The PartsEdge Podcast

PartsEdge
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Management
  • Updated Semimonthly

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. The Second Set of Eyes Every Parts Department Needs

    4d ago

    The Second Set of Eyes Every Parts Department Needs

    On this episode of Parts Edge Podcast, Kaylee Felio sits down LIVE with Robert Perez, Fixed Operations Director of South Texas Auto Group, at the NCM Fuel the Future Fixed Ops Summit. Robert shares strategies for embracing new technology, tackling obsolescence, and the future of mobile service in dealership Fixed Ops. From maximizing appointment scheduling with AI to streamlining reporting and leveraging PartsEdge as a true co-pilot, this chat is packed with gritty, practical tips for fixed ops leaders looking to turn inventory faster and fix the foundation. -------------------------------------------- Takeaways Leverage technology and reporting tools like PartsEdge to run a lean, efficient parts department—you can’t fix what you can’t see. Embrace AI-driven appointment schedulers to maximize service opportunity and keep your bays (and customers) flowing. Start experimenting with mobile service now—customers want convenience, and the dealerships willing to try new models will win. Chapters 00:00 Importance of consistent service 05:58 Discussing GM mobile service program 06:44 Adopting mobile car services Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    9 min
  2. How Top Dealerships Protect Margin Through Better Parts Pricing - Live Webinar Series Replay

    May 29

    How Top Dealerships Protect Margin Through Better Parts Pricing - Live Webinar Series Replay

    Chuck Hartle, parts expert and founder of PartsEdge is back with a special episode: a replay of the hugely popular webinar covering parts pricing strategies—all about how your dealership’s matrix and source structure within the DMS directly affect your margins and control. Chuck breaks down the steps to truly review your pricing foundation, shares real examples from over 300 dealerships, and exposes common pitfalls that are quietly shrinking your profits. From reviewing your price matrix and recognizing when manufacturers “matrix you” to updating overlooked menu-priced items, this episode is packed with real-world insights that parts managers can take action on today. The conversation covers reporting musts, what to tweak and how, debunks pricing myths, and delivers gritty, optimistic advice for running a lean, high-performance parts department. If you’re a fixed ops leader or dealership manager looking to turn inventory faster, reduce obsolescence, and stop guessing when it comes to pricing, this replay is your co-pilot. -------------------------------------------- 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 Tweak and review your pricing matrix and menu-priced items regularly: Don’t let outdated menu prices or unchecked DMS categories quietly drain your margins. Analyze gross profit by report, not by guesswork: Running detailed reports to identify low-margin items is the foundation for smarter stocking and stronger profit lines. Small adjustments make a big impact: Incremental price increases on high-volume, low-margin parts (like filters) can push your gross profit margin closer to the magic 40%—without scaring off customers. Chapters 00:00 Building an effective pricing strategy 03:18 Evaluating customer pay gross margins 08:44 Evaluating profit margins in sales 11:02 Analyzing profit margins in spreadsheets 16:57 Adjusting profit margins and pricing strategy 20:15 Finding market threshold and pricing strategy 22:59 Analyzing low gross profit parts 27:56 Understanding gross profit strategies 29:07 Adjusting pricing strategies 33:20 Reviewing and fixing accounting issues 38:48 Pricing strategies for auto parts 40:08 Discussing profit margins and pricing strategies 44:38 Discussing OEM online pricing 46:40 Discussing retail pricing strategies Website:  https://www.partsedge.com/profilequiz Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com

    48 min
  3. Fixing the Foundation for Parts Success with Joe Castelino’s Multi-Store Strategies

    May 22

    Fixing the Foundation for Parts Success with Joe Castelino’s Multi-Store Strategies

    Joe Castelino is the VP of Fixed Operations for American Motors Group, overseeing a diverse portfolio of twelve dealerships. In this high-energy episode, he dives into the real-world strategies behind launching a massive new GM parts warehouse, scaling mobile service across brands, and why empowering frontline techs is the dealership’s secret weapon. Joe shares gritty lessons from running fast-moving fixed ops departments—from how he builds business cases for every investment, to the “adapt or die” mentality that's driving innovation at American Motors. With insights on intercompany wholesale, parts sourcing headaches, and memorable moments of customer service (yes, private planes are involved), this episode is packed with candid advice for parts managers and dealership leaders ready to fix the foundation and run lean. Tune in for warehouse launch details, mobile service wins and fails, and Joe Castelino's take on what parts managers must do to remain growth-focused and competitive in today’s changing market. -------------------------------------------- Takeaways Build a strong business case for every investment—track ROI, set clear payoff timelines, and always know what keeps you “in the plus column.” Empower frontline techs and parts managers—let them innovate and weigh in on service delivery for continual improvement. Adapt or die—embrace change, centralize operations where possible, and use data to stay ahead in a fast-moving market. Chapters 00:00 Talking about vintage brand clothing 05:58 Exploring the GM Powertrain program 09:07 Expanding warehouse operations 11:53 Centralizing wholesale and mobile services 14:16 Offering quick car services 18:04 Team bonding and mentorship moments 21:55 The rise of convenience services 26:01 Streamlining parts procurement process 28:17 Buying stores and learning to fly 31:56 Attending an exciting trade show 35:27 Evaluating potential companies 38:33 Vendor relationships and conversations 41:25 Discussing product trial periods 45:15 Changes in management's role 46:23 Innovative parts management strategy Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com Joe Castelino LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joecastelino

    48 min
  4. Parts Reconciliation Without the Year-End Surprise - Live Webinar Series Replay

    Apr 17

    Parts Reconciliation Without the Year-End Surprise - Live Webinar Series Replay

    Join our Live Webinar Series replay with Chuck Hartle, for a gritty and motivating deep-dive into Parts Reconciliation—one of the most critical (and, let's be real, stressful!) tasks facing dealership parts managers. From month-end headaches to real-world tales of missing inventory and reconciliation “gotchas,” Chuck Hartle explains how to fix the foundation, turn inventory faster, and give parts managers back control of their numbers. Hear actionable guidance, common pitfalls, and the team’s most powerful tools for reconciling inventory every month, with plenty of energy and collaborative expertise. Whether you’re proactively dialing in your department or face a surprise shortfall, this episode is your co-pilot to smarter processes, fewer emergencies, and inventory that’s never a guessing game. -------------------------------------------- This show is powered by PartsEdge: Your go-to solution for transforming dealership parts inventory into a powerhouse of profitability. Their 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 Monthly reconciliations catch issues early—fix the foundation, don’t fight constant “emergencies.” Keep thorough records for cores, return claims, and work-in-process—missing these can throw off your whole inventory picture. Understand and communicate with accounting—80% of inventory issues are posting problems, not warehouse mistakes. Chapters 00:00 Handling month end reconciliation 06:43 Investigating inventory discrepancies 09:33 Tracking inventory and credits spreadsheet 13:23 Managing negative inventory issues 16:17 Managing invoiced but unreceived inventory 19:30 Resolving WIP variance issues 22:07 Investigating dealership invoice errors 25:03 Handling warranty and parts billing 27:13 Dealing with inventory discrepancies 31:46 Managing inventory accuracy 34:20 Challenges for controllers at month end 37:44 Monthly inventory and reconciliation tips 41:47 Wrapping up and next steps

    43 min
  5. Building Foundational Partnerships to Transform Parts Management in Auto Dealerships

    Apr 3

    Building Foundational Partnerships to Transform Parts Management in Auto Dealerships

    Arlene Clements, Vice President of Business Development at Dominion DMS, joins Kaylee Felio for a gritty, optimistic conversation on dealership inventory management and data integration. Dominion's Vue DMS was built from the ground up as an open, modern platform—meaning dealerships can actually select their tech stack and integrate best-in-class tools like PartsEdge without the headache. Arlene breaks down the challenges dealerships face with parts inventory, the urgent need to turn inventory faster, and why bi-directional, real-time integrations are the new foundation for efficient operations. Kaylee shares the day-to-day struggles of parts managers and how this integration finally fixes the disconnect that’s plagued dealerships for years. We dive into how automated inventory management is revolutionizing parts departments, freeing up capital, reducing obsolescence, and powering customer satisfaction. Plus, get a peek behind the curtain at how PartsEdge is leveraging AI for smarter parts stocking every month. -------------------------------------------- Takeaways Open, real-time integrations empower dealerships to choose best-in-class tools and optimize operations. Automated inventory management reduces manual entry, obsolescence, and frees up cash for growth. AI-powered analysis helps parts managers stock smarter and adapt to market changes without the guesswork. Chapters 00:00 Challenges with DMS integration 06:17 Discussing tech integration challenges 08:31 Optimizing dealer inventory 10:32 Managing inventory and ordering parts 15:49 Building a stable DMS launch 18:28 Training AI for inventory analysis Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com Arlene ClementsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlene-clements-9005543

    20 min
  6. Stop Running Your Inventory on 5 Sources - Why More Sources = More Control - Live Webinar Series

    Mar 20

    Stop Running Your Inventory on 5 Sources - Why More Sources = More Control - Live Webinar Series

    In this month’s live webinar series replay, Chuck Hartle digs deep into the nuts and bolts of inventory sources, DMS best practices, and why source structuring isn’t just a technical detail—it’s your key to better control, profitability, and stress-free reporting. Join PartsEdge’s original founder as he shares 30+ years of real-world expertise, breaking down source myths, and giving you a practical blueprint to turn inventory headaches into data-driven wins. Whether you're new to the concept or looking to revamp your existing structure, Chuck’s approach demystifies commodity-based sources—from milk vs. canned asparagus (yes, really!) to actionable insights for parts managers who want to spend less time fixing messes and more time driving ROI. Learn how to set up your DMS to work for you, segment parts smarter, and create a solid foundation for leaner inventory, cleaner books, and happier customers. -------------------------------------------- This show is powered by PartsEdge: Your go-to solution for transforming dealership parts inventory into a powerhouse of profitability. Their 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 Break Down Your Inventory by Commodity Customize Phase-In/Phase-Out and Day Supply Source Structure Powers Accurate Accounting Chapters 00:00 "Streamlining Inventory for Efficiency" 04:34 "Pricing and Sourcing Dynamics" 08:51 Optimizing Pricing and Sales Overrides 12:26 "Vehicle Accessories Sales Insights" 13:28 "Tire Inventory and Pricing Strategy" 17:14 "Optimizing Bulk Oil Inventory" 21:35 "Managing Unwanted Stock Decisions" 25:45 "Forced Stock Inventory Analysis" 30:02 "Managing Obsolete Inventory Risks" 32:13 "Dynamic Source Structure Benefits" 36:50 "Parts Setup Challenges Explained" 38:56 "Boosting Your Inventory Strategies"

    40 min
  7. Breaking Down Barriers: How Dealer Education and Data Drive Parts Department Success

    Mar 13

    Breaking Down Barriers: How Dealer Education and Data Drive Parts Department Success

    This week, Kaylee sits down with Mark Michalski, seasoned NADA Academy instructor and dealership veteran, for a no-nonsense conversation about what it really takes to thrive in today’s parts departments. Mark Michalski shares eye-opening stories from decades on the ground in dealerships across the country—digging into the challenges, opportunities, and big changes happening in auto parts management. From the realities of walking into a new department with inherited processes, to actionable advice on fill rates, training, and the future of dealership ops, you’ll walk away with real-world strategies you can use now. Whether you’re a seasoned parts manager or just stepping into the role, this episode delivers hard-earned wisdom—plus a look ahead at technology, AI, and why parts departments deserve a seat at the table. Don’t miss Mark Michalski's take on empowering employees, modernizing inventory practices, and building a network of support that drives dealership success. ------------------------------------------- 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 Training and Empowerment Matter Data-Driven Inventory Wins Community and Collaboration Are Game-Changers Chapters 00:00 Automotive Dealer Training Programs 04:20 "Parts Manager Training Challenges" 09:00 Optimizing Parts Department Operations 10:52 "Building Connections for Success" 14:46 Optimizing Sales Through Data Insights 17:33 "Challenges in Parts Management" 21:37 "Store Individuality and Similarities" 25:12 "Challenges of Vendor-Managed Inventory" 26:08 "Challenges in Parts Management Training" 32:39 "Collaboration Over Competition in AI" 33:42 Lack of Industry Standardization 36:55 Passion for Supporting Students Kaylee Felio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio Website: https://www.partsedge.com Mark Michalski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamichalski

    37 min
  8. The Real Impact of Menu Pricing vs. Matrix in Dealerships Parts Departments - Live Webinar Series

    Mar 6

    The Real Impact of Menu Pricing vs. Matrix in Dealerships Parts Departments - Live Webinar Series

    Live Webinar Series replay with Resident parts expert and founder of PartsEdge, Chuck Hartle, dives deep into one of the most crucial—and often overlooked—elements of dealership parts management: pricing strategy for customer pay repair orders. Chuck Hartle shares actionable steps for evaluating, investigating, implementing, and reviewing your pricing approach, revealing how matrix pricing, menu maintenance items, and manufacturer adjustments can make or break your gross profits. Real world stories, straightforward exercises, and a dash of parts department humor make this a must-listen for anyone looking to power up their parts operation. Discover why your pricing shouldn’t be “set in stone,” how to spot hidden profit leaks, and what automotive dealerships can learn from big retail marketing. Whether you’re a parts manager, fixed ops leader, or dealership principal, you’ll come away with clear steps to unlock better ROI, customer satisfaction, and department health. ------------------------------------------- This show is powered by PartsEdge: Your go-to solution for transforming dealership parts inventory into a powerhouse of profitability. Their 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 Regularly review both matrix and menu pricing to ensure profit margins keep pace with manufacturer cost changes. Simple spreadsheet exercises can reveal where suggested retail falls short and which parts are dragging down gross. Pricing is never set in stone—experiment with incremental adjustments and track how they impact profit and customer response. Chapters 00:00 Effective Parts Pricing Strategies 06:28 Updating Your Parts Pricing Strategy 07:49 "Matrix and Warranty Markup Strategy" 13:19 Analyzing Manufacturer Profit Margins 15:30 "BMW Pricing and Profit Margins" 19:02 Escalator Categories Explained 21:28 "Optimizing Pricing & Overrides" 26:53 "Boost Gross with Small Tweaks" 29:01 Optimizing Gross Profit Strategies 32:37 "Service Success Through Tweaks" 35:31 "Optimizing Pricing and Matrix Strategies" 39:58 Optimizing Reporting & Inventory Control 42:02 Monthly Meeting Reminder

    40 min
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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

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
    177
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © PartsEdge
  • Show Website
    The PartsEdge Podcast

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