6 minute read
LETTERS
THE OLD 80/20 RULE
Some good stuff in Dealernews’ first edition of 2021 including multiple articles on the topic of a National Dealers Association. It would be great to see if they can get some traction on a national body to represent powersports dealers. While the OEMs have their organization, voices of the dealers are mostly drowned out and we are excluded from most of the conversations that really matter.
There are a lot of hurdles to overcome, including who would carry the torch… and handle the heavy-lifting. As with a lot of these groups, in the end, 20% of the dealer body will do 80% of the work, and carry 80% of the costs. While that sucks, that’s just the way it normally works out. If we aren’t careful, the OEMs will soon be selling direct to consumers, and all the work we have done over the years to build those brands will be lost.
I’m interested to see how this plays out.
Mark Sheffield, Strategic Advisor Woods Indian Motorcycle New Braunfels, TX CHEAP CHARLIES
I attend the SEMA show every year. That association has a tradeonly show, scholarships, training, endowments... you name it! For years I’ve wondered, “Where’s the powersports industry on this?”
Thanks for bringing the subject to a head. I just hope all the Cheap- Charlies and Charlenes out there don’t kill this with muffling about “dues”. Nothing good is free.
Again, thanks. It’s about time.
Norman Gaines New Age Cycle Via The Internet
MANAGEMENT VS. LEADERSHIP
Eric Anderson, you said it perfectly, “Experts from the outside don’t understand the nuances of a recreationally-based, relationship- driven industry.”
I have heard this complaint over and over from different industry personnel. This is what causes some of these companies to lose their “Magic” in my opinion.
Great article!
Nicole Allen, Country Manager Akrapovič d.d.
YOU’VE GOT ME ALL EXCITED ABOUT NPDA
I’m Steve Shankin – president of Seizmik, a UTV accessory company. In the spirit of full disclosure, I’ve got two primary drivers that are causing me to be interested in the NPDA. Generally speaking, this industry thinks of itself as the “motorcycle” industry, but there’s more UTV units sold, more UTV dollars, and it’s been growing for years (even pre-COVID bump). The lack of attention on UTVs hurts ‘the industry’ and many dealers.
I’ve done tons of seminars on this, and I’ve spent years studying UTV customers and trying to educate dealers on how they’re different from motorcycle customers and why it’s in everyone’s best interest to treat them differently and appropriately.
I’ve had the opinion that most powersports dealers haven’t adapted very well to the impact of internet shopping pre COVID, and the dynamics of the pandemic are making that worse. There’s plenty of data that supports this – and I’m not aware of anyone talking about it or making suggestions what to do about it in any substantial way, either pre or post pandemic.
I’ve had both of these opinions for quite a long time – not just since the pandemic started. It’s in my best interest to have a healthy powersports dealer base and not just have all the sales done online. And it’s also something that I just want, because I want it.
I’m interested in helping in any way I can. Obviously I’m not a dealer so I know that I don’t fit in the organization, but I’ve got some data, experience, knowledge and a track record that can possibly add value.
Regards,
THE USUAL SUSPECTS
So much to unpack....gotta say I’m conflicted, I agree to a degree with the need, but I’m not sure yet another industry association is the answer. Too often industry groups (regardless of industry) are populated with “the usual suspects”. Disruptive thinkers need not apply, too messy and uncomfortable. Over time “group think” tends to become the norm, bureaucracy begets more bureaucracy, innovation and real change become the unintended victims.
A wise and modest man (y’all know him) once said, “you know the best and worst thing about our industry? It’s populated with passionate motorcycle people.” He was more eloquent, but he’s right. We’re passionate; we can accomplish great things, and sometimes we just can’t get out of our own way.
The rate of change in powersports will continue to accelerate, it’s becoming more attractive to the investment community. From PE’s to investment banks to high net worth individuals the industry is “on the radar,” trust me.
Maybe an organization that equips founders, owners and entrepreneurs in powersports with the tools to navigate evolving market dynamics would be useful. The real challenge is developing a model that truly serves its intended constituents... and that ain’t easy.
Hank Desjardins. Powersports M&A Entrepreneur Chrome Asylum Marketing & Brand Solutions Walnut Creek, CA 12
A RISING TIDE FLOATS ALL BOATS
I just read Mark Rodger’s article on the proposal for a National Powersports Dealer Association, as well as Robin Hartfiel’s column. It looks like there is some other great content in the current digital edition I also have to read, but I wanted to raise my hand right away.
Some of you may remember my time in the powersports industry or know of my past 3 years at the marine dealer association. So my question is: How can I help?
Liz Keener, Certification Manager Marine Retailers Association of the Americas www.mraa.com/page/membership
Liz should have learned from her husband in the Army: Never volunteer for anything! See this month’s guest editorial as an example of what happens to hand-raisers! In all seriousness, welcome aboard, your insights from both PSB and MRAA are invaluable.
CHANGE AGENTS
Just a quick ping to say “thanks” for the shifting gears press in January. Also a very interesting issue, organization and leadership (or lack of) has been a topic of conversation in the aftermarket for years. Let’s see if “Now is truly our time” for MIC and maybe the DN team to be agents of change to make this happen.
Regards,
Brandon Baldwin, Account Manager | Powersports Group Informamarkets/IMS Santa Monica, CA
For the record, The National Powersports Dealer Association is of the dealer, by the dealer and for the dealer. That means with the notable exception of Bob Althoff, nobody at Dealernews can be part of the NPDA Board. However we will remain the dealers biggest cheerleaders and do whatever we can to facilitate such an organization standing on its own two wheels.
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