Advertise on podcast: Paint and Panel: The Edge

In this episode, Sam Street talks with Ash Jardine, Managing Director of Bodyshop Recruitment, about the Plan 4 Profit initiative starting this year. We begin our discussion by reviewing the evolution of Body Shop Recruit. We explore how many repairers lack a clear understanding of their true shop rates, and get an insight into the origins and development of the Plan for Profit calculator, including its expansion into multiple rate categories and the importance of the achieved rate.  Our discussion delves into the national roadshow, how the workshops will help repairers calculate accurate rates, reverse engineer estimates, and make stronger business decisions in negotiations with insurers. The episode also explores why shop rates must be reviewed regularly as costs change and how better rate awareness can significantly impact profitability.  We wrap up by highlighting the practical structure of the workshops, their accessibility, and the broader industry benefit through financial support for the Australian Collision Industry Alliance.   Links & Resources: Plan 4 Profit bodyshoprecruit.com.au/plan-4-profit Do you want to sponsor Plan 4 Profit? bodyshoprecruit.com.au/sponsors ------------------------------ The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.   Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron Editor: Chris Visscher Producer: Steve Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2026

In this episode, Sam Street talks with Hiliary Bradbury from Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA), Dan Maher from L&M Smash Repairs and Ann McClure from McClure Refinishing about ACIA's successes and challenges. We begin our discussion by getting an overview of ACIA. Why it was founded, the work it has undertaken and the challenges involved with funnelling interested students into apprenticeships. We also explore the costs involved with attending career expo events, the need for more repairers to join, the increased interest from young car enthusiasts, and how repairers can get involved with ACIA to help attract talent and the many benefits that come with volunteering. We wrap up by reviewing how young staff can breathe a new life and perspective into the shop, as well as supporting mature staff.   Links & Resources: Australian Collusion Industry Alliance (ACIA) www.theacia.com.au McClure Refinishing www.mcclurerefinishing.com L&M Smash Repairs lmsmash.com.au ------------------------------ The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.   Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron Editor: Chris Visscher Producer: Steve Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street talks with Ray McMartin from Sydney Automotive Paint & Equipment (SAPE) about the changes in the industry that he has both seen and driven. Ray bought SAPE back in 1976 and over the years has sourced and bought game changing equipment for the repair community. We begin our discussion by getting an overview of SAPE's history and Ray's career, how the company invested in the data and automation revolution, and the time he spent marketing Finnish Autoliner products in America and the contribution Terry Flannigan has made to the industry. The discussion also reviews how shop owners have changed over time, highlighting some outstanding shops, and the high levels of migrant representation in the early days of the industry.   Links & Resources: SAPE Group www.sape.com.au ------------------------------ The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.   Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron Editor: Chris Visscher Producer: Steve Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street talks with Susann Kluge, Vice President Business Management Automotive Refinish Coatings Solution Asia Pacific at BASF, about their Glasurit line how the company supports its customers to become more efficient, profitable and importantly to develop sustainable practices. We kick off our discussion by celebrating the 100 years of the scarlet Macaw as the Glasurit logo and get an overview of their sustainability journey and how Australia compares to the international market. The discussion also explores the continued rise of digitisation, how the industry can attract more young people to the workforce, and the rise of collaboration between shops and data based decision making. We assess how the APAC region will change with this drive for sustainability, digitisation, recruitment, and customisation. We wrap up by getting an insight into why the parrot was chosen as the mascot for Glasurit, and review the features that the Body Shop Boost software package offers and the experiences of shops who have implemented it.   Links & Resources: Glasurit www.glasurit.com/au Body Shop Boost www.glasurit.com/en-int/boost-success-body-shops  Glasurit launches a new, sustainable clear coat at Automechanika 2024 www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/glasurit-launches-a-new-sustainable-clear-coat-at-automechanika-2024 Glasurit Unveils Limited Edition Devilbiss Spray Gun www.paintandpanel.com.au/products/glasurit-unveils-limited-edition-devilbiss-spray-gun ------------------------------ The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.   Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron Editor: Chris Visscher Producer: Steve Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2025

This episode features a panel discussion that seeks to explain the important topics to consider when it's time to repair your car. For the panel, Sam Street and Grant McHerron are joined by Tracey Richards, Business Manager at Geoff Richards Panel Beating, Glenn O'Donnell, General Manager at North Shore BMW Bodyshop, and James Frape, CEO of Compass Corp. We begin our discussion by reviewing a hypothetical crash and the process involved in renewing policies to retain benefits and choice of repairer, contacting the insurance provider, and getting a loaned car while waiting for it to be repaired. We explore how damage is assessed, the  difficulties of acquiring parts internationally, and get some red flags to look out for in relation to rushing repairs, ignoring manufacturer specifications, and the hurdles put in place by some insurance policies. The discussion also goes into detail about how large damage is assessed for repair, the need to accommodate for the large range of customisation in consumer vehicles, and making sure your repairer is authorised to undertake the work properly. We wrap up with some final tips and tricks to consider when picking up and dropping off your car for repair.   Links & Resources: Compass Corp www.compasscorp.com.au Geoff Richards Panel Beating www.richardspanelbeating.com.au North Shore BMW nsbmwb.com.au ------------------------------ The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.   Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron Editor: Chris Visscher Producer: Steve Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street talks with Steve Leal, President & CEO of Fix Network, to discuss the network's presence and growth in the Australian market. We begin our discussion by comparing similarities between Australia and Canada, followed by a review of the network's efforts to develop a sustainable franchise system for entrepreneurs, and explore the benefits franchisees gain from being part of a global network. We also get an overview of Fix Network's official sponsorship with KICK Sauber F1® Team, their continued efforts to build consumer trust, and the type of business owners the network is looking for — highlighting the importance of staying up to date in a rapidly evolving industry. We wrap up with Steve's insights on working collaboratively with his franchisees, long-term investment strategies, and the level of commitment required.   Links & Resources:   Fix Network www.fixnetwork.com/en ------------------------------ The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media. Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron Editor: Chris Visscher Producer: Steve Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street visits I-CAR Australia's training institute in Melbourne and learns about welding and why it is essential that panelbeaters update their welding skills.   We begin our discussion by getting an overview of the need for structural welding skills and the importance of formal training to match new body construction formats. Editor Sam and Trisha Evan from Drive get hands-on experience at welding. We review some common difficulties in vision and measurements, and insights into the improved quality and efficiencies gained from learning and using new methods and equipment. We also get an overview on I-CAR's Introduction to Welding Basics program, an insight into the importance of practicing welds, the common issues seen in welding, and the need for certification to ensure the safety of the weld. the business. and the customer.   We wrap up with a comparison of the sound made by a good weld and a bad weld.   Links & Resources: I-CAR Australia i-car.com.au I-CAR Australia Welding Courses i-car.com.au/?s=welding+course Connect with Jason Trewin www.linkedin.com/in/jason-trewin-8b8b9959 Gary Wood www.linkedin.com/in/gary-wood-36b7a3103 ------------------------------ The PKN Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.   Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron Editor: Chris Visscher Producer: Steve Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street interviews Darrell Jacobs, CEO of the Motor Trade Association of South Australia and Northern Territory, about a number of topics relating to MTA's work and training of apprentices. We start our discussion by reviewing how the closure of the TAFE which taught Trade and Panel resulted in MTA stepping up to fill the training gap in South Australia, teaching both at their training facility and travelling to schools to get students involved. Darrel also shares his experience organising the $4m rebuild of their site due to a fire caused by an electrical fault, the sourcing of government funding to implement further upgrades to their facility, as well as running the MTA's Graduation and Awards Honours. We also evaluate how having the mandated code legislated has resulted in improving standards, whilst assessing the need to update the code, and review the response from the industry of the drafting of the new code. We wrap up with considerations for choice of repairer, the increased adoption of electric vehicles, and how insurance companies conduct themselves.   Links & Resources: Biggest ever MTA Graduation and Awards Honours SA's Top Auto Talent www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/biggest-ever-mta-graduation-and-awards-honours-sa-s-top-auto-talent MTAQ holds vibrant draft Code of Conduct event www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/mtaq-holds-vibrant-draft-code-of-conduct-event  ------------------------------ The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.   Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron Editor: Chris Visscher Producer: Steve Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street interviews James Frape at Compass about their sponsorship of the Bodyshop awards and also Chris & Shari Agnew from Sommerville Smash Repairs about winning in last year's awards. We begin our discussion with James about why Compass has sponsored the Bodyshop awards for the last 10 years, we also get an overview of the categories for this year, with awards for Best Shop, Best Practice, and Best Individual, and we review the nomination, submission, and judging process. Our discussion with Chris & Shari Agnew provides an insight into their experience  winning the Best Large Shop award last year, seeing a great response from their team, and the trust and recognition it brings. We wrap up with some tips on how to put together a submission for an award.   Links & Resources: 2025 Bodyshop Awards Supplier nominations close friday 2 may 2025 Shops self nominations close friday 30 may 2025 bodyshopawards.com.au ------------------------------ The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.   Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron Editor: Chris Visscher Producer: Steve Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street interviews Matt Hobbs, CEO of the Motor Trades Association of Australia, about the Code of Conduct review. We start with getting an understanding of why the Code of Conduct review is being conducted with issues surrounding governance structures, sanctions and penalties, dispute resolutions, and unclear assessment times. Matt shares his experience in what caused delays in the review, the importance of liaising with the Australian Motor Body Repairers Association (AMBRA), and how industry and government have an invested interest in negotiating an outcome that improves the dispute resolution process. Matt also gives us an insight into how they will launch this review, the feedback process that it will undergo, and how they will find a suitable and truly independent reviewer.  We wrap up by discussing concerns surrounding insurance mergers and the dominance of large insurers leading to a lack of competition.   Links & Resources: Review of the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct www.mviricode.com.au/  Whole industry collaboration on code www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/whole-industry-collaboration-on-code Industry consultation on draft code to open in early March www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/industry-consultation-on-draft-code-to-open-in-early-march  RAA sells its insurance book to Allianz www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/raa-sells-its-insurance-book-to-allianz ACCC calls for submissions on insurance take over deals www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/accc-calls-for-submissions-on-insurance-take-over-deals MTAA says no to insurance mergers www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/mtaa-says-no-to-insurance-mergers ------------------------------ The PKN Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.   Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street interviews Steve O'Brien from iBodyshop about how artificial intelligence can help collision repairers We get an overview of how AI has been revolutionised following the improvement of processing power and increased accessibility to data sets, especially with the use of the cloud. The discussion explores the use of AI to assess the damage on vehicles, whether it should be written off or repaired, answering customer queries without having to wait in queue for support, and the likelihood of AI undertaking 'boring' jobs rather than more dynamic tasks. Steve shares how his company utilises AI to conduct progression tests and rolling out an estimation tool, as well as their launch in the UK. We wrap up by reviewing how this can help staff to focus their efforts to improve their service, the increased use of AI in insurance, and how estimations vary from international markets utilising similar technologies. Links & Resources: iBodyshop www.ibodyshop.com AI for the boring stuff www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/ai-for-the-boring-stuff  ------------------------------ The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media. Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2025

On this episode of The Edge, John Hristias, PPG's Sales Director, is back to share how the company is helping body shops tackle rising energy costs while keeping profits in check. He dives into PPG's latest low-energy cure products, including air-dry primers and clears, designed to save power and handle the demands of EV repairs.   John explains how these innovations slash energy use without cutting corners on performance. He shares real data showing how shops can reduce costs per job, making a big difference to the bottom line.   The chat also explores why sustainability isn't just a buzzword anymore – it's becoming a key part of how businesses operate, especially with rising ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. Whether you're keen on cutting costs or staying ahead with eco-friendly practices, this episode has something for every shop owner.   In this episode, - John's Journey with PPG   - What's Happening in the Industry   - Tackling Costs with Sustainability   - Gear That Gets the Job Done Faster   - Real-Life Wins from New Products   - The Future of Sustainable Workshops  

The Essentials of Risk Management in Collision Repair Shops In this episode of The Edge, Ben chats with Dianne Rawlings, the CEO of Risk Management Essentials, about the often-overlooked area of risk management in collision repair shops. Dianne shares her extensive background in risk management and the automotive industry, highlighting the importance of compliance, equipment maintenance, and effective communication in creating a safe, efficient work environment.   They explore practical tools, including cloud-based systems, to help shop owners stay compliant and proactive, while emphasising the need for proper documentation and training to protect both workers and business owners from potential liabilities.   In this episode, Understanding Risk Management   Compliance and Legislative Requirements   Common Challenges in Collision Repair Shops   Tools and Resources for Risk Management   The Importance of Documentation   Consulting Services and Solutions   Resources Website: https://riskessentials.com.au/ https://Mydox.com.au Contact:  RME: 1300 388 880 Dianne Rawlings (CEO): 0427070271 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannerawlings  

This podcast is in the industry legends series with a former friendly rival David Newton-Ross, founder of National Collision Repairer magazine.   Have you ever wondered how there came to be three magazines for the collision repair industry, or about how I-CAR got started in Australia? Find out and much more in this great episode with industry legend David Newton-Ross. His industry stories are an international who's who spanning decades. Did someone say, General Norman Schwarzkopf? Elvis? George Barris? Yes, that would be just some of the people David reminisces about looking back over a long and satisfying career.   In this episode find out   How David got started in the collision repair industry   How working for SAPE had him spending years in the US   How a kangaroo helped to sell Autorobots   How I-CAR came to Australia   How there came to be three industry magazines   How George Barris drove to Vegas with Elvis   Useful links   Find out more about I-CAR: https://i-car.com.au/ Book your tickets for the Paint & Panel Bodyshop Awards: https://bodyshopawards.com.au/ Want to suggest more legends for the podcast? Email: [email protected]  

Exploring the Legacy and Innovation at GYS Factory In this podcast episode, the Paint and Panel Magazine Editor visits the GYS factory in Laval, France, and chats with Bruno Bouygues about the rich history and innovative strides of the company.  Established in 1964 by the Stefani family, GYS has evolved from manufacturing transformers to a diversified portfolio including battery chargers, arc welding, and more recently, technological advancements in spot welding.  Bruno shares insights into the company's commitment to vertical integration, continuous innovation, and maintaining a large inventory to ensure great customer service. The discussion also covers the company's growth, their strategic presence in global markets, and plans for future expansion in the automotive and industrial sectors. In this episode: The captivating history that shaped GYS and its journey to success. Discover how GYS has grown and evolved, setting new standards in the industry. Uncover the latest technological advancements that are driving GYS forward. Get an insider's look at GYS's manufacturing processes and operations that keep the wheels turning. Explore the exciting product development initiatives and innovations that set GYS apart from the competition. Learn about GYS's commitment to exceptional customer support and after-sales service. Hear about the ambitious plans and vision that GYS has for the road ahead.   Useful Links: Bruno Bouygues on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunobouygues/ The GYS Website: https://www.gys.fr/spip.php?page=accueil&lang=en