The PartsEdge Podcast

PartsEdge

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. How Value-Driven AI Is Transforming Dealership Fixed Ops and Customer Experiences

    5 days ago

    How Value-Driven AI Is Transforming Dealership Fixed Ops and Customer Experiences

    This episode of the Parts Edge Podcast is recorded live at the NCM Fuel the Future Fixed Ops Summit and dives into the future of service lane technology in dealerships. The conversation focused on differentiating between "shiny object" AI and workflow-driven, value-added AI that truly improves the fixed operations customer experience. The discussion explored practical examples of AI-driven customer communications, service scheduling, and technician video processes—showing how the right tech can fix the foundation of your dealership and power more efficient, customer-focused service. One concept discussed was the critical need to meet customers where they are (like texting instead of making them download an app), as well as how embedded AI is removing friction from scheduling, diagnostics, and communications. A key theme that emerged was the importance of real dealership workflows guiding tech implementation—not the other way around. Several points were raised, including AI’s role in video grading, language translation, escalation of customer issues, and personalizing service processes for both the team and the end customer. Whether you manage a bustling parts department or oversee a full-service lane, this episode is packed with gritty, motivating insights for those ready to turn inventory, reduce wasted time, and deliver exactly what customers expect in 2024. -------------------------------------------- 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 Customer-first workflows are essential—inventory and service tech must remove friction and meet modern expectations. AI is only valuable when embedded into actual dealership processes (not just as a “shiny object”) and rigorously adapted to fit real-world needs. Empower your team with tools that give actionable feedback and automate time-consuming tasks, so you can focus on growth. Chapters 00:00 Improving car service experience 05:12 Preventing spam with 2P protocol 09:10 Troubleshooting vehicle vibrations 11:51 Video grader tool features 13:08 Incorporating AI into tools Website:  https://www.partsedge.com/profilequiz Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    15 min
  2. Building Trust and Boosting Profit: The Power of Video in Fixed Ops with Joe Shaker

    1 Jul

    Building Trust and Boosting Profit: The Power of Video in Fixed Ops with Joe Shaker

    Joe Shaker, dealer and founder of TruVideo, joins the Parts Edge Podcast live from the NCM Feel the Future Fixed Ops Summit. Joe dives into the foundational importance of fixed ops in dealership profitability and the transformative power of video technology in building trust and transparency with service customers. Joe shares his journey of launching TruVideo—rooted in asking customers what really mattered and discovering that, even with high performance metrics, trust was the missing link. Learn how video, narrative, and new tech tools like the Video Quality Score (VQS) are not just changing customer communication, but also driving higher parts sales, improving technician/advisor consistency, and elevating the entire fixed ops experience. Join Kaylee and Joe for a gritty, motivating discussion on why dealerships can’t afford to neglect their fixed operations—and how smart tools are giving teams an unbeatable edge. -------------------------------------------- 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 Trust Drives Retention Process = Profit Tech Adoption Transforms Culture Chapters 00:00 Importance of fixed operations in dealerships 04:13 Initial testing and unexpected success 08:10 Advantages of real-time transcriptions 12:13 Dealers and OEMs using video analytics 13:07 Improving team communication Website:  https://www.partsedge.com/profilequiz Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    15 min
  3. Building Strong Service Teams and Tackling Obsolescence in Fixed Ops

    30 Jun

    Building Strong Service Teams and Tackling Obsolescence in Fixed Ops

    Sammy, Service Director at Tamiami Hyundai and Genesis in Naples, Florida, joins the Parts Edge Podcast from the NCM Fuel the Future Fixed Op Summit. Sammy shares how her passion for fixed ops began as a kid in her dad's Chevy dealership and evolved into leading a high-performing service team. She discusses the challenges of prioritizing improvements, the importance of face-to-face customer feedback, and fostering professional growth in both staff and the next generation. Listen in for candid insights on managing large teams, fixing operational bottlenecks one step at a time, and never underestimating the power of real customer conversations. If you're looking to turn inventory faster, reduce wasted time, and keep your team growth-focused, this episode’s got you covered. -------------------------------------------- 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 Eat the elephant one bite at a time Customer feedback is gold Lead from the floor Chapters 00:00 Getting started in auto industry 05:47 Listening to customer feedback 07:34 Encouraging kids to socialize Website:  https://www.partsedge.com/profilequiz Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    9 min
  4. Fixing the Foundation: Innovation, Mystery Shops, and Gamifying Car Sales at the NCM Summit

    30 Jun

    Fixing the Foundation: Innovation, Mystery Shops, and Gamifying Car Sales at the NCM Summit

    The conversation focused on innovative tools, dealership culture, and fresh perspectives on the evolving landscape of fixed ops. Special guest Kyle Disher of Rev Dojo shares his experiences working with hundreds of dealerships, from sales training and hiring to launching a video game dedicated to car sales. The discussion explored the importance of bridging the gap between variable and fixed ops, highlighted actionable improvements in customer engagement (including a live mystery shop of a parts department), and offered a behind-the-scenes look at passion projects designed to elevate dealership teams. If you’re looking to stock smarter, empower your parts team, and leverage new tech to drive efficiency, this episode brings the energy, real talk, and a few laughs. -------------------------------------------- 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 Listen to dealer needs and say “yes” to innovation—flexibility powers progress. Build bridges between variable and fixed ops for dealership-wide success. Simple process improvements (like collecting customer info and offering solutions up front) greatly impact customer experience and sales. Chapters 00:00 Discussing store operations and training 05:13 Appointment scheduling for repairs 09:59 Explaining game difficulty levels 11:41 Navigating success in the game Website:  https://www.partsedge.com/profilequiz Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    12 min
  5. Networking, AI, and Technician Challenges in Fixed Ops with Matt and Justin

    25 Jun

    Networking, AI, and Technician Challenges in Fixed Ops with Matt and Justin

    Live from the NCM Fuel the Future Summit, this PartsEdge Podcast episode features Matt (Parts Director) and Justin (Service Director) of Huffines Hyundai McKinney, Texas. They share candid insights on the grit required in fixed ops, the enduring challenge of finding and retaining skilled technicians, and the game-changing value of industry networking. Kaylee and her guests unpack what’s truly missing for parts leaders in events and resources, and why teamwork between parts and service is essential for success. Whether you’re battling staffing shortages or just looking to connect with others in the field, this episode drops actionable advice and unfiltered fixed ops realities—all in a motivating, collaborative atmosphere. -------------------------------------------- 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 Prioritize Networking for Growth Staffing is the Foundation Break Down Silos Between Parts & Service Chapters 00:00 Fixed ops collaboration discussion 05:53 Challenges in getting skilled staff 06:22 Expressing excitement and gratitude Website:  https://www.partsedge.com/profilequiz Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    7 min
  6. Webinar Replay - What Your DMS Isn’t Telling You About Your Inventory

    24 Jun

    Webinar Replay - What Your DMS Isn’t Telling You About Your Inventory

    This episode takes a gritty, honest look at the hidden gaps in dealership DMS (Dealer Management System) reporting and the impact on parts inventory management. The conversation focused on what makes inventory a guessing game for most parts managers and why relying on standard DMS-generated reports often leaves you making decisions with only half the picture. The discussion explored why most DMS platforms are built with accounting first and parts last—leaving managers to dig across eight to ten separate reports just to find the real health of their inventory. The hosts demonstrate how PartsEdge simplifies complex data, proactively surfaces problems (like obsolescence, forced stock, and non-controlled inventory), and gives parts managers the tools to fix their foundation and turn inventory faster, instead of sifting through endless reports. Several points were raised, including the importance of separating controlled vs. non-controlled inventory, using data to spot trends before they become issues, and why actionable information is more valuable than raw reports. Live Q&A with parts managers spotlights real-world struggles, vendor tricks, and actionable strategies—plus the flaws and merits of today's leading DMS solutions. If your dealership’s inventory feels like a black box, this episode will get you fired up to demand better—and give you the roadmap to start. -------------------------------------------- Takeaways You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Separate controlled from non-controlled inventory. Fix the foundation with better visibility. Chapters 00:00 Discussing DMS Reporting Gaps 04:20 Discussing the focus on DMS systems 08:55 Analyzing data with line graphs 11:04 Inventory management overview 14:51 Managing volatile inventory 20:29 Dealing with technical obsolescence 21:44 Monthly forecasting and return management 25:39 Managing Non-Controlled Inventory 30:01 Viewing inventory management reports 33:46 Monthly customized reporting options 38:09 Parts ordering process explained 41:13 RPG level report discussion 44:04 Handling parts lists in techeon 47:06 Managing inventory fill rates 50:46 Accuracy of stock order generation 53:20 Techyon's dealership strategy and pricing Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    56 min
  7. Breaking the Mold: Fixing Fixed Ops with AI and Smarter Scheduling

    17 Jun

    Breaking the Mold: Fixing Fixed Ops with AI and Smarter Scheduling

    Kaylee Felio chats live from the NCM Fuel the Future Fixed Ops Summit with Michael Webb of AutoEngage, diving into the fast-evolving world of fixed ops, service scheduling, and customer experience. Michael unpacks how AutoEngage leverages AI to streamline service appointments, minimize manual work, and deliver a true "Amazon-like" experience for dealership customers—all while directly integrating into major DMS platforms. The conversation shines a light on cutting through the digital noise, focusing on automation that actually serves staff and customers, not just tech for tech’s sake. Along the way, they discuss the unique energy of fixed ops-focused events, the shift from traditional campaigns to real-time, intelligent outreach, and what's next for integrating parts with service scheduling. Michael brings gritty, optimistic insights about making operational processes smoother while nurturing every customer touchpoint in the dealership journey. -------------------------------------------- Takeaways Real-time, AI-driven scheduling reduces manual work and elevates the customer experience. Dealerships should treat automation tools as “employees” that need training and oversight. Integrating parts with service scheduling is on the horizon—fix the foundation now to be ready for next-gen efficiency. Chapters 00:00 AI in auto service scheduling 05:15 Discussing BDC's role in service 06:12 The AI-driven customer experience Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    8 min

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

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