Vehicle Damage Assessor Group
About Me
Passionate about helping the autobody repair industry
My names Tom, I'm 33 years old and have been in the automotive industry since I was 18. I'm the founder of SMART Estimator App which is a business management and estimating app for independent autobody shops.
I'm also the director of VDA Group which provides outsourced estimating services, VDA training and audits for bodyshops of all sizes.
I started my journey in the motor trade as an apprentice, eager to dive into the hands-on work instead of just watching from the side-lines.
When I finally got to prime my first panel, I was hooked.
Seeing the finished result after all the prep work was incredibly satisfying and made me hungry to learn more.
I picked up skills in MET, panel, polishing, and more by working my way around the workshop and pestering the techs for tips and techniques.
Then, I got introduced to Audatex, and being pretty tech-savvy, I quickly grasped its ins and outs.
I realised how crucial accurate estimating is for a body shop's success, and I loved being able to use my shop floor experience to make precise assessments that boosted profits.
Over the years, I've worked in different settings—from family-run shops to big repair groups, and eventually running my own small unit.
I've worn many hats, from head painter to lead VDA, and I've even trained apprentices and launched a mini bodyshop management app called SMART Estimator.
Now, I've taken a new step and founded VDA Group Ltd.
We're all about helping repairers optimise their VDA departments to maximize profits.
Whether it's providing accurate assessments, auditing past and present jobs, or offering training, we're here to help.
Curious about what we can do for you?
Let's chat, you have nothing to lose, except items and operations you may have not charged for.