Chuck Hartle is the President and co-founder of PartsEdge, with over 42 years of experience in the automotive industry. Starting as a parts delivery driver, he rose to Fixed Operations Director and has since led over 300 seminars, including workshops for the National Auto Dealers Association. Chuck’s deep industry knowledge helps PartsEdge tackle key dealership challenges. Outside of work, he’s a dedicated family man, marathon runner, and loyal Seattle Seahawks fan.

Chuck breaks down the real challenges dealerships face with source management, why most DMS vendors fall short in education and default settings, and how properly leveraging sources can drive smarter parts inventory control, more accurate accounting, and easier pricing strategies.

Kaylee and Chuck also unpack the origin story of PartsEdge—why the platform was built, what it aims to fix, and how it takes the heavy lifting and guesswork out of inventory 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

1. Don’t fear more sources

2. Education is power

3. Manage Your Inventory, Don’t Work Around It

   
   

Chapters

00:00 "Source Management & Pricing Strategies"

05:43 Parts Management Requires Organization

06:31 "Tire Source Management Challenges"

10:30 Optimizing Inventory Management

14:37 Intentional, Structured Development Yields Success

18:09 Managing Aging Special Orders

19:56 Techeon's Inventory Misunderstandings

23:34 Embrace Improvement Through Education

Quote

"Accessories, you know, nobody matrixes accessories. If you do, you don't sell them."

"The biggest failure for most parts managers and their fear of adding a new source to their system is it's just not as easy as, oh, I want to copy this to this. And you know, it takes some work.”

Connect

Chuck Hartle

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chuck.hartle.39/

Kaylee Felio

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

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

Kaylee Felio

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/partsedge

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

Phone Number: (800) 825-7562

Email: info@partsedge.com

It all started with one small change. He thought his DMS setup was fine—until he tweaked a phase-in criteria and suddenly realized how much he was missing.

This week on the PartsEdge Podcast, we sat down with Zach Don, a Toyota parts manager who took that moment of chaos and turned it into a better system. He shares what broke, how he fixed it, and why he’s now running a smarter, more controlled department.

Zach also talks about bringing in team members with different backgrounds, the value of having a “co-pilot” on the reporting side, and how these changes are not only improving efficiency but making his conversations with upper management more impactful.

Together, they explore how data-driven decision-making and personalized support have helped shift inventory from inactive to active, and freed up valuable time to focus on growing the business.

Tune in for practical insights, relatable moments, and actionable tips for anyone looking to up their game in fixed ops and 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. 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. Don’t fear change—embrace tools.

2. Actionable reporting is critical.

3. Diverse experience builds better managers.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

01:41 - Expanding Inventory Breadth

03:21 - Keeping Up with Inventory Adjustments

05:01 - Shifting Strategies into Action

06:43 - Easy Tools That Simplify the Process

08:24 - Transition to Service Advisor Role

10:04 - Ideal Personality for the Parts Counter

11:55 - Managing Multiple Roles and Maintenance

13:43 - Key Considerations for Parts Managers

15:34 - Simplifying Complex Reports

17:14 - Embracing the Learning Curve

19:04 - Kaylee Reflects on the Experience

20:54 - Team Collaboration and Inventory Analysis

22:43 - Final Thoughts and Summary

Kaylee Felio

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

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

Kaylee Felio

Website: https://www.partsedge.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/partsedge

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

Phone Number: (800) 825-7562

Email: info@partsedge.com

In this episode, Kaylee talks with Alex Hines, VP of North America at Eccentric, about one of the biggest missed opportunities in automotive: accessories. With only 5% of a $50B market flowing through franchise dealers, Alex shares how Eccentric is helping stores win back sales using 3D visualization, early intent capture, and smarter upsell tools.

They dive into:

• Why accessories don’t get sold

• How tech is removing friction from the process

• The impact on parts inventory and dealer profitability

From lead to post-sale, Alex lays out a bold vision for bridging the gap between consumer desire and dealership execution.

🔗 Learn more about Eccentric: weareeccentric.com

Why Parts Managers & Fixed Ops Directors Rely on Partnership, Not Just Reports

In this episode of the PartsEdge Podcast, Kaylee Felio sits down with Tim Kreitel (Parts Manager) and Ryan Else (Fixed Ops Director) to explore the long-term impact PartsEdge has made on their dealership operations. From simplifying sourcing to saving time on reporting, they share how PartsEdge enables them to focus on what matters most—coaching teams, supporting techs, and running a more profitable parts department.

Tim recalls walking into his role years ago and having no idea what PartsEdge did—until he realized it was quietly running the backend systems that allowed him to stay out front, leading on the counter. For Ryan, the power lies in the speed of execution: accurate reports, smarter sourcing, and monthly consulting that helps avoid obsolescence before it costs the store.

Less Time in the Office, More Time on the Counter

PartsEdge gives working managers like Tim time back—freeing them from DMS setup, data entry, and building reports from scratch. That means more energy spent coaching counter staff, staying in touch with inventory cycles, and solving customer problems in real time.

Ryan emphasizes how much value comes from monthly reconciliation meetings and having a trusted support partner during DMS transitions. In his words: “I’d rather have Tim helping customers than spending two hours trying to chase a report.”

Smart Sourcing, Real ROI

One standout benefit? The intelligent sourcing strategy PartsEdge manages. While 4 sources might feel easier to manage manually, PartsEdge’s system of 100+ sources means parts flow through their lifecycle in a way that avoids overstock, obsolescence, and wasted working capital.

As Tim explains, “Your system filters out parts that look like they’re moving—but really aren’t.” That means fewer scrapped parts, faster turn, and smarter stocking decisions based on actual trends—not gut feeling.

SponsorsThis 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. Learn more at 🔗 www.partsedge.com

Takeaways

• Working managers need tools that save time and eliminate busywork
• Smart sourcing reduces scrap and improves inventory turn
• Monthly consulting helps fixed ops leaders stay ahead of obsolescence
• Responsive support turns PartsEdge into a true operations partner

Quote

“I’d rather have him helping customers than stuck in an office building spreadsheets.” — Ryan Else, Fixed Ops Director

Connect

Kaylee Felio
🔗 LinkedIn
🌐 www.partsedge.com

Podcasting, Personal Brands & EV Storytelling

In this energetic and transparent conversation, Kaylee Felio sits down with Elena Ciccotelli, the Founder of EVs for Everyone, a brand that brings the human element to the fast-evolving world of electric vehicles. Elena shares the origin story of her show, built not from a strategic blueprint—but from a creative itch that corporate life couldn’t scratch.

(01:00) Podcast Origins - Elena's journey from corporate life to creating EVs for Everyone

(13:23) Personal Branding Power - Building your unique voice and audience

(40:53) Entrepreneurial Courage - Overcoming fears and developing personal growth through content

(43:25) AI and Content Creation - Innovative strategies for podcast development and consistency

After years in auto and tech—including an early stint at Lyft and partnerships with Rivian—Elena saw a gap in the market: an EV podcast that told people stories, not just tech specs. So she built it. And now, she’s taking her content on the road—covering conferences, interviewing big names, and growing a profitable brand from the ground up.

The Realities Behind a Successful Podcast

This episode peels back the curtain on what it really takes to make a podcast thrive:

• The early days of podcasting with “janky gear and a dream”
• How consistency (not celebrity) drives momentum
• Monetization myths—and how Elena turned exposure into revenue
• The “biz dev hack” of using podcasts to start real conversations
• 
  

Elena also discusses the business therapy that comes with building a brand around your voice. She’s refreshingly honest about burnout, mistakes (like forgetting to hit record during a high-stakes EV interview), and the personal growth required to stick with it.

Corporate vs. Personal Podcasting — A Spicy Take

Elena and Kaylee dive into the debate so many creators face: Who owns the show? Elena doesn’t hold back. She urges companies to let their hosts build personal brands, or risk ending up with “another background podcast with a mic and a car.” It’s a sharp reminder that people don’t follow brands—they follow humans.

Kaylee shares her own crossroads between The Parts Girl and Trailblazer Path, navigating brand clarity while honoring the audience she's built. Together, they validate something many podcast creators feel: it’s okay to do both.

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Sponsors 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. Optimize your parts management at 🔗 ⁠www.partsedge.com⁠

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Takeaways

• Podcast success starts with consistency, not gear.
• Corporate podcasts need a human face and personal brand.
• Monetization requires confidence in your value—and the courage to charge for it.
• Build your podcast around real connection, not corporate talking points.

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Quote

“You only get to be a public figure by trailblazing your own path.” — Elena Ciccotelli

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Connect

Elena Ciccotelli🔗 LinkedIn🎧 EVs for Everyone Podcast

Kaylee Felio🔗 LinkedIn🌐 www.partsedge.com

The latest episode of the Parts Edge Podcast dives into a topic stirring concern across the industry: tariffs on imported automotive parts. Host Kaylee Felio is joined by Chuck Hartle to unpack what’s real, what’s rumor, and what parts managers should actually be doing right now.

(00:25) The Real Impact of Tariffs: Fear vs. Reality

(07:55) Pricing Strategy: How to Maintain Gross Profit

(12:20) Economic Implications: The Broader Impact of Parts Tariffs

(14:54) Inventory Management Opportunities

(17:20) Future Outlook: Weathering the Storm

Making Sense of the Tariff Buzz in Auto Parts

Chuck cuts through the noise: “There’s no shortage. This is not a strike. It’s a tax conversation wrapped in fear.” Many dealers have been spooked into over-ordering parts, anticipating massive price jumps and empty shelves. But is that necessary?

Right now, the biggest impact of the tariff announcement isn’t cost—it’s panic. While some price increases are taking effect (like FCA’s 3% in May and June, and a 7.5% bump on maintenance parts), Chuck urges managers to slow down. One dealer tried to bulk order $200,000 in parts—but the appreciation didn’t justify the cost or risk.

Chuck emphasizes that even if your inventory goes up 10% in value, carrying costs can wipe out gains. He advises sticking to a 60-day supply and keeping your pricing strategy sharp, not bloated with excess inventory.

One of the biggest takeaways? Watch your menu-priced items. With parts appreciating 10–15%, managers must make sure those increases are reflected in their fixed prices—or risk losing gross profit overnight.

Chuck explains how to use your monthly appreciation/depreciation report to catch those rising costs before they erode your margins. Brake pads, oil filters, and air filters are all on the watch list.

Chuck believes the industry is facing a short-term scare, not a long-term shift. “This isn’t COVID. It’s not a parts shortage. It’s a tax headline,” he says. He warns that manufacturers may use this window to drive up prices and push more inventory—so managers need to stay grounded, not reactive.

He also points out the bigger picture: increasing parts costs affect all repair centers, including the aftermarket. This could price some consumers out of basic vehicle repairs, a concern that’s gaining attention in Washington.

Chuck closes the conversation with how PartsEdge can support dealerships in this environment—especially by identifying low-gross parts, helping optimize menu pricing, and providing strategies to purge obsolete inventory. The mission is clear: maintain gross, stay lean, and keep your shelves profitable.

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Sponsors
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. Optimize your parts management at 🔗 www.partsedge.com

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Key Takeaways

• Tariffs haven’t hit yet—but fear has.

• Watch and adjust menu-priced items monthly.

• Avoid bulk ordering unless you’ve done the math.

• • Use appreciation to purge and clean inventory.

  
  

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  Quote

• “The most prudent thing you can do as a parts manager is review your appreciation report every month—especially on menu-priced items.” — Chuck Hartle

  
  

  Connect

  Chuck Hartle
  🔗 LinkedIn
  🌐 www.partsedge.com

  Kaylee Felio
  🔗 LinkedIn
  🌐 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.

Understanding the Complexity of Parts Returns

In the automotive parts industry, managing the return process can often be an intricate task. Dealerships grapple with multiple criteria when dealing with parts manufacturers. The need for efficiency is paramount. However, not all manufacturers offer straightforward processes, which can frustrate dealerships. On the Parts Management Podcast, Chuck Hartle sheds light on the different return processes across manufacturers, with a keen focus on Toyota.

Toyota’s Simplified Return Process

Toyota Motor Corp (TMC) stands out with a notably streamlined process for parts returns. Chuck Hartle emphasizes the simplicity of Toyota's criteria during the podcast discussion. Toyota dealerships benefit from clear guidelines, reducing the hassle often associated with parts returns. Toyota's approach offers a model that many dealerships wish other manufacturers would adopt.

The three clear criteria for returns are embraced by Toyota dealerships. The first criterion is for parts purchased between 10 to 17 months ago, allowing returns without a receipt for items over $8. Secondly, for parts older than 18 months, dealers can return them but incur a 20% restocking fee. Lastly, the TORA program enables returns of special orders within 90 days.

The Challenges Across Other Manufacturers

While Toyota offers a streamlined approach, other manufacturers maintain more complex systems. This complexity often leads to frustration amongst parts managers. Chuck highlights this during the podcast and mentions the difficulties dealerships face when working with manufacturers like GM and Chrysler. These brands often lack sufficient return allowances, further complicating the process.

Ford also exhibits a more conditional approach. Their RIM program involves accruing money over 60 days, adding layers to the process. These varied criteria across manufacturers demand managers to apply rigorous logic and organization.

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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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Key Takeaways

1. Toyota offers straightforward parts returns.
2. Know part sources for smooth returns.
3. Different makers have varying return rules.

“What the ASR programs are terrible at doing is tracking credit returns and now guaranteeing the two.” -Chuck Hartle

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

Olivia Stapleton is the Marketing Specialist and Sales Enablement leader at Dealer Teamwork LLC, a pioneering automotive digital marketing company, and founder of Next Gear Automotive. She helps dealerships optimize their digital presence through patented MPOP® technology while fostering industry innovation through her platform focused on people and passion in automotive.

Today, Olivia Stapleton shares her journey into the automotive industry, where she's been immersed since childhood, thanks in part to her father’s influence. She discusses the importance of connecting with the next generation, especially in automotive marketing, while highlighting her passion for merging creativity and strategy.

Olivia also delves into how Dealer Teamwork is redefining digital advertising with transparency and personalization. Plus, they chat about the evolving role of marketing in auto sales, Olivia's exciting content projects, and how the younger generation can drive change in this fast-paced industry.

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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. Be open and personal with digital buyers.

2. Mix creativity with measurable results.

3. Welcome fresh ideas across generations.

Quote

“It's really about the human connection and understanding people and building those relationships.” -Olivia Stapleton​​

Connect:

Olivia Stapleton

LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/stapletonolivia

Website:www.dealerteamwork.com

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl
Website:www.partsedge.com