Scot Harden and Cinnamon Kernes have joined an elite team of mentors who will assist female powersports entrepreneurs in developing business plans and product pitch strategies to prospective business partners as part of the Motorcycle Industry Council’s PowerLily Gas Tank program.
Scot Harden brings more than 40 years of racing, executive management and brand building experience to the PowerLily Gas Tank program as the latest industry professional to add his name to the growing list of Gas Tank Mentors. Inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 2008, Scot has amassed 20 different international motorcycle racing titles and more than 200 off road/desert wins, including 7 Overall wins in Baja, a Dakar Rally finish and 3 ISDE medals. Throughout his racing career, Harden has also held positions in executive sales and marketing management with leading European motorcycle OEMs, including KTM, BMW and Husqvarna. His track record for building brands and companies is well-known throughout the industry. Currently, Harden is vice president of Global Marketing for Zero Motorcycles.
“I’ve been looking for ways to give back, not only to the industry but to the next generation of industry professionals, and I really like the way PowerLily Gas Tank is structured,” said Harden. “In each executive management position at the various companies I have worked for, I’ve spent a great deal of time recruiting and developing new talent. I take a great deal of pride and satisfaction in the fact that a fair number of today’s powersports industry players got their start in departments that I managed. The PowerLily program is just another way for me to make a contribution.”
With more than 15-years as a powersports industry professional, Cinnamon Kernes will add a unique perspective to the mentoring team. As show director for the American International Motorcycle Expo, she’s a key member of the team that began work in 2011 on the launch of AIMExpo, where she currently oversees the show’s operations and marketing teams. Her industry experience also includes 10-plus years as operations manager of the International Motorcycle Shows – a nationally promoted series of consumer shows. Her extensive experience working closely with all types of industry companies in a face-to-face show environment will be invaluable to Gas Tank program participants. Kernes grew up around motorcycles in the Midwest and knew at an early age that motorcycle riding was in her blood. Over the years, her garage has been home to an international and eclectic collection of bikes. Taking her to work most days is her Ducati Monster 1100.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with companies across the powersports spectrum looking to promote their businesses in a dynamic trade show environment,” said Kernes. “Offering solutions for product and brand promotion, while also working on the launch of AIMExpo, has provided me great insights for startups seeking to gain a toehold in this business. As an enthusiast of the industry as well as the sport, I look forward to helping others direct their enthusiasm and ideas into growing this industry that’s been so important to me.”
Harden and Kernes join Gas Tank Mentors Arnie Ackerman, chairman emeritus and founder of the Motorsport Aftermarket Group; Steve Johnson, past president and chief operating officer of Tucker Rocky Distributing; Frank Esposito, vice president of Scorpion Sports; Eric Anderson, founder and partner, VROOM Network; and Mary Slepicka Green, past editorial director for Dealernews. Those interested in becoming a Gas Tank mentor should contact Cam Arnold at [email protected].
The PowerLily “Gas Tank” program will teach participating entrepreneurs how to create successful business plans that they may have an opportunity to present, in-person, to influential leaders in the powersports industry. Applications to participate in the program are available here. The deadline for applying is February 12, 2016.
The application process involves the submission of a short “elevator pitch” video and written answers to a series of questions. Applications will be reviewed for subject and industry segment, so that each participant can be matched with an industry mentor who will provide the participant with guidance and counsel as they hone and prepare a detailed business plan which is due on June 30, 2016. The top five submissions will have an opportunity to present their business plan to a panel of judges at AIMExpo 2016.
