Parts Hold: Recent Episodes
Chris Collins inc.
Your go to podcast for all things parts. With your hosts, Coach Christian and Coach Cliff!! New episodes every other week.
Whether you’re a parts manager with a burning desire to be the best in your market, or just want to learn how to partner with the parts department to drive revenue up overall, Parts Hold is for you.
In today’s episode of Parts Hold, Cliff and Christian dive into the electrifying world of electric vehicles (EVs) and how they're changing the game for parts departments across the industry. From fewer moving parts to the shift in demand for specific components, what do EVs mean for inventory management, service parts, and long-term profitability? Join us as we discuss the impact of this rapidly growing trend and how parts departments can prepare for the future.
0:00 - 4:20 Client Success Stories
4:20 - 8:23 Cliffs Son In The Car Business
8:23 - 18:44 How do Electric Cars affect the Parts Department?
We'll explore the pros and cons of adding aftermarket options to your inventory, how it impacts your bottom line, and the effect it can have on customer trust and satisfaction. Are the cost savings worth the potential risks? Or should OEM parts always be the go-to? Tune in to find out as we break down the key strategies that can help your dealership stay competitive while making the right call for your customers and business.
0:00 - 2:00 Cliff Travels to California
2:00 - 3:43 Hurricane
3:34 - 17:55 Should You Sell Aftermarket Parts In Your Parts Department?
Welcome to Parts Hold with Cliff and Christian! In today's episode, we dive into the essential strategies for pricing high-volume parts. Whether you're managing inventory for a dealership or a parts department, getting your pricing right is key to staying competitive and profitable. Cliff and Christian share insights from top-performing departments, discuss market trends, and reveal tips to maximize margins without losing customers. Tune in to learn how to strike the perfect balance between volume and value!
Welcome to Part 2 of 2 of our Parts Hold series with Cliff and Christian! In today's episode, we dive into the top strategies used by leading parts departments across the United States. Whether you're looking to optimize your inventory, boost customer satisfaction, or improve your department’s efficiency, these insights from the best in the business will help you stay ahead. Tune in for expert tips, real-world examples, and actionable advice to take your parts department to the next level!
Welcome to Part 1 of 2 of our Parts Hold series with Cliff and Christian! In today's episode, we dive into the top strategies used by leading parts departments across the United States. Whether you're looking to optimize your inventory, boost customer satisfaction, or improve your department’s efficiency, these insights from the best in the business will help you stay ahead. Tune in for expert tips, real-world examples, and actionable advice to take your parts department to the next level!
In today's episode, hosts Christian and Cliff dive into the evolving role of parts managers in the automotive industry. As technology and automation continue to reshape the landscape, we explore whether parts managers will remain a vital part of operations or if their roles will transform entirely. Join us for an insightful discussion on the future of this crucial position in the industry.
As we shift gears towards 2025, the landscape of automotive parts departments is evolving rapidly. From digital transformations to sustainability mandates, the new rules are set to redefine how parts departments operate, manage inventory, and serve customers. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge changes on the horizon, including advanced inventory management systems, the impact of electric and autonomous vehicles on parts demand, and the growing importance of eco-friendly practices.
In this episode of Parts Hold, Christian and Coach Cliff welcome special guest Coach Dustin "Gator" to uncover the hidden strengths of independent auto shops. Discover how these insights can transform your Dealership's Parts Department operations. From inventory management to pricing strategies and targeted marketing, learn how to boost your bottom line by adopting the best practices of successful independent shops.
In this episode of Parts Hold, Christian, Coach Cliff, and Kaylee unpack the recent CDK outage that affected thousands of Dealerships. Learn how successful Parts Departments navigated this crisis and discover key strategies for Dealership Parts Department contingency planning. From maintaining cool heads to creative problem-solving, our experts share invaluable insights to help you prepare for and overcome unexpected challenges in your parts operation.
In this episode of Parts Hold, Christian and Coach Cliff dive deep into the concept of work-life balance. Drawing from over 25 years of experience in the Parts Department, Coach Cliff shares his hard-earned wisdom on juggling the demands of work and family life. The duo challenges the conventional idea of a perfect 50/50 split and explores what it really means to be fully present and engaged in both arenas. Christian also reveals the key mindset shift that can help Parts Managers succeed professionally without sacrificing their personal lives. Tune in for a candid conversation about rethinking success and finding balance in the fast-paced world of the Parts Department.
Christian and Coach Cliff are back with another episode of Parts Hold, and this time they're joined by a special guest: Coach James Baumer. Coach James is known as the best recruiter in the business, and he's sharing his secrets for building a top-notch parts team. From hitting up tool truck guys and taco trucks for leads to promoting from within, James has some unconventional strategies that flat-out work. Christian, Coach Cliff, and Coach James dive into the importance of hiring with urgency, looking for problem-solvers, and finding folks who fit your culture. They also touch on the age-old question: should your most experienced people be on the front or back counter?
Old school RO scribbles or modern day MPIs - which is better for the parts department? Christian and Coach Cliff debate the pros and cons of everyone's favorite topic. From sloppy handwriting to lost sticky notes, parts quoting used to be the wild west. MPIs brought structure but also complaints of too many screens and not enough time. But could this "necessary evil" actually be the parts department's best friend? Discover how MPIs could be your secret weapon for efficiency, accountability, and believe it or not, more sales in the latest Parts Hold!
Join hosts Cliff and Christian as they delve into the complex world of parts department management, spotlighting the top 5 inventory mistakes that can cost departments time, money, and customer satisfaction. In this insightful episode, our special guest, Kaylee Felio, an industry expert with years of hands-on experience, shares her invaluable insights and practical tips to help parts departments avoid common pitfalls.
Kaylee's Website: www.partsedge.com
Christian and Coach Cliff bring the extinguisher to snuff out parts department fires. Get the game plan to go from clutter and chaos to clean and controlled. We’re sharing the top 5 fixes to align your team and rebuild a high-performance parts machine. Wondering where to start when everything's broken? Ready to revive a dying parts department? Tune in as Christian and Coach Cliff share hard-earned wisdom to troubleshoot your troubles.
Paycheck got you down? Christian and Coach Cliff share hard-earned wisdom on pay plans that properly value Parts Managers. Should you earn commission or salary? What bonuses incentivize success? How to negotiate your true value? Get the inside track on pay plans that pay off from a longtime parts veteran.
Should you help other dealers in need? What's fair pricing? When to walk away? Get top tips for building trust while protecting your interests. Catch the latest episode of Parts Hold and boost your dealer-dealer dynamics.
Welcome to Parts Hold! The podcast designed to help you make this year your best ever in the parts department at your car dealership. Join us as we dive into the strategies, insights, and innovations that will turbocharge your parts management and elevate your dealership's performance.
The sales of new and used cars can have a significant impact on the parts department of a dealership or automotive service center. Here are some ways in which new and used car sales affect the parts department. Adaptability and responsiveness to market trends and customer needs are crucial for the success of the parts department in the dynamic automotive industry.
Discover the nuances of obsolescence in the automotive parts industry. Chris and Christian unravel the mysteries surrounding outdated inventory, discontinued components, and the impact of rapidly evolving technologies. Gain insights into identifying and categorizing obsolete parts to lay the foundation for a streamlined and responsive parts department.
In this riveting episode of the Parts Hold Podcast, your hosts Cliff and Christian delve deep into the crucial aspects of safeguarding and fortifying your automotive parts department. Buckle up as they guide you through a comprehensive exploration of strategies, insights, and industry best practices to ensure your department is not just resilient but bulletproof in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.
Hey everyone! We're taking a short break this week and re-releasing our most popular episode. On today's episode of Parts Hold, Cliff and Christian go over the most important aspects of keeping your Parts Department clean and organized. Obsolete inventory is a major concern and the best way to overcome this atrocity is by keeping your parts department organized.
Gear up for an enlightening conversation that goes beyond the nuts and bolts of car maintenance. Tune in to Parts Hold and discover the chemical wonders that make the automotive world tick, all delivered with the trademark wit and charm of your favorite hosts, Cliff and Christian. It's not just about parts; it's about the chemistry that keeps the wheels turning!
Join us on "Counter Culture," a podcast that dives deep into the world of exceptional customer service and the top 5 characteristics that set outstanding counter people apart. Your hosts, Christian and Cliff, are on a mission to uncover the secrets behind those individuals who leave a lasting impression with every interaction at the counter.
Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where we dive into the world of Parts Management for beginners. If you're a brand new Parts Manager looking to hit the ground running, this episode is a must-listen! We'll be sharing three invaluable tips to help you navigate the complexities of your new role and ensure your department runs smoothly. Join us for expert insights and practical advice that will set you on the path to success in the world of Parts Management. Don't forget to subscribe for more valuable content!
On today's episode, we have a very special guest that also happens to be Cliff's friend! Join us as the guys discuss the benefits of wholesale and how they've utilized it into receiving high profits and many promotions within the dealership.
#wholesale #wholesalemarket #carparts
On today's episode, Cliff and Christian talk about some crucial mistake's that parts managers make on a daily basis.
#fail #parts #management
On this week's episode of Parts Hold, Coach Christian and Coach Cliff show off some fancy new Parts Hold merch and talk about staffing your Parts Department. Sometimes we think that hiring more people will solve our problems automatically, but we need to be more strategic about who we hire. Of course you want to have some seasoned veterans, but you also want to have younger folks who are super tech savvy and who can support your pros. Those younger guys can be apprentices to the vets and learn the tricks of the trade. Tune in for all of our recommendations!
On this week's episode of Parts Hold, Coach Christian and Coach Cliff talk about some of the indicators of good health in the Parts Department. One of the biggest giveaways is simply just how cleanly the counter is. If you come over to someone's house and there's clutter, you can see the disorganization in their life. The Parts counter is no different! You also want to hit the sweet spot of obsolete parts and pay attention to lost sales and what customers are asking for. Tune in for our full breakdown!
No, your Parts Dept. doesn't sell parts. It sells something else. If you're really thinking about it, it's about the entire customer experience. You're selling convenience, you're selling availability, you're selling parts knowledge...the list goes on. If you're just focused on the part itself, you're missing the point. The more you can focus on optimizing the customer experience and finding your specific niche, the more successful you'll be.
On this week's episode of Parts Hold, Coach Christian and Coach Cliff talk about strategies to help grow the parts department. First things first, you're gonna want to get away from the store and out into the community. You can sponsor local football/baseball games, car clubs and car shows to get your store's name out there. Plus, it's about time to get into the social media game if you haven't already. Make a Facebook page and list some items you have for sale. You should also take it upon yourself to educate the customer that they can do all of the accessorizing they'll need at the dealership itself! Tune in for Cliff's deep dive into branching out your parts department.
On this week's episode of Parts Hold, Coach Christian and Coach Cliff weigh in on a popular debate in the auto industry. Can managers be friends with their employees? Christian and Cliff agree that yes, without a doubt, you can and should be friends with your staff. It can be a tricky balance, that's for sure. And you might think that you won't be able to hold your friends accountable the same way you need to with other employees. But the truth is; if you're communicating properly it's absolutely possible. Tune in for some great stories and lessons learned on the service drive and parts counter.
As the Parts Manager, you're going to need to work pretty closely with the Service Manager. And that can be a real challenge. More often than not, the Service Manager position can be a revolving door. And when that's not the case, sometimes the body in that position is just not effective. You have to do your best to make some effort to establish common ground. Fixed Ops can only fire on all cylinders if you're helping each other succeed. And remember that you don't just have to be compliant in your role. If you're a valuable employee, you have good ideas, and you should share them.
On this week's episode of Parts Hold, Coach Christian and Coach Cliff dive into a slightly different area than usual: soft skills. In many ways, these kind of interpersonal skills are just as important as technical knowledge. Especially when we're hiring staff, these soft skills are crucial to get a pulse on. Teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are just a sampling of the kind of soft skills you should be looking out for.
On this week's episode of Parts Hold, Coach Christian and Coach Cliff break down some key steps to help parts managers truly become the master of their universe. Some of the essential steps of the process include anticipating sales, focusing on fast-moving parts like filters and wiper blades, and keeping an eye on obsolete parts. Tune in for the full breakdown!
In today's episode, Cliff and Christian explain how to make satisfied customers from your parts counter. It's important to make friends and build rapport with customers if you want them returning for future service.
Today on Parts Hold, we're playing you some of the best moments from our past episodes. We'll be back soon!
On this week's episode of Parts Hold, we're excited to welcome Kurtis Wilde, a tech-savvy Parts Manager out of BC, Canada. He walks us through the myriad ways he turns to technology to make his job easier. He focuses on utilizing his DMS system to automate stocking levels and save time, adjusting the pricing strategies for the different items that you he can control, creating a consistent process for thanking customers for their business, using a digital scheduler to plan out his entire day, and much much more.
On this week's episode of Parts Hold, Coach Christian and Coach Cliff talk about some of the dynamics in the dealership, and specifically how the Parts department often feels like the middle child in the family. One of the best ways to shift this dynamic is to get more involved with Sales and Service. As a Parts Manager, you can give them reasons to consider Parts. Watch the full video a list of helpful strategies to do just that.
On this week's episode of Parts Hold, Coach Christian and Coach Cliff talk about the career path from the Parts counter to Parts Manager. Understanding e-commerce is key first and foremost, and it's wise to get involved with both eBay and Amazon. Other key areas of focus include keeping an eye on obsolete parts, understanding pricing structures and strategies, and becoming a customer advocate. Christian and Cliff also share their insight on the mysterious prospect of extra-terrestrial beings.
Getting involved in wholesale is a jump into the deep end, it's not something you just dip your toes into. Once you make the decision to start, you have to commit to developing a real strategy to make the most of your efforts. If you're a multi-franchise store, we strongly recommend you get invested in a strategic wholesale operation. Speed in execution, dividing delivery areas along major highways, and building partnerships with the manufacturers are just three of Cliff's keys to success.
On this week's episode, Coach Christian and Coach Cliff discuss the 5 essential skills to build in order to become an exceptional Parts Manager. If you took a survey of all the highest-performing parts departments in America, these skills would pop up across the board. Paying attention to details, playing the OE manufacturer game, and embracing change are just three of the 5 tips to get started.
On this week’s episode, Coach Christian and Coach Cliff break down 5 ways to run a tight ship in the Parts department. The throughline of these tips is simple; be proactive, not reactive. Whether you’re a tiny shop or a big operation with two dozen employees, you can implement these tips today and start saving time and money. If your parts room is messy when you’re small, it’ll be messy when you’re big. And if you’re not tracking lost sales, those small missed opportunities will turn into massive financial losses. Pay attention to the details and you’ll be far better off in the long run.
On today's episode, Cliff and Christian talk about the five sins of the parts department. If you're committing any of the sins, it's important to reevaluate your actions and make the necessary changes to better yourself and your parts department; profitability depends on it! Plus listen in as Cliff shares what he'll be celebrating this month and learn Christians FAVORITE holiday.
On today's episode, we have Cliff's brother Matt Honeycutt. Matt has worked in the automotive business for many years and the stories he has are hilarious. The topic of the day deals with things we never want to hear in the Parts Department. This is by far the funniest episode of the show and won't want to miss it.
Cliff and Christian discuss Cliff's fascination and obsession with the idea of straddling himself to an Alligator and wrestling it to the ground. They also go over conquering your fears and facing the trap doors we will inevitably face in life. The topic of the show deals with strategies to grow your accessory business in your parts department.
On today's episode, Cliff and Christian go over the best strategies for automatic stock replenishment in your parts department.
On today's episode of Parts Hold, Cliff and Christian are joined by John Polt. John has his own podcast and has worked in the parts department as a manger for many years. He is a well of knowledge and you'll want to have a pen and notepad ready because he has lots of important information for you to use in your parts department Also, the boys talk about some baseball and Cliff's unhealthy obsession with felines.
John's Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@thepartsmanager
On today's episode, Cliff and Christian are joined by Andy Irwin, a wholesale guru who is here to give you his secrets to running a successful wholesale parts department.
On today's episode of Parts Hold, Cliff and Christian go over the most important aspects of keeping your Parts Department clean and organized. Obsolete inventory is a major concern and the best way to overcome this atrocity is by keeping your parts department organized.
On this episode of Parts Hold, Cliff and Christian are joined by special guest, Kaylee Felio. Kaylee has an incredible story on how she came to work for parts and also has her own podcast.
It's that time of year! Tire season is upon us and on today's episode of Part Hold, Christian and Cliff go over the secrets to running a successful tire inventory. Tires are a very important asset in your toolbox of parts in your automotive department.
In our first episode, Cliff and Christian give us a taste of what's to come in our brand new show about the parts department. We want to create a space for people in the parts department to come together and discuss ideas and issues that will further help them create the best parts department possible. We hope to guide you through the difficult process of delegating your work and focusing your time on what's important so it may lead to higher profits in your parts department. This is a podcast for anyone interested in creating a community of parts managers around the world, helping each other and sharing ideas that have helped them in the past. Welcome to Parts Hold.
Your go to podcast for all things parts. With your hosts, Coach Christian and Coach Cliff!! Coming to Youtube and all major streaming platforms, Wednesday September 28th – new episodes every other week.
Whether you’re a parts manager with a burning desire to be the best in your market, or just want to learn how to partner with the parts department to drive revenue up overall, Parts Hold is for you.
Let’s set the scene… The year is 2022 and all departments in dealerships across the country are going through their own sort of apocalypse. No inventory on the sales floor, no technicians to fill the shop, RO’s dropping on the service side, and parts shortages in the parts department. But through it all, what every department did have was support! Communities to turn to.
Well, every department except the parts department. Through all the chaos, the parts department was forgotten. Knowing this, we asked ourselves “Why aren’t we doing more for parts?” So to make sure parts departments always have the community, and resources they need to be the best, Parts Hold was born!
Subscribe now to be kept up to date on all things Parts Hold!