Jamie Farley is a Partner at Performance Brokerage Services, North America's highest volume automotive dealership brokerage firm. She is also the host of the podcast show ‘Get In Her Lane’. With extensive experience in the automotive industry, Jamie specializes in helping dealers buy and sell dealerships across various sectors, including Automotive, RV, Marine, Powersports, Trucking, and Equipment.

Introduction to Jamie Farley

Jamie Farley has been a trailblazer in the automotive industry, dedicating 25 years to Toyota. Now, she has pivoted to a new role at Performance Brokerage Services. Her journey, marked by a passion for the industry and a commitment to evolution, is an inspiration.

The Transition from Toyota to Performance Brokerage Services

Leaving Toyota after 25 years was a daunting decision for Farley. She loved her role, particularly handling dealer network responsibilities like buy-sells and market studies. However, she faced a glass ceiling at Toyota because moving up required geographical relocation, which wasn’t feasible for Farley and her family.

Embracing New Opportunities

Farley’s transition to Performance Brokerage Services allowed her to stay in Chicago while continuing to do what she loves. At Performance Brokerage Services, she helps dealers buy and sell their dealerships. This role aligns perfectly with her experience and passion, offering new challenges and growth opportunities.

The Importance of Women in Automotive

Farley is also the creator of the podcast Get in Her Lane, which highlights the critical role of women in the automotive industry. She emphasizes the importance of attracting, retaining, and promoting women in the industry. With women influencing over 80% of car buying decisions, their representation in automotive roles is crucial.

Podcasting as a Platform for Change

Both Felio and Farley agree that podcasting provides a powerful platform for driving positive change. It allows for open discussions about the industry's challenges and opportunities. By sharing personal stories and insights, podcasts can inspire action and innovation.

The Role of Parts Inventory in Dealership Sales

During the interview, Farley touches on the importance of parts inventory when selling a dealership. She explains that addressing parts inventory early in the selling process is crucial. Dealers should conduct a physical count of all parts, assess their value, and address any issues like obsolescence.

Preparing for a Successful Sale

Farley advises dealers to optimize their operations even while preparing for a sale. This includes managing parts inventory efficiently, reducing costs, and ensuring everything is in order. These steps can make a dealership more attractive to buyers and facilitate a smoother transaction process.

Challenges and Fears in the Industry

One of Farley’s primary concerns is the slow pace at which the automotive industry is evolving. She hopes for faster adoption of practices that enhance customer experience and gender balance within dealerships. She believes that more women in leadership could drive significant innovation in the industry.

Excitement for the Future

Despite the challenges, Farley remains optimistic about the future of the automotive industry. She is excited about the unpredictable opportunities it offers and the potential for growth and improvement. Her passion for the industry and commitment to positive change are evident.

Balancing Professional and Personal Life

Farley and Felio also touch on the struggles of balancing professional responsibilities with personal life, especially for women. They discuss the mental load women often carry and how flexible work environments can help them manage better.

Conclusion

Jamie Farley's journey in the automotive industry is a testament to the power of embracing change and pursuing passion. Her insights on the significance of women, the importance of parts management in dealership sales, and the challenges and opportunities in the industry are enlightening. As the industry continues to evolve, Farley’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for many.

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