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

In this value-packed conversation, host Kaylee Felio sits down with industry expert Chuck Hartle to crack open some of the most overlooked costs of running a dealership parts department. From the hidden impact of idle inventory to the real-world strategies for beating manufacturer compliance traps, Chuck shares proven methods for turning your parts department into a lean, profit-driving machine.

If you’re a parts manager, fixed ops director, or dealer principal eager to fix your inventory foundation, you’ll walk away with actionable tips to minimize obsolescence, dial in your productive inventory, and get everyone—from staff to body shop managers—rowing in the same direction.

Kaylee and Chuck use real calculations, candid examples, and a bit of gritty optimism to show how small adjustments in turns, holding costs, and compliance can result in BIG savings, improved customer satisfaction, and higher dealership profitability.

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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. Focus on productive inventory

2. Monitor holding costs & turns

3. Compliance strategy matters

Chapters

00:00 Optimizing Inventory ROI

05:50 Optimizing Parts Compliance Strategies

07:27 "Profit Margins & Holding Costs"

12:42 Collision Industry Risks Analysis

13:49 Hidden Value in Wholesale Operations

17:01 "Collision Profit Analysis Challenges"

20:28 Optimize Inventory for ROI Boost

Kaylee Felio

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

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

In this special PartsEdge Podcast crossover episode with the FixedOps Roundtable, Kaylee dives deep into why parts managers deserve a bigger spotlight, how dealership leadership can foster real change, and what’s next for the evolution of fixed operations.

Learn firsthand how PartsEdge continues to support both seasoned and brand-new parts managers—providing education, empowerment, and the right tools to help dealerships get the most out of their inventory. Kaylee and Ted also reflect on partnership stories (including Snell’s), challenges faced by parts departments, and the importance of having parts leaders join the conversation at every level.

Whether you’re a fixed ops veteran or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to run smarter, build culture, and drive dealership success through the parts 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. Empowering parts managers with education and resources drives whole-dealership success.

2. Bringing parts leaders into key conversations fosters culture change and operational growth.

3. Both seasoned and new parts managers benefit from ongoing support and smart inventory strategies.

Chapters

00:00 – Kaylee Felio introduces the PartsEdge Podcast and its mission. 

00:25 – Ted Ings welcomes Kaylee live from Snell Motor Company in Dallas. 

01:09 – Kaylee explains the PartsEdge philosophy: education and support for parts managers. 

02:21 – The importance of spotlighting the people in parts, not just service. 

03:17 – How the Snell/PartsEdge relationship began and the value of long-term support. 

03:57 – The range and growth of parts managers in today’s dealerships. 

04:31 – Parts inventory as a core investment and the case for strong management. 

04:59 – Kaylee shares her vision, career path, and excitement for the future of PartsEdge. 

05:39 – Ted and Kaylee wrap up with thoughts on industry evolution and ongoing innovation.

Kaylee Felio

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

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

In this episode, Kaylee Felio welcomes John Traver of Traver Connect to discuss what “broken” looks like in automotive fixed ops—and more importantly, how leaders and teams can drive sustainable change. John shares frameworks from sports icons, legendary business thinkers like Peter Drucker, and dealership trailblazers such as Ed Roberts to highlight the power of questioning, mission clarity, and process improvement.

Tune in for real-world strategies to strengthen your parts and service department—whether it’s redefining your mission, zeroing in on your “primary customer,” or getting honest about what’s not working. As John puts it, “When you get your mission right, you have an unfair advantage.”

This episode is packed with actionable insights for parts managers, service leaders, and anyone passionate about moving the dealership world forward.

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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 by asking “What’s broke?”

2. Define your mission—the simpler, the better.

3. Document and improve your core processes.

   
   

Chapters

00:00 "Slowing Down to Go Fast"

04:12 "Mission Before Plan in Business"

09:50 "Patience in Product Development"

11:58 Understanding Automotive Secondary Customers

16:13 Streamlining Appointment Scheduling

19:13 Ed Roberts: Solving Technician Shortage

22:40 Relentless Improvement Competitors

23:32 Embracing Growth and Improvement

26:38 Improving Process Efficiency

Kaylee Felio

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

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

In today’s episode, Kaylee Felio is joined by auto industry leaders Joel Gray and Sheila Pogue for a deep dive into what it takes to build, scale, and energize one of the nation’s most successful wholesale parts operations. Joel shares the story behind managing $9.3M in Ford parts inventory across three locations and a dynamic team of nearly 100 employees. Discover how integrity, creative marketing, and empowering your people can transform a parts department from the inside out.

From battling manufacturer pushback and rethinking inventory management to leveraging digital marketing and creating a culture that employees love, Joel unpacks the leadership lessons and operational strategies that set his dealership apart. Sheila jumps in on what it takes to build meaningful digital presence for wholesale and spotlights how human connection – inside and outside your operation – drives business forward.

If you want to reimagine your department, empower your team, and tap into new growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights, laughter, and some four-legged support along the way.

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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. Lead With Integrity

2. Empower and Equip Your People

3. Invest in Marketing and Relationships

   
   

Chapters

00:00 "Honest Operations Foster Respect"

03:13 33-Year Automotive Career Journey

06:36 Insurance-Driven Auto Collision Changes

10:08 Positive Reinforcement Boosts Performance

13:23 Team Leadership and Connection Strategies

18:01 Open-Door Training Approach

21:26 "Enjoying Workplace Connections"

24:33 Custom Software Enhances Store Operations

29:11 Dedicated On-Road Sales Team

30:35 Personal Touch Boosts Customer Relations

34:16 Employee Retention Strategies

37:25 "Importance of Preparedness and Inquiry"

40:18 Incremental Business Expansion

44:56 Learning Ford's Ordering System Quirks

46:13 Embracing Change and Learning

Kaylee Felio

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

Website: https://www.partsedge.com