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.

Arlene breaks down the challenges dealerships face with parts inventory, the urgent need to turn inventory faster, and why bi-directional, real-time integrations are the new foundation for efficient operations. Kaylee shares the day-to-day struggles of parts managers and how this integration finally fixes the disconnect that’s plagued dealerships for years.

We dive into how automated inventory management is revolutionizing parts departments, freeing up capital, reducing obsolescence, and powering customer satisfaction. Plus, get a peek behind the curtain at how PartsEdge is leveraging AI for smarter parts stocking every month.

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Takeaways

1. Open, real-time integrations empower dealerships to choose best-in-class tools and optimize operations.

2. Automated inventory management reduces manual entry, obsolescence, and frees up cash for growth.

3. AI-powered analysis helps parts managers stock smarter and adapt to market changes without the guesswork.

Chapters

00:00 Challenges with DMS integration

06:17 Discussing tech integration challenges

08:31 Optimizing dealer inventory

10:32 Managing inventory and ordering parts

15:49 Building a stable DMS launch

18:28 Training AI for inventory analysis

Kaylee Felio

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

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

Arlene Clements
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlene-clements-9005543

In this month’s live replay, Chuck Hartle and Blake Featherly dig 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 practical blueprint to turn inventory headaches into data-driven wins.

Whether you're new to the concept or looking to revamp your existing structure, Chuck’s approach demystifies commodity-based sources—from milk vs. canned asparagus (yes, really!) to actionable insights for parts managers who want to spend less time fixing messes and more time driving ROI.

Learn how to set up your DMS to work for you, segment parts smarter, and create a solid foundation for leaner inventory, cleaner books, and happier customers.

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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

1. Break Down Your Inventory by Commodity

2. Customize Phase-In/Phase-Out and Day Supply

3. Source Structure Powers Accurate Accounting

Chapters

00:00 "Streamlining Inventory for Efficiency"

04:34 "Pricing and Sourcing Dynamics"

08:51 Optimizing Pricing and Sales Overrides

12:26 "Vehicle Accessories Sales Insights"

13:28 "Tire Inventory and Pricing Strategy"

17:14 "Optimizing Bulk Oil Inventory"

21:35 "Managing Unwanted Stock Decisions"

25:45 "Forced Stock Inventory Analysis"

30:02 "Managing Obsolete Inventory Risks"

32:13 "Dynamic Source Structure Benefits"

36:50 "Parts Setup Challenges Explained"

38:56 "Boosting Your Inventory Strategies"

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 management. From the realities of walking into a new department with inherited processes, to actionable advice on fill rates, training, and the future of dealership ops, you’ll walk away with real-world strategies you can use now.

Whether you’re a seasoned parts manager or just stepping into the role, this episode delivers hard-earned wisdom—plus a look ahead at technology, AI, and why parts departments deserve a seat at the table. Don’t miss Mark Michalski's take on empowering employees, modernizing inventory practices, and building a network of support that drives dealership success.

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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. Training and Empowerment Matter

2. Data-Driven Inventory Wins

3. Community and Collaboration Are Game-Changers

Chapters

00:00 Automotive Dealer Training Programs

04:20 "Parts Manager Training Challenges"

09:00 Optimizing Parts Department Operations

10:52 "Building Connections for Success"

14:46 Optimizing Sales Through Data Insights

17:33 "Challenges in Parts Management"

21:37 "Store Individuality and Similarities"

25:12 "Challenges of Vendor-Managed Inventory"

26:08 "Challenges in Parts Management Training"

32:39 "Collaboration Over Competition in AI"

33:42 Lack of Industry Standardization

36:55 Passion for Supporting Students

Kaylee Felio

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

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

Mark Michalski

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

Today, 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 maintenance items, and manufacturer adjustments can make or break your gross profits. Real world stories, straightforward exercises, and a dash of parts department humor make this a must-listen for anyone looking to power up their parts operation.

Discover why your pricing shouldn’t be “set in stone,” how to spot hidden profit leaks, and what automotive dealerships can learn from big retail marketing. Whether you’re a parts manager, fixed ops leader, or dealership principal, you’ll come away with clear steps to unlock better ROI, customer satisfaction, and department health.

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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

1. Regularly review both matrix and menu pricing to ensure profit margins keep pace with manufacturer cost changes.

2. Simple spreadsheet exercises can reveal where suggested retail falls short and which parts are dragging down gross.

3. Pricing is never set in stone—experiment with incremental adjustments and track how they impact profit and customer response.

Chapters

00:00 Effective Parts Pricing Strategies

06:28 Updating Your Parts Pricing Strategy

07:49 "Matrix and Warranty Markup Strategy"

13:19 Analyzing Manufacturer Profit Margins

15:30 "BMW Pricing and Profit Margins"

19:02 Escalator Categories Explained

21:28 "Optimizing Pricing & Overrides"

26:53 "Boost Gross with Small Tweaks"

29:01 Optimizing Gross Profit Strategies

32:37 "Service Success Through Tweaks"

35:31 "Optimizing Pricing and Matrix Strategies"

39:58 Optimizing Reporting & Inventory Control

42:02 Monthly Meeting Reminder

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 customer experiences and empower employees.

From developing role-specific handbooks and launching tech training programs to pioneering AI-driven customer communications and video inspection platforms, Bill’s insights are a must-hear for dealership leaders and anyone wanting to drive results in fixed ops.

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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. Documented Processes Drive Performance

2. Tech-Enabled Communication & Training

3. Invest in Your Talent Pipeline

Chapters

00:00 FixedOps Banquet and Strategy Shift

04:30 Service Standards and Accountability

06:55 FixedOps Marketing and Sales Plan

10:44 "PartsEdge Certification and Training Opportunities"

15:03 "AI Transforming Business Operations"

18:21 Customer Alerts via NPS Dashboard

21:20 Improving Industry Operations Over Time

25:42 "Frustration Over Reporting Issues"

28:41 "Snapshot to Process Breakdown"

32:44 UVI Systems Boost Sales Success

35:58 Building Future Through Education

37:52 Tool Trucks Disrupting Auto Shops

Kaylee Felio

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

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

William Demaree

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

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 dealership sketches, how he balances creativity and accuracy to keep both the automotive pros and customers laughing— and learning——and why authenticity is still the golden rule of building an engaged community. The conversation spotlights how Austin Conroy’s brand of comedy helps bridge connections, boost recruiting, and even drive industry

change.

You’ll also hear stories that go beyond the showroom: wrangling viral fame at the grocery store, lessons in time management, how beekeeping and dealership life unexpectedly intertwine, and the importance of embracing new platforms and opportunities (including landing brand deals and inspiring others to jump into content).

If you’re in the dealership world (or ever thought about picking up your phone to record a skit), this candid convo will ignite your creativity—and give you permission to laugh at the quirks we all know and love.

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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 Wins

2. Content Drives Opportunity

3. Comedy = Culture Change

Chapters

00:00 "Awkward Encounters and a Solution"

03:54 Inspiring Through Relatable Content

08:55 "Finding Creativity Through Skits"

11:51 "Finding Your Social Media Voice"

15:22 "Content Views vs. Conversions"

19:08 "Training: The Wrong Way Example"

20:35 Grateful for Supportive Auto Group

22:42 Managing Content and Time Efficiently

28:32 "Side Hustle for Starbucks"

31:48 "Less Attention for Fourth Child"

32:29 Beekeeping Inspired by Coworkers

36:04 Passionate About the Car Business

39:41 Editing and Filming Dynamics

42:10 "Social Media Insights Podcast"

Kaylee Felio

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

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

Austin Conroy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-conroy-05b4795a/

Website: https://tr.ee/wBoxDaNHpE

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 are the force multipliers dealers can’t ignore.

Whether you’re in fixed ops, sales leadership, or dealership marketing, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for elevating your store’s digital game and seizing success as search and customer journeys keep evolving.

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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 building trust and educating with relevant content aligned to the customer journey, rather than prioritizing quick lead generation.

2. Get personal—use profile marketing, automation, and customer data to target specific customer personas instead of blanket messaging.

3. Stay consistent—digital marketing success comes from playing the long game, tracking real engagement, and maintaining steady investment (even when leads temporarily dip).

Chapters

00:00 – Kaylee Felio introduces Sarah Ciociola and opens the conversation about change in automotive marketing

01:16 – Sarah Ciociola shares her journey at PCG Digital and falling in love with auto

02:35 – Discussion on how search now focuses on education and discovery, not just direct sales

04:21 – Why 120+ digital touchpoints matter in the customer journey

05:31 – The rise of “profile marketing” and personalized campaigns for different lifestyle segments

07:14 – How dealers can (and should) leverage in-house influencers and employee-generated content

10:05 – Lifecycle marketing—serving the right message at the right stage, not just aiming for instant leads

13:00 – Advanced measurement: Using Automotive Standards Council event tracking and Meta call ads in fixed ops

16:07 – Shifting metrics: Measuring digital retail engagement, not just form fills

19:59 – Budgeting for digital: When to pull back, when to invest, and why benchmarks don’t always work

23:21 – The future: Why automation and AI are essential for scaling modern dealership marketing

26:20 – Who should own digital marketing in the dealership? The rise of marketing managers and creative teams

28:24 – Wrap-up: The pace of change, shiny object syndrome, and why the most innovative dealers will win

Kaylee Felio

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

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

Sarah Ciociola

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

Website: www.pcgdigital.com

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 parts managers turn inventory faster and unlock growth. Hear real-world stories and insights about bonus structures, collaboration between departments, and the transformative power of dealer communication. If you want to elevate your parts department, this episode is a must-listen!

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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. Consistent menu pricing for high-volume items simplifies sales and protects gross profit.

2. Setting up granular sources in your DMS boosts flexibility, creativity, and inventory control—letting your system do the heavy lifting.

3. Cross-department bonus incentives encourage true collaboration and improved dealership health; don’t overlook how compensation drives behavior.

Chapters

00:00 - Kaylee Felio kicks off with the Parts Edge mission and episode intro.

00:26 - Kaylee Felio asks about the pitfalls of averaging parts prices.

00:33 - Chuck Hartle explains why averaging hurts margins and how menu pricing brings consistency.

02:10 - Chuck Hartle discusses gross profit expectations and departmental motivations.

03:18 - Kaylee Felio raises the topic of cross-department bonus structures.

04:24 - Kaylee Felio and Chuck Hartle dive deep into inventory source strategies and automation.

05:25 - Chuck Hartle details the benefits of granular source setup for pricing, management, and minimizing obsolescence.

07:07 - The grocery store analogy for automated pricing and inventory management.

08:05 - Recent manufacturer changes, source setup wins, and collaborative problem-solving stories.

11:04 - Kaylee Felio highlights dealer creativity enabled by flexible source management.

12:05 - Optimism for the new year and final thoughts from Chuck Hartle.

Kaylee Felio

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

Website: https://www.partsedge.com