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].