Powersports Business November 2025 | Page 7

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NEWS

Powersports Business • November 2025 • 7
year ago has leveled off— we’ re at a healthy balance now, roughly a one-to-one ratio.”
Woodruff emphasizes that the post-pandemic“ sugar high” of inflated margins has cooled, but the fundamentals are still solid.
“ Margins are still there. They haven’ t disappeared,” he explains.“ The real pressure is on controlling operating expenses while keeping staff engaged and customers satisfied.”
Woodruff cautions that tariffs on steel and aluminum could raise production costs by as much as 30 %, potentially tightening dealer margins further. Yet, his tone remained optimistic.
“ Even though we’ re down from the COVID heydays, we’ re still above pre-COVID benchmarks— that’ s the good news,” he says.“ Short-term, there are headwinds. Long-term, I’ m still optimistic. Used vehicles will continue to provide a buffer.”
Poor experiences— not the internet— are what drive customers away.
Attitude and enthusiasm bring them back.
Sam Dantzler, Garage Composites
collaboration, and unified dealer representation in Washington.
“ Our dealer network thrives on fellowship— especially now,” says NPDA founding board member Gail Worth, who co-emceed the event.“ We’ ve been siloed for too long. Let’ s lean on
each other, learn together, and elevate the entire industry. Together, we are unstoppable.”
The success of DealerConnect 2025, Worth says, reflects not just the appetite for education but the power of community.
“ Picture a massive, high-impact 20-Club gathering without the financials,” she adds.“ Learning, networking, and camaraderie— that’ s what makes this event electric.”
LOOKING AHEAD With a sold-out exhibit hall and waiting list of new vendors, NPDA confirmed Dealer- Connect 2026 will return to Columbus Sept. 20 – 22, 2026, with expanded space and more opportunities for dealer and partner engagement.
“ The feedback was overwhelming,” Kee concludes.“ We’ re already planning a bigger footprint, new session tracks, and even
more practical takeaways for dealers. The NPDA’ s future— and the industry’ s— looks stronger than ever.”
The National Powersports Dealer Association represents franchised and independent dealerships across the U. S., advocating for dealer interests, providing education and data resources, and fostering collaboration across all sectors of the industry. Learn more at npda. org.

SAVE THE DATE

DEALERCONNECT 2026
Hilton Columbus Downtown, Columbus, Ohio
Sept. 20 – 22, 2026
SAM DANTZLER: MINDSET, ENERGY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
The following morning, Sam Dantzler brought his signature blend of humor and challenge to the DealerConnect stage, urging dealers to focus less on excuses and more on energy.
“ Poor experiences— not the internet— are what drive customers away,” Dantzler says.“ Attitude and enthusiasm from your staff are what bring them back.”
Dantzler pushed attendees to rethink the idea of a“ selling season,” arguing that successful dealerships create opportunities all year long— especially in the slower winter months.
He reminded the audience that only 3 % of Americans currently participate in powersports, but another 24 % are actively considering buying a motorcycle, ATV, or side-by-side. That gap, he said, represents enormous untapped potential.
“ The leader’ s energy sets the tone for the entire dealership,” Dantzler says.“ Change your environment, and you’ ll change your results.”
He emphasized data tracking, crossdepartment engagement, and leadership mindset as the hidden drivers of performance.
“ Every department matters,” he says.“ When your team has purpose and energy, customers feel it— and they buy into it.”
Dantzler’ s closing challenge was simple but powerful: build a culture that customers can feel from the moment they walk in.
NPDA: UNITING DEALERS NATIONWIDE
Throughout the event, NPDA leaders emphasized their growing impact— from legislative advocacy to dealer education. NPDA now counts hundreds of member dealers and dozens of strategic partners, with initiatives underway to strengthen retail training, OEM

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NPDA’ s Tigra Tsujikawa and Gail Worth enjoy a light social media moment with the conference logo.