Driving business the smart and sustainable way
Paul Langridge, founder of Dent Rewind, explains why the pioneering technique he and his team employ makes his car repair service so unique…
So Paul, you established Dent Rewind in 2007. What was your vision for running your own business?
When I started Dent Rewind, my vision was pretty straightforward: I wanted to offer a service that combined real craftsmanship with convenience. I’d worked in the industry for a while and saw a gap with people either overpaying at big body shops or getting low-quality mobile repairs. I knew there was a better way. One of the things that set us apart early on was that we were one of the first dent removal companies to operate from a static site, rather than being fully mobile. That allowed us to offer a more controlled environment for high-quality repairs while still keeping things affordable. The goal was always to build a business people could trust and for doing things properly, every time.
What would you say has changed over the past two decades?
The core vision for the business has definitely remained the same and that’s delivering high-quality, honest repairs and putting the customer first. But the way we do things has evolved. The vehicles, technology, tools, and customer expectations have all changed, and we’ve adapted with that. What started as a one-man operation has grown, but we’ve kept the same standards. So while the industry’s changed a lot, our commitment to doing the job right hasn’t wavered.
What key factors do you attribute to Dent Rewind’s ongoing success?
I’d say Dent Rewind’s ongoing success comes down to consistency, quality, and trust. From day one, we’ve focused on doing the job properly – not cutting corners – and that’s helped build a loyal customer base. Word of mouth has played a big part in our growth. People know they can rely on us, and that reputation has come from years of honest work and treating people right. Another big factor is the environment we’ve created. We make a real effort to ensure everyone feels welcome, whether you’re a car enthusiast or someone who’s never dealt with a repair shop before. That inclusive, respectful approach has made a real difference, especially in an industry that hasn’t always felt approachable to everyone
To those who may not be familiar with the Paintless Dent Removal process you specialise in, can you briefly explain what it is?
Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) is a method used to remove dents and dings from the body of a vehicle without the need for replacement parts, painting, sanding, or body filler. It’s a cost-effective and quick alternative to traditional auto body repair, especially for dents where the paint is still intact.
How did you come across this more sustainable, eco-friendly way of repairing car damage?
I’d had a lot of experience working and training in car bodyshops as an apprentice and therefore saw the amount of work and the materials used. Someone introduced me to PDR which bypasses all these methods and I was very interested in this process and followed it through to where we are now.
Where are the majority of your customers from?
I would say 75% are from Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas, but we are gaining more customers from further afield. Our reputation means everything to us and although we are a fairly small team at the moment when the opportunity arises we would love to expand.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
Customer satisfaction – and working with a lovely team helps!
And what challenges are involved?
The ever-evolving cars and tools. And adapting to make the business greener for the environment.
GET IN TOUCH:
Website: www.dentrewind.com
Call: 01892 523766
Email: info@dentrewind.com