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

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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

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

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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

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

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

1. Supplier nominations close friday 2 may 2025

2. Shops self nominations close friday 30 may 2025

bodyshopawards.com.au

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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