Parts Management Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Chuck Hartleis 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.

Today, Chuck Hartle shares insightful stories, including his own eye-opening experience with a fixed ops consultant, and provides practical advice on how to tweak and simplify your pricing strategies for better gross profits.

We'll discuss the critical role of realistic gross profit percentages, the impact of menu-priced items, and the hidden challenges of flat pricing. You'll also learn about the importance of constant review and adjustments, and how to adapt your pricing strategy to account for market changes and manufacturer policies.

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This show is powered byPartsEdge: 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. Update pricing regularly to protect margins.

2. Keep matrix systems clear and simple.

3. Adjust costs to match market changes.

Quote

“If you're matrixing 10 percent of your retail sales, you're doing a really good job.” -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

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.

Today, Chuck Hartle shares insights from his seminars, revealing the "University of Hard Knocks" every parts manager seems to graduate from. We discuss how perfectionist tendencies and the need for control can both help and hinder a parts manager's effectiveness.

We'll delve into the nitty-gritty of inventory control, specifically focusing on properly receiving and selling out parts, and the complexities of special order processes. Chuck provides practical solutions, like involving a Business Development Center (BDC) or dedicated warranty clerks to manage customer follow-ups.

Finally, we address the intricacies of stock replenishment programs and the controversial topic of posting lost sales, presenting simplified strategies to avoid unnecessary inventory bloating.

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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. Keep managers learning through ongoing education.

2. Build focused team for customer orders.

3. Record lost sales accurately and carefully.

Quote

“Good special order process goes a long way in starting to help inventory control and mismanaged inventories.” - 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

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.

In the ever-evolving world of automotive parts management, obsolescence is a critical issue that can significantly impact a dealership’s profitability. In this episode of the Parts Management Podcast, Kaylee Felio sits down with Chuck Hartle, co-founder of PartsEdge and an industry veteran, to break down what inventory obsolescence means and how to effectively manage it.

Chuck hartle breaks down what obsolescence really means, how it's typically measured, and the significant financial impact it has on dealerships. He explains why it occurs and offers insights into the best practices for managing it effectively, including why combining 'months no sale' and 'months no receipt' metrics is essential.

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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. Use dual metrics for obsolescence tracking.

2. Monitor inventory reports weekly.

3. Isolate non-stocking parts early.

Quote

“That unfulfilled parts demand is what leads to 95 percent of everybody's obsolescence.” - 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

Jeff Denis is the Parts Manager at Marcotte Ford with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. Jeff's background as a technician also provided him with valuable knowledge of cars and parts, giving him a strong foundation to build on as he found his way in the parts industry. Jeff shares his journey from being a technician to a service advisor, and finally to his current role in parts management. He discusses the challenges and rewards of being a parts manager and provides valuable insights into the intricacies of managing inventory, handling wholesale operations, and navigating manufacturer programs. Jeff's experience sheds light on the often-underestimated complexities of the parts department, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the role of a parts manager. -------------------------------------------- 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 🔗 https://www.partsedge.com. -------------------------------------------- Takeaways 1. Leverage technology. 2. Manage manufacturer and space constraints. 3. Prioritize efficient inventory management. Quote “When we have the sources set up properly, all the pricing is worked out.” -Jeff Denis Connect: Jeff Denis LinkedIn:   / jeff-denis-a9a25464   Website: https://www.marcotteford.com Kaylee Felio Website: https://www.partsedge.com Facebook:   / partsedge   LinkedIn:   / gotopartsgirl   Phone Number: (800) 825-7562 Email: info@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.

In this Summer Camp Series episode of the Parts Girl Podcast, we are joined by Chuck Hartle, an experienced professional in the automotive industry, specifically in the parts and service sector. Chuck Hartle shares valuable insights into inventory control, pricing strategies, and the challenges faced by parts managers in today's competitive market. Chuck Hartle emphasizes the importance of understanding the rules and policies set by manufacturers. While dealerships play a crucial role in holding inventory and meeting compliance, manufacturers often control the inventory and hold dealers accountable for carrying it. However, Chuck encourages dealerships to be efficient and not solely rely on manufacturers, ensuring their bottom line is protected and expenses are effectively passed on to customers. Another significant aspect Chuck Hartle touches upon is the need for effective inventory management and accurate record-keeping. Being organized not only helps in providing excellent customer service but also maximizes profits and reduces holding costs. Chuck's favorite stress relief activity is organizing and straightening inventory, a testament to his dedication and expertise in this field. Furthermore, Chuck advises parts managers to pay attention to special orders and maintain good communication with customers. By focusing on controlling special orders and identifying wholesale clients who frequently return parts, dealerships can achieve success in parts management. Additionally, pricing adjustments, especially on wholesale items, can help increase gross profit figures, allowing dealerships to navigate the increasing costs of doing business. Join Kaylee and Chuck as they delve into the intricacies of parts management, pricing strategies, and the importance of efficient inventory control. This episode is packed with practical advice and real-life experiences that will benefit anyone in the automotive parts 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 1. Understand the rules and policies. 2. Control special orders and communicate effectively. 3. Make pricing adjustments and increase gross profit figures. Quote “Know the rules based on your manufacturer. Know them in-depth." -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 (800) 825-7562 info@partsedge.com facebook.com/partsedge

Ryan Else is currently the Corporate Fixed Operations Director of Eide Motors. He began his automotive career in 2002 as a technician at Ford, fresh from tech school. Over the next 12 years, his expertise and commitment to excellence propelled him to the rank of Senior Master Ford Technician.

Ryan shares insights on the challenges faced in the auto industry, from managing a tech shortage to preparing for the emergence of electric vehicles. He discusses the impact of technology, including AI and automation, on service scheduling and customer communication. Additionally, 

He then delved into the transition from technical to managerial roles, emphasizing the significance of inventory management and the value of resources like PartsEdge in addressing inventory-related issues.  This episode offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of the automotive industry and the role of technology in driving efficiency and effectiveness.

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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. Leverage tech for better operations.

2. Solve inventory challenges smartly.

3. Foster teamwork and collaboration.

Quote

“It's not always about pay. Sometimes it's about just showing appreciation for your technicians.” -Ryan Else

Connect:

Ryan Else

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-else-63144a140

Website: www.eidemotors.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. In today's competitive auto industry, strategic parts pricing is key for dealerships to maximize profits. In this episode of the Parts Girl Podcast, Kaylee Felio interviews Chuck Hartle, Founder of PartsEdge, for insights on optimizing pricing through customer pay analysis and matrix utilization. Many dealers simply increase the pricing matrix attempting to improve gross profits. However, Chuck Hartle explains the bigger opportunity lies in evaluating maintenance parts pricing, which often stays unchanged despite rising costs. By conducting thorough customer pay analysis excluding internal sales, dealers can assess actual matrix usage. Surprisingly, only about 15% of parts are actively matrixed on average. Chuck Hartle also stresses that dealerships must breakdown inventory into more detailed sources with proper coding for flexibility. This enables multiple pricing options and matrices to meet goals. He advises working with experts like PartsEdge or the dealer’s DMS vendor for guidance on optimizing inventory coding structures. By regularly analyzing customer pay data, targeting maintenance parts pricing adjustments, implementing granular inventory coding, and seeking Chuck Hartle's expert input, dealerships can make data-driven decisions to accurately optimize parts profits. -------------------------------------------- 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. -------------------------------------------- Takeaways 1. Only 15% of parts use matrix pricing. 2. Focus pricing on maintenance, not just matrix. 3. More inventory sources and price codes enable accurate pricing. Quote “Nowadays, only about 15 percent of the parts are actually being matrixed.” -Chuck Hartle Connect: Chuck Hartle LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-hartle-1923ab14 Website: www.partsedge.com Kaylee Felio Website: https://www.partsedge.com Facebook:   / partsedge   LinkedIn:   / gotopartsgirl   Phone Number: (800) 825-7562 Email: info@partsedge.com

Bob Ghent is the Dealer Principal and Owner of Ghent Chevrolet. His journey from the car wash to owning the dealership demonstrates his deep commitment to the automotive industry and the Northern Colorado community, emphasizing not just business success but also civic involvement and quality service​. Bob Ghent from Ghent Motors uncovered the remarkable story of their dealership–a legacy spanning over three generations. From its humble beginnings in 1942, Ghent Motors has weathered numerous adversities and emerged as a thriving Chevrolet and Cadillac dealership in Greeley, Colorado. Bob Ghent's insight into the history and evolution of the dealership shed light on the challenges faced by automotive businesses over the years. One of the most engaging aspects of the conversation was Bob's firsthand account of navigating through the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resilience and innovation that propelled Ghent Motors to a record year despite the challenges. He also discussed the pivotal role of effective parts management in the dealership's success. This led to the partnership with PartsEdge, providing them with comprehensive support for inventory optimization, compliance, and strategic decision-making. -------------------------------------------- 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 🔗 https://www.partsedge.com. -------------------------------------------- Takeaways 1. Embrace family legacy and resilience. 2. Adapt and innovate amid challenges. 3. Value external insights for growth. Quote “There's the tech side of it that comes into it to make sure that the parts are in stock, and PartsEdge helps us with that.” -Bob Ghent Connect: Bob Ghent LinkedIn:   / bob-ghent-b905035   Website: https://www.ghentmotors.com Kaylee Felio Website: https://www.partsedge.com Facebook:   / partsedge   LinkedIn:   / gotopartsgirl   Phone Number: (800) 825-7562 Email: info@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. 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.

-------------------------------------------- Takeaways 1. Record parts sales accurately during outages. 2. Keep offsite backups of critical data. 3. Improve preparedness plans and strategies. Quote “We have to make sure we keep some critical files somewhere at the dealership.” -Chuck Hartle Connect: Chuck Hartle LinkedIn:   / chuck-hartle-1923ab14   Website: https://www.partsedge.com Kaylee Felio Website: https://www.partsedge.com Facebook:   / partsedge   LinkedIn:   / gotopartsgirl   Phone Number: (800) 825-7562 Email: info@partsedge.com

The Parts Management Podcast is for auto dealerships and parts managers looking to drive massive profits from their parts department. Whether you're dealing with inventory headaches or seeking to boost your bottom line, this show will help transform your parts operation into a revenue powerhouse. Brought to you by PartsEdge, the #1 DMS optimization tool for inventory management, designed to reduce headaches and increase inventory profits.

Discover how PartsEdge can skyrocket your profits here: www.partsedge.com