Episode Overview
The parts department is often the most misunderstood and underappreciated corner of the dealership — until something goes wrong. In this episode, Kyle sits down with Peter Penev, a parts manager with nearly two decades in the business, who shares the lessons, challenges, and leadership strategies that transformed his department into a true driver of dealership success.
Peter’s story starts at the counter with a hard lesson on accountability, and evolves into a philosophy of visibility, cross-training, and inclusion. He challenges stereotypes of “bean counters,” explains why five-minute quotes can change everything, and makes the case that parts deserves a permanent seat at the table in dealership decision-making.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- The career-shaping moment that taught Peter the real meaning of accountability.
- Why KPIs don’t tell the whole story — and what actually defines efficiency in a parts department.
- How a simple five-minute turnaround standard can boost advisor confidence, technician productivity, and customer satisfaction.
- The misconception that “parts is just inventory management” — and how visibility changes everything.
- Why cross-training between parts, service, and sales is the fastest way to build stronger Fixed Ops teams.
- The role AI and automation can play in speeding up quotes, improving warranty compliance, and freeing techs to do what they do best.
Quotes Worth Sharing
- “Your parts department can be your biggest enabler — or your biggest bottleneck — for Fixed Ops growth.”
- “Customers don’t care if it’s parts, service, or sales. They see one dealership. Fix the problem first, figure out the process later.”
- “KPIs are surface deep. Real efficiency comes from visibility and relationships.”
- “Five-minute quotes aren’t impossible. They’re the standard that makes advisors confident and techs efficient.”
- “Numbers don’t lie, but if you don’t know your people, the numbers don’t mean much either.”
Episode Links & Resources
- Connect with Peter Penev on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Fixed Ops Mastermind
- Explore sponsors mentioned in this episode:
- PartsEdge.com
– smarter inventory, better margins. - Spiffy
– mobile service management. - UVeye.com
– automated vehicle inspection. - Automotive Warranty Network - AWNinc.com
– warranty compliance and recovery. - Targit Automotive - Targit.com
– real-time fixed ops intelligence.
Why Listen?
If you’re a service manager, advisor, or GM who thinks “parts is just numbers,” this episode will change your mind. Peter proves that when parts gets the visibility and inclusion it deserves, the entire dealership wins.
