|
As Paintless Dent Repair becomes more popular, the method of teaching the craft has evolved significantly. We sat down with Chuck Runfola, a Ding King Master Instructor.
During its infancy, PDR had a lot more to do with experimenting than practicing, and no group better exemplified that approach than The Ding King. Chuck Runfola’s structured approach and time tested procedures have elevated the "art of training" to a level of ease only he can explain. Here's what Chuck had to say about training.
I sat in on one of your recent courses; why do you start with safety procedures?
Unless you have a crystal ball, it’s impossible to predict accidents, much less control the dangers we are faced with on a daily basis. I’ve had a good string of luck not ever having to use my insurance deductibles. Knock on plastic. The self-empowerment of skills has opened up a tremendous option of barter power in time of need. Start by protecting yourself first. No eyes, no hands, no payday. Broken car parts, windows or simply causing more damage than you were to repair in the first place exists when one is not cautious or prepared. Consider the environment or space from which you are functioning in. Think fire ants, lightning, masks, gloves, goggles for anything over 1500 rpm, jewelry, extension cords in water, battery terminals, 2 hood props for stability and many more. It truly doesn't end, so always start your day with the basics of safety first. No exceptions!
You teach all the Auto Reconditioning trades; give us some insight into all?
PDR is without question, a big favorite of all auto-reconditioning systems to instruct. If time is money & overhead is still next to your initial investment, this system wins hands down once mastered. Do not let the craft fool you, as it is more difficult to teach than it is to learn. It has taken many years to perfect both. PDR is rewarding in many ways as it is not only about the money but opens the door for independence & freedom as well. Interior classes are exciting because the challenges remain after you intentionally damage practice parts. The look on a students face when he fixes a small ding or mirrors out a leather seat…Priceless! Many students today perfect multiple skills to offer their customers. I enjoy all systems that are effective & efficient. This makes a double win for the student & their customers. Other favorites are Paint blemish repair, Windshield repair and a new system now offered wheel repair.
What contributes to a bad PDR technician?
In a word, impatience! During your first six months you must devote at least an hour of hard core practice a day. Each car has their own obstacles that not only put each instructor to the test, but also the student. Practicing PDR is always a must. The more one practices, the more experience they encounter, thus lessening any problems that may appear in the future. To get paid daily one must practice daily. No exceptions! No car is perfectly set in front of one who is currently trying to Master PDR. Problems and scenarios are destined to happen anywhere and everywhere. Each person must be prepared to act against the unexpected. This helps create better and quicker solutions within each and every job attempt. Wow! This should be a focus of every training center curriculum. Yes? Being prepared and ready reduces difficult cars and increases easy solutions. There is not one of my classes that will tell you otherwise. Also one could obtain this enormous skill while obtaining what we call mileage. There is no substitute. It dictates & protects our investment. Let us not forget confidence, skill level and that which creates happiness.
Ok - What makes a successful PDR Business?
Daily goals and a pleasant attitude towards success! One goal that needs to be top priority is customer satisfaction. Every customer has a satisfaction level & it’s your job to find out where it begins and ends. Word of mouth from happy customers spread quickly so be sure to exceed your customer’s expectations. No business can be conducted successfully if people can't offer a good impression right when they walk through your front door. The key concept is to get them to your front door first, make them feel the happy vibe that you want to accept their business, offer those acceptable prices and fulfill their needs the best you can. Remember that people know other people so "word" is likely to spread. Customer Satisfaction builds on you and most importantly your businesses or company.
Now my favorite; what is your favorite PDR Tool and Why?
Freddy Krueger style tools are true moneymakers. The extra angles and tapered knife blade tips provide tremendous power and enable stealth leverage most tools lose. These tools are second to none. These tools have provided more bank deposits than all the rest of my tools put together.
For more information, please visit http://www.dingking.com
Copyright 2007, The Ding King Training Institute, Inc.
| 
