Inside The Culture of Wilkins Harley-Davidson: John Lyon on Staff, Process, and Profits

AI is everywhere. Vendors pitch it, consultants hype it, but how do dealers actually make it work inside the store? In this episode of the Dealership Fixit Podcast, Jacob Berry sits down with brent wees, a certified AI trainer, strategist, and founder of IdeaMeetPlan, to cut through the noise and get practical.Brent shares why most dealers overthink AI, how to start small with quick wins in sales, service, and marketing, and why creating the right prompts and agents can turn AI into a real teammate for your business. If you’ve been wondering how to speed up your store, save time, and finally understand what AI can do for your business, this conversation is your roadmap.Visit Brent’s site: https://www.ideameetplan.com/ai-workshops/Connect with Brent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentwees👉 Listen to more on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfg👉 More episodes on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/43FoanX👉 Subscribe here for weekly interviews: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixitFollow Our Host Jacob: https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berryFollow the Fixit Online: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixitSponsor: https://dealers.motohunt.com

The National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) has grown into the voice dealers didn’t know they needed. In this episode, Jacob Berry sits down with NPDA Membership Marketing Director Tigra Tsujikawa to dig into why the association exists, how it’s giving dealers a seat at the table, and why events like Dealer Connect are unlike any other trade show.From fighting for dealer-friendly provisions in national legislation, to launching the EDGE learning program, to creating Dealer Connect as a dealer-built, dealer-led event, the NPDA is reshaping how dealers work together and grow stronger.If you’re a dealership manager, GM, or owner who wants to understand why unity and advocacy matter right now, this conversation will show you what NPDA is building and why you need to be part of it.Listen to more episodes on Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfgFurther episodes on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/43FoanXWatch full interviews on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixitFollow the Fixit Online: ⁠https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixitLearn more about NPDA: https://www.npda.orgSponsor: ⁠https://dealers.motohunt.com⁠

In this throwback episode, Teri Lynn from Triumph Motorcycles America (now with Troy Lee Designs) shares lessons every dealer can use to improve customer experience and grow ridership.We cover:Why great merchandising and inventory turnover matter more than you thinkCommon in-store mistakes that cost sales (and how to fix them)Triumph’s training and support strategies for dealersThe growing role of women, families, and e-bikes in the powersports marketWhether you’re a dealer principal, GM, or part of the sales and service team, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for building stronger customer connections and securing your dealership’s future.Connect with Teri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terillynn/Listen to More Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfg ⁠Further Episodes Apple Podcast: ⁠https://apple.co/43FoanX ⁠Interviews YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit ⁠Connect With Our Host Jacob:LinkedIn: ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry ⁠Follow the Fixit Online: ⁠https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit⁠Sponsor: ⁠https://dealers.motohunt.com⁠

John joins the show to share the systems and leadership practices that make his dealership stand out. From creating a culture that employees buy into, to refining the used bike process, to balancing digital expectations with in-store experiences, John explains what it takes to build long-term success.We talk about the risks he’s taken, how his team adapts to challenges, and why relentless improvement keeps Wilkins Harley-Davidson profitable year after year. If you’re managing a dealership, this is a must-listen conversation packed with actionable insights.We post weekly updates, so make sure to subscribe and follow us! If you have any suggestions or want to chat with us, don't hesitate to leave a comment.Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lyon-4552139/Listen to More Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfg ⁠Further Episodes Apple Podcast: ⁠https://apple.co/43FoanX ⁠Interviews YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit ⁠Connect with Our Host Jacob:LinkedIn: ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry ⁠Follow the Fixit Online: ⁠https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit⁠Sponsor: ⁠https://dealers.motohunt.com⁠

In this throwback episode, we were joined by industry veteran Jared Burt, founder of Rexburg Motorsports and now a leading advocate for helping OEMs and dealers prepare for the future of retail in powersports.We dive into how consumer expectations are evolving faster than most dealerships realize, and what you can do today to stay ahead. From mobile service and same-day delivery to unified commerce strategies that connect OEMs and dealers, Jared shares real-world examples and actionable steps for thriving in the next decade.Connect with Jared: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredburt/Listen to More Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfg ⁠Further Episodes Apple Podcast: ⁠https://apple.co/43FoanX ⁠Interviews YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit ⁠Connect with our Host: ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry ⁠Follow the Fixit Online: ⁠https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit⁠Sponsor: ⁠https://dealers.motohunt.com⁠

Appointments are more than just dates on a calendar—they’re the first real commitment your internet leads make toward buying. In this episode, Heather Deatherage breaks down exactly how powersports and motorcycle dealers can boost their show rates and close more deals with a structured appointment-setting process.You’ll learn:Why an appointment is a psychological turning pointHow to confirm without giving customers an easy exitSame-day confirmation tactics that drive attendanceHow manager involvement adds urgency and credibilityThe key metrics to measure for appointment-setting successIf your internet department is setting lots of appointments but seeing too many no-shows, this episode is your blueprint for improvement.YouTube Interviews: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixitConnect with Heather: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-deatherageFollow the Fixit Online: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixitSponsor: https://dealers.motohunt.com

This week on the Dealership Fixit Podcast, Jacob Berry sits down with Nate Sanel of National Powersports Distributors to talk about the art of running a profitable used motorcycle department. Nate opens up about how his company manages 1,200+ units, what mistakes still trip them up, and why most dealerships are underperforming in used.If you're trying to scale your pre-owned business, reduce aged units, or stop losing margin to emotional decisions, this episode is for you.Connect with Nate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bikernate/Want to fix your used inventory strategy? Download the free Ultimate Used Inventory Playbook at https://dealers.motohunt.com/ultimate-used-inventory-playbookListen to more episodes on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfgWatch the YouTube interviews: https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixitFind all links here: https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit

Tired of watching leads die in your CRM? In this episode, Heather Deatherage returns to lay out what a real internet sales department should look like in 2025, from hiring and pay structure to process and accountability.You’ll hear how to hire reps that don’t quit at the first objection, why pay plans must reward appointments (not just sales), and what KPIs every manager should be watching to prevent lead burnout. Plus, Heather breaks down her proven 21-Day Follow-Up Plan — and why some of your salespeople probably shouldn’t be answering the phones.Whether you’re building a BDC or fixing one that’s failing, this episode gives you a complete blueprint.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/3N9lzfg⁠Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/43FoanX⁠Watch the Interview: ⁠https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit⁠Connect with Heather: www.linkedin.com/in/heather-deatherageSponsor: ⁠https://dealers.motohunt.com⁠Follow the Fixit Podcast: ⁠https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit⁠

You’re spending real money to drive leads… but where are the results? If your internet leads are sitting cold in the CRM, this episode will punch you in the gut (in the best way possible).Heather Deatherage is back, and she’s not pulling any punches. She lays out exactly why most powersports dealerships fail at converting online leads, and how to fix it. From why you need a true internet sales team (not a warm body with a login), to 21-day follow-up playbooks, scripting secrets, KPIs, and speed-to-lead strategies that actually get customers through your doors.We’re talking:The 15-minute window that wins the sale (or loses it forever)Why your CRM is your most underutilized profit centerThe top 5 killers of lead conversion inside most dealershipsWhy more leads isn’t your problem — it's your broken processHow to structure, train, and manage a real internet department that performsStill guessing what to say or how often to follow up? Still letting floor guys “handle” your internet traffic? You’re burning money. This episode shows you how to stop the bleeding and start converting.Plus: Heather shares a free action step you can take this week to audit your team’s response time, and she even offers a mystery shop to show you where your gaps are.Listen now and stop treating online leads like second-class citizens.Links:More episodes: https://dealershipfixit.comMotoHunt Dealer Tools: dealers.motohunt.com

In this episode of the Dealership Fixit Podcast, Austin Rothbard, founder and CEO of Twisted Road discusses used bike rentals at dealerships.But this isn’t just about peer-to-peer bike sharing anymore. Austin breaks down Twisted Road’s dealer rental system, giving powersports dealerships a simple, low-risk way to turn used inventory into rental income & offer longer “test rides” that convert shoppers into buyers.If your dealership has used bikes sitting on the lot, or you're struggling to close customers who say “I just wish I could ride it first,” this episode is a must-listen.🔗 Learn more about Twisted Road: https://www.twistedroad.com Connect with Austin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinrothbard/📺 More Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DealershipFixit 🌐 Visit Dealers.MotoHunt.com for inventory intelligence and classifieds