Restoring Balance and Control: How One Parts Manager Turned a Strained Inventory into a Stronger, Leaner Operation
When Jake Lyon stepped into leadership at Tinney Chevrolet GMC, he inherited what many turnaround managers face: an inventory with uneven stocking levels, excess parts creeping upward, and returns not always being processed before deadlines closed.
He knew what needed to be fixed—most experienced parts managers do. The challenge wasn’t knowledge. It was bandwidth. Too many manual processes, too many competing priorities, and not enough time to bring the entire system back into balance.
Jake didn’t need another task.
He needed support, structure, and a faster way to regain control.
As he put it, “Having a dedicated team of experts to rely on for the unique challenges I face has brought tremendous peace of mind.”
The Challenge: A Department With Potential—But No Margin for Error
Jake’s situation reflected what many turnaround artists encounter:
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High excess inventory eating up capital
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Uneven mix and unstable stocking patterns
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Return windows closing before parts were processed
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No consistent structure behind RIM proposals
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Too much of Jake’s day going toward cleanup instead of strategy
Nothing was broken beyond repair—but everything needed tune-up and discipline.
Jake had the vision. PartsEdge provided the engine.
The Solution: Returning Structure, Stability, and Strategic Flow
PartsEdge stepped in to triage the inventory and rebuild a foundation Jake could trust. One of the biggest early wins came from taking over the management of RIM Stocking Proposals, a task that often consumes time and allows excess to slip through unnoticed.
Just as importantly, PartsEdge implemented proactive tools—like monitoring idle stock through CSO11—to keep parts from sliding into obsolescence before action could be taken.
The result was a system that finally worked with Jake instead of relying solely on him. He gained the ability to redirect his focus from chasing errors to guiding the department forward.
That partnership created momentum—and measurable results.
The Results: Leaner Inventory, Stronger Mix, Sustainable Improvement
From late 2024 through September 2025, Tinney Chevrolet saw significant gains across the board:
✔ Total Inventory Decreased by $8.8K
A leaner footprint, reducing the financial drag and resetting the department to a healthier baseline.
✔ Productive Inventory Increased by $9.9K
More capital moved into parts that actually turn—fueling revenue and improving mix quality.
✔ Excess Inventory Reduced by $20.6K
A major shift that freed up cash and helped stabilize day-to-day inventory flow.
✔ MO Average Dropped by $3.8K
Proving that parts were moving through the system faster and more efficiently.
✔ Obsolescence Declined
13/13 inventory dropped, showing that early detection and proactive returns were making an impact.
Taken together, these changes demonstrate more than a turnaround—they reflect a sustainable, long-term structure that Jake can continue building upon.
Why This Matters
Turnaround managers don’t lack ability. They lack room to breathe.
Jake didn’t need a reset. He needed a partner who could help him stabilize the system, tighten the mix, and put guardrails in place so his team—and the inventory—could start moving in the right direction again.
With daily support, smarter tools, and proactive processes, Jake restored balance and control to the department. And with a healthier foundation behind him, he’s positioned for continued success.
That’s the power of pairing a capable manager with the right structure.
Build Your Success Story
Every parts department is one decision away from better clarity and stronger control. Start by discovering which manager type reflects your strengths.
👉 Take the Parts Manager Profile Quiz
Ready to bring structure, stability, and smarter inventory flow to your operation?
👉 Schedule a free 15-minute demo
Turnaround isn’t about starting over.
It’s about unlocking what’s possible with the right partner by your side.

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