Mastering Parts Operations to Boost Dealership Retention

What’s the real key to turning first-time customers into lifelong dealership advocates? For many, the answer lies in an often-overlooked area: the parts department. In this episode, we uncover how inventory health, tire strategies, and better communication can transform your dealership’s retention game.

Kaylee Felio, Sales and Marketing Manager at PartsEdge and host of the Trailblaze Your Path podcast, joins us to share practical insights on how a well-managed parts strategy can boost customer loyalty, drive efficiency, and strengthen trust across departments. From leveraging technology to addressing common challenges like obsolescence, Kaylee delivers actionable tips to help your team thrive.

What we discuss in the episode:

• Why parts departments are the backbone of service success
• Strategies for improving inventory health and profitability
• How clear communication builds trust with customers—even during delays
• The importance of stocking the right parts (and tires!) to minimize downtime
• Leveraging technology to track inventory and streamline operations

Resources from this episode:

• DriveSure Dealership Retention Report
• Trailblaze Your Path Podcast
• Parts Management Podcast

Social Media:

• Connect with Kaylee on LinkedIn
• Connect with Bill on LinkedIn
• Follow Roadmap Retention on LinkedIn