The Powersports Business Honors Awards – Best-in-Class, 40 Under 40, and Women With Spark – recognize outstanding individuals in the industry who are making a significant impact. These awardees excel in dealerships, technology, services, and manufacturing. Their accolades reflect the excellence they contribute to the industry daily. By setting high standards for themselves, they inspire those around them to enhance their own work, gaining acknowledgment from their peers. We honored these winners during our Accelerate Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, in January and showcased their achievements in our April Edition. If you meet them at a dealership or office, be sure to give them a high five or a supportive pat on the back. (Please note: We regret the omission of JT Blackstad’s bio in the print edition, which has been corrected here. -BB)
Luke Barto | Powersports Product Line Manager | Cometic Gaskets
Luke Barto has successfully introduced over 300 new gaskets to Cometic’s powersports catalog, catering to the 2024 and 2025 model years. He represented Cometic at 14 different events and engaged with customers to strengthen relationships and raise awareness of the company’s powersports division. His dedication contributed to a 10% year-over-year rise in off-road powersports sales for Cometic in 2024. Barto will oversee all powersports sales distribution in 2025 and has ambitious plans ahead. Additionally, he volunteered at a school’s Career Day to share insights about his journey in the powersports industry.
Andy Brinkhaus | General Sales Manager | Dave’s River Valley Harley-Davidson
Andy Brinkhaus fosters teamwork through unwavering positivity. He leads by setting an example, never asking his team to undertake tasks he hasn’t personally faced. Actively engaging with his sales team, he walks them through sales scenarios and provides insightful strategies for improvement. Brinkhaus has ascended to the position of general sales manager through a commitment to excellence, motivating his team to achieve their goals while overcoming challenges.
Montana Bolin | General Manager | Hubbard PowerSports, Inc
Montana Bolin has been deeply involved in her dealership since the age of 20, constantly seeking improvements in processes and demonstrating commitment daily. She played a pivotal role in the showroom redesign during renovations. Skillfully communicating and delegating, Bolin remains composed in challenging situations. Employee retention is crucial for her; she prioritizes understanding and applies factual understanding over emotional responses. By managing her team and building enduring customer relationships, she has earned respect among both employees and peers through her humble confidence. She is rapidly establishing herself as a cornerstone of the dealership.
JT Blackstad | Product Manager | DX1
JT Blackstad combines dealership experience, engineering skills, and a fresh perspective, as noted by his nominator. His retailer insights help identify challenges in operations. He quickly builds rapport with dealers to understand and fulfill their needs. He aids his product team in applying dealer feedback and collaborates with the data team. He evaluates how poor or missing data impacts a dealership’s everyday functions by engaging with dealers, manufacturers, and vendors. JT’s passion for the industry is evident, as he enjoys riding PWCs, dirt bikes, UTVs, and mountain bikes.
Kyle Buckland | Sales Manager | Broward Motorsports Ft Lauderdale
Under Kyle Buckland’s leadership, employee morale has greatly improved. Staff members feel comfortable approaching him with their concerns. He instinctively takes charge and is the first to assist wherever needed. His team respects him as a true leader, not just as a manager. He exemplifies patience and has a collaborative attitude in solving challenges. His focus remains on the success of the team rather than on himself. Buckland is consistently supportive, efficient, and seeks process improvements that benefit everyone. In just four years, he has earned three promotions and shows no signs of slowing down.
Julian Carlson | Buell Parts | St. Paul Harley Davidson
Julian Carlson possesses extensive product knowledge and consistently provides valuable recommendations for enhancing projects with additional components. He has an impeccable grasp of counter operations and manages inventory with precision. Carlson’s humor and commitment to keeping motorcycles running and riders safe make him a treasured employee. He routinely emphasizes, “Keep the rubber side down” and shows genuine care for those he serves.
Clayton Cosby | Finance Manager | Evansville Super Bike Shop
Since starting his sales and finance career in 2022, Clayton Cosby has rapidly become a leading performer, closing the most sales while achieving the highest back-end percentage among peers. At just 22 years old, he has made substantial contributions to both customer and employee experiences at the dealership. His efforts have led to a remarkable increase in positive Google reviews and high praise from manufacturers. Cosby’s ability to relate to younger riders has attracted a fresh customer base, further enhancing parts and service sales. One nominator noted, “He can turn an angry customer into a satisfied one without compromising on price or policy.”
Justin Custis | General Manager | Young Powersports Layton
Since his appointment as general manager in 2023, Justin Custis has effectively expanded the dealership’s operations. He took on the service facility project and, to connect with the community, commissioned a local artist to paint a mural. Custis has made it a priority to link the dealership’s identity with the local culture and initiated monthly bike nights. Under his leadership, the output of the variable department surged by 198%, while the fixed department’s output increased by 36%, with motorcycle sales skyrocketing by 363%. Recognized as a top-five dealer by Suzuki, Yamaha, Polaris, and CFMoto, Custis has maintained and enhanced the dealership’s esteemed reputation. “He sets high standards for his team yet is recognized as a compassionate leader eager to help each member reach their potential,” as noted by one nominator.
Jonathan Duke | Finance Manager | America’s Motor Sports Rivergate
Coming from a background in finance with a fresh outlook, Jonathan Duke has made substantial inroads in the industry thanks to his keen attention to detail and focus on customer satisfaction. He adds substantial value to his team and exhibits exceptional leadership traits. Duke’s confidence and ability to lead by example are among his unique qualities. His commitment to continuous learning and growth—particularly in unfamiliar areas—serves as motivation for others. His determination to enhance his product knowledge has not only expanded the dealership offerings but also led to significant profit increases. “His practice of excellence and commitment to improvement are genuinely commendable, and we look forward to his continued success,” a nominator stated.
Daniel Franks | General Manager | Ridenow Powersports Huntsville, AL
Daniel Franks is an outstanding leader who has consistently increased the store’s net income annually. He manages employees with care, making him a respected figure who others aspire to work for. Franks equips his team with necessary tools for success and provides them with clear career paths. He is genuinely committed to helping individuals maximize their potential in both their lives and careers. Franks’ loyalty to the dealership and its personnel is exceptional. He optimizes processes to ensure maximum profitability while providing a seamless purchasing journey for customers. Franks has transformed his dealership into a prosperous hub that customers are eager to visit, purchase from, and work at.
Tanner Gearn | Dealer Principal, Owner | Zia Powersports / Lone Star Powersports
In 2023, Tanner Gearn greatly improved sales and foot traffic at the dealership by retraining staff to emphasize customer connections and exceptional service. This strategy has enhanced customer feedback and fostered a cohesive atmosphere, boosting dealership morale and unity. Gearn’s leadership style is characterized by openness and a commitment to what’s best for the business and its employees. He ensures that all five locations maintain a customer-centric philosophy. Gearn’s passion for business and relationships within the industry is demonstrated through his involvement with the Texas Motorcycle Dealers Association board and the Can-Am dealer council. Since acquiring his first dealership in 2016, he has expanded to five locations across New Mexico and Texas, all while increasing revenue and profit year after year. His dedication and leadership fuel his growth and success.
Tim Hammond | Finance and Office Manager | Simply Ride
Tim Hammond is a devoted and sincere leader who has revitalized his dealership through process innovations and steadfast support for his team. Renowned for his work ethic and integrity, Hammond sets a strong example and is always available to assist others, both in a professional and personal capacity. His upbeat disposition, along with his ability to discern when to be serious or light-hearted, promotes a welcoming and motivational environment. Hammond excels at problem-solving and resolving conflicts, enhancing communication and leadership across departments while boosting revenue in the finance department through new product introductions and advanced tools. “Whether through long hours worked or being the first to answer the phone, Tim’s coworkers recognize that he has their back,” one nominator shared.
George Houle | Territory Manager – Ecatalog | Dealer Spike
George Houle has been a key player in developing the company’s parts and accessory lookup software for over 11 years. He trains and supports both new and existing dealers and goes above and beyond by working outside of standard working hours whenever necessary. Prioritizing dealer needs, he makes it a point to attend as many trade shows and dealer meetings as possible. His enthusiasm for powersports and the success of dealerships shines through in his proactive attitude and extensive knowledge. Consistently pursuing both personal and professional development, he actively takes initiative to ensure a comprehensive understanding of products. “George possesses invaluable industry knowledge and truly serves as a one-stop shop for all my needs,” remarked one nominator. He communicates effectively, follows up diligently, and demonstrates an unwavering dedication to his work.
Harrison Herron | Finance and Insurance Manager | Foothills Motorsports
Harrison Herron is an innovative leader whose enthusiasm and diligence have positively affected his dealership’s retail performance. He leads the sales team with a mindset of mutual benefit, ensuring that customers leave satisfied with their dream unit as well as peace of mind. Herron’s knowledge, creativity, and determination to find effective solutions for customers set him apart. His energy and optimism inspire his peers to excel and satisfy customer needs within deadlines. He adeptly fills various roles within the dealership, always ready to assist. One nominator states, “Whether leading by example, fostering a positive team environment, or going the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction, Harrison consistently delivers exceptional results.”
Chris Maynor | Regional Sales Manager | Octane/Roadrunner Financial
Chris Maynor has streamlined financing for customers through his exceptional self-awareness, empathy, integrity, decisiveness, and communication skills. He routinely provides innovative solutions to boost volume and keeps dealers informed about new initiatives that can maximize monthly sales. Maynor is a top representative, always available to address issues and expedite processes, whether during late nights, weekends, or holidays. Since joining in 2018, he has achieved a significant milestone of $1 billion in total territory originations. His commitment to building strong relationships with dealers and customers, along with his passion for powersports, sets him apart. He excels in delivering valuable statistics and analysis to refine processes while also coordinating company events and generating creative ideas.
Maxwell Materne | Trainer/Consultant | Garage Composites / Ownex.io
In 2023, Maxwell Materne revolutionized dealership operations through the implementation of innovative fixed operations strategies, leading to enhanced efficiency and improved customer satisfaction. By utilizing data-driven insights, he optimized staffing, shortened service turnaround times, and enriched the overall customer experience across multiple locations. His training programs for service managers have empowered them to promote profitability and continual improvement within their departments. Known for his inspirational leadership and mentorship, Materne fosters a collaborative environment that encourages his team to adopt new ideas. Additionally, his influence extends beyond immediate dealership contributions, as he actively supports the powersports community by sharing insights at industry events and making a concrete impact through his work with Garage Composites.
Landon McMath | Owner and President | DRT Motorsports
Landon McMath has developed his side-by-side parts enterprise into a business that offers innovative products backed by his passion. He is actively engaged in the off-road and dune communities, contributing to the ASA Clean Dune Project. Landon demonstrates robust leadership through his daily presence and approachability with both employees and customers. “Landon is consistently present in the office, guiding employees with respect and nurturing a sense of team and family. He leads by example and is the hardest worker at DRT,” one nominator remarked. He continuously seeks growth and improvement for the business.
Hunter McCoy | Owner | RJ Powersports
Hunter McCoy has generated significant growth in both storefronts and staffing due to his extraordinary work ethic and commitment. In overseeing more than 40 employees while navigating a new marriage and the birth of his first child, McCoy remains dedicated to leading seven days a week, never asking others to do anything he wouldn’t do personally. He has enacted processes that guarantee the long-term sustainability of the business, particularly noted when responding to customer concerns or resolving staff issues. McCoy is a genuinely caring individual and readily helps those in need, according to a nominator.
Trevor Messersmith | President | California Custom Trailers and Powersports
Trevor Messersmith has skillfully guided the dealer group established by his parents in 1984. Despite facing regulatory challenges in California and the recent loss of his father to cancer in 2022, he has successfully expanded the business while preserving its family-oriented environment. His uplifting leadership and genuine care for employees, vendors, and customers establish him as a community pillar. He actively supports youth agriculture programs like 4-H by purchasing market livestock, and he and his mother also donate toys and bicycles to foster homes and children in need while he coaches junior football.
Alec Morefield | General Manager | Slavens Racing
Alec Morefield has assembled a marketing team to showcase and share the expertise of staff with riders and new members. This initiative has fostered a dedicated and enthusiastic workforce, as well as a brand following. Morefield’s team possesses deep enthusiasm and knowledge about off-road riding and racing. Under his guidance, they have welcomed newcomers and promoted the sport through their expertise. Morefield excels by identifying innovative brands and products, assembling testers, and ensuring customers receive high-quality solutions that meet their specific needs. His thorough approach inspires confidence in customers and enhances their experiences in the sport.
Andrew Mastracchio | Customer Experience Specialist | Yamaha Motor Corporation USA
Andrew Mastracchio concentrates on the connected boating experience for dealers, boat builders, and consumers. He manages the mobile app experience, oversees consumer marketing, coordinates notifications and messages, and tracks campaign success metrics. He enhances dealership maintenance revenue, provides builders with unique customer experiences, and offers the leading Internet-of-Things experience for end-users. His leadership and mentorship positively impact multiple groups across the organization. Mastracchio encourages constructive dialogue with respect and honor, and his contagious energy paired with innovative approaches positions him as a next-generation leader in the powersports industry. Through technology and data-integrated decision-making, he tirelessly pursues action, speed, and results.
Sarah Neill | Powersports Marketing Manager | Young Powersports and Oz Marketing
Sarah Neill is a dynamic marketing specialist who has established strong relationships with general managers at each of her dealership locations. She creates compelling advertising and branding while coordinating engaging events. Neill has enhanced community involvement by instigating bike nights in multiple locations, strengthening partnerships, and securing sponsorships for events. She has led philanthropic ventures, such as a car wash fundraiser that generated $20,000, and provided 400 backpacks filled with essential items to underprivileged students. Her contributions resulted in a 20% increase in units sold in 2023. “She is genuinely invested in each dealership’s inner workings and is always available for assistance,” a nominator said. She is personable, patient, and a pleasure to collaborate with.
Christopher Newton | General Manager | Clawson Motorsports
Christopher Newton has cultivated what one nominator refers to as a “winning culture” at his dealership. He introduced a streamlined sales process to enhance the customer experience while overseeing a substantial facility remodeling project. Newton continuously advances the store’s success through his customer interactions. He has developed a system to guarantee extraordinary customer experiences, ultimately increasing efficiency and profitability. “Chris is firm yet fair. He has built an impressive culture of accountability, empowering his managers to make independent decisions while holding them accountable for the results, whether positive or negative,” a nominator said.
Seth Lowery | Vice President, Marketing | Octane
Seth Lowery has led many innovative marketing and sales initiatives, introducing new technologies that support dealerships and OEMs. Under his leadership, Lowery and his team launched a prequalification tool and a B2B loyalty program, contributing to a remarkable 90% revenue growth for the company. As head of marketing, his efforts have been crucial in facilitating connections between the sales team and additional dealerships. Recently promoted, Lowery has taken on greater responsibilities, recognized as a leader throughout the organization. He consistently prioritizes dealer partners and fosters collaboration between the product and engineering teams to enhance offerings. “Seth’s marketing approach is not just focused on selling; it’s about creating valuable products that both dealers and consumers genuinely want to use,” expressed a nominator.
Juan Ramirez | Sales and Marketing Director | California Custom Trailers and Powersports
In 2023, Juan Ramirez took on the roles of sales manager, F&I director, and marketing and social media manager, leading the sales team to new successes. He introduced more than a dozen new F&I products and partnered with Roadrunner Financial to simplify financing for trailers and powersports. Ramirez almost tripled the company’s social media following and created several viral videos. He revamped the sales processes to help new salespeople flourish while ensuring exceptional customer experiences across all locations. His efforts towards transparency—including clear pricing and fee disclosures—significantly improved customer satisfaction. Ramirez’s impact has reshaped the company’s market presence in California through his viral marketing initiatives. His dedication to alleviating customer challenges and refining sales processes has set exemplary benchmarks.
Kristie Shafer | Director of Business Development | Lube-Tech
Kristie Shafer oversees the powersports and marine business sectors and has been with her company for nearly seven years. She plays an essential role in supporting OEMs and dealers by managing product development, overseeing pricing, conducting market research, providing marketing support to dealers and end customers, and facilitating dealer training. “Kristie is a widely respected leader not only among her direct team but across multiple departments her teams support,” remarked a nominator. She prioritizes her people professionally and personally, maintaining high standards while exceeding customer expectations and cultivating a positive workplace. Recognized for her dedication, willingness to engage in projects beyond her immediate scope, and commitment to continuous learning, she is currently participating in the Inspire leadership program. Before this role, Shafer took on prominent positions in the company’s marketing team, driving growth and innovation.
Todd Skelton | Owner | Skelton’s Motorsports
Todd Skelton is known for his integrity and straightforward approach. He adopts a hands-on method and often works late to ensure units are serviced promptly, typically within hours. “If he doesn’t have it, he will happily refer clients to other local dealers to support the community,” a nominator stated. Skelton makes everyone feel like family and has garnered the respect of local veterans. He is a good listener and an adept problem solver. Balancing his passion for powersports with raising his two daughters, he dedicates much of his free time to riding. “His love for his work is evident, and he aims to build an affordable powersports dealership,” one nominator added.
Josh Slabaugh | CEO | Transax
Josh Slabaugh is dedicated to enhancing the dealership experience for both customers and dealers alike. His commitment transcends technology, focusing on driving efficiency and maximizing performance to provide outstanding customer experiences. His strategic and innovative approach has resulted in the development of solutions that significantly elevate operational efficiency as well as the overall buying and selling process within the powersports realm. Slabaugh’s ability to identify challenges, drive innovation, and guide his team reflects his commitment to sculpting a seamless future for the industry. “His ability to recognize current industry demands and anticipate future requirements has led to valuable insights and advancements in the powersports sector,” noted a nominator.
Taylor Stone | Business Manager | Polaris of Gainesville
Taylor Stone’s dedication to improving customer service, increasing penetration rates, and surpassing expectations has greatly enhanced the dealership’s performance and reputation. His outstanding leadership abilities, particularly in problem-solving and adaptability, cultivate an efficient team dynamic. Stone’s likable demeanor, honesty, and unwavering integrity set him apart, making him an invaluable asset to his colleagues. His dedication to performance has led to significant profit increases in the dealership’s F&I department, showcasing his exceptional skills and competence. Stone’s unwavering commitment to excellence positively influences the dealership, his coworkers, and the broader powersports sector.
Jonathan Waters | Owner, Dealer Principal | Redline Powersports
Jonathan Waters has successfully expanded his dealer group from one location to five across different rooftops in under four years. Despite tighter margins, he has countered these challenges with increased revenue and continuous growth. His leadership is evident in his highly motivated team, which effectively translates his vision into accomplished objectives. He is the driving force behind a record-breaking team that consistently exceeds targets. Waters brings a unique viewpoint from his automotive industry background, and he is determined to keep pushing forward. “He possesses not only the skill set to manage a successful business but excels in building his team and placing the right people in key positions,” one nominator stated.
Ben Stevens | Service Manager | ARS Powersports
Over the past five years, Ben Stevens has consistently driven a remarkable revenue growth of 20%, turning the service department around from a $50k deficit to achieving $1.5 million in revenue. He collaborates well with his staff, nurtures leaders, and genuinely cares for his team. Most of his technicians have been with him for over four years, a testament to the positive work culture he has created. Stevens is always willing to go above and beyond, whether driving six hours on his day off for a sales delivery or staying late to finalize deals, demonstrating his commitment to the team.
Cy Webber | Sales Manager | Simply Ride
Cy Webber has crafted an extraordinary sales team, earning deep respect from his colleagues for his expertise and leadership. Known for his positive demeanor and ability to remain collected under pressure, Webber readily steps into challenging scenarios. During the past year, he has shown remarkable growth in his new role, consistently supporting other departments when necessary. As a hands-on leader, he guides his team through daily one-on-one training sessions, promoting continuous improvement. Additionally, Webber has greatly enhanced sales processes, productivity, and inter-departmental communication, leading the dealership to set new sales records. His open-door approach and steadfast support for his team make him an effective and highly respected leader.
Dave Komoroski | Director, Kenda Powersports | Kenda Tire USA
David Komoroski is responsible for managing sales to OEMs and aftermarket businesses. He has initiated valuable projects such as aligning cross-divisional pricing, establishing product MSRPs and MAP programs, and developing a retail strategy for third-party sales. His contributions have resulted in new customer acquisitions and organic growth within the OEM sector. He oversees both four-wheel and two-wheel product lines, enhancing development efficiencies that accelerate time to market while revamping product launch protocols to guarantee impactful products’ rollout. Additionally, he oversees the Kenda powersports marketing budget, re-aligning expenditure to better support sales objectives. Komoroski is extensively involved in all business aspects, from tire-mounting during testing sessions to guiding inventory counts and even unloading containers during the pandemic.