In this episode of the PartsEdge Podcast, Kaylee talks with Sheila Pogue, a fixed ops leader who shares her journey from parts clerk to digital consultant. Sheila has worked inside dealerships, marinas, and now supports stores nationwide through Dealer OMG. Her story offers practical insight into leadership, marketing, and how fixed ops can run better with the right mindset and support.
Listen to the full episode 🎧
Sheila remembers what it was like to run a parts department during a crisis. Staff was short, customers were demanding, and reporting was hard to access. Many dealerships still treat fixed ops like an afterthought, but she argues that it is the part of the business that keeps everything else moving.
She compares the fixed ops department to a flywheel. Sales might get the spotlight, but service and parts are what keep the dealership running. Tools like PartsEdge help managers take control of their data, streamline aging inventory, and make smarter decisions with less manual work.
Now consulting with Dealer OMG, Sheila focuses on helping dealerships improve their social media strategy. She pushes back on the idea that digital ads are optional. Most dealerships either ignore parts and service in their marketing or rely on generic promotions that do not work.
She explains how creative campaigns tied to accessories, wholesale, or seasonal needs can bring in real revenue. Managers need to make their case with numbers, track results, and show leadership that targeted marketing actually moves inventory.
Sheila shares how vendors helped her solve tough problems, including winning over skeptical techs and creating workarounds when budgets were tight. The key is not just buying software or services, but putting vendors to work as partners.
She believes parts managers should lean on vendor expertise, ask bold questions, and expect solutions. The best outcomes happen when managers know what they need and vendors step in to help make it happen.
• Advocate for your department with clear data and practical ideas
"Leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about asking better questions and being open to better tools." — Sheila Pogue