Powersports Business April 2025 | Page 20

20 • April 2025 • Powersports Business www. PowersportsBusiness. com

ACCELERATE

CONFERENCE

40 UNDER 40

LUKE BARTO | POWERSPORTS PRODUCT LINE MANAGER | COMETIC GASKETS
Luke Barto added over 300 new gaskets to Cometic’ s powersports offerings to accommodate fitments through 2024 and 2025 model years. He traveled to 14 different events representing Cometic and made multiple customer visits to build relationships and spread awareness of his company’ s powersports segment. His efforts helped Cometic finish 2024 with a 10 % increase year-over-year for offroad powersports sales. Barto will be taking over the distribution of all powersports sales in 2025 and has big goals moving forward. He also volunteered at a school for Career Day, speaking about the path he took to build a career in the powersports industry.
ANDY BRINKHAUS | GENERAL SALES MANAGER | DAVE’ S RIVER VALLEY HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Andy Brinkhaus brings his team together with constant positivity. He leads by example and would never ask his team to do anything he hasn’ t done himself, often working side by side with them. He engages directly with his sales team, playing out sales scenarios and offering valuable advice on how to improve as a team. Brinkhaus has worked his way to the general sales manager position by striving for excellence and motivating his team to accomplish set goals and overcome obstacles.
MONTANA BOLIN | GENERAL MANAGER | HUBBARD POWERSPORTS, INC
Montana Bolin has been passionately involved in the dealership since she was 20 years old. She is continuously improving practices, and she is engaged every day. When the dealership was renovated, she was a key partner in the showroom layout during the remodel. Bolin communicates and delegates exceptionally, and she stays calm during challenging times. Employee retention is a high priority for her, as she seeks to understand and operate based on facts over emotions. She manages employees and builds lasting relationships with customers simultaneously. She has had to earn respect from both employees and peers, and she does this with humble confidence. She is quickly becoming the backbone of the dealership.
KYLE BUCKLAND | SALES MANAGER | BROWARD MOTORSPORTS FT LAUDERDALE
Morale has significantly improved under Kyle Buckland’ s leadership. Employees confide in him if they have concerns. He is the go-to when something needs to be done or resolved. Buckland naturally takes the lead and is the first to lend a hand in any department
. His team respects and looks up to him, not just as a manager, but as a true leader. He consistently demonstrates patience, and has a let’ s-find-a-solution-together attitude. His focus is always on the team, never on himself. He is encouraging, patient, efficient, and he is constantly seeking ways to improve processes so that everyone wins. In just four years, he has been promoted three times, and shows no signs of slowing down.
JULIAN CARLSON | BUELL PARTS | ST. PAUL HARLEY DAVIDSON
Julian Carlson has extensive knowledge of the company’ s products and offers excellent suggestions for additional components to enhance projects. He knows his counter and inventory well and maintains an organized operation. Carlson’ s great sense of humor and dedication to keeping bikes running and riders on the road make him an outstanding employee. He always reminds everyone to“ keep the rubber side down” and genuinely cares about those he serves.
CLAYTON COSBY | FINANCE MANAGER | EVANSVILLE SUPER BIKE SHOP
Clayton Cosby began his sales and finance career in 2022 and quickly became a top performer, closing more sales and achieving the highest back-end percentage rate among his peers. At just 22, he has made a big impact on the experience customers and employees have at the dealership. His efforts have more than doubled the dealership’ s positive reviews on Google and from manufacturers, with many specifically praising him. His ability to connect with younger riders has attracted a new customer base, boosting parts and service sales.“ He can turn an angry consumer into a happy customer without budging on price or policy,” one nominator said.
JUSTIN CUSTIS | GENERAL MANAGER | YOUNG POWERSPORTS LAYTON
Since becoming general manager in 2023, Justin Custis has significantly expanded the dealership’ s operations. He inherited a service facility project and, to connect with the community, he has hired a local artist to paint a mural in the area. He has made it a priority to tie the dealership’ s identity to the city and has initiated monthly bike nights. Under his leadership, the dealership’ s variable department output increased by 198 % and fixed department output by 36 %, with motorcycle sales up 363 %. Recognized as a top five dealer by Suzuki, Yamaha, Polaris, and CFMoto, Custis has maintained and enhanced the dealership’ s reputation.“ Though he has high standards for his team, he’ s also known as a compassionate leader. He wants to help each person become the best they can,” one nominator said.
JONATHAN DUKE | FINANCE MANAGER | AMERICA’ S MOTOR SPORTS RIVERGATE
Coming with a fresh perspective from a finance background, Jonathan Duke has quickly made a significant impact in the industry with his unmatched attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. He brings exceptional service and expertise to his team, demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities. Duke’ s confidence and ability to lead by example sets him apart. His dedication to learning and growing, even in unfamiliar areas, serves as an inspiration. His devotion to perfecting his product knowledge has not only allowed him to confidently expand the dealership’ s product offerings, but has also led to a significant increase in profits.“ His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement is truly commendable, and we are excited to see him continue on this upward trend of success,” one nominator said.
DANIEL FRANKS | GENERAL MANAGER | RIDENOW POWERSPORTS HUNTSVILLE AL
Daniel Franks is an exceptional leader and has increased the store’ s net income year-over-year. He manages his employees with care. People want to work for him and respect his leadership. He provides the tools needed to succeed and offers a career path for employees. He truly wants to help people get the most out of their lives and careers. Franks’ loyalty to the dealership and its people is rare. He manages and innovates processes to ensure maximum profitability and an easy purchase process for customers. He has turned his store into a huge profit center where people want to visit, purchase and work.
TANNER GEARN | DEALER PRINCIPAL / OWNER | ZIA POWERSPORTS / LONE STAR POWERSPORTS
In 2023, Tanner Gearn significantly boosted sales and foot traffic at the dealership by retraining staff to focus on customer relationships and excellent service. This approach has improved customer feedback and created a welcoming atmosphere, also enhancing the dealership’ s morale and unity. Gearn’ s leadership is characterized by openmindedness and a focus on what’ s best for the business and its employees. He ensures all five locations operate with a customercentric philosophy. Gearn’ s passion for business and industry relationships is evident through his roles on the Texas Motorcycle Dealers Association board and the Can-Am dealer council. Gearn bought his first dealership in 2016, expanding to five locations in New Mexico and Texas while increasing revenue and profit annually. His dedication and leadership drive his growth and success.
TIM HAMMOND | FINANCE AND OFFICE MANAGER | SIMPLY RIDE
Tim Hammond is a dedicated and genuine leader who has transformed his dealership through innovative process changes and unwavering support for his team. Known for his work ethic and integrity, Hammond leads by example, and is always ready to assist others, whether professionally or personally. His positive attitude and ability to gage when to be serious and when he can be humorous create a welcoming and motivated environment. Hammond excels in problem-solving and conflict resolution. He has enhanced communication and leadership across departments and increased finance department revenue by introducing new products and upgraded tools.“ From excess hours worked, to always picking up the phone, Tim’ s coworkers know he has their back,” one nominator said.
GEORGE HOULE | TERRITORY MANAGER – ECATALOG | DEALER SPIKE
George Houle has been instrumental in the development of the company’ s parts and accessory look-up software over the past 11 years. He helps train and support new and existing dealers and is willing to work outside of normal work hours to do so. He places dealers’ needs first and he attends every tradeshow and dealer meeting that he can. His passion for powersports and dealership success is evident in his proactive approach and extensive product knowledge. He consistently strives for personal and professional improvement, taking initiative and ensuring a thorough understanding of products.“ George has golden industry knowledge … He provides a one stop shop for all my needs,” one nominator said.“ He is well spoken, has good follow-up skills, and is dedicated to his job.”
HARRISON HERRON | FINANCE AND INSURANCE MANAGER | FOOTHILLS MOTORSPORTS
Harrison Herron is a dedicated innovator whose passion and hard work have positively impacted his dealership’ s retail bottom line. He leads the sales team with a win-win mentality, ensuring customers leave with both their dream unit and peace of mind. His knowledge, creativity, and refusal to accept no for an answer, drive him to find the best solutions for customers. Herron’ s energy and optimism are infectious, motivating his peers to excel and meet customer needs and deadlines. He seamlessly fills various roles within the dealership, always willing to lend a hand. One nominator said,“ Whether it’ s leading by example, fostering a positive team environment, or going above and beyond