MTE After the Dust Settles: Tools, Innovation, and Focus
Fri Feb 06 2026
In this episode of the Tactical Dent Podcast, John Highley shares a post–Mobile Tech Expo breakdown after getting home, putting hands on new tools, and starting real-world testing.
This isn't a hype recap — it's an honest follow-up on:
The Bull Kick slide hammer paired with Sergio Gold and how it's performing so far
Why every new tool has a learning curve — and how to find the sweet spot
The Super Straight glue tabs and why their design changes how pulls track
How tab tilt affects glue pulls (especially on edges, rails, and hail damage)
First impressions of Dent Reaper glue and real expectations
The James Lee mini pocket light and how it saves time on hail and door work
John also talks about:
Why tools should be viewed as investments, not expenses
How saving time directly translates into making more money
The growing presence of detailing, PPF, and ceramic coating at MTE
Why Mobile Tech Expo is finally becoming true to its name
Networking differently, protecting energy, and staying focused on business growth
If you're a technician who wants to know what tools are actually worth your money — and how to think about tools, efficiency, and growth long-term — this episode is for you.
As always, this is real-world insight from the shop floor, not theory.
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In this episode of the Tactical Dent Podcast, John Highley shares a post–Mobile Tech Expo breakdown after getting home, putting hands on new tools, and starting real-world testing. This isn't a hype recap — it's an honest follow-up on: The Bull Kick slide hammer paired with Sergio Gold and how it's performing so far Why every new tool has a learning curve — and how to find the sweet spot The Super Straight glue tabs and why their design changes how pulls track How tab tilt affects glue pulls (especially on edges, rails, and hail damage) First impressions of Dent Reaper glue and real expectations The James Lee mini pocket light and how it saves time on hail and door work John also talks about: Why tools should be viewed as investments, not expenses How saving time directly translates into making more money The growing presence of detailing, PPF, and ceramic coating at MTE Why Mobile Tech Expo is finally becoming true to its name Networking differently, protecting energy, and staying focused on business growth If you're a technician who wants to know what tools are actually worth your money — and how to think about tools, efficiency, and growth long-term — this episode is for you. As always, this is real-world insight from the shop floor, not theory.