Welcome to 2011!
To kick off the new year, I want to congratulate you on weathering the tough financial times that have struck the powersports industry over the past few years. 2011 is sure to continue to present challenges, and the team at MPN is continuing to sharpen our pencils and offer you editorial targeted at increasing your bottom line.
This month, we’re introducing our newest column on Finance & Insurance with content provided by the experts at RPMOne. Their monthly contributions will help your finance office increase the profitability of every unit sale.
I’m also excited to announce the launch of the 2011 Dealership Superstars competition presented by MPN and Mark Rodgers’ Peak Dealership Performance.
The Dealership Superstars program is a reader contest that recognizes dealer employees who show innovation in their field, great compassion for their dealership and its customers, and remarkable salesmanship.
Prizes are awarded in five categories:
• Motorcycle Sales
• Parts & Accessories
• Finance & Insurance
• Service & Repair
• Riding Gear & Apparel
The Dealership Superstar prize package includes:
• $300 cash
• A feature story in MPN
• Bonus copies of the
Superstar feature story
• A recognition plaque
In addition to the five category winners, one grand prize winner will be featured on the October 2011 cover of Motorcycle Product News.
Nominations are now open at www.motorcycleproductnews.com/superstar, and self-nominations are accepted. (It’s ok to ask for an atta boy!)
The deadline for entries is July 1, 2011.
Visit www.motorcycleproductnews.com/superstar to read the inspiring stories of the 2009 and 2010 Dealership Superstars, including the heart-wrenching story of Dave Head of California Harley-Davidson. He took the top prize in 2010 for the compassion he showed to Robert Gilles and his wife. Gilles was suffering from terminal cancer when he purchased a ’09 FLHTCUTG Tri Glide in June of 2009. Head bought it back from this decorated veteran’s widow less than five months later.
MPN wants to know how your staff has made a difference, whether they’ve touched a soul like Dave Head or sold your shop on an amazing initiative, we’d love to hear from the next batch of Dealership Superstars!
Colleen Brousil is the editor of Motorcycle Product News. Her monthly column, “The Road Ahead” explores issues facing dealers across the country.
