How Automotive Careers Evolve: Insights, Growth, and Grit with Gretchen Seidel

In this episode, Kaylee Felio sits down with Gretchen Seidel of NADA for an energetic, insightful conversation covering everything from personal passion for cars, overcoming industry challenges, building meaningful connections, to the mechanics of successful networking.Kaylee and Gretchen discuss the importance of owning your story, women’s leadership, leveraging your circle, and why fixed ops is finally taking center stage in dealerships. Discover how to elevate your career, boost your confidence, and empower the next generation—plus, get an inside look at the Women Driving Vehicle Retail Event at NADA.You’ll also get fun stories about classic cars, organizing obsessions, and using Lego builds to encourage the next wave of automotive techs.--------------------------------------------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--------------------------------------------TakeawaysLeverage Your InfluenceAsk Bold Questions, Start Real ConversationsChampion Fixed Ops VisibilityChapters00:01 – Kaylee Felio kicks off with the Parts Edge mission and intro.00:37 – Gretchen Seidel discusses her career evolution, influence, and “dream job” at NADA.03:36 – The ripple effects of impact, mentoring, and expanding your influence.06:46 – Networking, supporting other women, and why asking for help is powerful.10:07 – Building genuine relationships: why deeper conversations spark growth and connection.14:01 – Social media, “vanity metrics,” and authentic engagement in the automotive world.16:16 – Music, motivation, and event-planning for the Women Driving Vehicle Retail Event.18:16 – The rise of fixed ops, customer retention, and why dealerships should focus on the service drive.20:40 – Gretchen Seidel’s hands-on dealership and OEM experience, and how it drives real impact.22:47 – Innovative networking at NADA, inclusivity, and meaningful connections.24:02 – Spotlight on keynote speakers and the importance of women’s hard work.26:24 – Media, best practices, and why fixed ops is finally getting its due.28:59 – The “Beast” story: dealership service, IRFs, and empathy for the customer.31:57 – Being a true car lover—stories about dream cars, engines, and heritage.41:55 – The power of nerdiness: Legos, organization, and creative ways to inspire future techs.47:47 – Closing thoughts and a call to action: connect, register, and keep driving change.Kaylee FelioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleefelioWebsite: https://www.partsedge.com