The Motorcycle Industry Council’s 2018 Gas Tank Competition finalists will display their innovations and share their business plans at AIMExpo presented by Nationwide this month in Las Vegas, having already won prize packages that include travel expenses, booth space and access to media at the giant powersports trade and consumer show.
At the expo, they will compete to be named winner, second place or runner-up by presenting their business plans to industry VIPs on Friday, Oct. 12, at 9 a.m. in the show’s Media Hub. Judging will be industry experts Bob Althoff, dealer principal, A.D. Farrow Co. Harley-Davidson Family of Dealerships; Andrew Leisner, senior vice president, managing director Bonnier Motorcycle Media; Kim Harrison, general manager, Coleman Powersports; and Jessica Prokup, marketing director, Twisted Throttle.
After months of working one-on-one with industry mentors and building winning business plans, the finalists are:
- Chris “Tice” Theis and Phil Theisen, XDL Events LLC, booth 2804
- Jen Burch and Jon Dazeley, Hightail, booth 2800
- Leslie Padoll, Breaking Hearts & Burning Rubber, booth 2801
- Sean Stephens, Alan Hill, Alex Leonov, MotoLink LLC, booth 2805
“Encouraging new entrepreneurs and innovators is important for the powersports industry and something the MIC will always support,” said Tim Buche, MIC president and CEO. “New ideas, new products and new services drive the industry forward, and we’re glad to see the continued interest in our Gas Tank Competition. We’re also glad to know that contestants learn a lot by being paired up with a veteran industry mentor, gaining valuable insights coming from years of experience.”
Gas Tank is open to individuals and groups, women and men, anyone with a new product or service idea. Entrants in the next competition must submit an application and “elevator pitch” video by Jan. 31, to be considered for the 2019 mentorship program. Those selected will be paired with an industry leader, who will offer coaching and advice on developing a business plan. Final business plans must be submitted to the Gas Tank Competition by June 14.
Up to five finalists will be chosen by July 8, to attend the 2019 AIMExpo presented by Nationwide at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio on Sep. 26-29. The finalist prize package will include travel, booth space and valuable industry access. The show brings industry, press, dealers and consumers together in one arena and is the single most important event of its type in the North American market.
Finalists must be able to appear in person at the expo to present their business plan to an industry panel. Pitches will be evaluated on monetary growth potential, overall strategic plan, strategic partners, scalability, innovation, impact and viability and other criteria.
Please contact Cam Arnold at [email protected] with questions about the Gas Tank Competition.
