Herohub Podcast

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jared Dowdy of Transax, a former auto dealer and a current industry expert. We explore what it takes for dealerships to sell more with less in today’s competitive environment, including the vital role of written sales and marketing processes, how leadership can empower team champions, and why daily training and accountability are the keys to ongoing success.Discover practical advice on defining KPIs, leveraging CRM systems for maximum impact, and optimizing your website’s call-to-actions to engage customers and drive conversions.Whether you lead a dealership or support one, learn how consistency, clear documentation, and smart digital strategies can elevate your business and delight your customers.Find more inspiration at herohub.com.

Discover how Patrick Franklin of Schnelker Marine and Powersports has thrived by fostering strong personal connections, adapting to shifting market demands, and prioritizing both customer satisfaction and employee well-being. Hear his takes on the importance of transparent customer service, work-life balance, and leveraging new sales channels to stay competitive.Find more inspiration at herohub.com.

Join us on this episode of the Herohub Podcast with guest TJ Arbino, a GM at Midwest Polaris, a small Ohio powersports dealership. TJ shares his unique journey from lifelong powersports enthusiast to General Manager, a position where he's found purpose, meaning, and joy. TJ reveals the impact of peer support groups on his professional growth and the positive transformations at his dealership. Discover how he creates memorable customer experiences, empowers his team, and adapts to changes in the industry. Find more inspiration at herohub.com.

In this episode of the Herohub podcast, we sit down with Herohub founder and industry veteran Jared Burt. Jared shares his journey from running a family-owned powersports dealership in Idaho to becoming a pioneer in dealership training and technology as he built the tools he wishes he had. He also discusses the unique challenges of growing a dealership, the importance of customer relationships, and how traditional training methods fall short. Jared introduces his latest innovations—DealerHero Bootcamps and the Virtual Sales Coach powered by Dealer AI—which are designed to streamline employee training and deliver a better customer experience. The conversation offers actionable insights for dealership owners and highlights how embracing the right technology can drive both efficiency and profitability. Check out Herohub's free offerings at https://www.herohub.com/learn-connect.

Join us as we dive into the world of powersports with Paul Thistle, owner of Blue Ridge Yamaha and Polaris in Georgia. From his early days delivering newspapers on a Yamaha RD 60 to running a beloved local dealership, Paul shares the heart and soul of a true small-business owner. Discover how this mom-and-pop shop stands out in a corporate world, the challenges of the power sports industry, and the importance of genuine customer service. Find more inspiration at Herohub.com.

Discover how Dan Atterbury's small-town dealership, Heartland Marine and Motorsports, thrives in central Alberta. From going above and beyond for customers to unexpected emergency responses, Dan shares insights into running a successful business, the challenges of work-life balance, and the importance of not being afraid to try and potentially fail. Find more inspiration at Herohub.com.

Join us in Cottonwood, Idaho at Bud's Saw Service with owners Hud and Shayla Horrocks. In this episode, discover how a family-run dealership navigates the challenges of the powersports industry, from agricultural equipment to snowmobiles. Learn about their unique approach to customer service, the seasonal dynamics of their business, and the personal stories that drive their passion.Hear candid insights about: - Challenges with product quality and warranties - Balancing work and personal life in a small community - The importance of genuine customer relationshipsFind more inspiration at herohub.com.

In this episode, Jeff Emch of Sandpoint Marine & Motorsports shares his journey from Southern California to Northern Idaho. Jeff takes listeners behind the scenes of a motorsports dealership, discussing seasonal product trends, the importance of customer relationships, and how to navigate the challenges of modern sales. From handling customer reviews to breaking down the evolution of dealership marketing, this episode offers unique insights into the powersports world.Find more inspiration at Herohub.com.

In this episode of Herohub Podcast, we sit down with Jim Batterson, owner of Dutchess Recreational Vehicles in Poughkeepsie, New York. Dutchess Recreational Vehicles has been serving the community since 1977, evolving from a Honda and tractor dealer into a comprehensive multi-line power sports destination. After 27 years in corporate leadership, Jim made the leap to dealership ownership, bringing a fresh perspective to the power sports industry. Jim shares how he's transformed the business by implementing corporate-level systems and processes while maintaining the personal touch that small businesses are known for. We explore Jim's unique approach to feedback, his formula for success (happy employees create happy customers, which creates good business results), and how he's managed to involve his entire family of seven in the business. Find more inspiration at Herohub.com.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with JD Burton, General Manager of Basecamp Powersports in Billings, Montana. From his unexpected transition out of the RV industry to finding his true calling in power sports, JD shares how connecting with farmers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts reignited his passion for the industry. In this episode, JD opens up about:His unique journey from RV sales to power sports managementThe behind-the-scenes work that keeps a dealership running smoothlyBalancing genuine customer service with business processesWhy "always be recruiting" became his key philosophyThe evolution of power sports technology and customer expectationsMemorable customer stories, from his-and-hers Indian motorcycles to extreme machine abuseWhether you're in the industry or simply love the ride, JD's relentless positivity and genuine approach to customer relationships will inspire you to think differently about what it means to serve the power sports community.Find more inspiration at herohub.com.

Join us as we sit down with Ryan Moore from Jeff Schmitt Lawn & Motorsports in Beaver Creek, Ohio, to explore what it takes to thrive in the power sports industry. From humble beginnings with just two product lines to managing 11-12 major brands including Polaris and Kubota, Ryan shares his journey from salesman to sales manager and the lessons learned along the way. Ryan reveals his unique approach to sales - focusing 80% on building trust and relationships rather than just selling the product. Discover his hands-on training methods for complex product lines and why he believes in working 24/7 to serve customers. Find more real stories and tips at herohub.com.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lexa Frasier from Apple State Polaris and Medford Power Sports, who shares her unexpected journey into the power sports industry. What started as a Facebook job posting response has evolved into a fulfilling career as a controller at a close-knit dealership in Central Washington. Lexa opens up about accidentally discovering her passion for the industry, the importance of supportive leadership, and how her business management degree shaped her approach to work. Lexa also shares practical insights on the behind-the-scenes accounting work that keeps dealerships running smoothly, the importance of doing things right the first time, and how small gestures can make a big impact on customers. Whether you're considering a career in power sports or looking for inspiration on building meaningful workplace relationships, this episode offers valuable perspectives on finding your path and making it work for you. Find more at Herohub.com.

In this episode, Daniel Gregg of Concord Motorsports shares the story of his family's Polaris dealership near Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up on a farm and inheriting the dealership from his father, Daniel discusses the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge in a saturated market by focusing on personalized customer service and building genuine connections with clients. He emphasizes the importance of understanding each customer's unique needs, from their family dynamics to their specific use of off-road vehicles, while navigating the complex landscape of sales and service. Find more inspiration at herohub.com.

Is your dealership leaving 25-30% of approvable deals on the table by underutilizing secondary lending? Join industry experts Angela Hieronimus (CEO of Live Oak Dealer Services) and Mike Geremia (East Coast Manager of Merrick Bank) as they discuss secondary lending and nonprime deals in the powersports industry.The bottom line? Secondary lending isn't just about expanding sales—it's about creating opportunities for underserved customers while building lifelong dealer relationships and significantly boosting F&I profits.Find more practical tips and strategies at Herohub.com.

Today, we chat with Reed Laylock of Offroad Powersports and Accessories. Reed shares his journey growing up in the powersports industry, discussing the evolution of his family hobby to a thriving business. Reed candidly explores the challenges of balancing work and family life in retail, offers insights into industry training limitations, and reflects on the value of DealerHero 20 Group collaborations for dealership improvement and professional growth.Find more inspirations and check out our 20 Groups at herohub.com.

Join us as Brandon Pack, a 28-year-old powersports marketing innovator, shares his journey from motocross racing to transforming digital strategies for dealerships nationwide. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Brandon reveals how personal challenges and entrepreneurial spirit drove him to build a game-changing marketing agency. From overcoming early setbacks to navigating the complex world of powersports marketing, Brandon provides an unfiltered look at building a successful business in a competitive industry. He'll challenge your understanding of digital marketing and share why 95% of dealerships are missing critical strategies for growth. With passion, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Brandon demonstrates how personal resilience and strategic thinking can reshape an entire industry. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, power sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking inspiration from a true trailblazer.

In this episode, we dive into the world of powersports with Jada Curry, a seasoned industry veteran from North Bend Power Sports. With over 25 years of experience, Jada shares insights into dealership management, customer relationships, and the evolving landscape of recreational vehicles. From the rise of high-performance side-by-sides to the importance of personalized customer service, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at a thriving dealership. Learn how Jada and her team transform sales into meaningful connections, navigate industry challenges, and create memorable experiences for their customers.Find more inspiration at herohub.com.

In this episode, we chat with Andy Witcher of Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore. He shares his remarkable journey transforming a small two-person dealership into a thriving off-road vehicle business in Texas. Andy reveals the power of supporting local nonprofits as a marketing initiative, the importance of work-life balance, how he considers his employees' family and personal lives, and the evolving landscape of the off-road vehicle industry. From selling just three units a month to now averaging 150, his story is a testament to passion, adaptability, and putting customers first. Want to explore Andy's DealerHero 20 Group recommendation? Find information at herohub.com.

Join us to chat with Jeff Lewis of Tommy's Motorsports, a 42-year industry veteran who's seen everything from furniture sales to motorcycle dealerships across the country. In this candid interview, Lewis shares his journey from Florida to Tennessee, revealing insights into successful dealership management, the importance of exceptional customer service, and his passion for riding. Discover how he transitioned from a minority partner to a contract troubleshooter, learned the value of patience in developing staff, and why he believes side-by-sides are now dominating the market. With a unique perspective spanning Harley and metric brands, Lewis offers a glimpse into the heart of the powersports industry, discussing everything from electric bike skepticism to the joy of family adventures on motorcycles and off-road vehicles.Inspired? Join us for more at herohub.com.

In this episode of the Herohub Podcast, Bob Beasley of Bob's House of Honda, a third-generation powersports business owner from Jackson, Tennessee, shares his journey of running a family dealership that began in 1968 with motorcycles and evolved to include ATVs, watercraft, and side-by-side vehicles. Bob, who serves as General Manager, works alongside his parents and cousins, wearing multiple operational hats while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Recently joining a DealerHero 20 Group, he discovered unexpected value in networking with other dealers and learning industry best practices, particularly around service management. Bob's philosophy centers on adaptability, viewing professional challenges as a continuum of good, better, and best, and finding joy in both his work and personal life by occasionally riding his Ranger around his property to clear his mind. Inspired? Find more at Herohub.com.

Join us on the Herohub Podcast as we dive into the inspiring journey of Mike Holland, owner of Big Country Powersports in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Discover how Mike transformed a small Polaris dealership into a thriving multi-brand business during the challenging times of COVID-19. Learn about his unique approach to customer service, team building, and community development. Mike shares insights on entrepreneurship, the importance of understanding customer needs, and creating a workplace that empowers employees. From his early days riding ATVs to building a successful business, this episode offers valuable lessons in leadership, adaptability, and the power of listening.Hear more stories like his at herohub.com

In this inspiring episode of the Herohub Podcast, Walter Raffel of Raffles Engine Service shares his remarkable 72-year family business story. Starting as a small lawn and garden dealer in rural Ohio, Walter transformed the business from a $100,000 operation to a thriving $7 million enterprise. Hear his stories - including a tale about telling a farmer's wife to mow around her husband's favorite hat - here. Inspired? Hear more stories from dealers like Walter at herohub.com.

In this powerful episode of the Herohub Podcast, Brandon Prokupek shares his remarkable journey through the powersports industry, from a 16-year-old inventory counter to a successful dealership leader. Learn how he transformed a struggling family business during the 2008 recession into a thriving $19 million enterprise by focusing on leadership, sales training, and understanding customer needs. Brandon reveals critical insights into building a winning team, the importance of mentorship, and why people buy from people, not just products. Hear more from Brandon in our DealerHero Bootcamps. Register here: https://www.herohub.com/bootcamps/sales-digital-marketing-bootcamp-sign-up

In this episode, we chat with Jeremy Johnson of Lightspeed to explore his journey through the powersports industry and the major shifts he’s witnessed in dealership operations. Jeremy gets candid about the professional challenges he's faced, the tricky balance of political views in business, and what he’d tell his younger self about education and following your passion. We also dive into the exciting webinar collaboration and future work between HeroHub and Lightspeed. Don’t miss this thoughtful and inspiring conversation. https://www.lightspeeddms.com/from-the-open-road-to-the-digital-frontier-blog/

In this episode, we sit down with Craig Stoke, owner of Kearney Power Sports in Kearney, Nebraska—a dealership that’s become a hub for riders across central Nebraska. Craig shares his unexpected journey from aspiring teacher to power sports entrepreneur, reflecting on the values, mentors, and mindset shifts that shaped his career. From humble beginnings selling motorcycles in a small town, Craig built a thriving business rooted in integrity, leadership, and lifelong learning. He opens up about what it means to truly invest in your team—through ongoing training, book clubs, Saturday sessions, and life lessons that go beyond the dealership floor. Craig talks about how he balances business and family life, the power of staying present, and why he responds to every single customer review—positive or negative. He also shares how a painful high school wrestling experience and a list of bankers who turned him down still fuel his drive today. Whether you're a business owner, team leader, or just love a good story of perseverance and growth, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we chat with Kyle Reid from Vision AST as he shares his journey into the powersports industry. Kyle discusses the challenges he faced transitioning from tech to retail, how to keep your head up during a learning curve, and the secret that he believes will keep powersports businesses lucrative during economic downturns. Tune in to hear his hot takes. Find more inspiration at www.herohub.com.

In this episode of the HeroHub Podcast, we sit down with Amy Benner of Central Maine Powersports to explore her lifelong journey in the power sports industry. From growing up in her dad’s motorcycle dealership to becoming a key figure at one of Maine’s top dealerships, Amy shares how passion, family, and community have shaped her career. We talk about what makes Maine such a unique place to live and ride, the value of customer relationships, and how to handle both rave reviews and tough feedback with grace. Plus, you’ll hear about Lewiston’s famous "red hot dog," unexpected celebrity encounters, and why a mid-90s Yamaha Fazer still has her heart. Whether you’re a power sports enthusiast, small business owner, or just someone who loves a good origin story, find more inspiration at Herohub at www.herohub.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Robinson, who shares her incredible journey from starting at the service counter of a Harley-Davidson dealership to becoming a nationally recognized expert in visual merchandising and retail strategy.If you're in the powersports industry—whether as a dealer, manager, or OEM partner—Jennifer’s insights are both practical and inspirational. Her belief that visual merchandising is a function, not just fashion will change the way you look at your showroom floor. Find more inspiration at Herohub.com or join Jennifer Robison's upcoming bootcamp at https://info.herohub.com/parts-management-bootcamp.

In this episode, we sit down with Vince Yamaura from Midwest Powersports Inc, a Polaris dealership in Milbank, South Dakota. With over 18 years in the business, Vincent shares his journey from working as an automotive transmission tech to owning and operating a thriving dealership rooted in passion for powersports. We talk about creating a service-first culture and how Midwest Powersports maintains a near-perfect customer satisfaction rating by leading with honesty and transparency.  But the heart of this episode is the story of an 11-year-old boy named Harrison. Vince recounts how he helped make a terminally ill child’s dream come true by teaching him to ride a motorcycle, hosting a celebration, and going above and beyond to provide the experience of a lifetime. It's a powerful reminder of the deeper impact dealers can have beyond sales. Vincent also shares practical insights into navigating post-COVID inventory challenges, the evolution of the industry, and his best advice for new dealers: “Believe in what you sell.” Find more inspiration at herohub.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Kurt Von Ahnen—powersports industry veteran, author, consultant, and founder of Mañana No Mas—to talk about his incredible journey through the powersports and automotive industries. From getting kicked out of high school to becoming Ducati North America's Training Manager, Kurt shares candid stories of grit, resilience, and transformation. We explore what it means to bridge the gap between OEMs and dealerships and how understanding both sides of the business can create stronger, more efficient teams. Kurt opens up about personal and professional challenges, what it truly takes to build internal culture, and how his passion for mentorship fuels everything he does today. Whether you're a dealership owner, service writer, or just someone trying to find purpose and balance, this conversation is packed with honesty, perspective, and hard-earned wisdom. Find more inspiration at herohub.com.

In this episode of the HeroHub Podcast, we sit down with Justin, General Manager of Bob's Cycle Repair, a family-owned Polaris dealership rooted in Ohio. Justin shares the inspiring story of how the business started in his dad’s garage in the early '80s and grew into a full-service dealership that continues to thrive today. We dive into: - The evolution of Bob's Cycle Repair—from humble beginnings to a brand-new location - What it’s like growing up in the powersports business and wearing many hats along the way - How Justin balances running a dealership with making time for off-road adventures - His candid take on customer reviews—both the tough and the glowing - The impact of internet research and online shopping on small-town dealerships - Honest advice for anyone considering a career in the powersports industry Justin also shares his favorite machines to sell, what keeps him motivated, and why creating a tight-knit, knowledgeable team is the heart of their success. Whether you're a dealer, enthusiast, or industry pro, this episode is full of real talk, practical insight, and a whole lot of passion for the ride. Go to herohub.com for more inspiration.

In this episode, we chat with Thad Eveland, a co-owner of a power sports dealership in Southern Ohio. He shares insights on running a small dealership, balancing work and family life, and navigating challenges like electric vehicles, tariffs, and market shifts. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the off-road vehicle world, from ATVs to razors, and hear firsthand what it takes to succeed in this evolving industry.Find more inspiration at www.herohub.com.

Today, we talk with Trent Bee of Goldenspike Powersports. Located in beautiful Ashton, Idaho, Trent has figured out how to balance work, family, friends, and fun. We discuss business performance, keeping customers happy, work-life balance, the power of word-of-mouth recommendations, and more. What are his secrets? Tune in to find out. Find more inspiration at herohub.com.

Angela Hieronimus of Live Oak Dealer Services discusses actionable F and I insights, compliance, and how she balances family, work, and fun. What’s her secret? Listen to find out. Find more inspiration at Herohub at www.herohub.com.

Get more inspiration at herohub.com.