The PartsEdge Podcast

Liza Borches is the President and CEO of Carter Myers Automotive, a family and employee-owned automotive group serving Central Virginia since 1924. As the fourth-generation leader of CMA, she is the first woman to hold this position in the company's history. Liza continues her family's legacy of honesty, integrity, customer service, and community involvement while driving the business forward.

Today, Liza Borches opens up about the intricate balancing act of managing motherhood, marriage, and friendship alongside her demanding professional roles, not to mention her significant involvement in non-profit boards. With candid insights, she stresses the vital role of systems, processes, and supportive networks in achieving this balance.

During their conversation, Kaylee and Liza delve into the evolving seasons of life, the importance of mentorship, and the power of sharing women's stories. Liza shares her experiences with coaching, defining her company's mission, and the authentic impact it has had both internally and externally. Listeners will also hear about the transformative Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) that instills pride and ownership among her employees, Liza's dedication to the fixed operations side of the automotive industry, and her innovative program designed to empower women in the industry.

Join us as Liza takes us through her unexpected yet passion-filled journey in the automotive world, the evolving dynamics of her family business, and her optimistic vision for the future of transportation. Tune in for a conversation brimming with heartfelt stories, invaluable lessons, and inspiring future plans.

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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.

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Takeaways

Quote

“It's simple, love people more than cars. That's where our industry needs to go.” - Liza Borches

Connect:

Liza Borches

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lizaborches

Website: www.CMAcars.com

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl

Website: www.partsedge.com

Chuck Hartle is the co-founder and President of PartsEdge, a powertool for Dealerships Parts Operations, helping to increase DMS utilization, improves efficiency, accuracy, and profitability with solid and consistent plans for eliminating all types of idle inventory in a Parts Operations. With over 40 years in the auto industry Chuck has the know-how and love for the industry that has enabled PartsEdge to identify the biggest needs of dealerships.

Cliff Cope is the co-founder and Vice President of PartsEdge. He is the creative genius behind PartsEdge's technology and has been an avid electronics buff since the age of 10. He manages all PartsEdge software development and continues to push the industry forward through creative and forward-thinking tech solutions.Today, we're diving into the world of dealership inventory management with the visionaries behind PartsEdge, Chuck Hartle and Cliff Cope. Join us as we explore the crucial aspects of efficiently managing a dealership's parts inventory, the impact of AI and innovative technologies on the future of the automotive industry.

Discover how PartsEdge has revolutionized the field by addressing the underutilization of dealership management systems, minimizing mistakes, and maximizing profit opportunities. We'll discuss the evolution of Automatic Stock Replenishment (ASR) programs, the challenges of obsolescence, and the pivotal role of a parts manager in driving operational excellence.

Get ready to gain insights into the tools and strategies that can streamline processes, foster trust in technology, and ultimately elevate dealership performance. Whether you're a seasoned parts manager or just curious about the inner workings of auto dealerships, this episode promises valuable takeaways and a glimpse into the future of parts management.

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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.

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Takeaways

Quote

“There's not a lot of information and education in the parts department.” - Chuck Hartle

“More informed stocking decisions on behalf of the dealers will make the factories more efficient.” - Cliff Cope

Connect:

Chuck Hartle

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-hartle-1923ab14

Website: www.partsedge.com

Cliff Cope

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/clifford-cope-a3717714

Website: www.partsedge.com

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl

Website: www.partsedge.com

Diana Shubert is a seasoned Parts Director. She has a remarkable career spanning several decades across sales, auto, and real estate. Beginning her journey in the parts industry in the ‘80s, Diana Shubert advanced from a cashier to a leadership role, showcasing her passion for and knowledge of classic cars and modern automotive technology. With extensive experience in both service and parts management, Diana has continually defied stereotypes and overcome biases as a woman in the male-dominated automotive sector. 

The automotive industry is often seen as a male-dominated field, but Diana Shubert and Kaylee Felio encourage women to seize every opportunity and break down barriers. Their discussion is not just about personal achievement but also about empowering others to aim higher in their careers.

A significant part of their conversation focuses on communication and engaging with others. Diana emphasizes how essential these skills are in workplace interactions. From a chance encounter at an elevator leading to a job offer to handling customer relationships with finesse, Diana's experiences highlight the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone.

One of the highlights in this episode is Diana’s call to understand and engage with employees rather than hastily resorting to punitive measures. By nurturing and addressing employee concerns, businesses can foster a more constructive and supportive environment.

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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.

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Takeaways

Quote

“When you share your knowledge, you're empowering people to be better and it helps you.” -Diana Shubert

Connect:

Diana Shubert

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/diana-shubert-494a4719

Website: www.amsauto.com

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl

Website: www.partsedge.com

Mark Payne is the President & CEO of Total Dealer Solutions, a family of companies specializing in front end and back end solutions for automotive dealers. He began his career at age 9 in his father's dealerships, eventually owning Mark Payne Mazda of Miami by age 30. Mark later founded Total Dealer Solutions, specializing in physical inventories which led to the innovation of PartsRec.

Today, Mark Payne discusses the widespread impact of recent CDK system outages on dealerships. As an authority on physical inventories and parts reconciliation, he offers crucial guidance on how dealers can manage during and after these challenging times.

With a wealth of experience in handling physical inventories across the nation, Mark’s perspective is invaluable. He stresses the importance of recreating every parts transaction once the system is back online, advising that shortcuts can lead to bigger problems. Mark also provides strategies for keeping track of parts and sales using old-school methods and leveraging any available data backups.

For dealers concerned about scheduled physical inventories, Mark reassures that it's crucial to stick to these schedules to ensure a smooth operation. Post-outage, these inventories will play an essential role in rectifying any discrepancies caused during the downtime.

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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.

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Takeaways

Quote

“There's no shortcut to success. Give as much help as you can and do it because you want to.” -Mark Payne

Connect:

Mark Payne

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/markjpaynetds

Website: www.totaldealersolutionsinc.com

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl

Website: www.partsedge.com

Chuck Hartle is the founder and president of PartsEdge, a powertool for New Car Dealerships Parts Operations, helping to increase DMS utilization, improves efficiency, accuracy, and profitability with solid and consistent plans for eliminating all types of idle inventory in a Parts Operations. With over 40 years in the auto industry Chuck has the know-how and love for the industry that has enabled PartsEdge to identify the biggest needs of dealerships.

Today, Kaylee sits down with Chuck Hartle for an enlightening discussion on how parts managers can navigate the recent CDK outage and efficiently bring their operations back online when CDK systems are restored. Chuck shares invaluable insights into managing sales records during downtime, the importance of manual processes, and the critical steps to take when the system comes back online. The episode also looks ahead to future solutions, emphasizing that dealerships across all DMS platforms should be prepared for unforeseen disruptions.

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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.

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Takeaways

Quote

“We have to make sure we keep some critical files somewhere at the dealership.” -Chuck Hartle

Connect:

Chuck Hartle

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-hartle-1923ab14

Website: www.partsedge.com

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl

Website: www.partsedge.com

Glenn Harwood is an experienced tech startup founder with a demonstrated history of working in the automotive industry. As a global executive, he is skilled in strategy, business planning, management, business development, and automotive. Currently, he is a key leader at AlgoDriven, where he leverages his expertise to drive innovative solutions in the automotive sector.

Glenn shares his journey from facing valuation inconsistencies in the automotive industry to creating an innovative tool that revolutionizes how dealers appraise used cars. We dive deep into how his passion for data and technology led him to establish Algo Driven and attract early venture capital, propelling the company towards rapid growth.

From the importance of accurate appraisals, especially for small dealerships, to the technological advancements in AI and machine learning that are transforming the automotive space, Glenn provides a comprehensive view of the industry's evolving landscape. We'll also explore the challenges and triumphs of launching a startup, building customer relationships, and the exciting upcoming launch of their product in the United States. 

Plus, Glenn Harwood discusses how combining customer feedback with cutting-edge tech has made Algo Driven a trusted partner for dealerships across 14 countries. So, buckle up and get ready for a captivating episode that highlights innovation, persistence, and the future of car appraisals.

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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.

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Takeaways

Quote

“We’re making the appraisal process faster, easier, and more accurate.” -Glenn Harwood

Connect:

Glenn Harwood

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/glennharwood

Website: www.algodriven.xyz

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl

Website: www.partsedge.com

Brad Paschal is the Vice President of Sales at Dynatron Software, a company specializing in advanced analytics and software solutions for the automotive service industry. Brad brings extensive experience and expertise in automotive sales and marketing, playing a crucial role in driving Dynatron's growth and success.

Today, Brad Paschal discusses the importance of proper training for service and parts managers, the challenges dealerships face with technician recruiting, and the creative strategies to overcome them.

As electric vehicles revolutionize the market, Brad enlightens us on the growing significance of tire services and the intricacies of upselling in the tire business. He introduces us to game-changing tools like the “20 group on steroids,” which provide market data to ensure competitive technician pay and improved gross profit margins. But it doesn't stop there—Brad stresses the need for great tools paired with great operators to achieve extraordinary results.

Brad Paschal also offers a glimpse into his personal life, sharing how his unique habits and branding methods help him stay grounded and productive. From the importance of transparency in service departments to the effective management of customer interactions, Brad’s practical advice is sure to resonate with anyone in the automotive industry. Join us as we explore these insights and much more in this enlightening conversation!

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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.

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Takeaways

Quote

“The best marketing strategy is to care.” -Brad Paschal
Connect:

Brad Paschal

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bpaschal

Website: www.dynatronsoftware.com

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl

Website: www.partsedge.com

Erica Bruno-Martin is the Vice President of Business Development of CBC Automotive Marketing, a company that has been providing full-service marketing solutions to successful automobile dealers and dealer groups across North America since 1983. With a robust background in marketing and business development, she has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation at CBC. Erica's strategic vision and leadership skills have significantly contributed to the company's success in the automotive marketing industry.

Today, Erica delves deep into the buying habits of consumers aged 30 to 50, their preference for reliable and reasonably priced cars, and the challenging economic landscape dominated by rising costs. The conversation touches on her journey from dealership service and parts to creating impactful content that connects genuinely with audiences. 

They also explore the significance of impeccable customer service, adapting to new industry changes, and the importance of fostering personal connections in today's digital age. Erica shares insightful advice, her experience during COVID, and the importance of community involvement. Tune in for a rich conversation full of actionable insights and heartfelt stories.

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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.

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Takeaways

Quote

“It's even more important in service that you have an impeccable customer experience.” -Erica Bruno-Martin

Connect:

Erica Bruno-Martin

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erica-bruno

Website: www.wocautonetwork.com

Website: www.cbcads.com

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl

Website: www.partsedge.com

Nick Gianake is the Parts Manager of the Ken Garff Automotive Group. With extensive experience in the automotive industry, Nick is known for his exceptional management skills and dedication to providing top-notch customer service. He plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient operation of the parts department, contributing to the overall success of the Ken Garff Automotive Group.

Nick shares insights into his journey of taking over the parts department a year ago and the challenges he faced in rebuilding the team's trust and breaking down silos. He emphasizes the importance of listening, being hands-on with the team, and adapting to change in the automotive industry. 

He also reflects on his earlier experiences as a parts driver and highlights the significance of customer communication and problem-solving strategies. Join us as we delve into Nick's career experiences and valuable lessons in the fast-paced world of the automotive industry.

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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.

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Takeaways

Quote

“If you want to make a change, you got to live the change.” -Nick Gianake

Connect:

Nick Gianake

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gianake-693b5411

Website: www.kengarff.com

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl

Website: www.partsedge.com

Holden Scott is the Executive Manager at Regal Nissan. With a robust background as a former Fixed Operations Director, he now thrives in a role that allows him to lead other leaders across the entire dealership. His commitment to leadership and vision has enabled him to execute innovative strategies and bring his ideas to fruition, ensuring cohesive and efficient management across all facets of the business.

In this episode, Holden Scott opens up about the unique challenges and joys of raising twins, the mental fortitude required in ultra marathons, and how focusing on self-improvement in areas like running and reading has made him a better leader. He draws fascinating parallels between pushing past mental barriers in endurance races and overcoming obstacles in business.

Kaylee Felio and Holden discuss the ever-changing dynamics of the auto industry, innovative approaches to training and hiring, and the exciting updates in off-road vehicles. Whether you're looking for inspiration in parenting, business, or personal growth, this episode is packed with valuable insights and uplifting stories.

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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.

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Takeaways

Quote

“You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable at times.” -Holden Scott

Connect:

Holden Scott

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/holdenscottregalnissan

Website: www.regalauto.com

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl

Website: www.partsedge.com