PAP182: Advice for consumers from accident to repair
Paint and Panel: The Edge
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....
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PAP181: The benefits of joining a global network
Paint and Panel: The Edge
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...
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PAP180: Find out why it's vital to upskill your team's welding skills
Paint and Panel: The Edge
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...
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PAP179: MTA - training apprentices and drafting code
Paint and Panel: The Edge
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...
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PAP178: Preparing for the Bodyshop Awards 2025
Paint and Panel: The Edge
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 ...
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PAP177: Balancing collaboration and negotiation for a fair Code of Conduct review
Paint and Panel: The Edge
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...
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PAP176: AI Esitmating Coming Soon to iBodyShop
Paint and Panel: The Edge
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...
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PAP175: PPG’s Push for Sustainable Solutions in Automotive Refinishing
Paint and Panel: The Edge
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...
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PAP174: The Essentials of Risk Management in Collision Repair Shops
Paint and Panel: The Edge
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...
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PAP173: Kangaroos, Elvis, and Collision Repair with Industry Legend David Newton-Ross
Paint and Panel: The Edge
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...
info_outlineIn 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
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Supplier nominations close friday 2 may 2025
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Shops self nominations close friday 30 may 2025
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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