Podcasts about Powersports

Join Jared Christie, Polaris Adventures Content Manager, on a visit to the Last Frontier. We travel to Fairbanks, Denali and Valdez in both summer and winter. If you want to go big then Alaska should be on your list. Book your next adventure @ www.adventures.polaris.com Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Polaris Industries Inc. © 2025 Polaris Industries Inc.

9:10 Angie Gillenwater, Kanawha Charleston Humane Association discussing the Adopt Me Please pet of the week9:20 Jim Strawn, Live on the Levee Friday, June 139:40 Dr. Craig Glover on Family Care Centers Kids Bash Saturday, June 149:50 Shawn Hardiman, Trojan Landing and Powersports open house Saturday, June 14

Major players in the auto and powersports industries continue to adapt to the rapidly changing macroeconomic environment teeming with the effects of tariffs and rising inflation. Where some see opportunity, others see indications of a challenging fiscal year.  As consumers continue to grapple with affordability, which has been further pressured by tariffs, auto refinancers see an opportunity as delinquencies rise. TransUnion's Q1 2025 Credit Industry Insights Report shows the 60-plus day delinquency rate at 1.38%, the highest first-quarter peak since 2009 during the Great Recession.  As consumers search for ways to save on costs, PenFed Credit Union's refinance applications are up 75%, according to Chris Kleczynski, vice president and head of auto lending product strategy.  Another tariff shakeup occurred last week after a federal court ruled President Donald Trump's unilateral levies were unconstitutional, though an appeals court reversed the block within 24 hours.  With a backdrop of tariffs, consumer spending growth slowed, with personal spending up 0.1% in April compared to a 0.7% growth a month prior. While some parts of the auto industry are experiencing upticks in sales and pricing in this uncertain environment, the powersports market is declining. Towable vehicle values dropped 9.3% year over year in April. Eric Lawrence, Black Book's principal automotive analyst, said that the motorhome and towable market will likely experience further decline in the coming months. Boat registrations fell 14% YoY in April, according to BMO Capital Markets, and Bombardier Recreational Products noted a drop in retail sales, both related to tariff shocks and uncertainty.  In this episode of “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris, Senior Associate Editor Truth Headlam and Associate Editor Aidan Bush discuss trends in affordability and powersports for the week ended May 30. 

This throwback episode features a powerhouse conversation with Bobby Whitney, owner of Progressive Powersports — one of the most respected dealership groups in the industry.Recorded in 2019 but still

Powersports lender Synchrony is working closely with dealerships to align financing options with consumer appetite and sales goals. West Palm Beach, Fla.-based Broward Motorsports of Palm Beach, for one, benefits from offering low-rate financing options through financiers such as Synchrony, Alex Reyes, sales manager at the motorcycle dealership, told Auto Finance News. He said the Synchrony Outdoors credit card provides flexibility for consumers. Financing appetite has “grown tremendously” in the powersports market, Reyes said. He has more than 15 years' management experience in the automotive and powersports industries.Meanwhile, promotions across the market have been largely steady over the past few months, Synchrony Senior Vice President Susan Medrano, who is also general manager of Synchrony Outdoors, told AFN. Synchrony also helps educate dealers on what financing options and promotions may work best for their customer base that will meet the dealership and manufacturers' goals.Listen to this special episode of the “Weekly Wrap,” podcast, as Synchrony's Medrano and dealership manager Reyes join Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris to discuss financing and sales trends during National Small Business Week, which takes place May 4-10. 

Thank you for joining us for season two.

Support us here:Blackbird- https://www.blackbird-usa.comPowder Bound Adventures-https://www.powderboundadventures.comIn this episode of the Let's Assess Podcast, we talk about Jackson Hole Hill Climbs! In this episode, we share our firsthand experiences at one of the wildest snowmobile events around, featuring epic rides, jaw-dropping terrain, and some of the most entertaining spectators you'll ever see. From steep slopes to unpredictable weather, we talk about the challenges, the adrenaline, and all the hilarious moments—like tumbling spectators and icy gondola rides.But that's not all! We also dive into hot topics like how tariffs could impact the powersport industry and field questions from YOU, our amazing audience. Whether you're a die-hard snowmobile enthusiast or just curious about the sport, we've got you covered with insights on riding preferences, turbocharged vs. naturally aspirated sleds, and the importance of performance and reliability in extreme conditions.Here's what you can expect in this episode:- A behind-the-scenes look at the Jackson Hole Hill Climbs, from gnarly courses to spectator antics.- Honest opinions on the pros and cons of events like this, including our favorite and least favorite moments.- A discussion on tariffs and how they might affect snowmobile pricing and availability.- Answers to your questions about snowmobiling, summer hobbies, and everything in between.What's your take on the wild world of snowmobiling? Have you attended the Jackson Hole Hill Climbs or a similar event? Let us know in the comments! This episode is packed with laughs, stories, and tips that could help you plan your own snowmobile adventures—or just give you a good chuckle.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts. Let's ride!#letsassess #jacksonholehillclimbs #skidoo #polaris #snowmobile

The Hard Truth Every Mechanic Needs to Hear in 2025Feeling stuck in the shop? This video will change how you think about your career.Auto technician pay is flat. Tariffs are rising. Leadership feels clueless. And you are still expected to fix cars, deal with customers, hit your hours, and somehow stay sane.In this unfiltered message from the cold seat of his motorcycle, Joshua Taylor breaks down exactly what every automotive technician, service advisor, and tradesperson needs to hear right now.You will learn: ✅ Why your mindset is the most valuable tool in your toolbox✅ How to start earning what you are actually worth✅ What to do when management ignores your value✅ Why training apprentices is still your responsibilityWhether you are a new tech, a shop foreman, or a veteran mechanic, this video is your call to stop blaming the economy, stop waiting on permission, and start leveling up.WATCH THIS IF YOU:Are not making enough money as a mechanicFeel stuck in your technician careerWant to learn how to communicate better in the shopNeed real talk about pay, training, and leadershipBelieve in personal responsibility and growthMechanics are the backbone of society. You fix what breaks. But you cannot fix your paycheck, your stress, or your future by complaining. You fix it by getting better. Starting today.

Breaking News! The 2025 TOR Title Sponsor DTM Powersports is now a House of Brands offering KTM, Husqvarna & GASGAS ! Full interview with co-owner and GM, Arret Dobson. Arret and his brother/co-owner Emory are the masterminds behind DTM. We also finally meet Chris, aka BBI with the FYI, and some how Women's Pro champ Emily Miller snuck in this one! This place knocked my socks off, absolutely beautiful dealership FULL of the things we all love…Bikes and Gear! I am privileged that they gave me a tour and honored that they wanted to announce their new dealer status with KTM here on the VOT podcast! Give it a listen, and get down to DTM, don't forget to mention the podcast! Stay tuned for full YouTube edit of the interview from Jonathan Miller @j_m_media_

Polaris is at the forefront of innovation in powersports, with a portfolio that spans off-road vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, and more. But what does it take to lead technology development in such a dynamic industry?In this episode of Building Better, Tony Kinsman, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Off-Road Engineering at Polaris, shares insights on how Polaris approaches product development, innovation, and customer-driven design.We discuss:How Polaris balances cutting-edge technology with real-world customer needsThe evolving role of software, automation, and connectivity in powersportsHow Polaris fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learningThe challenges of integrating new technology without losing the core riding experienceTony's journey from engineering intern to CTO is a great example of what's possible when you combine technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a passion for the products you build.About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they're doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.Key Takeaways:Polaris' innovation is customer-driven—technology is only valuable if it enhances the riding experienceAutomation and connectivity are reshaping powersports but in ways that preserve the fun and control for ridersSystems engineering and software integration are now as critical as mechanical designA strong culture of learning and adaptability is essential for staying ahead in a competitive industryChapters:00:00 – Introduction to Polaris and Tony Kinsman05:22 – Polaris' Core Mission and Customer Focus06:31 – The Role of a CTO in Powersports Innovation10:17 – How Polaris Identifies and Prioritizes New Technologies15:05 – Balancing Comfort, Performance, and Cost in Vehicle Design19:33 – Managing Complexity in Manufacturing and Supply Chain23:28 – Building a Learning Culture at Polaris26:52 – The Future of Technology in Powersports31:51 – How Connectivity and Digital Displays Are Transforming the Riding Experience36:47 – Balancing Innovation with Practicality40:51 – Final Thoughts on the Future of Polaris and the IndustryAbout Tony Kinsman:Tony Kinsman is the Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Off-Road Engineering at Polaris, where he leads product development and technology strategy across the company's diverse lineup. Since joining Polaris in 2004, he has held multiple leadership roles in engineering and product development, playing a key role in the growth and evolution of Polaris' industry-leading products.Links & Resources:Learn more about Polaris: Company WebsiteConnect with Tony Kinsman: LinkedInExplore Polaris Technologies: RIDE COMMAND | DYNAMIXShow Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/tonykinsmanConnect with Building Better:Follow the podcast for more conversations on engineering, leadership, and technology:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Join John with special guests Russell Walters of Northern Outdoors and Mallory Newton with 201 Power Sports in Maine.

The Department of Government Efficiency, run by Elon Musk, effectively shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over the weekend, adding to uncertainty regarding operations after CFPB Director Rohit Chopra was fired last week.  Auto retailers Asbury Automotive and Group 1 Automotive in the fourth quarter reported a double-digital year-over-year increase in finance and insurance revenue as sales rose.  Ford Credit also reported Q4 earnings last week. The captive's U.S. and Canada consumer loan and lease outstandings increased 8.4% YoY to $89.2 billion as lease volume picked up and credit losses rose. In powersports, Harley-Davidson Financial Services' originations declined 16% YoY in Q4 and provisions for credit losses rose 27% YoY. North American retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles also decreased 13% YoY, while sales of LiveWire electric motorcycles fell 54% YoY.  The AIM Expo Tradeshow last week in Las Vegas highlighted stable promotional activity across the industry along with trends in technology adoption and motorcycle sales. In this episode of “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris and associate editors Ashley Savage and James Van Bramer discuss trends in compliance, sales, earnings and powersports for the week ended Feb. 7. 

F&I Talk Outside The Box PodcastVictor DiBlasi, Director, Platform DevelopmentAdam Ouart, Sr. Vice President, Agency Services and PowersportsJoin Victor and Adam as they discuss their predictions for the 2025 powersports market, plus three tips to Make More.

The past year has largely been defined by persistent affordability concerns even as vehicle prices stabilize and interest rates come down, as costs for everyday expenses make it challenging for consumers to keep current on debt.  The most-read stories of 2024 highlight readers' interest in how financial institutions navigated affordability challenges and managed risk while looking to maintain or grow their auto books.  Technology was core to lenders' efforts in tapping into new consumers, improving customer experience and making operations more efficient to save time.  In powersports, the market largely slowed in 2024 as high costs deterred some buyers but manufacturers and lenders looked for ways to drive sales through promotions and new financing products.  In this episode of “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris and associate editors Ashley Savage and James Van Bramer discuss the top stories and trends of 2024.  

Bank pullback in asset-backed lending has spurred growth for lenders that provide floorplan financing for independent dealers, while banks are expected to further tighten credit access in 2025 as demand weakens. Floorplan providers First Business Bank and NextGear Capital have seen a boost in their portfolios as dealers use more of their floorplan lines of credit for inventory and banks scale back in asset-backed lending, including auto. A higher percentage of banks are projected to tighten credit in early 2025 as consumer demand for auto financing is expected to weaken, according to a new Auto Finance News forecast. Higher prices add to affordability challenges, with the average transaction price up 1.5% year over year in November. Incentives helped boost sales and contributed to captives' lead in new-vehicle financing in the third quarter. As 2024 ends, affordability remains the prevailing challenge for consumers, dealers and lenders across the auto finance and powersports finance markets. In powersports, sales fell 5.4% YoY in November as dealers faced elevated inventory levels, higher floorplan costs and mixed demand. Meanwhile, Hyundai Capital America President and Chief Executive Marcelo Brutti was named the 2024 Auto Finance Executive of the Year. In this episode of “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris and associate editors Ashley Savage and James Van Bramer look back at trends in 2024 and discuss top-of-mind challenges headed into 2025. 

In this episode of the Dealership Fixit Podcast, Jacob dives into the essentials of creating and running an effective internet department for motorcycle and powersports dealerships. From structuring the team to leveraging CRM systems, Jacob breaks down the strategies and processes that can transform online leads into showroom deals. Learn how to train your team, track performance metrics, and build a digital strategy that drives 50% of your sales from online interactions. Subscribe Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfg  Subscribe Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/43FoanX  Subscribe YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit  Follow Our Host Jacob: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry  Website: https://www.internetsalescoaching.com/  Follow the Fixit: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dealershipfixit/posts  Twitter: https://twitter.com/DealershipFixit  TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@dealershipfixit  Facebook: https://facebook.com/dealershipfixit  Instagram: https://instagram.com/dealership_fixit  Online: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit Sponsor: https://dealers.motohunt.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/support

Heather and Clint are joined this week by Marc Grossman, an Independent Regional Business Manager for powersports and bicycling. Marc shares anecdotes from his career as a racer, including his participation in the ISDE and adventures in off-road riding before sharing how he transitioned into the business side of the industry. Find Marc on Instagram! @fastguyent Mentioned article: Cycle World's 10 Best Bikes 2024 MotoAmerica is the OFFICIAL Sponsor of Pit Pass Moto This episode is brought to you by MotoAmerica, home of AMA Superbike racing and North America's premier motorcycle road racing series. Revisit all the season's action with the Moto America Live+ video-on-demand streaming service. Or visit the Moto America YouTube Channel for race highlights and behind-the-scenes video content. Look for the 2025 race schedule over on the motoamerica.com website, and be sure to follow MotoAmerica on social media for real-time series updates and original content. Get your PPM swag at our Pit Pass Moto online store! Pit Pass Moto is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.

The Manheim Used-Vehicle Value Index ticked up 0.2% YoY and 1.3% month over month in November to 205.4.  High car prices have contributed to affordability pressures for consumers, but incentives are helping drive sales. The latest edition of the Beige Book, citing data collected on or before Nov. 22 by the Federal Reserve, highlights areas of the country where sales activity has rebounded with incentives, while inventory continues to build. EV sales also grew in November, with nearly every major OEM reporting YoY increases. EV financing share rose 30.7% YoY in the third quarter, making up 10.1% of total new-vehicle financing.  In powersports, Bombardier Recreational Products' North American retail sales decreased 11% YoY while product revenue also declined.  In this episode of “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris and associate editors Ashley Savage and James Van Bramer discuss trends in vehicle pricing, EV sales and powersports finance for the week ending Dec. 6.  

Affordability, credit performance, leasing and digital innovation have been top of mind for auto lenders in 2024.  Car shoppers saw some relief over the holiday weekend as Black Friday deals offered low interest rates and cash-back incentives.  Lenders are also focused on sustainable growth. U.S. Bank is investing in digital capabilities across auto, recreational vehicle and marine product financing. It aims to support growth as rates decline.  Meanwhile, a rise in negative equity is adding to challenges for dealers looking to sell add-on products such as maintenance plans, even while loan-to-value ratios are pushed to their limit.  In this episode of “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris and associate editors Ashley Savage and James Van Bramer discuss top trends facing the automotive industry for the week ended Nov. 29.

Let's check in with our friends over at NPA.

Auto originations have picked up industrywide even as average payments remain elevated, while manufacturers are increasing incentives to move inventory.  Originations totaled 6.4 million contracts in the second quarter, up 0.7% year over year, according to the latest data from TransUnion. The return of leasing and an uptick in incentives are helping address affordability concerns and drive sales.  As of October, the average transaction price (ATP) of a new vehicle landed at $48,623, up 1.7% YoY, according to Kelley Blue Book. New-vehicle incentives climbed to 7.7% of ATP compared with 5% of ATP in October 2023. Meanwhile, auto loan demand weakened in the third quarter while banks' credit standards remained steady.  In powersports, inventory levels continued to build as sales declined 6.3% YoY in October, according to BMO Capital Markets data.  Synthetic identity fraud also is a rising concern in the powersports industry, with an uptick in fraud contributing to stolen RVs and mirroring concerns in the automotive finance industry.  In this episode of the “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris and Associate Editors James Van Bramer and Ashley Savage discuss trends in originations activity, pricing and the powersports market.  

Bank earnings last week highlighted mixed results as some institutions saw an uptick in auto originations while others' portfolios shrank.  Bank of America's auto originations rose 16.2% year over year to $7.9 billion in the third quarter, while U.S. Bank's indirect auto loan and lease originations jumped 65% YoY to $1.8 billion. Huntington Bank's auto originations rose 71.4% YoY to $2.4 billion.  Ally Financial's originations, however, declined 11.3% YoY to $9.4 billion in Q3. Other regional banks' portfolios saw slight growth in Q3, with Fifth Third Bank's auto outstandings up 3.3% YoY to $15.9 billion and PNC Financial's auto portfolio up 1.3% YoY to $15.1 billion. Truist's auto portfolio declined 11.1% YoY to $22.1 billion. Meanwhile, affordability was a resounding theme throughout Auto Finance Summit 2024 last week, with executives highlighting challenges related to rising consumer debt, slowly declining interest rates and worsening credit performance. In this episode of the “Weekly Wrap” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris and Associate Editor Ashley Savage discuss key takeaways from third-quarter bank earnings and Auto Finance Summit 2024.  

High rates and rising consumer debt levels still drive a worsening auto loan landscape.  Delinquencies and losses rose across prime and nonprime securitized auto loans in Kroll Bond Rating Agency's August auto loan asset-backed securitization index published Sept. 23. Prime recovery rates increased while nonprime recoveries declined.  CarMax Auto Finance (CAF) also increased its provision for credit losses by 25.4% to $112.6 million for the fiscal second quarter of 2025, ended Aug. 31, according to the company's earnings release. CAF's finance income fell 14.4% year over year to $115.6 million, while originations ticked down 1.7% YoY to $2.2 billion.  Meanwhile, multiple auto lenders are preparing for growth in the coming year. Affinity Federal Credit Union is looking to add to its dealership base in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as it steps back into leasing after a three-year hiatus.  SameDay Auto Finance is planning to double its portfolio to about $60 million within the next two years after expanding into Oklahoma and prioritizing top-performing dealerships.  Auto Finance News is also pleased to highlight nine powersports finance executives to watch in 2025 following a turbulent first half of 2024, but with optimism heading into the 2025 season.  In this episode of the “Weekly Wrap” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris and Associate Editors James Van Bramer and Ashley Savage discuss growth and performance trends for the week ending Sept. 27. 

Demand for used vehicles is strong as supply remains limited and affordability is top of mind for consumers.  The used-car turnover rate rose 8.4% year over year in August to 43 days for franchise dealers, signifying that inventory is being sold quickly.  As consumers look for more affordable cars, inflationary pressures weigh on credit performance. Auto loans 30-plus days delinquent increased 16 basis points YoY to 2.88% in the second quarter.  Credit access tightened in August, with the Dealertrack Credit Availability Index down 0.5% month over month and 1.7% YoY to 92.5.  In this episode of “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris and Associate Editors Ashley Savage and James Van Bramer discuss the updates in affordability and sales for the week ending Sept. 13.  

Several companies in the automotive and powersports industries made changes to their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives following social pressure to scale back targeted DEI strategies.  Ford Motor Co. joined Harley-Davidson, Tractor Supply, John Deere and Polaris in publicly announcing changes to their DEI programs, including in how the companies define and measure DEI at the organizations. Still, several auto lenders are maintaining their inclusion-based DEI initiatives. Meanwhile, market share data last week shows that incentives are driving up captive market share, especially on the new-vehicle side.  August sales also reflect improved hybrid vehicle sales, which contributed to a 12% month-over-month uptick and an increase of 8% year over year in total sales.  In powersports, Canadian powersports manufacturer Bombardier Recreational Products' North American retail sales declined 18% YoY in the company's second fiscal quarter driven by softer demand and increased competition with incentives.  In this episode of the “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris and Associate Editors Ashley Savage and James Van Bramer discuss the latest feature and an update on vehicle sales for the week ending Sept. 6.  

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. Today, Jamie shares her incredible journey from a 25-year career at Toyota, where she handled dealer network responsibilities, to her bold transition to Performance Brokerage Services, a company that helps dealers buy and sell their dealerships. We'll dive deep into the challenges and rewards of making such a significant career change, the importance of women in automotive, and the intricacies of dealership buy-sells, including often-overlooked aspects like parts inventory management.  Jamie offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration that you won't want to miss. So get ready for an engaging and informative conversation with Jamie Farley! -------------------------------------------- This show is powered by PartsEdge: Your go-to solution for transforming dealership parts inventory into a powerhouse of profitability. Their strategies are proven to amp up parts sales by a whopping 20%, all while cutting down on idle inventory. If you're looking to optimize your parts management, visit

We caught up with the Bob's (Althoff and Kee) from the NPDA to discuss what is going on in the industry, what the future of the NPDA looks like and how you can get involved. 

Regulators are scrutinizing practices surrounding the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning as well as aftermarket product sales, prompting auto lenders to review processes for themselves and their dealer partners.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau this month published a letter to the U.S. Treasury making it clear that emerging AI-based technology isn't exempt from long-standing consumer protection laws. Lenders must test and monitor the use of new technology and tools and ensure that they convey accurate information to consumers.  At the same time, the CFPB's funding is under scrutiny again, as new arguments question whether the bureau should receive money when the Federal Reserve isn't profitable. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, “the combined earnings of the Federal Reserve System” are supposed to fund the CFPB.   In powersports, inventory continues to be a challenge across every market segment, spawning elevated promotions to drive sales and operational changes to meet changing consumer demand.  In this episode of the “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris and Associate Editors Ashley Savage and Jameso Van Bramer discuss top trends in compliance, technology and powersports for the week ended Aug. 23. 

Jory Anderson is the CEO of Revvable, is revolutionizing powersports dealerships' online finance process. Learn how he built technology to streamline sales, automate finance applications, and improve the customer experience financing. Subscribe Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfg  Subscribe Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/43FoanX  Subscribe YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit  Follow our guest: Jory Anderson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joryanderson/ Website: https://www.revvable.com/ Follow Our Host Jacob: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry  Website: https://www.internetsalescoaching.com/  Follow the Fixit: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dealershipfixit Twitter: https://twitter.com/DealershipFixit  TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@dealershipfixit  Facebook: https://facebook.com/dealershipfixit  Instagram: https://instagram.com/dealership_fixit  Online: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit Sponsor: https://dealers.motohunt.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/support

Welcome back to this week's episode of Dealership Fixit! In this shortened version, we're thrilled to have Robin Hartfiel, Editor at Dealernews, share insights into the pivotal role Dealernews has played in the powersports industry for over half a century. We explore key milestones and how Dealernews has adapted over the years to meet the industry's changing needs, discuss how it remains relevant and addresses current challenges in the dynamic powersports market, and provide insight into its collaboration with dealers to tackle industry issues and share best practices. Robin also delves into the shift to a digital flipbook and embracing social media to expand Dealernews' reach, recent trends in the powersports retail sector, and how Dealernews helps retailers navigate these changes. Additionally, he shares memorable success stories from dealers who overcame challenges with Dealernews' support and outlines Dealernews' future initiatives and how dealers can actively engage to benefit from its services. Don't forget to subscribe and follow for weekly updates! Subscribe Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfg  Subscribe Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/43FoanX  Subscribe YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit  Follow Our Guest Robin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-hartfiel-b4013a8/  Website: https://www.dealernews.com/ Follow Our Host Jacob: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry  Website: https://www.internetsalescoaching.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjacobberr  Follow the Fixit: Twitter: https://twitter.com/DealershipFixit  TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@dealershipfixit  Facebook: https://facebook.com/dealershipfixit  Instagram: https://instagram.com/dealership_fixit  Online: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit Sponsor: dealers.motohunt.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/support

Polaris' Chief Customer Growth Officer talks with The Current Podcast about how many of the company's customers are multicultural and have preferred style over performance. Episode TranscriptPlease note, this transcript  may contain minor inconsistencies compared to the episode audio.[00:00:59] Damian: I'm [00:01:00] Damian ​Fowler.[00:01:05] Ilyse: And I'm Ilyse Liffreing. And[00:01:07] Damian: welcome to this edition of The Current Podcast.[00:01:09] Ilyse: This week, we're delighted to talk with Pam Kermisch, the Chief Customer Growth Officer at Polaris. [00:01:15] Damian: Polaris was founded 70 years ago with the invention of the early snowmobile in 1954. Polaris takes its name after the North Star, and it's meant to reflect the location of the company's first headquarters in northern Minnesota. [00:01:34] Ilyse: These days, Polaris is the global industry leader in power sports. Offering everything from Indian motorcycles to its off road racers. And all the accessories that go with them.[00:01:44] Damian: During the pandemic, the brands saw a surge of interest in its vehicles as people embraced outdoor activity. Although it started out as a specialized brand, it continues to build on its popularity through its marketing campaign. Think outside. [00:02:03] Pam: Back in 1954, two brothers and a best friend decided they way, faster to get to their location. And they literally strapped a motor to the back of a sled and created the first snowmobile. It was ingenuity at its best. [00:02:20] And when I think about Polaris today, We have recreational vehicles. We have motorcycles. We have off road vehicles. We have boats. We also have utility vehicles that help people do work smarter. And at the end of the day, it's really about getting people outside and helping to have a better way to do things, whether it's working smarter or on the recreational side, having the most epic experiences with your friends and family.[00:02:47] Ilyse: Very nice. Now in 2019, the brand actually underwent a new rebranding with a new Think Outside campaign. [00:02:56] Ilyse: I read that there is a goal to basically grow the base [00:03:00] by 50 percent by tapping into your existing base and finding new customers as well. What was your strategy around that and how has it played out to this point?[00:03:11] Pam: Yes. So in 2019, We really took a look at talking to our existing customers, talking to potential intenders of our brands and talking to people we thought might be interested in what we offer. And we did some great consumer research. And what we learned is at the heart of it, we tapped into what they really care about.[00:03:35] And what we found is what our current existing owners care about. More people could care about. We just had to find the right people. We had to reach out to them. We had to show them how this could fit into their lives and introduce them to our brand. And it's really been a  huge effort the past few years. To find the right people and show them how this could fit in with what they  already do and make it better. And on top of bringing in more new customers, it's also bringing in new people that look a little different than our core customers.[00:04:11] Damian: Very interesting, because when you think what sell in a way, kind of very specialized, I don't know whether I'd it niche. [00:04:22] Pam: you know, I think when you look at household penetration off road vehicles, for example, household - So you're right. It's not something where it's 70, 80, 90 percent of the market has one of these. But what I will say is if you think about some of the audiences. We do attract people love outdoor recreation. love being outside. They love adventure. They might do camping, they might do hiking, they might do fishing. We also think about the people who do property maintenance They're farmers, they're ranchers, They're hunters. So, when you think about those populations, they are much more likely to buy our products. But if you look at the penetration even within those, We don't have 80 90 percent of hunters, so there's still so much penetration opportunity within people who do the activities where it seems like they would really benefit from something that we could offer them. [00:05:26] Damian: Was there a moment when you realized there was the potential to expand the audience? That's so interesting to me and I wonder how you found that opportunity.[00:05:40] Pam:  So I'm kind of a nerd, self admittedly kind of a nerd. And I really think that CRM and data and analytics played a huge role in this journey because prior to [00:06:00] having that type of capability, we actually didn't know how many customers we had. We had customers for decades, but we actually didn't know how many customers. We knew how many units we had sold, but units does not equal customers because you have people who have owned more than one over time. So going back a handful of years, we were able to Get CRM, take our data in, cleanse the data, de dupe our, people and, understand how many customers we had and set some goals and start measuring how many new customers came in each year.[00:06:35] And when I say new customers, some were brand new to the category. Some had owned competitive vehicles before, but never bought from Polaris.[00:06:45] Pam: some may have owned a used Polaris vehicle, but had never bought new from us. So It's not a flash in the pan sort of thing. This is a strategy that we really need to go after. And so it became very intentional to, of course, as the global leader, it's in our best interest to get existing customers and come back to buy again because we have the largest number of existing customers. But we also need to focus on bringing in new people and we've proven we can do it. So let's do it. [00:07:17] Ilyse: And that first party data is huge to any brand. How is Polaris is actually getting your first-party data from customers? Can you explain that shopper journey a little bit? And may how that journey may be different from a traditional auto dealer.[00:07:31] Pam: And Absolutely. So if you buy a car. It has to be warranty registered. So that manufacturer will know that you bought a car from them. So if anything should go wrong with warranty, that they are able to contact you. Very similar, when someone buys one of our vehicles and it gets warranty registered, we receive the customer information.[00:07:54] And we certainly can use third party data to append that, but we know who owns that vehicle. [00:08:00] We also do have people who visit our website. In our dealerships, the majority of them, we call them multi line dealerships. So, they do sell Polaris, but they also may sell Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Can Am. And so, you think of it very to being grocery store being in a cereal aisle, where you have all the competitors right there in the same you may think you're going to the cereal aisle to buy Frosted Flakes and Flip and buy multigrain cheerios. [00:08:32] Pam: A customer can come to our dealership thinking they're going to buy a Polaris Ranger and that salesperson can flip to a Can Am Defender. And so when you think about it, it is in our best interest with marketing to try to get that customer as committed to which brand and which product they want as early in the journey as possible to make sure that they can't get flipped at the last minute at the dealership. [00:08:59] Ilyse: You know, when it comes to digital marketing, because it's such a niche product, are there specific digital channels you've found to have more potential to reach the type of consumers you're trying to reach? [00:09:20] Pam: You know, I would say it's less about it being one particular channel because at the end of the day, our, our customers are, they're all over the place [00:09:31] in terms of their habits, their consumption habits, and whatnot. They're [00:09:34] regular people. But what's more important to us is understanding the people who buy our products. So we do have our owners. We know who our owners are. [00:09:44] And we can do third party data appending, we can do look alike modeling to understand. We can't afford to go after maybe everyone who loves the outdoors. That wouldn't make financial sense. We may not be able to afford to go after everyone who owns one or two or [00:10:00] five acres of property or more around the country or the world. But what we can do is do look alike modeling and use that data with our media partners to try to get more narrowed in on: Who are the right hunters that we should be going after? Who are the right type of landowners? And part of it is not only being able to find the right people but understanding which populations which segments came to our ones ended up buying, and using that info to continually optimize. But also, lot of really, smart things these days where using our current inventory and using that our media to be able to reach out to the right show them this sportsman that you looked at recently is available right now at this dealer down the block and trying to [00:11:00] drive urgency there or using other types of data that we might have.[00:11:04] whether they think they're shopping or not at that moment in time. [00:11:08] Damian: I wonder how you're connecting this because adventure tourism is a big deal right. And that's a growig market. Is that something you're growing into? [00:11:18] Pam: I, I Yes. So, several years ago we started something called Polaris Adventures. So certainly places rented off road vehicles in the past, but oftentimes they were the old ones kind of broken down and it was really important to us from a brand perspective. We're talking about if you're gonna do something from a brand perspective, build your brand. We wanted to make sure people were in the current vehicles, the most modern ones and the ones that we knew were going to give them the best experience. So we created something called Polaris Adventures. And you can go online and you can find Polaris Adventures and you can go to one of 270 locations. [00:12:00] 268 of them are in the United States.[00:12:01] One is in Mexico. One's in New Zealand. And you can rent a Polaris Side by Side Razor. You can rent a Polaris Slingshot, which is a three wheel roadster. Think of a Batmobile. It looks like a Batmobile. it rides on road. You can rent an Indian motorcycle if you ride motorcycles. And so you can do that in all of these different markets. And I'll tell you, even though I work at the company, I have used Polaris Adventures. I've ridden in the dunes in Oregon. I've ridden in the desert in Arizona and Mexico. I've ridden in the mud trails of West Virginia, and all, all kinds of other markets. In each one of those is a different experience because the terrain is very different. [00:12:42] Rock crawling in is completely different being in the and is completely different than being different than dunes in a [00:12:59] Pam: It's an [00:13:00] amazing way to people experience it. And you know what? Not all go buy one some will never buy one. Some may buy maybe at a time in life when it fits them better. And others may just put it in their Instagram feed. And guess what? I promise this. If you were to do this activity and you were to put it, in your Instagram feed, it is the best FOMO ever. All of your friends are, you know, texting. Where are you? What are you doing? and they want a piece of that. So I think it's highly relevant in today's world. And I think we're just playing a part of this growing travel market. [00:13:36] Ilyse: So, much fun. have fOMO right now. just even talking about and you know, it's [00:13:48] Ilyse: You described your family not as the stereotypical sports kind of family, and I would imagine there's a bunch of Polaris customers that wouldn't qualify as the stereotypical power sports types of people. Are there any types of segments that you wouldn't expect that are interested in power sports vehicles?[00:14:00][00:14:08] Pam: So it's interesting if you think about maybe what you would expect to think about from traditional power sports customers. You know, you might think older white male and historically, maybe that's how the category had been, particularly with ATVs and whatnot. Like I said, half of our customers now are younger women multicultural. So let's blow that up right now. But what I will say is going back a number of years ago, We created a product called the slingshot Polaris slingshot.[00:14:40] And like I said, it's a three wheeled vehicle. It rides on road. it's 5. 5 inches from the ground, open air cockpit. and it's very auto like, right? So now you can actually, get one that is automatic or manual. And, When we started with this vehicle, we assumed it was gonna be about performance because that's what a lot of power sports customers like.[00:14:59] [00:15:00] And if you look at it, it kind of looks aggressive, so it looks like it's gonna go super fast. We marketed it. We even did demos on racetracks because it was all about performance. And it was doing okay, not phenomenal. And we actually looked at the data, and the data showed we had a much higher percentage of multicultural customers who own this vehicle, and that was really not typical of the industry.[00:15:25] So we did consumer insights research to understand what brought them to Slingshot, why did they love it, and what we found was they weren't coming in because of performance. It was the style that really appealed to them and they loved that when they drove around in this slingshot heads turned.[00:15:42] And when we said there's something to this, let's start marketing that way. First of all, I think the brand is 40 plus percent multicultural customers today. But on top of that, the white customers that are buying this love style, [00:16:00] The personalization. They love the same what's interesting is when you go slingshot meetups, a lot local groups, clubs that have organized and they all get together. [00:16:10] When you at [00:16:13] Damian: has [00:16:14] Pam: diverse group of people you've ever seen. You multicultural, old, young, it might not be a group of people you ever would have imagined congregating, but they are loving each other and checking out each other's slingshots and talking about getting together and how much they love it.[00:16:32] And it's this common community that has brought these people together. And so I think we've learned some great lessons about. Sometimes you think you know, and one of the number one rules of marketing is, you know, you don't know, don't make assumptions. You need to actually listen to customers, learn from them and be willing to adapt. And that's been an awesome learning and really opened our eyes to opportunity within power sports. [00:16:57] Ilyse: that's a [00:16:57] good [00:16:58] Pam: the [00:17:00] things and to these there's of that look [00:17:11] Damian: vehicles. And then that goes out on social [00:17:13] Pam: is [00:17:13] Damian: that a whole [00:17:16] Pam: know, white Absolutely. You know what? You know what? Here's what I will tell you. Going back, I joined Polaris in 2015 and we had done some research on the Indian motorcycle brand and the path to purchase and[00:17:32] back then, the number one way that people came in on the brand was word of mouth. And that's been probably for centuries and for decades, it's word of mouth. [00:17:43] Pam: And in motorcycles, it might been, know, yes, your friends and family, but go to a truck stop and someone else there and you're checking out their bike you're asking they ask you how you like it. The beautiful thing today that definitely still happens a lot. But with digital[00:18:00][00:18:00] Ilyse: kind [00:18:00] Pam: learn from and share with. People they don't even know. And so you see people when they're shopping for a vehicle, they will ask, how do you like yours? What do you like? What don't you like? And it's authentic word of mouth. And so from a brand perspective, if you create something wonderful and people love it and you make them feel valued and appreciated as customers, then hopefully they're the ones out there selling for you. [00:18:28] Ilyse: You know, you mentioned social media, and typically, at least, the younger generation are on social media. Is it more difficult to inspire those younger generations. They're known for being tied to their technology, I know the pandemic at least many people looked to go outside more. Now that it's more safe, is it harder to inspire those generations to think outside?[00:19:03] Pam: I don't think so. what I will say is getting outside with friends and family and sharing experiences. is something people, especially our younger people love to do. I think a lot of our younger customers will tell you that if they're new to the workforce or if they're in school, you know, they feel handcuffed to their responsibilities. [00:19:26] Sometimes when you get outside, you put the phone in the glove box and you go out for a ride and you just you turn the tunes on. You have a great time. You'll get back to the phone later. No question. And you're going to stop and capture a lot of content and share with your friends on on Snapchat and whatnot.[00:19:42] But it is 100 percent about sharing experiences, and they love that. But I will tell you, going back in time, Innovation has always fueled our category. That's just the new news. People always want the newest, latest thing. And for a long time, it was power, horsepower. Is it more [00:20:00] CCs? Is it, you know, bigger, better, stronger, faster? I will tell you, technology is playing a very large role now in what people are choosing to shop for. [00:20:10] So, a couple proof are, we have something called Ride Command. So, I want you to think about it. If you were off roading or going on a snowmobile ride, you're not on roads. And a lot of times you lose cell service out there. One of the biggest fears people have is getting lost. You're out there in the middle of the woods and you get lost. You're out there in the middle of the desert dunes, you get lost. We have ride command technology that the maps will work even when your cell phone service doesn't work. And that's super helpful. It also has a, capability ride. So say I out with different,[00:20:46] Ilyse: probably [00:20:48] Pam: we want to ride together, but I don't want to ride so close that I'm inhaling your dust or your exhaust. So we out, but you might come to a fork in the road and take a left and I go to the right. Now we lose each other. [00:21:00] That's not fun either. The ride command has a group ride function where I can see all the other razors in my group. So we can ride together. I'm doing air quotes, but we can separate. And then I still know where everyone is. So technology, it's not technology for technology's sake. It's actually making the ride experience better. And I think that is extremely relevant to our younger customers.[00:21:29] called group go five [00:21:32] Ilyse: sales climb. as, as more [00:21:43] Pam: want to spread for sure. You know, well, at my house, you know, at least in the beginning, I was Clorox wiping the groceries. So I think we all kind of have vague memories of those days and. Life wasn't very fun because you were trapped inside unless you could go outside on a walk or do something. And we saw our [00:22:00] business really sore because on one hand, from a recreational standpoint, it was something that you could do safely outside and actually think about off road riding. You could be riding with a bunch of friends and you could each be in your own vehicle. So you were safe. You're wearing a helmet. I spent that first summer of 2020. A lot of weekends out on our boat and out there, the world felt normal. So for sure we saw sales surge. [00:22:27] And we were concerned, though, thinking, Okay, this is great. But when people have other options to spend their money on, are they gonna just trade in all these vehicles and flood the market? And suddenly we're not gonna have a sustainable, you know, healthy business that we've been having. It's not the case.[00:22:47] We actually look very much at our repurchase rates, and we look at short term one year. We look at three year. We look at five year. We look at 10 year. When you look at the one and three year repurchase rates, they are [00:23:00] very healthy and the five year repurchase rate is very, very strong, which tells you that the customers we brought in in 2020, 2021, they aren't just abandoning.[00:23:12] They actually have found something that really works for them and they're continuing to come back and buy again. [00:23:18] And by the way, they're going to tell their friends and family. So we believe that, It's a, good example of I always say never waste a crisis. pandemic was tough for a lot of reasons, but it certainly gave our business a boost and brought in a lot of new customers. And it seems like it's a very healthy population we in.[00:24:36] Damian: That's it for this edition of The Current Podcast. We'll be back next week, so stay tuned. [00:24:42] Ilyse: The current Podcast theme is by Love and Caliber. The current team includes Kat Fessy and Sydney Cairns.[00:24:48] Damian: And remember,[00:24:49] Pam: find the right show them how this could fit in with what they already do and make it better.[00:24:56] Damian: I'm Damian. And[00:24:57] Ilyse: And I'm Ilyse. And[00:24:58] Damian: we'll see you next time. And [00:25:00] if you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave us a review. Also, tune in to our other podcast, The Current Report. 

Angela Hieronimus, a Powersports F&I expert, will be sharing valuable insights on dealership operations and finance management. If you're a GM, finance manager, or sales manager, this episode is packed with powerful strategies to elevate your dealership's performance. Be prepared for expert advice on F&I products and training, and discover how to thrive in this dynamic industry! Subscribe Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfg⁠  Subscribe Apple Podcast: ⁠https://apple.co/43FoanX⁠  Subscribe YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit⁠  Follow our guest Angela: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-hieronimus-872034115/⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.liveoakdealerservice.com/⁠ Email: ⁠angela@liveoakdealerservice.com⁠  Follow Our Host Jacob: LinkedIn: ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry⁠  Website: ⁠https://www.internetsalescoaching.com/⁠  Follow the Fixit: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/dealershipfixit/posts⁠  Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/DealershipFixit⁠  TikTok: ⁠https://tiktok.com/@dealershipfixit⁠  Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/dealershipfixit⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/dealership_fixit⁠  Online: ⁠https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit⁠ Sponsor: ⁠dealers.motohunt.com/fixit ⁠ Apple Episode Link: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e109-mastering-f-i-in-powersports-with-angela/id1449367603?i=1000642275882⁠⁠  Spotify episode link: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Kl9C5ZP56RvNxhukRiCNn?si=IXuKrsBYSqKMrCmmsa_y1Q⁠⁠  Youtube Link: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/1J-mp5HDgo0⁠⁠  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/support

Dive into the world of expert advertising strategies in this episode of Fixit Quick Takes, featuring Mike Shaug, the visionary Founder & Owner of Premier Online Marketing. Discover the secrets behind successful powersports dealership advertising as Mike unveils strategies that have transformed the landscape of online marketing in the industry. Learn about cutting-edge techniques and insights that can propel your dealership to the forefront of the digital realm. Whether you're looking to enhance your marketing efforts or seeking innovative ways to engage with customers, this session packs a punch with actionable tips and profound industry knowledge, all distilled into a brief yet impactful discussion. Listen and Subscribe: Spotify Apple Podcast YouTube Follow Our Guest Mike Shaug: LinkedIn Premier Online Marketing Website Follow Our Host Jacob Berry: Twitter LinkedIn Internet Sales Coaching Website Stay Connected with Dealership Fixit: Twitter TikTok Facebook Instagram For Dealers: Motohunt Marketplace --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/support

Welcome to the Car Dealership Guy Podcast. In this episode, I'm speaking with Tony Wanderon, CEO of APCO Holdings, home of EasyCare, where we discuss: Creating unusual profit opportunities in automotive, Why service claims for EVs are shocking, Mechanics making more than attorneys?, The growing cyber threat for cars. This episode of the Car Dealership Guy Podcast is brought to you by: CDK Global - Empowering dealers with the tools and technology to build deeper customer relationships. Learn more @ https://www.cdkglobal.com/dealership-xperience-platform Cars Commerce - The platform to simplify everything about buying and selling cars. Learn more at https://www.carscommerce.inc/ Easycare - Easycare offers the industry's only MOTOR TREND Certified VSC, GAP, Tire & Wheel, KeyCare, SelectCare, ETCH, Select, Dent Repair, Scheduled Maintenance, Appearance Protection, RV and Commercial Vehicle coverage. Learn more @ https://easycare.com/ Car Dealership Guy Industry Job Board - Connecting world-class talent with top-notch companies in Automotive. Find your next role—or start hiring today—at CDGJobs.com. Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:15) - Tony's career (00:05:52) - How do all the companies you're involved with impact the auto industry? (00:07:59) - What growth are you seeing in the RV and Powersports market? (00:15:03) - What are you seeing with Dealer profitability trends? (00:19:25) - Why is the pause in EVs a good thing? (00:21:02) - What's driving the 5x increase in claim values?  (00:23:26) - Where's the opportunity for EVs? (00:27:28) - How are you working to create the most profitable system while maintaining a great customer experience? (00:35:17) - Are there any new products on the horizon you're anticipating? (00:38:51) - How do you continue to scale your company?  (00:41:55) - Creating more product shelf space (00:45:46) - How do you measure risk for someone who didn't buy a VSC at the point of sale but wants one now? (00:51:59) - Is there a benchmark for running an automotive warranty company? (00:54:07) - GAP Reinsurance (00:59:44) - What's exciting to you these days? Check out APCO here. Check out the website for more (https://dealershipguy.com) and follow me on X @GuyDealership! (https://x.com/guydealership) This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.

Shoot us a Text.It's a fresh week in a fresh month as we talk about Toyota's certification scandal, the booming trend of automotive retailers entering the powersports segment, and GM's innovative clutch pedal for EVs to win over driving enthusiasts. Show Notes with links:Toyota suspends sales of several models in Japan due to certification issues, amid a broader scandal involving multiple automakers and inadequate vehicle verification tests.Toyota halts sales of the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and Yaris Cross due to testing discrepancies.The issue involves using testing methods that differed from Japanese government standards for safety verification.Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha also face similar certification issues.The Ministry of Transportation labels the incidents as undermining user confidence although the vehicles are deemed safe to drive.Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda apologized for the oversight, taking a deep, long bow of contrition.Automotive retailers are increasingly entering the powersports segment, attracted by the complementary nature and profitability of the industry.Powersports includes motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and personal watercraft.Automotive retailers like Sonic, Lithia, and Ed Morse Automotive Group are acquiring powersports stores.Profit margins for powersports can reach 10-12%, compared to 5% in automotive retail post-COVID.Harley-Davidson is particularly popular, with about 30 dealership sales per year.Teddy Morse, CEO of Ed Morse Automotive Group, owns eight powersports stores across Texas, Colorado, Missouri, and Florida.Morse formed Teddy Morse's Moto Co. to oversee the powersports segment and plans to acquire another store this year.Morse emphasizes the shared passion for riding among customers and employees: "There's a passion that goes along with that, that you just can't manufacture."He said said riding motorcycles "makes you feel like the star of your own movie."GM is developing a clutch pedal for its electric vehicles, aiming to enhance driving engagement and appeal to car enthusiasts.Car enthusiasts criticize EVs for lacking driving excitement due to one-pedal driving and no real gearbox.GM's new clutch pedal concept uses a hydraulic actuator to operate a clutch in EV transmissions.The actuator's pressure varies, controlled by a piston that adjusts clutch engagement for optimal performance.This system simplifies EV transmissions, requiring fewer gear shifts, and avoids motor instabilities.GM's clutch pedal aims to improve efficiency, performance, and provide drivers with precise control over clutch operation.Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Dive into the transformative world of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in this edition of Fixit Quick Takes. Join us as we chat with Tad Kilgore, CRM pioneer and co-founder of Traffic Log Pro (TLP) and Dealership Performance 360 (DP360), tools that have revolutionized hundreds of powersports dealerships. In this episode, Tad shares the compelling journey from developing TLP during his tenure at RideNow in the early 2000s to innovating with Dealerspike to create DP360, enhancing dealership efficiencies to new heights. Currently at Ready2Rid, Tad continues to impact the powersports market by integrating robust marketing strategies with CRM tools. Learn how to leverage CRM as the nucleus of your sales process to boost efficiency and drive sales, plus discover the future advancements Tad envisions for this essential technology. Don't miss these critical insights on harnessing CRM for dealership success! Follow and connect with our guest, Tad Kilgore: LinkedIn Email: tad@ready2ridemobile.com Follow our host, Jacob Berry: Twitter LinkedIn Internet Sales Coaching Website Stay connected with Dealership Fixit: Twitter TikTok Facebook Instagram More Links Listen and Subscribe: Spotify Apple Podcast YouTube For Dealers: Motohunt Marketplace --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/support

Listen in as Schooly, Garage Composites lead MTA trainer, discusses the subtleties that he has learned about managers in the Marine and Powersports industries.

Sonic Automotive presented their earnings report in their recent call. The company's CEO, David Bruton Smith, addressed investors, sharing, "In recent months, we've seen increasing consumer demand for hybrid electric vehicles as a more cost-effective and convenient alternative to fully electric vehicles and we are turning our hybrid inventory faster and at more traditional gross profit levels than fully electric vehicles."For Q1 2024, Sonic Automotive's performance was characterized by a moderate decline in total revenues year-on-year by 3%, although they managed to increment adjusted EPS by 2% to land at $1.36 per share. This was primarily influenced by operational efficiency improvements in the EchoPark segment and share buybacks.In response to these results, Sonic Automotive proposed several initiatives, which focus on better alignment with customer demand through adjustments in powertrain options and inventory. Additionally, they emphasized procurement of used inventory and identified retail sales opportunities. The company said it would implement F&I playbook protocols, hired additional technicians to boost fixed operations, and aimed to serve the rising customer demand by improving inventory management and sales pace in the EchoPark segment.During the earnings call, Sonic Automotive also highlighted some notable consumer behaviors. They acknowledged that the current high prices of used retail vehicles constrict affordability, particularly in light of current interest rate conditions. A counterpoint to this, as identified by the company, is the anticipation of normal seasonal trends returning in used vehicle wholesale pricing. This should improve affordability, leading to potential elevation in used vehicle sales.As stated on their earnings call, Sonic Automotive has also charted its future investment path and plans. The company intends to place prompt execution and adaptability at the forefront to deal with changes in the automotive retail environment. They plan to tackle industry-induced margin issues in the franchise segment by tapping into growth opportunities in EchoPark and Powersports segments. As market conditions for used vehicles improve, there are plans to expand EchoPark on a national scale.In closing, Sonic Automotive has experienced some challenges in Q1 2024, according to their earnings call report. They intend to strengthen their financial performance by observing and adapting to consumer trends and exploiting growth opportunities across all business segments. From the information provided during the earnings call, it seems that their commitment to operational improvements, inventory management, and network expansions indicates a pragmatic approach to the dynamically shifting terrain of the automotive industry. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theprompt.email

Newly ordained Harley-riding Minister and TV/Streaming Executive Jamie Rodriguez has put many miles on her motorcycle and traveled to the Tail of the Dragon and Nova Scotia. Today, she talks about her calling to be a minister and how she stays safe in the saddle! 

On this episode of the Dealership Fixit Podcast, we interviewed Greg Gifford, an expert in local SEO strategies for dealerships and businesses. Greg shared valuable insights into maximizing dealership visibility and improving local SEO practices. He discussed topics such as the importance of Google Business profiles and online reputation management for dealerships. Greg emphasized actionable tips and best practices that dealers can use immediately to enhance their online presence and attract more customers to their physical locations. Guest: Greg GiffordWebsite: SearchLabDigital.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/greggiffordEmail: greg@searchlabdigital.comArticle: Maximizing Dealership Visibility Host: Jacob B. BerryWebsite: InternetSalesCoaching.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry Subscribe:Spotify | Apple Podcast | YouTube Follow the Fixit:LinkedIn | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | Online Sponsor: https://dealers.motohunt.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/support

In this episode, Carter and Luke interview Jason Smith and Mark Strickland, the owners of Southern Rut Power Sports. The conversation covers their journey as entrepreneurs and the challenges they faced in starting their own business. They discuss how their passion for dirt bikes and four-wheelers led them to pursue their dream of owning a power sports company. Jason shares his decision to leave his corporate job and start his own business, while Mark talks about his transition from working in sales to joining Jason in their venture. They also talk about the process of finding a shop and getting their business up and running. In this part of the conversation, Jason and Mark discuss the challenges they faced when starting their business and how they overcame them. They emphasize the importance of having a vision and being willing to take risks. They also discuss the hypomanic condition and its connection to entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights the mindset and determination required to succeed as an entrepreneur. They also talk about the importance of personal growth and integrity in business. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the value of failure and the need to stay focused on long-term goals. In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of focusing on one area before branching out. They emphasize the need to take a step back and have a vision for the future. The hosts express their gratitude for being on the podcast and share their excitement about the upcoming clay shoot event. They discuss the value of slow and steady growth and the importance of playing the long game in business. They also talk about the significance of celebrating small wins and having perspective. The hosts share their experiences of chasing the home run and realizing the value of enjoying the journey. They discuss the lessons they have learned as entrepreneurs and the importance of identifying the true worst-case scenario. They emphasize the value of skills and the lessons learned along the way. The hosts also talk about finding passion in the business side of things and enjoying marketing and networking. They conclude by discussing the upcoming clay shoot event and the raffle prizes that will be available.Give us a follow on YouTube @huntlifteatofficial and be sure to subscribe so that you do not miss an episode!Please drop a follow on IG @thehuntlifteatpodcast and @huntlifteatofficialDrop us rating and review on Apple & Spotify!

The Boot Babe, sits down with Linz Stanley, crowned Cowgirl Magazine's Best Dressed at the 2024 NFR. Linz takes us on an inspiring journey through her evolution from a cosplay enthusiast to a revered figure in Western fashion. With a rich background in theatre, dance, and a deep love for the NFR, Linz shares how embracing her unique style led to unexpected recognition and how she navigates the blend of her interests, from power sports to wine certification. This episode peels back the layers of Linz's multifaceted life, offering insights into the changing landscapes of Western fashion, the power of community, and the courage it takes to step out of comfort zones. Whether you're a long-time Western fashion aficionado or new to the scene, Linz's story of transformation, community, and self-acceptance is sure to resonate and inspire.Connect with Linz Herehttps://www.instagram.com/linzstanley/"Fashion is supposed to be fun. It's not supposed to be restricting." - Linz Stanley. -"I want to find somebody who is emotionally, financially, spiritually balanced and mature." - Linz Stanley. -"I'm just taking it easy and enjoying my life until I find my right person." - Linz Stanley. -"You're either a creator or a consumer. And that's where we're at in this world." - Ashley, The Boot Babe. - "It's always a good time to wear cowboy boots." - Ashley, The Boot Babe.

Segway is up and coming and has something to say!

On this episode, we sit down with Michael Gerbino, an impactful member of the Piaggio Group Americas team, as he shares the roadmap of his career and the fuel that powers his passion for the Powersports industry. In this episode, Michael reveals his journey, from early days at the Motorcycle Mall to orchestrating groundbreaking strategies as a Product Marketing Specialist at Piaggio, and how he leverages social media and digital marketing to connect with riders and enthusiasts. He also discusses emerging trends and offers invaluable advice for dealers aiming to adapt and thrive in the evolving digital landscape. Get ready for some professional wisdom with Michael Gerbino. Subscribe Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfg Subscribe Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/43FoanX Subscribe YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit Follow our guest: Michael Gerbino LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-gerbino-2aa297ba/ Email: michael.gerbino@us.piaggio.com Follow Our Host Jacob: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry Website: https://www.internetsalescoaching.com/ Follow the Fixit: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dealershipfixit/posts Twitter: https://twitter.com/DealershipFixit TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@dealershipfixit Facebook: https://facebook.com/dealershipfixit Instagram: https://instagram.com/dealership_fixit Online: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit Sponsor: https://motohunt.com/dealers Subscribe and tune in to discover how he is paving the way for industry innovation. #PowersportsPassion #PiaggioGroupAmericas #MotorcycleIndustryInsights --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/support

Meet Nate, a go getter and a dealer that wins often. Nate started in the powersports industry years ago but is still enthusiastic today as he was then.

Nupesh is the Brand Manager for Body Armor 4X4. He started in the  Powersports industry back in early 2000s and transitioned to the  Off-road industry there after. Nupesh is an avid enthusiast, whether  that is riding dirt, street, off-roading his rigs or just relaxing and  camping.

Our guest, Heather Deatherage, a Digital Sales Expert and Business Partner, shares valuable insights and strategies for succeeding in the Powersports and Motorcycle dealership industry's digital marketplace. She emphasizes the importance of internet sales, well-structured Business Development Centers (BDCs), and customer retention. Heather provides guidance on distinguishing Powersports dealerships in the digital landscape and enhancing internet sales performance. If you're interested in succeeding in internet sales, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe and follow us for weekly updates. Subscribe Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfg  Subscribe Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/43FoanX  Subscribe YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit  Follow our guest Heather::LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-deatherage-0220932a4/ Website: https://www.internetsalescoaching.com/ Email: heather@internetsalescoaching.com  Follow Our Host Jacob: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry  Website: https://www.internetsalescoaching.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjacobberr  Follow the Fixit: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dealershipfixit/posts  Twitter: https://twitter.com/DealershipFixit  TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@dealershipfixit  Facebook: https://facebook.com/dealershipfixit  Instagram: https://instagram.com/dealership_fixit  Online: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit Sponsor: https://motohunt.com/dealers  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/support

Welcome to Dealership Fixit! Our podcast explores the world of Powersports & motorcycle dealerships. On today's episode, Angela Hieronimus, a well-known industry expert, will guide us through the intricacies of the Finance and Insurance (F&I) process. Get ready for expert advice on F&I products, training, and strategies to boost your dealership's performance. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly updates. Subscribe Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfg  Subscribe Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/43FoanX  Subscribe YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit  Follow our guest Angela:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-hieronimus-872034115/ Website: https://www.liveoakdealerservice.com/ Email: angela@liveoakdealerservice.com  Follow Our Host Jacob: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry  Website: https://www.internetsalescoaching.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjacobberr  Follow the Fixit: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dealershipfixit/posts  Twitter: https://twitter.com/DealershipFixit  TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@dealershipfixit  Facebook: https://facebook.com/dealershipfixit  Instagram: https://instagram.com/dealership_fixit  Online: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit Sponsor: https://motohunt.com/dealers --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dealershipfixit/support

Today we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from Season 2 featuring Joe Rogan, Shawn Davis, Lance Stander, and more.  Justin Olsen Date of first release: March 20 Justin Olsen (a former police officer) of Dakota Digital came on the show, just after, their new products achieved significant recognition, securing First Place in Powersports, Runner Up in Street Rod/Custom Car and Interior, and three Global Media Awards at SEMA. Full Interview: Spotify Joe Rogan Date of first release: June 5 This summer, we had our good friend and customer Joe Rogan come on the show.  In this clip, Joe Rogan talks about how he first got into martial arts, and how discovering it changed his life and still shapes his career.  Full Interview: Spotify Lance Stander Date of first release: June 12 Lance Stander, CEO of Superformance came on the show to discuss iconic 1960s replicas like Chevy Corvettes, Ford GT40s, Shelby Cobras, and Daytona Coupes.  Full Interview: Spotify Shawn Davis Date of first release: Aug. 7 Shawn Davis is the brains behind AutotopiaLA, and came on the show back in August to talk about his transition from music to the automotive world.  Full Interview: Spotify Eli Duckworh and Nick Morrow  Date of first release: Aug. 28 Eli Duckworth and Nick Morrow from Cabot Guns joined us to talk about some of the most creative projects they've been a part of – and building on a budget.  Full Interview: Spotify Norris Marshall  Date of first release: Oct. 2 Norris Marshall is the CEO of BluePrint Engines. Founded in 1982, BluePrint is a leading OEM level manufacturer of new crate engines. He's also a former drag racer, dirt oval racer, and today serves on the SEMA Board of Directors. Full Interview: Spotify Mark Giambalvo Date of first release: Oct. 23 In this clip, Creative Rod & Kustom's Mark Giambalvo tells the guys about his creative process, problem-solving, and how skateboard decks have inspired some of his builds. Full Interview: Spotify Don't miss the latest from The Roadster Shop. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @roadstershop Oil and Whiskey is an IRONCLAD original.

Get ready to strap into a time machine and return to the 1980's motocross heyday. Brett Smith is the founder of We Went Fast and his stories and podcast are a slice of Americana. Tune in to hear him discuss motocross, the Powersports industry and how we continue to grow riders into the future.