Paint and Panel: The Edge

Paint and Panel

Welcome to The Edge: the podcast from Paint & Panel Magazine that truly gives collision-repair specialists the edge. If you're a business owner or manager, you can't afford to miss out on the latest industry chat. Is the new equipment on the market worthwhile for your business? What are the best practices and inspiring stories in your industry? Do you want to keep up with what your competitors and market leaders are doing? Paint & Panel will answer all of these questions and more.

  1. 29 MAR

    PAP188: Game changing diagnostic and calibration tools

    In this episode, Sam Street travels to the ADAS Solutions Australia headquarters in Brisbane to talk with Adrian Parkes (Founder & Director) and Amy Morgan (Project & Administration Manager ) about their new AirPro Diagnostics & Auggie solutions. We review the launch of AirPro Diagnostics by ADAS Solutions Australia, a remote diagnostic solution designed to address the growing complexity of modern vehicle repairs. We get an insight into how the diagnostic tool physically connects to the vehicle while being remotely operated by master technicians, delivering OEM-level accuracy without requiring in house expertise. Allowing everyone, everywhere to access high-level diagnostics, reduce errors, and identify issues earlier in the repair process. Our discussion also highlights the rapid evolution of ADAS technology and the industry's shift toward software driven solutions, making traditional tools obsolete. Innovations like Auggie, a portable augmented reality windscreen calibration device, removes the need for traditional target setups. We wrap up by looking to the future where diagnostics, calibration, and repair planning are more automated, data driven, and remotely supported, improving efficiency, accuracy, and overall repair outcomes.   Links & Resources: ADAS Solutions Australia https://adassolutions.com.au/ AirPro Australia: https://airproaustralia.com.au iBodyshop: https://www.ibodyshop.com/ Paint and Panel: www.paintandpanel.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 Producer: Steve Visscher Editor: Chris Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2026

    32 min

  2. 17 FEB

    PAP187: iBodyShop's AI powered virtual estimation

    In this episode, Sam Street talks with Steve O'Brien, Managing Director of Clear21, about iBodyShop's AI capabilities, including estimation and business intelligence. We begin by exploring the rapid expansion of AI in collision repair, outlining how iBodyShop's virtual estimating platform is transforming the quoting process. We get an insight into how the system uses vehicle images and historical data to generate increasingly accurate estimates in minutes, whilst also identifying potential write offs. Our discussion also explores the new "Ask iBodyShop" feature, which provides live business intelligence reporting, technician performance tracking, and AI assisted scheduling based on real parts delivery data. We wrap up by looking ahead to the Collision Repair Expo launch, where repairers can experience the technology first-hand and see how AI is reshaping workshop management. Links & Resources: iBodyshop: https://www.ibodyshop.com/ Paint and Panel: www.paintandpanel.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 Producer: Steve Visscher Paint and Panel - © 2026

    18 min

  3. 19 JAN

    PAP186: Plan 4 Profit

    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

    17 min

  4. 21/10/2025

    PAP185: Attracting new talent to collision repair

    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

    31 min

  5. 24/08/2025

    PAP184: Industry legend - SAPE's Ray McMartin

    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

    43 min

  6. 15/07/2025

    PAP183: The journey to a colourful and sustainable future

    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

    24 min

  7. 03/06/2025

    PAP182: Advice for consumers from accident to repair

    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

    44 min

  8. 28/05/2025

    PAP181: The benefits of joining a global network

    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

    34 min
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4.6
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Edge: the podcast from Paint & Panel Magazine that truly gives collision-repair specialists the edge. If you're a business owner or manager, you can't afford to miss out on the latest industry chat. Is the new equipment on the market worthwhile for your business? What are the best practices and inspiring stories in your industry? Do you want to keep up with what your competitors and market leaders are doing? Paint & Panel will answer all of these questions and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Paint and Panel
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Paint and Panel
  • Show Website
    Paint and Panel: The Edge