If you’ve ever wondered how to scale your business while staying competitive in a tough market, we now share an interview you won’t want to miss!
In the first episode of the Year, Make, Model, Money! The Auto Parts Ecommerce Podcast by Data Here-to-There, Barry Alt of Motorhead Digital and Brennan Christman from Data Here-to-There sit down with Adam Kennedy of IAG Performance and IAG Off-Road to uncover the secrets behind scaling a business while staying ahead in a competitive market.
As one of the first episodes in this exciting new series, this conversation sets the stage for many more engaging interviews with industry leaders who are redefining success in the automotive parts industry.
If you’re looking for inspiration and actionable insights on how to grow, innovate, and thrive in the aftermarket space, this interview is your starting point.
Watch now—and don’t forget to stay tuned for what’s next!
In this enlightening interview, Adam shares how IAG Performance grew from selling used Subarus to manufacturing high-performance and off-road parts, building a business rooted in customer-first focus. Adam also shares the strategies, challenges, and insights that helped drive IAG’s success.
It’s a compelling story of innovation, adaptation, and using automotive tech to fuel growth.
Adam also tells us how his success is closely linked to Data Here-to-There’s Premium Platform —now known as the Slingshot Automotive app—which played a pivotal role in streamlining IAG’s e-commerce operations. Learn how this cutting-edge technology helped integrate warehouse distributor data, automate product listings, and manage inventory, enabling IAG to scale from 1,000 SKUs to over 30,000 across their performance and off-road stores.
👉 Watch the full interview with Adam Kennedy on YouTube.
Year, Make, Model, Money! Interview – Key Takeaways:
- Targeted Niche Marketing: Identifying and focusing on a specific niche can lead to greater success in the automotive aftermarket industry.
- Quality Product Data: Ensuring high-quality and accurate product data is key for reducing returns and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- E-commerce Automation: Implementing automated data management can save time, reduce manual effort, and improve operational efficiency.
- Community Engagement: Actively engaging with the automotive community can lead to valuable insights and product ideas, boosting loyalty and sales.
Interview Highlights – Adam’s Journey and IAG’s Impressive Evolution
Since its founding in 2007, IAG Performance has evolved from selling high-quality used cars, primarily Subarus, into a powerhouse of automotive innovation. From crafting high-performance Subaru engines to venturing into off-road products for the Ford Bronco, IAG’s journey highlights a relentless commitment to quality, strategic growth, and community engagement. Here’s a closer look at how they’ve expanded their expertise and secured their place as a leader in the automotive aftermarket industry:
Founding of IAG Performance:
✅ Established in 2007, initially focused on selling high-quality used cars, mainly Subarus.
✅ Expanded into modifications, leading to building and selling parts directly.
Manufacturing Growth:
✅ Transitioned into manufacturing with the purchase of CNC equipment.
✅ Built over 14,000 Subaru engines, primarily focusing on high-performance variations.
Expansion into Off-Road:
✅ With the unveiling of the new Bronco, IAG saw an opportunity to diversify into off-road products.
✅ Developed products like the Air Oil Separator for various Ford models and off-road accessories.
Strategic Focus Areas
✅ Niche Targeting: Specializing in Subaru parts allowed IAG to build authority and a loyal customer base.
✅ High-Quality Product Data: Engaging SEMA data to maintain an advanced data quality, aiding in smoother dealer operations while reducing customer errors.
✅ Utilization of Automation: Implementing Data Here-to-There’s services led to automated inventory management and seamless order processing.
✅ Community Engagement and Marketing: Focused on event marketing and social media presence to engage with the automotive community and gather customer feedback.
The Role of DH2T Inventory Management Solutions in IAG’s Journey
In their pursuit of excellence, IAG Performance has leveraged Data Here-to-There (DH2T) solutions to streamline operations and enhance their e-commerce capabilities. From managing product data efficiently to implementing custom inventory solutions, DH2T plays a critical role in IAG’s journey toward operational efficiency.
How DH2T Custom Solutions help IAG:
✅ Adam highlights the importance of tailoring their data management using DH2T inventory management custom solutions to fit their specific needs, including manual overrides for product descriptions and attributes.
✅ He also highlights how DH2T’s inventory management solutions effectively address key challenges in his business, helping him overcome common automotive industry issues like product data management.
Adam mentions that:
✔ Poor data quality presents issues for many aftermarket companies.
✔ Companies must transition from traditional methods to modern e-commerce expectations.
He emphasizes that by embracing niche marketing and fostering community engagement, businesses can thrive and remain relevant in today’s increasingly digital marketplace.
Join us for our next episode where we continue to explore strategies and solutions for succeeding in the ever-evolving automotive parts industry!
What’s Next for the Year, Make, Model, Money! Ecommerce Podcast
Our Year, Make, Model, Money! The Auto Parts Ecommerce Podcast by Data Here-to-There continues to spotlight industry leaders and innovators shaping the automotive landscape.
Stay tuned for our upcoming interview with Dan Ziegler, Business Partner Integration Manager for Turn 14 Distribution. Known for his sharp insights into distribution strategies and scaling businesses through system integrations, this episode will be packed with actionable takeaways for companies aiming to dominate their market.
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