to enhance listening and storytelling skills to boost productivity , customer satisfaction and sales .
Action Recruiting ’ s Jan Plessner discussed the shift in the hiring landscape following Covid-19 . Plessner shared a process that prevents potential issues at the forefront of the hiring process , ensures interviews with qualified candidates and retains those hired following the onboarding process . With the staffing challenges seen by many dealers in the industry , it was not a session to miss . Tom Shay of Profit Plus shared what parts of the sales process are changing and how to adapt .
All dealers gathered for the State of the Power Trades Industry Panel , moderated by David Gee . Panelists included Glen Hubbard of Hubbard Powersports , Jan Plessner of Action Recruiting , Zach Hutcheson of Correct Craft and Jeff Husby of WaterSports Central . The group discussed inventory , margins , staff retention , the increase of MSRPs , consumer expansion and whether 2025 will bring “ normalcy .”
Hutcheson shared the OEM perspective concerning inventory . “ We need to focus on product and on the consumer and how product is utilized ,” he said . “ We as an industry need to start pulling back on incentives .”
Hubbard shared that the dealer role in reducing the excess of inventory is to keep products on the showroom floor clean , engage the sales team every day and accessorize . He said that dealers must be proactive , and customers should be educated about products to ensure trust and retention .
“ It ’ s so important to seed our industry with new customers and a new rider base ,” Plessner added . “ Anything you can do to reach out to new or different or first-time enthusiasts is going to help this industry grow .”
Dealers gained insight about various relevant topics , then gathered at the hotel ’ s CJ ’ s Restaurant , a “ speakeasy ” bar , for hors d ' oeuvres and drinks .
On Wednesday , Dr . Elliot Eisenberg shared an energetic presentation about the U . S . economy and his optimistic outlook . The U . S . GDP is good , inventories are leveling out , services and goods demands are returning to normal , banks are lending again and the quitting rate is lowering . Dr . Eisenberg ’ s presentation was filled with statistics that he explained in everyday language , reinforced with comic relief .
Montana Bolin ( left ), Vicki Norman , Wanda Kenton Smith , Nancy Cueroni and Marion Minor gather after an engaging panel .
Dr . Eisenberg ' s presentation was energetic and entertaining .
Dr . Elliot Eisenberg shared why he has an optimistic outlook on the 2025 economy .
The keynote session was followed by the Women in the Power Trades Panel , moderated by Wanda Kenton Smith . Panelists included Vicki Norman of Digital Throttle , Nancy Cueroni of the National Marine Distributors Association and Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association and Montana Bolin of Hubbard Powersports . The panelists discussed gender challenges and general professional advice , mentorship and management strategies .
“ Don ’ t be scared to get out of your comfort-zone . That has been a resounding theme here ,” said Norman . She shared tips about how to grow as a professional and what mistakes to avoid . Cueroni discussed the value of mentorship and encouraged dealers to implement a mentorship program within their dealership to create a culture of development and increase employee satisfaction . Bolin shared the obstacles that younger leaders may face and how to overcome these . “ You can ’ t change other people , but you can change how you approach them and the situation ,” she said . “ In management , change yourself to work to their strengths .”
Educational sessions for Elevate 2025 wrapped up with the ever-popular Top 100 : Top Dealers Panel discussion . Moderated by Boating Industry Top
6 february 2025 www . boatingindustry . com