EPISODE · Mar 13, 2026 · 37 MIN
Breaking Down Barriers: How Dealer Education and Data Drive Parts Department Success
from The PartsEdge Podcast · host PartsEdge
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.-------------------------------------------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-------------------------------------------TakeawaysTraining and Empowerment MatterData-Driven Inventory WinsCommunity and Collaboration Are Game-ChangersChapters00:00 Automotive Dealer Training Programs04:20 "Parts Manager Training Challenges"09:00 Optimizing Parts Department Operations10:52 "Building Connections for Success"14:46 Optimizing Sales Through Data Insights17:33 "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 Standardization36:55 Passion for Supporting StudentsKaylee FelioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelioWebsite: https://www.partsedge.comMark MichalskiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamichalski
What this episode covers
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.-------------------------------------------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-------------------------------------------TakeawaysTraining and Empowerment MatterData-Driven Inventory WinsCommunity and Collaboration Are Game-ChangersChapters00:00 Automotive Dealer Training Programs04:20 "Parts Manager Training Challenges"09:00 Optimizing Parts Department Operations10:52 "Building Connections for Success"14:46 Optimizing Sales Through Data Insights17:33 "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 Standardization36:55 Passion for Supporting StudentsKaylee FelioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelioWebsite: https://www.partsedge.comMark MichalskiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamichalski
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Breaking Down Barriers: How Dealer Education and Data Drive Parts Department Success
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