videos.
I want to talk to technicians about:
- how long they’ve been doing it
- their techniques
- how they approach repairs
Just give newer guys more insight.
I think sometimes techs can be a little closed off, and even after 12 years I still feel like I’ve got a ton to learn.
Gene:
There’s always more to learn. I’m 24 years in and I’m still picking things up.
Honestly, I’d say just start putting your content out. Don’t wait for it to be perfect — just go.
Where can people find you?
Wayne:
Just PDR on Instagram.
Gene:
Perfect.
Alright — if you could give one piece of advice to a PDR tech, what would it be?
Wayne:
Stay consistent.
Show up when you say you’re going to show up. Communicate with your customers. Keep them informed.
People want to feel important — and they are. They’re the reason we’re in business.
Gene:
That’s such simple advice, but so many people miss it.
Just show up, do what you say you’re going to do, and be consistent.
Interview 2 – Zan Vidic
Gene:
Alright, next up — I found Zan wandering around.
What’s been your favorite part of the show so far?
Zan:
It’s big — especially for Europe.
What surprised me the most is how many tool vendors are here. There are more and more American companies coming over and bringing new innovations.
Gene:
Did you pick up anything?
Zan:
Just a small torch.
Gene:
That seems to be a theme this week — everybody’s buying torches.
Alright — same question I’m asking everyone:
If you could give one piece of advice to a technician, what would it be?
Zan:
Go to expos.
Network. Meet people. See new tools. Build connections.
If you want to grow your business or your career — this is one of the best ways to do it.
Gene:
That’s perfect — and it ties right into something we’re doing later this year on how to actually maximize events like this.
Interview 3 – Jonathan (JVF Tools)
Gene:
Alright — back again at the DB Expo. We’ve got Jonathan, who was part of the masterclass this week.
You were here the whole time. What was your biggest takeaway?
Jonathan:
No matter who you are, you can always learn.
But what stood out to me is how structured the top technicians are in their approach.
They’re not guessing. They have a clear process:
- where to start
- how to move through the repair
- how to finish it
There’s a system behind it.
Gene:
That’s something we hear all the time — guys transitioning from hail to bigger damage don’t know where to start.
Jonathan:
Exactly.
There needs to be a clearer roadmap:
- first moves
- second moves
- how to finish
Once you understand that structure, everything becomes more predictable.
Gene:
And Bryce really showed that this week — taking the time to set up properly before even touching the dent.
Jonathan:
Yes. He didn’t start until everything was perfect — access, tools, positioning.
That’s a huge takeaway.
Gene:
Alright — give us one tech tip.
Jonathan:
When you’re applying glue to a large tab — don’t just dump it on.
Zig-zag the glue.
That pushes air out evenly and gives you a much stronger bond. If you don’t do that, you trap air — and that reduces strength.
Gene:
That’s gold right there.
