I am a Disabled Veteran currently attending training at "The Ding King Training Institute" in Costa Mesa, California. I have just completed my fifth week of scheduled six weeks of training. I researched several different institutions that offered Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) training, and ended up choosing "The Ding King Training Institute" because they provide training, certification, tools and business development in one program. This is the best fit for my situation because I plan to start my own PDR mobile business that will afford me the flexibility to work at my own pace and choose my hours. This is very important to me due to my mental and physical disabilities. During the process of choosing the right institution and working with the Veterans Administration to get approval to attend PDR training, The Ding King Director of Admissions, Mrs. Cher O'Neil, was very receptive to my objective and flexible with my training needs. I decided to take the six week TOTAL RECON Package, which includes: four weeks of PDR, one week of SMART Paint Repair, and one week of training that includes interior repair, wheel repair, headlight restoration and odor removal. I just finished my fifth week of training and I'm happy with the training I've received, thus far. PDR isn't an easy skill to learn, so you want to ensure that you're taught the right fundamentals of PDR from the beginning, and then continue perfecting your skills after you graduate. The Ding King Master Instructors are highly knowledgeable and provide excellent instructions so students will understand the processes. They will provide you with a "one-on-one" hands-on instruction, as needed, and you will progress at your individual pace. If at any time, you have questions or concerns, "DON'T BE SHY, ASK, LET THEM BE KNOWN," as the staff is very responsive and will attempt to resolve all your questions or concerns. Since starting my "Total Recon" training, I've had the pleasure of being trained by Master Instructors James Ramirez, Sal Vargas and Cole Sudeck. These Master Instructors provided excellent instructions in a professional manner while still having a congenial demeanor. This mannerism was conducive to my health conditions. Based on my experience, I believe that the following areas can be improved: * Daily Curriculum - A daily curriculum should be provided to incoming students. I requested, but was not provided with a curriculum prior to attending the course. * Student to Instructor Ratio - The average student to instructor ratio in my first five weeks was 4 to 1. In week five, it was 5 to 1. Thus far, I'm giving "The Ding King Training Institute" a 4.5 out of 5 star rating. The facility is clean, modern and well-equipped. The staff are very friendly and will make you feel at home from day one... this has made my time here very enjoyable and, my personal opinion, is the strongest trait this institution projects! Lastly, The Ding King President, Mr. Todd Sudeck, is very welcoming; approachable; open minded to any issues, concerns or recommendations you may have; and responsive. In the coming weeks, I will give an update on the progress of my training completion, tools receipt and ongoing communication with "The Ding King Training Institute." read more

After retiring from the military in 2012 I had a series of unfortunate events and responsibilities that put my dream of becoming a PDR technician on hold. Eight years later I was finally able to enroll at The Ding King Training Institute for their 12-week course. I was able to use my Post 9/11 GI Bill with the assistance of Cher O'Neil/Director of Admissions. Cher is so knowledgeable when it comes to using Chapter 33 benefits she might as well get a job at the Veterans Benefit Administration. The owner Todd Sudeck is perhaps the most approachable man you will ever meet. Todd has a big heart and genuinely cares about the success of his students. He will make time for any student despite his busy schedule. This is a 5-star school and is not a gimmick or a scam. If you have read any reviews less than 5 stars do your research and you will find inconsistencies in those reviews. It was a pleasure and honor to be trained by three of the best instructors on the planet. Sal, James and Lee (all Master PDR Instructors) and each have something different to bring to the table. If one instructor cannot get through to you another one will. They each have their own unique style and work together like a well-oiled machine. For those of you that do not possess English as your first language, no worries, Sal's got you covered as he is fluent in Spanish. These guys are so good that they just about brought me to tears with their skills and ability to knock out a dent in a matter of minutes where it would take me hours. The school is a family run business, and all staff and students are treated like family as well. In fact, after graduation the training and advice does not end as each instructor provides their personal cell number should you have any further questions. The school will never upsell additional services, tools or training. As a 24 year US Army veteran, I am very "attention to detail." PDR fits me perfectly as it is the type of work that requires nothing less than perfection. Lastly, I consider each person at The Ding King Training Institute family. The school not only gave me the foundation of PDR; they gave me my life back. I would recommend that anyone who attends the Ding King come for no less than the 4 week program. Thank you, Ding King! SFC James Avery read more

I just finished my 10 day course (80 hours) and I am incredibly satisfied with my experience. I did a lot of research before deciding on The Dent King institute. I searched the web for hours, I asked hundreds of people through pdr forums on Facebook and I called multiple schools and people that do pdr training and The Dent King was by far the most referred. They also had some excellent reviews from former students. I was still skeptical being there is quite an investment in general to learn PDR. I called and talked to the top 3 schools/trainers in my area. Five minutes into talking to these two different schools my mind was set on something else. These guys are unprofessional and jerks. Did nothing but bad mouth other techs and schools and gave me little details on their courses. So I emailed The Ding King on a Saturday. Blake from the Costa Mesa Ding king facility was by far the friendliest most helpful customer service rep, he sent me a catalog and kind of gave me the scoop of each course. Plus he called me on the weekend like 5 minutes after I emailed for details, which was super awesome because I work all week and it's tough to talk during work hours. After talking to Blake back n fourth for about 2 weeks I pulled the trigger on the 10 day course. James Ramirez and Sal were my instructors and they are awesome techs and super down to earth guys which make learning easy. Very knowledgeable! Todd was also very helpful in the business part of PDR he's got some solid advice on advertising and the do's and don't. I learned a lot in 10 days and I will definitely be back since there is so much to learn. If you want to learn PDR the right way go to The Ding King you definitely won't regret it. The staff is great and knowledgeable and put a ton of work and patience into helping me lay down a solid foundation for my PDR career. I'm also going to do the paint correction and Ceramic course through them. I'll make another review after I do that. read more

Where's the 10-Star button? The Ding King just conducted a Master Class in primo customer service. I call Todd at The Ding King, and tell him about my newly acquired dent in the passenger door of my brand new F-150 pickup. I may have been crying, I don't remember. LOL. I LOVE my new truck!! He is polite, professional, knowledgeable and guided me right to a quick and happy outcome. He gave me my contact person, named James, and his direct number. One phone call and a quick chat with James and I have an appointment the very next day at 9am. Just what I wanted. I walk in and they're busy as can be...lots of cars, lots of guys all around, even a film crew for a reality TV show they're doing. Still, they drive my truck right around to the back door and get immediately to work. None of this sitting around waiting nonsense like usual. James tells me there's a breakfast place right around the corner, and that he'll be finished before my eggs are eaten. 25 mins later, I return and a team of four or five men are standing around looking at the door, admiring their perfect work, as a buffer is putting the finishing touches on it. Dent was gone!! Like it never happened. Like it was a brand new door. He hands me my keys and away I go. I even get a follow-up call to make sure I was happy as can be. Why can't every business be run this way? The Ding King is auto body repair like we all wish it could be. Not only was this as good a service as I've ever experienced, but it was as good as could possibly be....in ANY industry. #customerforlife read more

I completed The Ding King Training Institute's 4-week PDR (paintless dent repair) training program. PDR is a challenging skill that requires sound fundamentals, patience and hours & hours of practice. The Ding King Institute provided me with those fundamentals and their teaching staff (James, Sal and Cole) are the best of the best, when it comes to teaching novices (myself) to seasoned paint and dent guys. I came to The Ding King Institute with no prior PDR experience/ training and looking to make a career change. While seasoned PDR techs and the master instructors at the Ding King make the PDR process look easy, it takes time to develop the required skills to become proficient and everyone progresses at different rates. For the first two weeks of the program, I struggled acquiring the basic skills of performing paintless dent repair. The instructors (to a man) put in extra time with me personally, until I built up my confidence and the necessary skills to progress in the program. I couldn't recommend PDR as profession or the team at The Ding King Institute any higher, 5 Stars doesn't do the Ding King team justice! For perspective students, believe the hype, these guys and the school are really that good! For those starting their PDR own business, Todd Sudeck, the company's President, is a valuable resource in getting your business up and running and is always willing to lend an ear and provide you with his 26 years of business knowledge. I wish I would have received this kind of attention during and post-graduation from my 4 year university! read more

It is kind of difficult to start because the care from all, the personal touch that the whole staff puts into this, the need from all the staff to make you fill good, the need the whole staff has for you/ us/ me to learn the art and the finesse a good PDR tech should have and should always fill is present at all times. It is present from the moment you do your first contact on the phone to the moment your certificate is given and even after your gone and call for support and /or service. Besides all of these excellent touches that easy out and relaxes, the knowledge that all the instructors have and their down to earth way of teaching, the one on one training, the explanations of changes in metal properties, practice-practice-practice, finesse, seems all comprehensive but is all made easy to understand and much easier to make your own. This has been one of the greatest experience in my life and a great accomplishment, I'm looking forward to continue the legacy and above all my relationship with The Ding King Institute. In my future besides my PDR business, The Ding King is present for more and more. I will recommend The Ding King Institute to anybody that wants to learn Automotive Appearance Repair done in the right way. Again thank you all and God bless. Freddie DeSantiago, PA. Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. read more

From the very first hours at Ding King Training Institute, I realized that it was one of the best decisions and investments I've made in my life. I've been working in the field of Auto Body services for more than ten years, both in Canada and in Israel, and was interested in the PDR technique for a while, considering it a very perspective business direction. During my five-day training course in Ding King I recieved more information, individual support and professional hands-on training, than students get throughout a year of college studies. Every single aspect was organized on a highest level: high-end equipment classes, modern environment, super professional instruction by James Ramirez, inspiring leadership and a priceless business and marketing training by Todd Sudek, the DK owner, friendly and carrying support from Oleg Zabugorsky. Now I am on my way back home, feeling inspired, capable and determined to make my personal and professional goal come true. Thank you all, the team of Ding King Training Institute! And I am sure, that was only the first step on our journey together! read more

I recently attended a PPF (Paint Protection Film) training class, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of professional. The instructors leading the class not only had impressive credentials, but also a wealth of real-world experience they seamlessly integrated into their teachings. This practical knowledge made the training not just informative, but incredibly valuable. What really stood out was the friendly and welcoming atmosphere throughout the course. The instructors were approachable, patient, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They created an environment that encouraged questions and learning, which made the entire experience enjoyable. I left the training class feeling not only confident in my newfound PPF skills, but also eager to attend more courses with The Ding King. If you're looking for a PPF training class that combines professionalism, real-world expertise, and a friendly atmosphere, this is the place to be. I can't recommend it enough! read more

FANTASTIC! I attended Ding King for an 80 hour PDR training course and it was phenomenal. I can't express how awesome the level of professionalism and expertise there was. I was a little nervous about flying out of state to go to a training but once we got into stuff on day one I was so comfortable with what I would be doing for the next two weeks. I feel so confident going into my career knowing that I have had the proper training and very good knowledge about what to do and what NOT to do. I trainers, Lee, James, Sal, and Cole, were great and even after training I can text or call them with any questions I have about my work. Over the course of two weeks I have learned a lot, gain a ton of confidence and made some great friends along the way. I would recommend Ding King in Costa Mesa, CA to anyone that is looking to get into the automotive restoration industry. Thank you so much!!! read more

I just completed a two week PDR class and I couldn't be happier. I had 4 great instructors who were right there helping me with anything I needed. James thank you sir. And Marcelo and SAL and Shawn I can't wait to show you pics of some of my work. I got to fix dents on about 15 different types of cars accessing all types of dents like hail, door sings and some really big stuff. I loved the glue pulling the best as it was the easiest to do quick repairs. Thank you to Todd the owner who discounted my package for me not needing air and hotel that they include. Great staff. Great support. Love these guys. My entire class was great with the exception of one cat that came to school drunk or hungover. He was a distraction and was asked to leave and then things got better. Thanks for everything. 5star review all the way. read more

This place is amazing. Especially for anybody wanting to use the G.I. Bill. Sign-up process was made so easy by Michelle and Cher. It is very challenging it can be very frustrating but if you stick with it you'll learn a valuable skill. Instructors are all experts James, Sal, Lee. The facility is top notch. The owner is amazing, teaches the business side and never misses a chance to mentor students. Shares personal experiences. If you apply yourself you will succeed. I couldn't be happier with my experience at the "Ding King Training Institute"!! I'm a 38 year veteran and was a ICBM master instructor for many years!! The people at the Ding King display our Core Values in everything they do!! The best part is I have new family and they are always there for you even after you leave!! Thank you all. read more

I've always had an interest in learning PDR but never had the proper instruction or recourses to improve my craft. Although I spent a great amount of time practicing, I was never as efficient as I wanted to be. After researching different training schools around the area, I decided to go with the Ding King Training Institute. The program they offer is extremely organized and well-structured. James was there every step of the way as he guided me while I worked on different cars. His patience and expertise is unparalleled, making him the perfect instructor. After my time with the Ding King, I feel confident enough to start my own PDR business. Thank you to James, Todd, Cher, and everyone else who provided the best experience I could have asked for! read more

Stop thinking about it and do it! After working on BMW's for 18 years and currently now with Tesla as technician I just earn one more skill that I can apply. With instructors that have real wold experience and continue to practice there skills you will be learning from top notch instructors. It was a pleasure to train with James, cole and Sal, all three had the patience and know how to train some one that had never done this ever before. With state of the art facility and tooling you will have all it takes to learn a new valuable skill. After many months of research we decided to try it out because no other school would come close. Thats why they are the kings! See you guys soon for another course. Oh and remember you get what you pay for. read more

I registered for the ding king 80hr PDR course and from the start was met with great customer service and help with answering all my questions and concerns. Mike made the process easy as could be. During my 2 week training with Lee Roth my pdr skills were being enhanced by the hour. when they say hands on they mean hands on! Lee made the work environment very friendly and really made you feel at home by the second day I felt like I've known the ding king family a life time. Lee helped me learn a valuable trade but also helped learn how to market your self and apply your skills to the real world, with realistic expectations on what to expect. I would recommend anyone to take one of the many courses they offer without hesitation. read more

The training environment at The Ding King blew me away. Everything from the state of the art training facility where the very experienced instructors are constantly testing new tools to ensure the students have industry leading equipment, to how approachable every member of the staff is! From the administration to the instructors to the owner himself. It's obvious that the mission statement of that school is to ensure student success. I feel absolutely ready to take on a career in PDR after attending a 5 week course there and no prior training at all. Thank you again to all the staff!! And when they tell you they are there for you after you leave the school, they mean it!!! Thank you Oleg for your continued help and support!! read more

My fiancé just got back from a week of training at the Ding King In Costa Mesa California. The Ding King is an amazing training facility from the first phone call to booking The school for one week of training was the best experience ever they went out of their way to accommodate us. The instructors to Cher and Todd the experience was the best Before I booked the school I tried other locations of the dent and ding training facilities I must say that this is a five stars all the way. They make you feel like you are family . My fiancée learn the new trade of doing painpaint less dent repair. By far the ding king exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend the Ding king to anyone that wants to start a new trade . read more

Best dent removal anywhere!! Coming out of a parking spot, I hit a parking pole. This pole made a huge smash into my front and side bumper. I thought for sure my car would be in the shop for a week and I would have to make a claim with my insurance. I took my car into The Ding King so that I could get a quote and see what the damages would be. Not only did they fix it right there on the spot in a very short time period and it looks great, but it was so reasonably priced that I didn't even have to file a claim. I will recommend this business to everyone I know. Not only are they the best at what they do and quick, but they were so kind and easy to work with!! Thank you Ding King...you guys are the best!!! read more

From the moment I discovered Ding King institute online and made that first call I felt the connection between me and Todd Sudeck "The King" President and owner. Rather then pawning me off to one of his employees he took the time off running his 9 Schools nation wide to answer my questions without even knowing if I was commuting or not. Once I made my way out to start class the rest of the staff was just as nice. It makes it so much easier to learn when you have the support of everyone around you. The instructors James and Sal are patient, knowledgeable and great people. Stop second guessing if this is for you. Make a visit enroll and get ready to change your life. read more

Just finished PDR 80 with The Ding King, and what an awesome experience. Choosing the Ding King for my training was absolutely the best decision I could have made. James, Sal and Cole were fantastic, and their hand-on and personalized approach to training was second to none. The entire staff was unbelievably personable, professional and will welcome you into their family. Thank you Ding King. I am absolutely confident that I have a world class foundation to grow a successful PDR business. I will certainly be back for more training, and highly recommend the Ding King to anyone looking to learn PDR or vehicle reconditioning. read more