Powersports Business October 2024 | Page 4

4 • October 2024 • Powersports Business

NEWS www . PowersportsBusiness . com

Coffey ’ s Corner : Q & A with industry recruiter Jan Plessner

Many of you have asked me about industry trends and challenges faced by our dealers , and the overall health of the powersports industry . I decided to call upon one of our MELISSA COFFEY industry experts , Jan Plessner , founder of ACTION Recruiting , for a round of Q & A as we discuss these topics .
But first , let me tell you a little about Jan . She is a first-generation powersports enthusiast . Having spent 20 years with Kawasaki corporate , both in government relations and then marketing , Jan cut her teeth at one of our industry ’ s staple OEMs during one of its most successful periods . It was towards the end of this tenure that she was pried away to the recruiting world and shortly after that launched her own firm ACTION-Recruiting . com , where her focus has been the motorcycle and powersports industries and her clients have ranged from hundreds of dealers to the most notable OEMs .
So let ’ s dive in on the Q & A :
1 . How would you describe the overall ‘ state of the union ’ at powersports dealerships ? Consistently inconsistent . We all know Covid drove consumers outside to play , and the recreation industry enjoyed all that stimulus money , too . Our clients are back to working hard and maximizing every opportunity to drive sales and revenue , so yes , we are experiencing a bit of a “ return to normal .”
2 . Are you seeing any industry trends ? Smaller dealerships are selling to bigger dealership groups ( some from the auto industry ).
Bigger dealership groups are hiring OEM and corporate pros . You know the saying : it takes one to know one ? Anyone can talk the talk , but when the leadership team lacks powersports dealership experience , it can make for a rocky road . There have been significant misfires in the hiring process which inevitably sets a dealer back temporarily .
3 . What challenges are you seeing in hiring at dealerships ? What factors contribute to those challenges ? High turnover ! Active and passive candidates are making changes for a variety of reasons : Better comp plan , lower cost of living , better or different location , improved health benefits , work / life balance , upward mobility , opportunity to learn a new skills or position , the chance to own a piece of the action .
If your business is looking to make a staffing change and you want a top-performing pro , it ’ s best to identify what you have to offer and if that is a good fit for the candidate you want to hire .
Failed hires . Powersports dealership positions are underpaid compared to other , more mainstream industries ( i . e ., tech , auto , pharma , manufacturing , healthcare ). Candidates need to do their due diligence before accepting an offer , and clients need to do the same . We help minimize the risk of a hiring mistake . A toxic hire is an epic waste of time and money .
4 . Do you think we ' re losing good candidates or is there just a shortage ? Some dealerships are losing good candidates . If someone is a high-producer and at the tip of the arrow , make sure their compensation plan remains competitive , especially with the rising cost of living in your market . Others are just leaving our industry for the opportunity to earn more . The “ fun tax ” of being in the industry we love , doesn ’ t pay the rent and has lost its luster when it comes to being competitive with other industries .
5 . What can dealerships be doing differently ? Talk to a talent search pro . Conversations are free . What does your hiring process look like ? Have you lost some of your best people to a competitor or another industry ? If you have a toxic team member , or several , or the wrong person at the helm , it ’ s a real gamble to spend the time and money to add someone to the mix . As humans , many of us put off the most difficult and important decisions . Don ’ t wait . Time is money .
6 . Do dealers utilize DEI ? Are there applicants out there not being hired because of DEI ? Are dealers in fear of backlash or losing customer base ? I am not a DEI subject matter expert . I can tell you first and foremost , our top priority is to find the most qualified candidates . That said , I believe a diverse team that reflects your current , growing and future customer base is the best formula for success . For our industry to thrive , we need to reach out to a more diverse assortment of customers to replace the aging population .
One thing is for certain , and Jan and I both agreed , hiring is tough for so many reasons . For all of us who work in this industry , we have paid our dues to be able to still be here .
Until next time , shiny side up and checkered flags . www . powersportsbusiness . com Editorial and Sales : 763.383.4400 Subscriber Service : 763.383.4492
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Brothers sell Dutchess Recreational Vehicles of New York

Performance Brokerage Services has announced the sale of Dutchess Recreational Vehicles in Poughkeepsie , New York , to Jim Batterton .
The former owners were brothers Ken and Jeff Conston . Ken Conston , a powersports enthusiast , began his career as a materials manager at a semiconductor plant . In 1988 , he purchased a dealership that sold Honda powersports and equipment . With a keen sense for seizing opportunities and adapting to change , he expanded the product lines offered . In 2000 , Jeff Conston , formerly with Shaw Industries in Dalton , Georgia , joined Ken after he bought out the last remaining partner . The Constons have enjoyed a strong partnership over the past 24 years . The brothers will remain involved for a transition period
Dutchess Recreational Vehicles of Poughkeepsie , New York , has been sold to Jim Batterton . Photo courtesy of Dutchess Recreational Vehicles , Google to ensure a smooth changeover , providing customers with continuity and familiar faces .
“ Thanks so much to Courtney Bernhard and her team at Performance Brokerage Services for helping out with the sale of our dealership ,” says Ken Conston . “ We had started with another broker for over a year with no results and poor communication . The other broker consistently missed commitments . Then , we found Performance Brokerage Services and they were great at marketing the dealership and found us a buyer . Courtney was involved and helpful all the way to the finish line at the closing .”
Courtney Bernhard comments , “ It was truly a pleasure working with Ken Conston and his brother , Jeff Conston , throughout the entire transaction . It became very apparent why the duo has been successful in their dealership and has such a committed , long-tenured staff . Ken and Jeff were always responsive when I needed anything and were extremely helpful working with the buyer through all the challenges of a buy-sell . I have no doubt that Jim Batterton and his family will be set up for success for many years to come . I appreciate Jim ’ s positive attitude and tenacity working through the manufacturer applications , dealer licensing , and the many other hoops that came up until the very end . Thank you to everyone involved .”
Jim Batterton brings extensive senior leadership experience from IBM and Kyndryl , along with specialized knowledge in powersports from his involvement with his family ’ s pre-owned dealership , Kent Road Motorsports . Passionate about the industry , Jim and his wife Emily , along with their family , are dedicated powersports enthusiasts and customers .
“ When the opportunity to acquire Dutchess Recreational Vehicles came up , I was very excited because they have a great reputation and have served the Hudson Valley , New York , and tri-state area for decades ,” Batterton says . “ Their involvement with and support of the rider community is excellent . The other big key to their success has been a great group of enthusiast employees . We are honored to be taking over for the Conston family and hope to carry on the Dutchess Recreational Vehicles legacy .”
See Dutchess Recreational , Page 6
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