Tactical Dent Tech

Most people don't fail on social media because they're bad at it — they fail because they quit right before it starts working. In this episode, John Highley breaks down the real power of consistency and why daily posting is the fastest way to build leverage, authority, and inbound work — especially in competitive markets like PDR. John shares real examples from: Building Kingdom Power Life from almost zero followers to massive reach Growing a local Tactical Dent brand in one of the most saturated PDR markets in the U.S. What actually happens behind the scenes of social media algorithms when you show up every day Why platforms intentionally delay results to test commitment How consistency creates feedback loops that refine your content naturally Why branding, logos, and phone numbers can actually hurt your reach The mindset shift required to keep posting when it feels like "nothing is happening" If you've ever felt stuck, discouraged, or unsure what to post — this episode will reset your perspe

Google reviews still matter — and if you're running a PDR shop, they can be the difference between staying busy and getting buried. In this episode, John Highley breaks down real-world, proven strategies for getting more Google reviews without sounding desperate or awkward. These are methods John personally uses — and ones he's seen work repeatedly for high-performing PDR shops. We cover: How going above and beyond on small repairs turns into 5-star reviews Why simple favors (buffing scratches, fixing clips, small extras) convert better than asking The right way to send review links so customers actually complete them Follow-up systems that don't feel spammy Why personalized video follow-ups and handwritten notes still crush How local coffee shop gift cards can multiply goodwill and referrals Why Google reviews now matter beyond Google — including AI tools like ChatGPT If you want more reviews, more trust, and more inbound work without chasing customers, this episode is straight gold — especia

In this episode of the Tactical Dent Tech Podcast, I talk openly about something a lot of men — especially tradesmen and business owners — ignore for far too long: their health. This isn't a medical podcast. This is a real story about being stubborn, staying busy, providing for others, and quietly neglecting the one thing that makes all of it possible — you. I share how a brutal hail season, long hours, stress, sugar, and ignoring obvious warning signs led to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis that completely caught me off guard. I also talk about what happened after I finally faced it, took responsibility, and made changes. We cover: How busy seasons quietly destroy personal health Why men ignore warning signs for far too long The cost of "roughing it out" What actually changed once I faced the truth How health impacts mood, stress, and decision-making Why knowing is better than pretending nothing's wrong Becoming a better provider by taking care of yourself This episode is for the guys grinding non

In this episode of the Tactical Dent Tech Podcast, I share a personal reflection on what it means to lose something you once loved — and what happens when you find your way back to it. I talk about growing up in an automotive family, falling into paintless dent repair, struggling through the early years, and eventually mastering the craft. I also open up about stepping away from the trade, building a successful marketing business, and realizing that something was missing — even when life looked "perfect" from the outside. This episode covers: Growing up around cars and the garage culture Discovering PDR and pushing through the hard early years Wanting mastery more than anything else Losing passion and chasing what looked better on the other side Building success outside the trade — and still feeling the void Coming back to PDR with renewed purpose Why serving people and working with your hands matters The difference between happiness and joy Remembering your first love and firing it back up

In this episode of the Tactical Dent Tech Podcast, I break down the real realities of getting paid on insurance jobs, especially when you're doing hail work outside of direct repair networks. Sitting in our new shop, surrounded by active hail jobs, I walk through the exact issues we deal with when it comes to insurance payments — delays, confusion, mixed messages, paper checks, ACH deposits, and why you need systems in place to protect your cash flow as you scale. This episode covers: Why insurance companies struggle to pay non-network shops The difference between proof of payment and promises Why direction to pay is non-negotiable Using power of attorney to keep jobs moving How different insurance companies operate (State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, and others) Why you must "lock the bike up" in your business Creating SOPs for insurance payments Protecting yourself as volume increases Avoiding surprises after repairs are complete If you're doing insurance work — or planning to ramp up hail

In this episode of the Tactical Dent Tech Podcast, I break down the exact tools I'm using to create daily content across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube — without overcomplicating the process. I talk about the compound effect of posting consistently, why daily content starts to stack over time, and how I've optimized my workflow to make content creation fast, practical, and repeatable while still running a real dent repair business. We cover: Why daily posting creates a compound effect How to optimize new content based on what's already working Why modern smartphones are more than enough How I use my iPhone for most content Why I added Oakley Meta Glasses to my workflow First-person repair footage and why it works Recording short clips instead of long sessions Editing tighter by capturing smarter Using the same footage for reels and YouTube Scaling content without adding complexity This episode is for dent technicians who know content matters but don't want to turn it into a ful

In this episode of the Tactical Dent Tech Podcast, I break down why having a production pipeline is critical if you're running — or planning to run — a high-volume dent repair or hail operation. A production pipeline allows you to track every vehicle through each stage of repair, from estimates and approvals to parts, production, and post-repair follow-up. Once you reach a certain volume, trying to manage this in your head — or on paper — creates chaos. We cover: What a production pipeline actually is Why it becomes essential once volume increases Managing estimates, approvals, and totals efficiently Ordering, inspecting, and tracking parts properly Preventing missed steps that slow production Using CRM systems vs project management software How automation creates accountability Organizing R&I technicians and repair flow Creating visibility for technicians and staff The importance of post-repair follow-up and reviews This episode is especially for technicians and shop owners looking

In this episode of the Tactical Dent Tech Podcast, I break down one of the most overlooked — yet powerful — parts of marketing for dent technicians: the hook. A hook is the first few seconds of a video or the first line of a post that grabs attention and pulls people in. And just like fishing, some hooks work… and some don't. In this episode, I explain how I test hooks, why the first three seconds matter more than ever, and how the right hook can turn content into a predictable lead source. We cover: What a marketing hook really is (and why it's called a hook) Why attention spans keep getting shorter How I test hooks on Instagram and ads Action shots vs tool shots — and when each works Using written hooks in posts and ads Breaking customer resistance with simple CTAs Why "Upload Your Dent" works so well Turning winning hooks into predictable marketing assets If you want more leads without relying on insurance companies or door knocking, this episode will help you think differently about how

In this episode of the Tactical Dent Tech Podcast, I break down the real lessons I learned this year building and scaling a seven-figure paintless dent repair business in the DFW metroplex — one of the most competitive hail markets in the country. From digital marketing and facility planning to parking logistics, storage, staffing decisions, and strategic partnerships, this is a raw breakdown of what actually matters when you're trying to grow in a hail-prone market. We talk about: Why marketing matters more than saturation Building a seven-figure operation without a traditional sales team Choosing the right location and why Frisco, TX became a competitive advantage Parking, storage, and logistics most techs don't think about When expansion makes sense — and when it doesn't Hiring lessons and identifying chaos inside a business Building relationships with other dent companies instead of competing Why body shop relationships are critical in hail markets Using details, rentals, and logistics t

Cold glue can be a powerful tool — but only if you actually understand what's happening during the pull. In this episode of the Tactical Dent Tech Podcast, I break down the real reasons cold glue pulls fail, what most techs misunderstand, and how small adjustments can completely change your results. This isn't theory. This is real-world PDR experience from the hail lanes, retail work, and years of trial and error. In this episode, we cover: Why cold glue isn't magic (and why it fails for so many techs) Common mistakes that kill your pulls before they even start When cold glue makes sense — and when it absolutely doesn't How to think about tension, timing, and panel response The mindset shift that separates average techs from elite ones If you're frustrated with cold glue, this episode will save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary experimenting.

In this episode of the Tactical Dent Tech Podcast, John gets real about something many people in the PDR industry see—but few are willing to talk about. Suspicious repairs. Damaged cars being covered up. Money made in the dark. And the chaos that always seems to follow. Drawing from real-life industry experiences, biblical principles, and hard-earned personal lessons, John breaks down the difference between operating in the physical world versus walking in the spiritual world—something Jesus spoke about often, but many business owners ignore. This isn't a "religious talk." This is a business reality check. You'll hear: Why manipulating systems, hiding damage, or avoiding accountability always carries a cost How money gained the wrong way never truly belongs to you Why chaos, stress, broken relationships, and lack of peace often show up before consequences do How integrity, accountability, and doing things right bring order—not just spiritually, but operationally Why your employees are always watchin

In this episode John speaks about the power of using facebook ads to target and re target your client base. This way you can become the choice your clients know, like, & trust. 

In this episode I go over my banking journey as we are preparing to build a shop in the future. 

On this episode I talk about my new sales system I am teaching at the MTE & also about the other talk I will be teaching on... 

Check out this latest episode where I discuss my new Business Operation Systems

In this episode John talks about how to run ads and be everywhere all the time. 

Hey my friends on todays episode I talk about the all NEW Tactical Dent Mini Handle, this is best for smaller tools and whale tales! 

In this episode I talk about the power of content creation and what that looks like for the future of PDR. 

In this tech tip I explain the power of the new Cam Auto power box. This product is priced great and works even better. 

In this episode I have a little rant of something I see in the industry, I want techs to wake up and start speaking to their customers in a way that connects and does not leave them confused.