The PartsEdge Podcast

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-driv...

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...

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 fe...

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,...

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 miss...

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 p...

Today, Kaylee Felio chats live from the NCM Fuel the Future Fixed Ops Summit with Melissa Terrell, whose company is transforming how dealerships leverage customer feedback. Together, they dig into how online reviews—especially when connected to your DMS data—do more than just boost your Google stars. They become the fuel to fix your foundation, stock smarter, retain more customers, and create winn...

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 in...

This episode of the PartsEdge Podcast features a dynamic conversation at the NCM Fuel the Future Fixed Ops Summit, where Kaylee Felio interviewed Beth and Tricia from Herrin Gear Infiniti. Both are newly minted parts and service managers, navigating the challenges of rebuilding their departments, fixing the foundation, and taking their dealership’s performance to the next level. From learning curv...

Kaylee Felio joined Maureen Martin, VP of Strategic Alliances at Dynatron Software, and James Grogan, EVP of Client Success at Dynatron Software at the NCM Fuel the Future Fixed Ops Summit. Together, they dig into what it takes to future-proof dealership fixed ops. From data-driven decision-making and industry-wide best practices, to strengthening the partnership between parts and service teams, t...

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 lev...

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 expo...

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-mov...

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...

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. Arlen...

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 practica...

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 managemen...

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 m...

In this episode, Kaylee Felio sits down with William Demaree, FixedOps Director at Tom Wood Auto Group, to dive into dealership innovation, process accountability, and real-world applications of AI, robotics, and technician development. Bill shares actionable strategies for scaling operations across 30 locations, building a culture of accountability, and leveraging technology to deliver better cus...

In this episode, host Kaylee Felio reconnects with Austin Conroy, also known across social media as “Dealer Plate Guy.” Over the past two years, Austin Conroy has skyrocketed from fixed ops director at Rohrman Automotive Group to also an industry influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Kaylee and Austin dive into the journey behind his viral dealer...

Sarah Ciociola shares her journey from agency novice to auto industry leader, how search is shifting from sales-focused to discovery-based, and why building trust through relevant, educational content is now the key to winning quality customers. The conversation also covers advanced strategies like profile-based marketing, the surprising value of call ads for fixed ops, and why automation and AI a...

On this episode, Kaylee Felio sits down with industry expert Chuck Hartle to break down the nitty-gritty of parts pricing, inventory sources, and the real value of creative problem-solving at the dealership. From the pitfalls of averaging pricing strategies to why a granular approach to source setup empowers flexibility and innovation, this conversation covers actionable best practices that help p...

From Greeter to Multi-Store Service Director: Felicia Barr's candid conversation with Kaylee Felio is a masterclass in how to grow a thriving career and resilient team in automotive fixed ops—from humble beginnings on the service lane to overseeing three stores and a commercial building. Hear how Felicia navigates dealership culture, time management, and community impact, and why creating your...

In this episode, Kaylee Felio sits down with Gretchen Seidel of NADA for an energetic, insightful conversation covering everything from personal passion for cars, overcoming industry challenges, building meaningful connections, to the mechanics of successful networking. Kaylee and Gretchen discuss the importance of owning your story, women’s leadership, leveraging your circle, and why fixed ops is...

In this episode, Kaylee Felio is joined by seasoned Fixed Ops leader Kyle Morisette, who shares his 20+ year journey through the dealership world and his transition into tech leadership at Tech Wall. Kyle opens up about his passion for building customer relationships, driving genuine results for service and parts departments, and how stepping onto the "vendor side" is more about partners...