Centerstand

In part two of our Season 2 Centerstand bonus episode, Robert circles back with three guests from throughout the Season. Beyond providing first hand advice and a behind the scenes look into various parts of our industry, Robert speaks with Centerstand’s Producer, Audrey Uchimoto, for a behind the scenes look into the show and what the IMS team is looking forward to now.

Tune in now for Part 2, featuring: 

• Eric Anderson, Powersports Veteran & Consultant / Founder of vroomnetwork.com
• Heath Cofran, Technical Media & Communications, Alpinestars
• Shahin Alvandi, General Manager at MotoCorsa
• Audrey Uchimoto, Centerstand Season 2 Producer

After two seasons of Centerstand and sitting down with over 20 guests holding influential positions throughout the industry, we found the discussion never just ends after we stop recording. Because there is always more gold to uncover and talk about in our industry, we decided to create a special two-part episode, bringing back previous guests with years of experience and success for an open dialogue and conversation on how to move the industry forward with actionable strategies and tactics that can be employed by all.   

Tune in now for Part 1, featuring : 

• Mark Sheffield, Strategic Advisor at Woods Indian Motorcycle 
• Tony Alteri, Vice President, Business Development at NPA
• Alisa Clickenger, Owner, Women's Motorcycle Tours
• Wendy Crockett, Worldwide Motorcycle Ambassado

The exciting growth the Powersports industry experienced this past year can be attributed largely to the growth in adventure riding. In the 10th and final episode of Centerstand Season 2, Robert Pandya sits down with Inna Thorn, Director of Operations, and Tim James, VP and Creative Director, of  Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®), a non-profit organization that creates off-highway routes for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. Beyond exploring the recent growth in the adventure riding sector, this episode reveals and how dealers, OEMS, and brands can find success leveraging the market.

Show Notes 

00:00:00 00:00:01

• Host Robert Pandya introduces Season 2 episode 10 of Centerstand, the final episode of the Season, and the theme of adventure riding, the industry’s fastest growing sector.

00:00:00 00:01:00

• Robert welcomes episode guests from Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), Inna Thorn, Director of Operations, and Tim James, VP and Creative Director.

00:00:00 00:02:00

• Inna speaks to her position at BDR and her passion for adventure riding.

00:00:00 00:4:00

• Inna explains how BDR works with dealers.

00:00:00 00:6:20

• Tim speaks to his position at BDR and provides background on the makeup of the company.

00:00:00 00:9:15

• The guests speak to the bump in adventure bike sales and the opportunities the company has had to expand.

00:00:00 00:12:00

• Tim explains how the marketing approach has changed in the past year in order to stay connected with customers.

00:00:00 00:14:20

• Tim reveals plans to go back to events.

00:00:00 00:16:45

• Inna speaks to how BDR is reaching new riders.

00:00:00 00:19:00

• Inna reveals how BDR works with sponsors, and partners with OEMs, and how BDR helps promote brands.

00:00:00 00:32:30

• Inna and Tim explain how BDR decides which companies to partner with.

00:00:00 00:25:30

• Tim shares advice to dealers to increase retention and build a community.

00:00:00 00:27:40

• Inna shares advice on how to build and engage the community.

00:00:00 00:32:00

• Tim and Inna shares their biggest advice for the dealer and OEM market. 

00:00:00 00:34:30

• Robert closes the conversation and announces there will be a Season 3 of Centerstand. He invites listeners to share any topic ideas for the upcoming Season with [email protected].

Season 2 Episode 9 of Centerstand: A Motorcycle Industry Podcast, is brought to you by National Powersport Auctions (NPA), the number one provider of auction and remarketing services in the Powersports industry. In this episode, host Robert Pandya sits down with Tony Altieri, Vice President, Business Development at NPA, to talk about the current inventory crisis, what caused it and tactical ways dealers and OEMs must navigate it.

Show Notes 

00:00:00 00:00:01

• Host Robert Pandya introduces Season 2 episode 9 of Centerstand, brought to you by National Powersport Auctions (NPA), episode guest Tony Altieri, Vice President, Business Development at NPA, and the important theme that will be covered, the current inventory crisis.

00:00:00 00:02:00

• Tony provides background on NPA, how the company serves its partners and the greater Powersports industry, as well as the company’s priorities.

00:00:00 00:05:00

• Tony speaks to the various types of dealers NPA partners with.

00:00:00 00:7:15

• Tony reveals what is causing the current inventory crisis.

00:00:00 00:11:45

• Robert and Tony discuss the emphasis on and need for the used motorcycle market. 

00:00:00 00:12:25

• Tony speaks to the current pricing trends and how NPA is able to see farther down the road than a typical dealer can and know where the market is headed.

00:00:00 00:16:10

• Tony speaks to NPA’s Value Guide and the importance of accessing data and being in tune with what is going on in the marketplace 

00:00:00 00:19:00

• Tony shares his perspective on the state of the motorcycle industry and his prediction for the future.

00:00:00 00:25:50

• Tony reveals indicators he has seen for future interest in motorcycles. 

00:00:00 00:31:00

• Tony provides his advice for dealers and what their role should be in helping to sell used motorcycles.

00:00:00 00:34:50

• Robert and Tony speak to the new position in a dealership of “Acquisition Staff” and the new talent that is needed between sales and service.

00:00:00 00:38:45

• Tony speaks to financing and why it is more competitive than ever.

00:00:00 00:42:30

• Robert and Tony discuss ways to invest in your dealership now.

00:00:00 00:49:00

• Tony shares his biggest advice for the dealer and OEM market. 

00:00:00 00:51:00

• Robert closes the conversation and reminds everyone to subscribe and get in touch with the producers of Centerstand at [email protected] and NPA at www.npauctions.com.

In Season 2 episode 8 of Centerstand, we explore building an aftermarket brand as host Robert Pandya sits down with the Powersport’s industry’s veteran of 30 years, Eric Anderson, whose resume includes developing and selling Hein Gericke, FIRSTGEAR, and private label apparel collections for Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Polaris, Arctic Cat and more, and Alex Arkhangelskiy and Ian Dunn, two of the three founders of Brake Free Technologies, a company that creates, designs, and develops high visibility safety products; mixing technology and modern design to make safety appealing to the masses.

Show Notes 

00:00:00 00:00:01

• Host Robert Pandya introduces the Season 2 episode 8 topic of building an aftermarket brand and introduces guests industry vet Eric Anderson and Alex Arkhangelskiy and Ian Dunn of Brake Free Technologies.

00:00:00 00:01:45

• Eric talks about his past work in the industry, career highlights, a few brands he has built, and what he is working on now.

00:00:00 00:04:45

• Alex talks about his company Brake Free’s product and its purpose.

00:00:00 00:6:00

• Ian shares his personal experience in Powersports and his role as an industrial designer.

00:00:00 00:7:30

• Ian explains the process used behind creating the Brake Free brand and growing the team. 

00:00:00 00:10:00

• Eric speaks to the differences in the ways today’s brands are able to sell to consumers compared to when he first entered the industry.

00:00:00 00:15:45

• Ian highlights breakthroughs in his brand and how he created and curated the videos that reached the consumers the way they wanted to.

00:00:00 00:17:00

• Alex reveals how they reached early adopters.

00:00:00 00:19:30

• Eric talks about market research and ways to keep connected with consumers. 

00:00:00 00:22:00

• Eric shares his advice for Brake Free and how to work with dealers.

00:00:00 00:23:10

• Alex explains how dealers learned about their brand and why they chose to work with who they do.

00:00:00 00:25:45

• Erik shares advice on how brands can best leverage their dealers.

00:00:00 00:29:30

• Alex talks about how his team has leveraged an e-commerce store.

00:00:00 00:33:10

• Eric speaks to the importance of the aftermarket and why they support OEMs so much.

00:00:00 00:34:00

• Alex speaks to how his team is growing the Brake Free brand and advice he has for others. 

00:00:00 00:39:50

• Eric shares his advice for brands launching in a modern market. 

00:00:00 00:42:50

• Each guest shares how they can be reached and advice they have for the motorcycle industry. 

00:00:00 00:47:30

• Robert closes the conversation and reminds everyone to subscribe and get in touch with the producers of Centerstand at [email protected].

In Season 2 Episode 7 of Centerstand, we explore a variety of ways to connect riders to your products and brand as host Robert Pandya sits down with two veterans of the retail motorcycle industry – Shahin Alvandi, General Manager at MotoCorsa, the number 1 Ducati dealership in North America, and Heath Cofran, Technical Media & Communications, Alpinestars – who each reveal a variety of approaches and techniques they have learned and leveraged throughout their careers.

Show Notes 

00:00:00 00:00:01

• Host Robert Pandya introduces the Season 2 episode 7 topic of connecting riders to brands and reaching customers of all levels and introduces guests Shahin Alvandi, General Manager at MotoCorsa, and Heath Cofran, Technical Media & Communications, Alpinestars. 

00:00:00 00:01:15

• Heath speaks to his role at Alpinestars and how he ensures the brand is represented successfully.

00:00:00 00:06:00

• Shahin shares his background in the Powersports industry and his work at MotoCorsa.

00:00:00 00:10:00

• Shahin explains why the motorcycle industry is so dynamic and why it needs to be constantly evolving.

00:00:00 00:14:00

• Heath reveals what Alpinestars is doing to retain new riders and the company’s approach to customer engagement.

00:00:00 00:18:00

• Heath explains the importance of educating riders on products and how he does so. 

00:00:00 00:23:00

• Heath explains why now is the primary time to provide rider education and ways to support. 

00:00:00 00:25:25

• Shahin speaks to track days, demo days, and other bonding experiences dealers can provide customers to interact with the industry. 

00:00:00 00:29:00

• Shahin speaks to inclusivity within a premium brand and the attitude adjustment he believes needs to happen on the dealer side.

00:00:00 00:35:20

• Heath speaks to how he works with dealership and how he personally educates customers.

00:00:00 00:38:10

• Shahin speaks to types of people he saw come through his dealership in the last year. 

00:00:00 00:46:10

• Shahin and Heath speak to how they each leverage events to engage with more people and become more involved in the local riding community.

00:00:00 00:52:00

• Shahin and Heath each share what their company’s bumper stick would say. 

00:00:00 00:54:15

• Robert closes the conversation and reminds everyone to subscribe and get in touch with the producers of Centerstand at [email protected].

In Season 2 episode 6 of Centerstand, we explore ways the industry can break down the barriers for women entering the industry and how to help them grow their confidence in the industry. Tune in to this important conversation as Robert Pandya sits down with two of Powersports’ female leaders, Alisa Clickenger, Owner, Women's Motorcycle Tours, and Wendy Crockett, Worldwide Motorcycle Ambassador, who share first-hand experience and knowledge on the important opportunities that bring women in the industry together and how to keep growing and supporting them.

Show Notes 

00:00:00 00:00:01

• Host Robert Pandya introduces Season 2 episode 6 topic of breaking down barriers for women riders and introduces guests Alisa Clickenger, Owner, Women's Motorcycle Tours, and Wendy Crockett, Worldwide Motorcycle Ambassador. 

00:00:00 00:02:00

• Alisa gives her background in riding motorcycles and what Woman Motorcycle Tours is all about.

00:00:00 00:03:40

• Alisa shares the incredible seven-month journey embarked on with her bike and how it inspired her to create her very own company.

00:00:00 00:5:30

• Wendy shares her story of how she got into riding and speaks to some of her accomplishments, which include becoming one of the top female endurance riders in the world with nearly 1,000,000 miles on two wheels and the first woman ever to win the Iron Butt Rally.

00:00:00 00:7:00

• Wendy highlights her 10-year experience running a motorcycle show and explains how COVID changed her recent plans. 

00:00:00 00:10:00

• Wendy speaks to the growth of female riders she has seen in her time in the industry and how that supports the Powersports community. 

00:00:00 00:11:25

• Wendy notes the important benefits of hosting garage nights, sponsoring bike races, etc., for the greater growth of the community. 

00:00:00 00:15:00

• Alisa speaks to the collaborative nature of women and creating events such as conferences and rides that further their connection to the industry.

00:00:00 00:18:10

• Wendy speaks to the importance of confidence in riding and why women need access to education and ways to build their skills as well as general community building. 

00:00:00 00:24:00

• Alisa speaks to reimagining events and helping women find their community.

00:00:00 00:29:00

• Alisa shares what OEMs can do to attract more women to their brand.

00:00:00 00:33:40

• Wendy shares various motorcycle events she has been drawn to and gives advice to dealers on welcoming women.

00:00:00 00:38:50

• Alisa and Wendy each give the OEM and dealer network a piece of advice.

00:00:00 00:41:45

• Wendy shares you can reach her at thirdwheeladventures.com and Alisa shares she can be reached at womensmotorcycletours.com.  

00:00:00 00:43:30

• Robert closes the conversation and reminds everyone to subscribe and get in touch with the producers of Centerstand at [email protected].

If you’re in the Powersports business, you are in the business of selling fun. In episode 5 of Season 2 of Centerstand, Robert sits down with Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame racer Johnny Campbell and Jeff Shultz of Storm Lake Honda to discuss the competitive aspect of our industry and what draws so many to it. In this episode, Robert and our guests touch on a variety of topics from the evolution of the industry to the negative and beneficial impact of social media, what new riders need now, and much more.

00:00:00 00:00:01

• Host Robert Pandya introduces episode guests Johnny Campbell, 2018 Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee, and Jeff Schultz, Sales Associate, Storm Lake Honda Iowa.

00:00:00 00:03:09

• Johnny provides his personal background on how he got into motorcycling, his racing history, and connection to Honda.

00:00:00 00:08:06

• Jeff shares his experience and love for racing, how he built a career as a dealer, and what makes his dealership unique and successful.

00:00:00 00:11:41

• Johnny describes how he has seen the industry change throughout his career over the past decades.

00:00:00 00:14:00

• Jeff discusses the importance of a smaller dealership experience.

00:00:00 00:18:20

• Johnny speaks to the enthusiast aspect of racing, the importance of amateur races, and how social media has impacted his career as a professional racer.

00:00:00 00:23:45

• Jeff explains how social media has been a total game changer for his dealership.

00:00:00 00:26:45

• Johnny explains how the exposure of off-road racing has grown and how brands can increase the attractiveness of racing in the modern market.

00:00:00 00:32:25

• Jeff explains ways his dealership has spurred new excitement and keeps new riders involved.

00:00:00 00:35:00

• Johnny speaks to the importance of having opportunities to go ride and continued education.

00:00:00 00:38:00

• Robert shares his experience in racing and the community aspect.

00:00:00 00:39:50

• Johnny speaks to the expansion of Honda’s motorcycle line to offer a variety of choices for consumers.

00:00:00 00:42:30

• Jeff speaks to the value of a versatile motorcycle and broadening the range of motorcycles.

00:00:00 00:45:40

• Jeff and Johnny each give the OEM and dealer network a piece of advice.

00:00:00 00:48:50

• Robert closes the conversation and reminds everyone to subscribe and get in touch with the producers of Centerstand at [email protected].

Ask anyone where their love for riding comes from. Many will answer with a childhood memory. We can never underestimate the importance of planting the seed early in order to grow our industry. In episode 4 of Season 2 of Centerstand, Robert speaks with creators of the Mimi and Moto franchise Nancy Gerloff and Mark Augustyn, who have taken their passion for riding and created a brand focused on getting children interested in motorcycles. Jon-Erik Burleson (JEB), founding board member of The U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association, joins the discussion bringing great insights on leveraging coaching as a retention tool and the importance of mentorship across the industry.

Show Notes: 

00:00:00 00:00:01

• Host Robert Pandya introduces episode guests Nancy Gerloff and Mark Augustyn, creators of Mimi and Moto, and Jon-Erik Burleson (JEB), Founding board member of The U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA).

00:00:00 00:01:20

• Nancy speaks to the inspiration behind Mimi and Moto and getting children interested in motorcycles.

00:00:00 00:03:40

• Mark discusses how the work in the industry and audience has evolved since publishing the first Mimi and Moto book in 2016.

00:00:00 00:05:35

• JEB speaks to USMCA’s role in the industry and the importance of a rider coach.

00:00:00 00:9:40

• Mark discusses collaborations Mimi and Moto have secured and upcoming programs to look forward to.

00:00:00 00:13:30

• JEB speaks to how the industry is tackling the issue of youth ridership and how OEMs are stepping up their efforts.

00:00:00 00:17:00

• JEB reveals what dealers can do with USMCA to retain motorcycle riders and to reenergize and continue to draw new riders.

00:00:00 00:21:20

• Nancy explains the importance of experiences in developing future customers and plans to build the Mimi and Moto brand.

00:00:00 00:24:18

• JEB highlights how USMCA is supporting youth and female ridership and the importance of a diverse coaching group.

00:00:00 00:27:00

• JEB explains how to get involved with USMCA.

00:00:00 00:28:30

• Mark provides advice for those looking to start a job in Powersports.

00:00:00 00:29:50

• Mark reveals learnings he has found from being in the industry the last 5-years and how much of an impact childhood experiences in the industry have on its growth.

00:00:00 00:32:30

• Nancy and Mark highlight mentors and guidance they have received in the industry.

00:00:00 00:36:15

• JEB speaks to the importance of mentorship and the roles they take on.

00:00:00 00:40:15

• Mark and JEB each give the OEM and dealer network a piece of advice.

00:00:00 00:43:50

• Robert closes the conversation by asking listeners to check out usmca.org and mimiandmoto.com and reminds everyone to subscribe and get in touch with the producers of Centerstand at [email protected].

Now that 2020 has wrapped, many OEMs are beating the drum about the significant year over year growth they saw last year. However, Mark Sheffield, Strategic Advisor at Woods Indian Motorcycle, and Powersports Consultant Derek Sanders warn we must be cautious of the hype; although dealers benefited greatly from a global recession, the pandemic created some unique market distortions. In this episode, Mark and Derek discuss why the pandemic has been an opportunity for dealers to reset and what they must do to continue to find success moving forward.

Show Notes: 

00:00:00 00:00:55

• Host Robert Pandya introduces episode guests Mark Sheffield, Strategic Advisor at Woods Indian Motorcycle, and Derek Sanders, Powersports Consultant.

00:00:00 00:01:20

• Mark shares his background and how he joined the Powersports world.  

00:00:00 00:02:45

• Mark explains why the Powersports industry needs to be cautious of the recent industry hype and the unique market distortions the pandemic created.

00:00:00 00:06:00

• Derek shares his background and how he got into the motorcycle industry as well as the technology sector.

00:00:00 00:9:40

• Derek explains new tactics OEMs and dealers are employing to better serve consumers and what the new buyer needs.

00:00:00 00:12:45

• Derek explains key differences between GenXers and Millennials in terms of their consumer habits.

00:00:00 00:14:30

• Mark explains the importance of responding to digital leads.

00:00:00 00:18:30

• Derek explains why dealers need to focus on digital leads and learn this skillset.

00:00:00 00:20:13

• Mark shares a three-pronged approach in preparing dealers for success.

00:00:00 00:22:00

• Mark explains areas that dealers are generally lacking and missing out on.

00:00:00 00:25:10

• Derek highlights cool companies engaging technology to better customer experience.

00:00:00 00:29:30

• Mark speaks to inventory management in the current era, the sweet spot dealers need to shoot for, and how to find out who in the dealership is carrying the weight leveraging data.

00:00:00 00:35:00

• Derek explains why 2020 was a huge wakeup call for the Powersports industry and why we need to do things differently to ensure we are going to be here in the next five and 10 years.

00:00:00 00:37:20

• Derek and Mark speak to the key training that needs to happen for existing and new sales staff.

00:00:00 00:42:15

• Mark speaks to the importance of fixed operations.

00:00:00 00:46:00

• Derek and Mark each give the OEM and dealer network a piece of advice.

00:00:00 00:37:35

• Robert closes the conversation and reminds everyone to subscribe and get in touch with the producers of Centerstand at [email protected].