https://youtube.com/watch?v=2ty2r1GEsmY

Austin Conroy is the Regional Fixed Operations Director for Rohrman Automotive Group, overseeing a wide network of dealerships across multiple states. With over seven years at the company, starting from the sales floor and escalating to his current leadership role, Austin Conroy has demonstrated exceptional adaptability and understanding of various facets of the automotive industry.

In the fast-paced automotive industry, integrating service and parts departments is critical for success. Austin Conroy, Regional Fixed Operations Director, Rohrman Automotive Group, shares his expertise on achieving operational synergy.

Integrating Metrics: Building a Cooperative Framework

Austin Conroy emphasizes the importance of motivating the parts department. He highlights the Infinite Pursuit program, which aligns service and parts metrics. This integration encourages departments to work closely, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Focusing on Financial Health: Strategic Non-Payment and Accountability

The decision not to pay service on parts might seem unconventional, yet it serves Rohrman Automotive Group well, Austin reveals. Instead, the focus is on integrating parts into service metrics. This controls policy and boosts gross profit. Parts departments are held accountable for inventory valuation, turn rates, and managing obsolescence effectively.

Detail-Oriented Management: The Roles of Parts Managers

Discussing the intricacies of the parts role, Austin delves into administrative responsibilities. These include proactive customer outreach and scheduling appointments for special order parts. Such granular attention ensures that parts departments remain central to dealership operations.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Enhancing Customer Experience

Through collaboration, the parts and service departments have embraced greater responsibility. By scheduling and managing appointments proactively, they enhance the overall customer experience. Furthermore, management strategies like celebrating national days foster a fun, engaging work environment.

Cultural Shifts and Technological Integration

The shift towards digital tools has been significant, with Sunbit and Techion streamlining operations. Austin discusses marketing shifts, focusing on the role of connected TV and social media advertising. These platforms help target specific demographics effectively, enhancing advertising strategies.

Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World

COVID-19 pushed the Rohrman Group to retool processes and embrace rapid technological advancements. Austin and Kaylee discuss mobile services, highlighting startup capital needs and operational considerations. Adapting strategies to include memberships could navigate changing landscapes, ensuring business continuity.

Conclusion: Strategic Adaptability Ensures Success

Austin Conroy’s insights underscore the importance of adaptability and strategic integration across departments. Celebrating the human element, such as engaging in national day celebrations, enriches workplace culture. These strategies not only boost morale but also align with broader business goals, paving the way for sustained success in the competitive automotive industry.

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Takeaways

1. Integrate service and parts metrics.
2. Leverage technology.
3. Build a fun workplace culture.

Quote

“We hire great people and then we find the best seat on the bus for them.” –Austin Conroy

Connect

Austin Conroy

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/austin-conroy-05b4795a

Website: www.rohrman.com

Kaylee Felio

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gotopartsgirl

Website: www.partsedge.com

Featuring Jeff Denis, Parts Manager Marcotte

In the world of Fixed Operations, efficiency and reliability stand as pillars of success. Marcotte Ford’s Parts Department, under the management of Jeff Denis, Parts Manager, showcases a prime example of achieving operational excellence and efficiency. This success story is bolstered by the partnership with PartsEdge, a testament to how technology and dedication can streamline processes within fixed operations.

A Busy Service Department Thriving on Efficiency

Marcotte Ford’s service department remains a hive of activity, consistently bustling, irrespective of the fluctuations in wholesale business. This dynamism is attributed to the outstanding team Jeff has cultivated, placing highly competent employees in key positions. Their ability to execute tasks with precision allows Jeff to allocate his time to other critical managerial duties effectively. “We have a very busy service department-even when wholesale is down, we are busy in the shop. I have very good employees at key positions.

I can count on them to get things done properly allowing me to do other tasks,” Denis says. It’s a well-oiled machine, but one that doesn’t operate in isolation. The collaboration with PartsEdge has introduced an additional layer of efficiency and reliability. Essential for keeping the operations smooth and customer satisfaction high.

“Get together with PartsEdge! I honestly believe I am being helped by PartsEdge every day. It might be a report I use that was created by Parts Edge or the inventory scrubbing that goes on at night to make sure everything is in the right source”. Jeff Denis openly credits PartsEdge for playing a pivotal role in the daily achievements of the Marcotte Ford Service Department.

Whether it’s through specialized reports designed by PartsEdge or the overnight inventory scrubbing ensuring accuracy and readiness for the next day, PartsEdge’s contributions are invaluable. These tools and services not only streamline operations but also empower the team to meet and exceed customer expectations consistently.

Navigating Challenges: Speed and Precision in Parts Delivery in Today’s Instant Access Environment

Despite the high level of internal efficiency, external challenges persist, particularly in parts delivery from manufacturers. “I feel like one of the biggest challenges is parts delivery from the manufacturer and how long it takes. The customer expectation is an Amazon like experience where I can tell you to the minute when a part will be here. The manufacturer system Ford uses is very antiquated. and customers can’t believe that I can’t give them an exact time or even day,” Denis highlights.

In this instant-information era, the inability to provide exact arrival times for parts strains customer relations. This discrepancy between customer expectations and the reality of manufacturer systems underscores the need for ongoing innovation and improvement in supply chain logistics within the automotive parts sector.

Marcotte Ford: A Model of Excellence in Automotive Services

Marcotte Ford’s service department’s story is a compelling illustration of how embracing technology and maintaining high standards in personnel can create a resilient and high-performing operation. A partnership with innovative technology like PartsEdge is a cornerstone of these successes, providing the tools and support necessary to navigate daily challenges and streamline processes.

As the industry evolves, particularly in areas like parts delivery, the collaboration between the parts and service departments and technology partners will be crucial in shaping a future where efficiency and customer satisfaction are in perfect alignment. Jeff Denis and his team at Marcotte Ford are at the forefront of this evolution, setting a benchmark for excellence in the auto industry.

Download our free eBook: The New Parts Managers Guide for actionable insights and expert advice to empower Parts Managers in optimizing their inventory operations for success. Looking for even more support? Stay tuned for our relaunch of the Parts People Meetup: a digital meetup for parts people to develop their skills together.

PartsEdge is your secret weapon for inventory optimization, without any added work. We monitor your inventory daily and adjust settings to ensure you have the parts you need without overstocking. Our service is a mix of the best of automation and expert support. PartsEdge clients get free access to all our workshops, seminars, and a full-time team of parts experts. The results speak for themself. Our clients experience an average 20% reduction in total inventory, enhanced ROI, and increased parts sale. If you’re ready to empower your parts department for success, contact us today.