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 own pipeline of talent is the future of our industry. If you’re looking for inspiration on staying teachable, building genuine relationships, and fostering growth opportunities in your dealership (and beyond), this episode is packed with actionable insights.

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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

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Takeaways

1. Remain Teachable

2. Build Your Own Talent Pipeline

3. Relationships Drive Results

Chapters

00:00 – Kaylee Felio introduces Felicia Barr, highlighting her unique career trajectory

00:32 – Felicia Barr shares starting as a greeter, her surprise at dealership career diversity

03:05 – Falling in love with customer relationships and learning the ropes

06:07 – Transitioning from single-store manager to overseeing multiple locations—managing fear, self-doubt, and adapting approaches

10:11 – How working side-by-side with staff proved her credibility and built trust

12:06 – Opening a commercial building: pressure, time management, and family support

13:26 – Community involvement, charity events, and teaching kids about hard work

18:12 – Turning to local tech schools for co-op partners after technician shortages

19:27 – Success stories from co-op hires: building skills and long-term loyalty

22:52 – Advocating for sending managers to 20 groups, guilds, and learning from peers

24:02 – Breaking down barriers between service, parts, and sales through empathy and teamwork

29:03 – Mistake management: fixing processes together instead of pointing fingers

32:02 – Felicia Barr shares NAADA speaking plans and excitement for industry networking

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

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 finally taking center stage in dealerships. Discover how to elevate your career, boost your confidence, and empower the next generation—plus, get an inside look at the Women Driving Vehicle Retail Event at NADA.

You’ll also get fun stories about classic cars, organizing obsessions, and using Lego builds to encourage the next wave of automotive techs.

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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

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Takeaways

1. Leverage Your Influence

2. Ask Bold Questions, Start Real Conversations

3. Champion Fixed Ops Visibility

   
   

Chapters

00:01 – Kaylee Felio kicks off with the Parts Edge mission and intro.

00:37 – Gretchen Seidel discusses her career evolution, influence, and “dream job” at NADA.

03:36 – The ripple effects of impact, mentoring, and expanding your influence.

06:46 – Networking, supporting other women, and why asking for help is powerful.

10:07 – Building genuine relationships: why deeper conversations spark growth and connection.

14:01 – Social media, “vanity metrics,” and authentic engagement in the automotive world.

16:16 – Music, motivation, and event-planning for the Women Driving Vehicle Retail Event.

18:16 – The rise of fixed ops, customer retention, and why dealerships should focus on the service drive.

20:40 – Gretchen Seidel’s hands-on dealership and OEM experience, and how it drives real impact.

22:47 – Innovative networking at NADA, inclusivity, and meaningful connections.

24:02 – Spotlight on keynote speakers and the importance of women’s hard work.

26:24 – Media, best practices, and why fixed ops is finally getting its due.

28:59 – The “Beast” story: dealership service, IRFs, and empathy for the customer.

31:57 – Being a true car lover—stories about dream cars, engines, and heritage.

41:55 – The power of nerdiness: Legos, organization, and creative ways to inspire future techs.

47:47 – Closing thoughts and a call to action: connect, register, and keep driving change.

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

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 partnership than sales.

Kyle reveals why customized technology, created by fixed ops professionals for fixed ops professionals, is changing the game in dealership operations—from scheduling to seamless integration across parts, service, mobile operations, and even payments. If you want the inside scoop on how process-driven innovation, empathy, and real-world dealership experience come together to solve everyday dealership problems, this is the episode for you.

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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

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Takeaways

1. Partner, don’t just pitch
2. Customization is key
3. Empathy and continuity matter

Chapters

00:00 — Kaylee Felio welcomes Kyle Morisette, highlights his two decades in fixed ops

02:34 — Kyle’s journey: From enterprise rental to service advisor to dealership leadership

04:00 — Why personal relationships and transparency keep people in the industry

05:38 — Transitioning from dealership to tech—overcoming the “vendor side” stigma

07:06 — The limits of dealership “bubbles” and lessons learned serving multiple stores

08:07 — Tech Wall origins: Real dealership needs, real tech solutions

09:59 — What makes Tech Wall’s scheduling and parts platform different

11:43 — Seamless DMS integration and adaptability for all kinds of dealerships

13:56 — Leveraging AI for parts departments—finally, technology for the people who need it most

16:26 — How Tech Wall helps bridge the parts-availability and scheduling gap

18:07 — Built by fixed ops, for fixed ops—why team culture matters

21:34 — Partnership beyond the sale: support, accountability, and change management

24:30 — Realities of shifting from dealership to vendor life and building new habits

26:14 — Authenticity and relationship-first selling for tech partners

28:29 — Building for growth: Supporting more stores without sacrificing service

30:18 — Looking ahead to 2026: Growth, expansion, and a renewed sense of energy

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio

On this episode, Kaylee Felio sits down with Brian Fox, Director of Parts Operations at Barnes Crossing Auto Group a 16-location powerhouse serving the South. Brian Fox gets candid about his unique journey into automotive, from missionary work in Croatia to entering the car business through marriage (literally). Together, they break down the realities of dealership life, the hidden opportunities in fixed ops, and why process and empowering people—matter way more than job titles. Whether you’re a parts manager, aspiring director, or enthusiast for automotive innovation, this episode is packed with practical playbooks and a few hearty laughs.

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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

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Takeaways

1. Start with Systems, Not Just People

2. Empower at Every Level

3. Slow Down to Speed Up

Chapters

00:01 – Kaylee Felio: Intro to the Parts Edge Podcast & fixed ops focus

00:24 – Brian Fox: Welcome, role details, Barnes Crossing’s regional footprint

01:12 – Brian Fox: How he married into auto—mission trips, long-distance, first dealership visit

03:28 – Brian Fox: The “Lion King” moment, inspirational family business story

04:04 – Brian Fox: First exposure was as a vendor & NADA Academy before ever working in a store

06:10 – Brian Fox: Jump to used car manager, Carmigo auctions, then parts—year on the counter

08:42 – Kaylee Felio, Brian Fox: The power and limitations of on-the-counter learning

09:07 – Brian Fox: Discovering the lack of processes—drive for building resources and SOPs

13:19 – Kaylee Felio, Brian Fox: The opportunity in parts, visibility, and Google Drive

14:41 – Kaylee Felio: Tech talk—software, focus, and the limits of current parts tools

15:51 – Brian Fox: Once set up, parts can flow—automation, AI’s potential for accounting

17:19 – Kaylee Felio: AI in shopping, robots delivering parts, and future trends

20:00 – Kaylee Felio, Brian Fox: Brian’s background before auto—philosophy, missionary work, detail training

21:17 – Brian Fox: Applying “min-max” efficiency mindset, gaming concepts to fixed ops

25:13 – Kaylee Felio, Brian Fox: Quirks, languages, wrestling, and family dynamics in the business

26:59 – Kaylee Felio, Brian Fox: What’s next for 2026—system over hustle and the future potential in fixed ops

29:14 – Kaylee Felio: Wrap-up and thanks

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

Today, Kaylee Felio sits down with DMS and inventory management expert Chuck Hartle to bust the top myths surrounding DMS setups, parts sources, pricing strategies, and obsolescence in today’s dealership environment. Chuck Hartle draws on real-world dealership experience and PartsEdge’s hands-on work with dealers, uncovering smarter ways to use technology to turn inventory faster, optimize pricing, and crush those old habits holding managers back. Whether you’re wrestling with DMS migrations, struggling to trust your stock orders, or tired of ever-growing obsolete inventory, this episode is packed with gritty wisdom, practical examples, and actionable advice for parts pros.

You’ll learn why “more sources” isn’t just an option—it’s essential; how a smarter source setup gives you control over pricing and replenishment; and how to avoid the costly traps that drain department profits. No sugarcoating, just hard-earned lessons and real solutions, delivered with Kaylee Felio’s energy and Chuck Hartle’s battle-tested know-how.

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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

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Takeaways

1. Break Out Your Sources

2. Proactively Manage Obsolescence

3. Leverage Your DMS—Don’t Let It Limit You

Chapters

00:00 – Why dealerships need more than a couple sources

01:20 – Common myths: “Manufacturer controls my inventory”

02:34 – How multiple sources enable better pricing and inventory management

03:51 – How many sources can a parts manager realistically manage?

05:12 – Breaking out sources for accessories, menu items, and captive maintenance

07:32 – The “milk and canned asparagus” inventory analogy

08:18 – When DMS setups fail—and how granular sources help

10:11 – Tuning phasing criteria and days supply for profit

13:03 – How to set day supply based on part movement

15:05 – Isolating accessories and tires for smarter stock and returns

16:33 – Trends and realities in manufacturer pricing

18:53 – Gross profit margins and the impact of diminishing discounts

21:04 – The truth about obsolescence and how to really control it

25:45 – Why writing obsolete parts down to a penny is a bad idea

27:10 – What’s an acceptable level of write-offs and obsolescence?

29:02 – The power of tracking and controlling special order parts

30:02 – Market realities: Today’s “normal” for dealership obsolescence rates

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

When dealer principal Joe Shaker of Shaker Auto Group started digging into customer feedback, he uncovered a hard truth: even loyal, satisfied customers still felt uncertainty about what was happening behind the service doors. That insight sparked the creation of TruVideo, now one of the most widely used communication platforms in automotive.

In this episode, Joe walks through the journey — the early “aha” moments, the data that changed everything, the role of AI, and how video has redefined transparency in the modern dealership. He and Kaylee break down why doubt persists, how clear communication transforms revenue and retention, and what dealers can do right now to close trust gaps and elevate the customer experience.

If you’re ready to build real transparency, automate stronger processes, and modernize how your parts and service teams communicate, this episode is your roadmap.

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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

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Takeaways

1. Trust needs real action, not buzzwords.

2. Video boosts approvals, sales, and confidence.

3. Use AI to monitor, standardize, and reveal revenue.

Chapters

00:01 – Kaylee Felio introduces Joe Shaker, the story behind TRU Video and why trust matters

02:47 – Joe Shaker shares how customer doubt led to video innovation

04:38 – Video’s explosive adoption: Over 24 million media files a month reaching millions of customers

06:31 – Beyond buzzwords: Why transparency must be actionable

07:32 – The #1 driver of customer experience: Communication quality

09:03 – Rethinking declined repairs—fixing the root cause, not chasing after-sales

10:05 – Data reveals 34% of videos are shared, changing decision-making dynamics

13:08 – Impact of technician narrative: Understanding builds trust

17:03 – Using AI to monitor video content, process compliance, and reveal hidden parts sales

19:16 – The filter story: Showing means selling, unlocking millions in untapped revenue

22:20 – Inspect what you expect—process consistency as the heart of dealership growth

25:06 – Meeting customers with video where they are, future tech innovations in AR and messaging

34:58 – Importance of service records, transparency, and maintaining customer safety

36:14 – How Shaker balances multiple businesses, people, and processes

40:29 – Looking 5-10 years ahead: Glasses, rich messaging, and AI-powered concierge

44:38 – Real-world examples of shop scheduling improvements with messaging agents

47:34 – Final thoughts: Upgrading communication, empowering teams, CES-style innovation at NADA

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

Joe Shaker

Website: https://truvideo.com/about-truvideo/

Are you a Seasoned Optimizer, Overloaded Operator, Turnaround Artist, or Parts Protégé? In this episode, Kaylee Felio breaks down the brand-new Parts Manager Profile Quiz from PartsEdge—a game-changing tool designed to help parts managers and dealership leaders unlock greater performance, clarity, and team connection.

With over 60 responses already, this quiz isn’t just about having some holiday fun (though it’s perfect timing), but about digging deep into how you really lead your inventory—your natural strengths, those sneaky friction points, and what opportunities might be within reach if you get the right support.

Kaylee Felio walks you through the four distinct parts manager types, real stories from the case study report, and how the results can spark powerful conversations and growth whether you’re in the hot seat or leading the team. Stay until the end for actionable tips and a nudge to take the quiz yourself!

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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

🔗https://www.partsedge.com

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Takeaways

1. Your type reveals strengths.

2. Support shapes success.

3. Tools sharpen leadership.

Chapters

00:01 - Kaylee Felio introduces the PartsEdge Podcast and launches the Parts Manager Profile Quiz

00:41 - Why the quiz matters and what you’ll discover about your leadership style

01:07 - The Four Types Explained: Seasoned Optimizer, Overloaded Operator, Turnaround Artist, Parts Protégé

02:41 - Strengths and watch-outs for each manager type

04:15 - Real examples, case study report details, and learning from others

05:57 - Using the quiz for leadership, not labels—sparking key team conversations

06:31 - How PartsEdge supports every manager type for better inventory performance

07:08 - Kaylee Felio’s challenge: Take the quiz and share your results for 2026 goal setting

Website:

https://www.partsedge.com/profilequiz

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

In today’s conversation, Kaylee Felio welcomes her longtime automotive industry friend Ansley Williams to explore the realities of launching a consulting business in the fixed ops space. From overcoming skepticism to building technology solutions for dealership service departments, Ansley shares the lessons learned from navigating her unique path in automotive—and why embracing authenticity (and a little “sprinkles and glitter” energy) is crucial for long-term success.

Hear how a career spent “in the trenches” led Ansley to develop actionable tools for dealerships, and why transparency, grit, and data-driven insights matter in a sector often resistant to outside help. Plus: reflections on raising strong daughters, surviving mom-life chaos, and what it really means to challenge the status quo in a male-dominated field.

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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

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Takeaways

1. Authenticity and resilience matter

2. Data is power—if it’s accessible

3. Support your people

   
   

Chapters

00:00 Supportive Connections Amid Challenges

05:29 "Improving Dealership Communication Strategies"

07:43 Building Trust as a Consultant

10:38 Leadership Impact and Performance Trends

15:31 "Rebuilding with Passion and Purpose"

16:42 Daughter Inspired by Sales Career

22:00 "Work Ethic and Planning Success"

23:01 Proud of Her Path

27:11 "Facing Struggles, Taking Risks"

29:09 "Thoughtful Questioning and Caution"

32:39 "Consultant Offering Proven Strategies"

35:18 "Grateful for Meaningful Partnerships"

38:51 "Excited for Your Journey"

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

Ansley Williams

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ansleywilliams/

Website: https://pacesetterdealerservices.com/

In this episode, Kaylee Felio chats with MK Valley—CEO and cofounder of SparkServ—about the urgent need for innovation in fixed ops. Together, they unpack why dealerships lag behind other industries in customer experience, and how outdated reliance on phone calls and siloed data stifles growth, profits, and customer loyalty.

MK Valley draws from her deep roots in tech and in automotive, recounting her mission to bridge gaps between service, parts, and technology. She shares her journey launching SparkServ—a one-stop solution that proactively connects with customers, improves team efficiency, and empowers dealerships to win back market share.

From self-serve scheduling to AI-driven inventory management, Kaylee Felio and MK Valley reveal practical steps any dealership can take to move beyond bandaid fixes and build a resilient, growth-focused fixed ops department.

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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

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Takeaways

1. Integrate service and parts

2. Use AI to improve decisions

3. Engage customers proactively

   
   

Chapters

00:00 Automotive Scheduling: Fixing Consumer Needs

03:35 "Convenience Over Loyalty Trends"

06:58 Service Advisors' Limited Empowerment

11:55 "Creating Spark: Solving BDC Chaos"

16:20 "Boosting Profit in Auto Deals"

18:55 "Incredible Automotive Industry Insights"

21:38 "Conviction and Curiosity"

25:32 "AI, Efficiency, and Stagnation"

28:27 Service Delays Impact Customer Experience

31:25 Unified Fixed Ops Strategy

Connect with Mk Valley

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckennavalleyWebsite: https://www.sparkserv.com/

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelio

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

A special FixedOps Roundtable episode, Kaylee Felio and Ted Ings sit down in Dallas, Texas at Snell Motor Company’s Jaguar Land Rover dealership with parts managers Shawn Cauthen, Romeo Chariez, and Zach Carter. 

The team shares practical wisdom on leveraging technology to streamline dealership parts operations, highlighting how PartsEdge optimizes workflows, reduces inventory headaches, and empowers managers to focus on people and growth. Discover firsthand how effective data solutions can transform a typical day in dealership parts management, yielding greater efficiency, profitability, and stronger teams.

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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

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Takeaways

1. Leverage technology and expert support

2. Minimize obsolescence and cut inventory costs

3. Invest freed-up time in coaching and leading your team

   
   

Chapters

00:00 "PartsEdge Simplifies Parts Management"

03:28 Optimizing Inventory Through Data Tools

08:07 "Streamlining Parts Return Process"

09:53 Fixed Ops Dealer Recognition

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl

Website: https://www.partsedge.com