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:

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  Why so many techs feel isolated

  
  


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  How going to events like MTE and PDR College Advanced Skills Seminar changed their lives

  
  


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  How real relationships lead to real opportunities (hail work, retail growth, worldwide travel, and lifelong friendships)

  
  


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  Upcoming highlights for MTE 2026, including new talks, new tools, and what Gene & Jack will be involved in

  
  


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  The newest tools shaking up the PDR world, including:

  
  
  
  
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    Reaper Revolver Hood Stand

    
    
  
  
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    Keco’s Dent Slayer Panel Stand

    
    
  
  
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    Anson Mini Hub

    
    
  
  
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    Carbon Tech Light Stand

    
    
  
  
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    Shock Blocker

    
    
  
  
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    Flip Light /  Elimadent Mini Light

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Gene’s favorite new tool of the year

  
  


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  Jack’s top three tools of the year

  
  


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  The power of massive action, showing up, and saying yes

  
  


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  Announcements for:

  
  
  
  
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    Level Up Training (“If we get enough people, we’re doing it.”)

    
    
  
  
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    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.

Key Takeaways

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  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.

  
  


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  Relationships create opportunities you can’t plan for.
  Jobs, travel, collaborations, tool development, training, masterminds — all of it happens because you meet people.

  
  


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  PDR College was a turning point for many techs.
  Listening → going to events → taking massive action = career transformation.

  
  


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  Efficiency tools = more cars = more income.
  The Revolver stand, Carbon Tech light stands, and tension tools are changing how fast techs work.

  
  


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  MTE 2026 is going to be huge.
  Gene is speaking, co-hosting the Shop Owners Roundtable, and participating in Radio Row along with Jack.

  
  


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  Level Up Training may return.
  Message Gene or Zan if interested.

  
  


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  The AAI migration to DRN Institute is complete.
  Students retain full access and can log in at dentrepairnow.com/institute.

  
  

Tools Mentioned

(Add your affiliate or shop links here if you want a monetized version)

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  Reaper Revolver Hood Stand

  
  


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  Keco Dense Layer Stand

  
  


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  Keco K-Power + Tab Straps

  
  


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  Anson Mini Hub

  
  


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  Carbon Tech Light Stand

  
  


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  Elim A Dent Flip Light / Limited Mini Light

  
  


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  Shock Blocker

  
  


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  Industrial Glue Gun (Jonathan’s)

  
  

Calls to Action

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  Watch the video version on YouTube → @DentRepairNow

  
  


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  Log into all AAI courses at → dentrepairnow.com/institute

  
  


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  Message Gene or Zan if interested in Level Up Training (February)

  
  


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  Follow Gene on all platforms → @DentRepairNow