The PartsEdge Podcast

PartsEdge
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Management
  • Twice a month

Conversations that matter. Insights you can use. Hosted by Kaylee Felio, she brings together the voices shaping today’s Fixed Ops landscape—alongside expert insights from Chuck Hartle. Featuring two core series: The Parts Girl Series (Hosted by Kaylee Felio) – conversations with industry leaders and operators focused on what’s working and what’s not. Webinar Replay Series (Led by Chuck Hartle) – structured, in-depth training sessions covering pricing, inventory strategy, and DMS optimization, built from decades of hands-on experience. Learn more about PartsEdge solutions: www.partsedge.com

  1. 2 days ago

    Webinar Replay - Protecting Your Retail Profit Margins

    How well is your dealership’s parts pricing strategy protecting your retail profit margins—and how much additional gross profit could you be leaving on the table? In this data-driven episode, Chuck Hartle, founder of PartsEdge, breaks down how dealerships can evaluate their customer-pay retail pricing strategies, analyze manufacturer suggested retail margins, and identify opportunities to improve profitability. From understanding the traditional 40% gross profit rule to evaluating pricing matrices and escalator categories, Chuck explains why manufacturer pricing can vary significantly and why regularly reviewing your pricing strategy is essential to maximizing parts department performance.Chuck dives into the hidden factors that can erode retail profit margins, including outdated menu prices, low-margin maintenance items, excessive sales overrides, and pricing matrices that aren't being used effectively. He explains why increasing prices across the board isn't always the answer, how analyzing customer-pay sales data can reveal underperforming parts, and why even small, strategic price adjustments can make a meaningful difference. Most importantly, Chuck shares practical strategies for taking control of your pricing—from reviewing sales override reports and adjusting matrix categories to identifying low-gross parts and conducting regular pricing evaluations. Whether you want to increase customer-pay gross profit, improve your pricing matrix, or uncover missed profit opportunities, this episode provides actionable insights to help you build a smarter, more effective retail pricing strategy.Takeaways:1. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices Don't Guarantee Consistent Margins, Making Regular Pricing Evaluations Essential to Protecting Dealership Profitability.2. Outdated Menu Prices, Low-Margin Maintenance Items, and Excessive Sales Overrides Can Quietly Erode Customer-Pay Gross Profit.3. Parts Managers Can Improve Retail Profitability Through Strategic Price Adjustments, Detailed Sales Analysis, and Regular Reviews of Pricing Matrices and Override Reports.Chapters:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction01:08 - Protecting Retail Profit Margins02:07 - The Four Steps to an Effective Pricing Strategy03:13 - How Order Mix Impacts Gross Profit04:36 - Applying Retail Pricing Strategies to Dealerships06:31 - When Was Your Last Pricing Strategy Update?08:10 - Understanding the Traditional 40% Rule09:45 - The 40% vs. 50% Gross Profit Margin10:41 - Comparing Manufacturer Suggested Retail Margins13:09 - Why Tire Sales Can Impact Overall Gross Profit14:15 - Understanding Pricing Matrices & Escalator Categories16:13 - Calculating Gross Profit by Pricing Category17:12 - Using What-If Scenarios to Improve Margins18:46 - Understanding Differences Between DMS Pricing Systems20:44 - Evaluating Customer-Pay Parts Sales21:58 - Identifying Low-Gross Parts24:49 - Why Your Pricing Matrix May Not Be Working26:02 - Making Strategic Pricing Adjustments28:08 - Finding Your Pricing Threshold29:28 - Why Small Price Increases Can Make a Difference30:13 - Identifying Low-Gross Menu Items31:35 - Understanding Sales Overrides33:28 - Investigating Excessive Price Overrides35:29 - Reviewing Maintenance Items & Gross Margins36:24 - Key Areas to Review in Your Retail Pricing Matrix37:25 - Checking Price Codes & DMS Settings39:14 - How Often Should You Review Your Pricing Strategy?39:55 - Exploring Additional Pricing Opportunities41:13 - Using Retail Markup Tools42:12 - Why Multiple Pricing Matrices May Help43:27 - Q&A and Closing Remarks44:38 - Upcoming Webinars & Additional Resources45:15 - Inventory Turns, Day Supply & Core RetentionResources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/partsedge-inc-Website: https://www.partsedge.comRegister for the next Webinar here!: https://my.demio.com/ref/rMLm7BvTB3gEzyCa

  2. 25 Sept

    Webinar Replay - The Ultimate OEM Inventory Showdown

    Ever wondered how your OEM’s inventory program really compares to other manufacturers—and how much control you actually have over your parts investment? In this data-driven episode, Chuck Hartle breaks down real dealership inventory data from 223 dealerships, 15 manufacturers, and more than $190 million in parts inventory. From productive inventory and automatic stock replenishment (ASR) programs to excess stock and obsolescence, Chuck reveals how manufacturer programs impact dealership inventory performance and where parts managers should be paying closer attention. Chuck dives into the hidden costs of idle inventory, including “forced stock” parts, unfulfilled demand, special orders, excess inventory, and the growing challenge of obsolescence. He explains why roughly one out of every four parts analyzed had marginal sales, how manufacturer compliance requirements can put low-volume parts on dealership shelves, and why shrinking return opportunities have made managing non-program inventory more important than ever. Most importantly, Chuck shares practical strategies for taking back control—from strengthening special-order processes and challenging suggested stocking levels to strategically managing compliance and building an obsolescence reserve. Whether you want to benchmark your dealership against your OEM, reduce idle capital, or improve inventory turns, this episode provides a data-backed look at what’s really happening inside dealership parts inventories. Takeaways: 1. Manufacturer Inventory Programs Can Protect Productive Parts—but They Don’t Necessarily Optimize Your Entire Inventory Investment. 2. Forced-Stock Parts, Unfulfilled Demand, and Shrinking Return Opportunities Are Major Drivers of Idle Inventory and Obsolescence. 3. Parts Managers Can Improve Inventory Performance by Strengthening Special-Order Controls, Managing Compliance Strategically, and Building a Plan to Purge Aging Inventory. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 01:50 - The OEM Inventory Showdown 03:48 - The Data Behind the Comparison 06:47 - Comparing Productive Inventory by Manufacturer 08:49 - How ASR Programs Impact Inventory 12:33 - What Defines Productive Inventory? 13:51 - Understanding Idle & Excess Inventory 17:18 - The Problem with Forced-Stock Parts 19:20 - Six Causes of Unfulfilled Demand 23:02 - Comparing Forced-Stock Inventory by OEM 27:16 - Why Obsolescence Has Increased 29:41 - The Growing Non-ASR Inventory Problem 34:04 - What Manufacturer Programs Really Control 36:33 - How Idle Inventory Hurts Performance 40:05 - Strategies to Take Back Control 41:13 - Managing Compliance & Obsolescence 45:02 - Using Return Programs & Parts Brokers 46:18 - Benchmarking Your Dealership 48:38 - How Your Inventory Stacks Up Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/partsedge-inc-Website: https://www.partsedge.com Register for the next Webinar here!: https://my.demio.com/ref/rMLm7BvTB3gEzyCa

  3. 21 Aug

    Webinar Replay - Inventory Isn't A Guessing Game

    Ever wondered how much your DMS and source structure are really impacting your dealership’s parts profitability? In this highly tactical episode, Chuck brings decades of parts management experience to the table, breaking down how smarter source structures, dynamic day-supply settings, and strategic pricing can give parts managers greater control over inventory, margins, and daily operations. Packed with real-world examples and practical DMS strategies, this session is all about making your system work for you instead of constantly working around it.From separating fast-moving parts from slow-moving inventory to managing accessories, tires, bulk fluids, special orders, and “never stock” parts, Chuck explains how the right source structure can help dealers stock smarter and eliminate unnecessary excess. He also dives into one of the biggest problems facing parts departments: obsolescence—and why unfulfilled demand and “for stock” parts are often the real culprits behind aging inventory. Whether you’re looking to improve pricing accuracy, reduce excess inventory, better control special orders, or get more value from your DMS, this episode delivers the actionable strategies you need to build a more profitable and predictable parts operation.--------------------------------------------Takeaways:1. A Smart Source Structure Gives Your DMS More Power—and Your Parts Department More Control.2. Dynamic Day-Supply and Phasing Criteria Help You Stock Based on Actual Demand.3. Obsolescence Often Starts with Poorly Managed Special Orders, For-Stock Parts, and Unfulfilled Demand. Chapters:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction01:04 - Why Source Structure Matters02:25 - The Problem with Poorly Configured DMS Sources05:45 - The Grocery Store Approach to Inventory09:36 - Breaking Inventory Into Strategic Sources12:11 - Competitive Parts & Retail Pricing15:08 - Managing Accessories18:28 - Managing Tires for Profitability20:49 - The Right Way to Manage Bulk Fluids23:16 - Managing Special Orders24:49 - The Challenge of Non-Stock Parts29:04 - Managing Recall & Campaign Parts30:58 - The Problem with For-Stock Inventory36:09 - Understanding Obsolete Inventory40:10 - The Benefits of Dynamic Source StructureResources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelioWebsite: https://www.partsedge.com

    Webinar Replay - Inventory Isn't A Guessing Game

  4. 31 Jul

    Fixing the Foundation: Microlearning Solutions for Parts Managers with Chris Craig

    Chris Craig, FixedOps Content Developer at RockEd, joins Kaylee Felio to dive into the launch of Rocket’s powerful new training curriculum for parts departments. They get gritty on why parts managers and associates have been overlooked—until now. From microlearning and gamification to actionable reporting and industry certification, Chris Craig breaks down how RockEd is changing the game for parts teams across the country. If you’re ready to fix the foundation, turn inventory faster, and give your team smarter tools, this episode brings the insights, energy, and optimism you need. -------------------------------------------- Takeaways Microlearning Empowers Busy Teams Gamification Drives Engagement Industry-Recognized Certification Chapters 00:00 Military training and education 04:21 Balancing Army duties and work 06:40 Rocket's microlearning solution for dealerships 10:40 Understanding the parts manager role 14:25 Accessing Rocket Preview Mode 17:17 Rocketified learning platform overview 20:18 Checking out the RockEd app Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com Chris Craig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-topher-craig RockED Website https://www.rocked.us/technician-skills

    Fixing the Foundation: Microlearning Solutions for Parts Managers with Chris Craig

  5. 24 Jul

    Stop Losing Customers: How Better Communication Drives Service Retention in Auto Dealerships

    On this Parts Edge Podcast episode, Kaylee Felio sits down at the NCM Fuel the Future Fix-Op Summit with Derek from NUMA. Together, they dig deep into the tech transforming parts and service departments: proactive AI that turns every customer touchpoint into an opportunity for retention, revenue, and hassle-free communication. Derek shares how NUMA’s “co-pilot” approach fixes the industry's biggest headaches—poor communication and missed service appointments. By streamlining inbound calls and digitizing the parts counter’s to-do list, NUMA empowers managers to get out of the weeds and focus on growth, customer satisfaction, and turning inventory faster. The result? Fewer bad reviews, loyal customers, and a serious impact on the bottom line. From fixing the foundation of internal dealership workflows to bringing sales and service together, this episode is packed with gritty, realistic advice for managers who want inventory (and customer experience) to be anything but a guessing game. -------------------------------------------- Takeaways Communication drives retention and revenue. AI frees your team for high-value tasks. Integrating sales, service, and parts leads to better customer experience. Chapters 00:00 AI tool for car dealerships 03:35 Challenges in service advisor roles 08:07 Streamlining service with the NUMA app 11:23 Increasing dealership service retention 13:30 Podcast guest introduction Website:  https://www.partsedge.com/profilequiz Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    Stop Losing Customers: How Better Communication Drives Service Retention in Auto Dealerships

  6. 22 Jul

    Transforming Dealership Service with Real-Time Communication and Sales Training Insights

    Kaylee Felio sits down at the Fuel the Future FixedOps Summit with Roger Gutierrez from Biggers Auto Group to dig into what it takes to run a growth-focused dealership—and why fixing the foundation in service and parts is more critical than ever. From smarter scheduling and AI to sharper sales skills for the parts team, this episode is packed with practical advice and gritty optimism for every parts and fixed ops leader. Roger reveals what it’s like to step away from the grind and immerse himself in innovation, lessons learned on managing people and process, and the powerful impact of clear communication—both with teams and customers. If you’re ready to turn inventory faster, give your managers better tools, and make every hour in the department count, this conversation is for you. -------------------------------------------- Takeaways Invest in Sales Training for Parts Teams: Equip your parts staff to sell complete jobs, not just parts, to strengthen reputation and customer satisfaction. Fix the Foundation With Process and Communication: Tighten up scheduling and status update processes—these “basics” keep customers happy and teams accountable. Face Weaknesses for Lasting Growth: Embracing vendor solutions or new technologies can be uncomfortable, but honest feedback and visibility are crucial for improvement. Chapters 00:00 Learning about AI and data management 06:07 Importance of knowledgeable parts staff Website:  https://www.partsedge.com/profilequiz Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    Transforming Dealership Service with Real-Time Communication and Sales Training Insights

  7. 20 Jul

    Fueling the Future of Fixed Ops with AI and Smarter Communication with Danny Zaslavsky

    This episode comes to you live from the NCM Fuel the Future FixedOps Summit, where the conversation focused on how innovation and collaboration are building a stronger foundation for dealership success. The discussion explored VinQ’s efforts to break down communication barriers between variable and fixed ops, leveraging advanced tech and AI to turn inventory management into a data-driven process, not a guessing game. A key theme that emerged was the transformative power of accurate reconditioning estimates and tighter variable-fixed integration for maximizing profit and reducing costly variance. Several points were raised, including how technology is helping parts and service departments operate like co-pilots rather than siloed teams, empowering every team member to deliver exponentially greater results without siloed “trial and error” approaches. If you’re passionate about fixing the foundation of your dealership operations—stocking smarter, reducing surprise costs, and giving your team better tools—this episode is a must-listen. -------------------------------------------- This show is powered by PartsEdge: Your go-to solution for transforming dealership parts inventory into a powerhouse of profitability. Our strategies are proven to amp up parts sales by a whopping 20%, all while cutting down on idle inventory. If you're looking to optimize your parts management, visit 🔗 www.partsedge.com -------------------------------------------- Takeaways Overcoming communication gaps between variable and fixed ops—especially in recon—can add thousands in lost profit back to your bottom line. Leveraging AI isn’t just about shiny tech; it’s about making every decision smarter and freeing up bandwidth for growth-focused work. Fix the foundation: empower your current team to operate at a higher level rather than simply adding more staff. Chapters 00:00 Enhancing vehicle appraisal process 04:13 Sales channels and innovation sharing 06:56 Transitioning to software investments Website:  https://www.partsedge.com/profilequiz Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    Fueling the Future of Fixed Ops with AI and Smarter Communication with Danny Zaslavsky

  8. 17 Jul

    Webinar Replay - What the Best Parts Departments Do Differently

    Ever wondered what separates top-performing dealership parts departments from the pack? On this high-energy episode, Kaylee Felio brings gritty, actionable clarity to inventory management, smarter pricing, and the realities of working with your DMS. Packed with pragmatic advice and real-world examples, this session is all about giving parts managers the tools, support, and confidence to fix the foundation, turn inventory faster, and stop making inventory a guessing game. From the power of daily sales reporting to avoiding the traps of obsolete inventory, Kaylee Felio covers the core habits and strategies the most successful teams use—plus, she isn’t shy about naming which DMS platforms offer real advantages (and where others fall flat). Whether you’re looking to reduce obsolescence, boost profitability, or finally get your arms around all those so-called “protected parts,” this episode delivers the tactical details you need to stock smarter and stay growth-focused. -------------------------------------------- Takeaways Consistent, Proactive Training & Reporting Sets Winning Departments Apart. Your DMS Can Be a Co-Pilot—Or a Roadblock—Depending on How You Use It. Obsolescence Isn’t Inevitable—But It Takes Grit to Fix. Chapters 00:00 Encouraging audience questions 06:29 Managing staff shortages 07:55 Scheduling and optimizing short meetings 12:42 Issues with store migration data 16:11 Retail sales report insights 20:55 Retail pricing and markup strategy 23:16 Managing product pricing and profit margins 27:24 Challenges in Inventory Management 30:40 Analyzing dealership inventory levels 33:48 Managing obsolete inventory strategies 37:49 Analyzing inventory turnover rates 41:29 Forecasting obsolete inventory growth 46:18 Dealing with obsolete inventory 49:57 Honda's SRA and Inventory Management 50:52 Calculating true terms in inventory 54:14 Inventory management strategies 53:20 Tekions dealership strategy and pricing Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    Webinar Replay - What the Best Parts Departments Do Differently
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About

Conversations that matter. Insights you can use. Hosted by Kaylee Felio, she brings together the voices shaping today’s Fixed Ops landscape—alongside expert insights from Chuck Hartle. Featuring two core series: The Parts Girl Series (Hosted by Kaylee Felio) – conversations with industry leaders and operators focused on what’s working and what’s not. Webinar Replay Series (Led by Chuck Hartle) – structured, in-depth training sessions covering pricing, inventory strategy, and DMS optimization, built from decades of hands-on experience. Learn more about PartsEdge solutions: www.partsedge.com

Information

  • Creator
    PartsEdge
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    197
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © PartsEdge
  • Show Website
    The PartsEdge Podcast