Dent Wizard International has announced that its technicians earned first and second place honors in the annual PDR (Paintless Dent Removal) Dent Olympics competition at the 2017 International Mobile Tech Expo held Jan.19-21 in Orlando, Fla.

Taking home first place in the 2017 PDR Dent Olympics was Billy Martin, who works in Dent Wizard’s Northeast Region. Second place went to Kyle Violette from the Midwest Region, and Jody Stewart from the Southeast Region earned 12th place. Only the top 13 finishers in the competition earn awards. Approximately 60 PDR techs participated in this year’s PDR Dent Olympics, including techs from Italy, Germany, Japan, Russia, Brazil and across the USA.

Under the watchful eyes of judges, competitors in the PDR Olympics are given 45 minutes to fix one very challenging dent in a car door panel. Competitors’ work is judged on repair quality and speed.

“Of the six techs we sent to participate in the competition, three earned top honors,” said Mike Black, Dent Wizard’s senior vice president and chief operating officer. “All of our participating employees not only exhibited their exceptional PDR skills, but also the professionalism and core values that we emphasize. Dent Wizard certainly proved its reputation as PDR experts.”

First-place finisher Martin earned a trophy plus $3,000 in tools and gift cards for his accomplishment. Second-place finisher Violette earned a trophy plus $1,000 in tools and gift cards. Martin, Violette and Stewart also earned tool credit rewards from Dent Wizard.

“I was so honored and humbled to be chosen to represent Dent Wizard’s Northeast region, then to compete against, observe and admire so many extremely talented, diverse PDR techs from around the globe,” said Martin.

Added Violette, “It was a priceless, life-changing, truly marvelous educational experience. Thank you to the Dent Wizard family who supported us on site at the event and through social media. It was such an honor to represent Dent Wizard and wear our logo on my sleeve.”