Powersports Business Power Hour

In the latest episode of Power Hour, Powersports Business Editor-in-Chief Brendan Baker sits down with Hayley Hollen, director of product marketing at LeadVenture, to discuss how AI is transforming dealership marketing, website performance and the customer buying journey. Hollen shares practical advice on using AI to improve lead quality, create more personalized customer experiences and free up dealership staff to focus on selling. The conversation also explores common misconceptions about AI, where dealers can find quick wins, and what the technology could mean for the future of retail. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking to get more from your dealership's digital strategy, this episode offers actionable insights you can put to work today. Listen now and subscribe to Power Hour for more conversations with the leaders shaping the powersports industry.

Brendan sits down with Performance Brokerage Service's George Chaconas, Juan Pardo, and co-owner Jesse Stopnitzky for this edition of Power Hour to discuss the health of the buy/sell powersports market in Q1.

As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Powersports Business speaks with Ted Sherseth, co-founder of America’s 9/11 Ride. What started as a grassroots memorial ride in 2001 has grown into a major annual event honoring first responders and victims of the attacks. Sherseth discusses the ride’s history, dealer support, scholarship fundraising efforts, and how motorcyclists continue to unite in remembrance and service.

Already one of the nation’s largest automotive retailers, Sonic Automotive is rapidly growing its powersports business, recently acquiring five Harley-Davidson dealerships in California, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina to bring its total portfolio to 20 stores nationwide. During a recent Power Hour podcast with Powersports Business, President Jeff Dyke explained how the acquisitions strengthen Sonic’s presence in key year-round riding markets and support the company’s aggressive growth strategy in powersports.

On this episode of the PSB Power Hour, Brendan sits down with Rad Gladfelder, director of powersports at Young Powersports, one of the industry’s fastest-growing dealership groups. Fresh off multiple PSB Honors awards — including a PSB Leadership Award — Gladfelder shares his journey from a family-run dealership to helping lead an 11-store operation, and how the group is expanding while others scale back.

Coaching is emerging as a critical driver of growth and retention in motorsports, shifting the focus beyond equipment and competition to rider development, safety, and community. Insights from the USMCA highlight how certified coaching—built on standards, training, and accountability—helps new riders stay engaged, avoid injury, and build long-term confidence in the sport. For dealers, integrating coaching into the sales process isn’t just an added value—it’s a powerful way to strengthen customer relationships, improve retention, and support the future of the industry.

At AIMExpo in January, we stopped by the Denago Powersports booth to take a look at their latest model, which is a feature-packed UTV for the utility segment. We later sat down with GM David Garibyan to talk about their new models and how affordability fits into the mix with powersports dealers. The company now has more than 200 dealers in the U.S, and continues to grow. We talk about the secret sauce that makes the "Denago Difference," as their tagline says.

In this episode of the Power Hour podcast, Powersports Business editor Brendan Baker sits down with Scott Schloegel, senior vice president of government relations for the Motorcycle Industry Council, to unpack the complex policy landscape shaping the powersports industry in 2026. He outlines a wide range of pressing issues—from ongoing tariff uncertainty and rising costs for manufacturers and dealers, to emerging state-level regulations on PFAS “forever chemicals” that could impact vehicle production. He also highlights the importance of public land access and the Recreational Trails Program, emphasizing its direct connection to industry growth and rider participation. And finally, we talk about the importance of participation in the MIC Fly-In in Washington D.C. later this month.

At AIMExpo, we caught up with Northwood University’s Dr. Dave Oventhal, division chair of the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies (CAMS), to talk about something that could shape the future of the powersports industry: education. From curriculum insights to industry partnerships, this conversation explores how higher education is stepping up to fuel the talent pipeline.

The ink was barely dry on the transaction from Polaris to Carolwood LP when we reached out to Mike Kennedy to join us on the Power Hour to talk about the transition and future of Indian Motorcycle.

Yamaha Motorsports President Mike Martinez, who’s retiring after an amazing career, sat down with us at AIMExpo to talk about his retirement, transition, and plans for more (BDR) adventures.

Mark Sheffield has worn many hats in the industry, but he says he's "semi-retired" now. He still holds many positions, such as co-owner of Woods Country Cycle and NPDA board member. We sat down with him to talk about his latest column for PSB and where he sees the industry headed in 2026.

Brendan sits down with Power Week MC David Gee, along with Boating Industry's Madelyn Hubbard and PSB's Chris Officer, to talk about the Elevate and Accelerate Conferences in Orlando in January.

Phil Waters is the owner of Cleveland Moto, which he has owned for 25 years, and has mostly focused on the scooter market as a Piaggio dealer carrying the Vespa line. However, he has also recently added a new line: Moto Morini. We talk about how it has been working for him as we chat inside his west side dealership.

Jacob Berry, co-founder of Motohunt, host of the Dealership Fixit Podcast, PSB contributor, and an advisor to powersports and motorcycle dealerships across the U.S., sits down with Brendan, hot off the Dealer Connect event in Columbus, to discuss the growth opportunities in pre-owned.

Brendan sat down with Sonic Powersports/Automotive President Jeff Dyke to discuss the amazing sales success the group experienced during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August. Dyke says that they were able to sell more than 1,000 motorcycles during the event, thanks to their preparation and the opportunity to sell in the town of Sturgis at one of its dealerships. He also says there is a significant untapped opportunity in the pre-owned market.

Brendan chats with BRP's President of Powersports, Sandy Scullion, about Club BRP in Boston and the launch of the electric ATV, as well as a newly redesigned Defender. Scullion says they had more than 4,000 dealers join them in Beantown as the brand refocuses on business in the second half.

George and Courtney from Performance Brokerage Services sit down with Brendan to discuss the current state of the M&A market for powersports dealerships. George says that he's never seen so many sellers in his 25 years in the business.

Brendan discusses what powersports dealers can learn from their automotive counterparts. Pied Piper's Fran and Cameron O'Hagan join the podcast to show data that illustrates where powersports dealers need to improve, and many of the areas involve better processes and follow-through.

Ken Engelman, National Account Manager for EPG Brand Acceleration’s motorcycle group (Rider Magazine, American Rider, Powersports Business), sat down with Brendan Baker to talk about his return to the industry, his grassroots “Please Be Kind” campaign, and why volunteerism can be a powerful tool for both community building and growing the powersports market. From BMW Boxer Days in Munich to high school service programs, Engelman’s career seamlessly blends marketing expertise, relationship-building, and an unwavering commitment to giving back.