EDUCATION SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
Meet our speakers! We have curated a talented group of speakers to join us at AIMExpo 2025. Check out their biographies below.
Johnathan Aguero is a champion of simple, connected dealership retail. As senior vice president of revenue at Blackpurl, he helps dealerships simplify operations and drive growth with the leading cloud-native DMS for cycle and powersports. Outside of work, Johnathan enjoys fishing, playing pickleball and exploring the Rockies with his family.
Fri 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence Revving Up the Fight Against Fraud: How powersports dealerships can combat rising fraud schemes
Brian Ankney hosts video podcasts, works with companies on their content and marketing programs, and speaks at events for Babcox Media.
○ Thurs 3:15pm – 4pm Dealer Excellence Powersports Dealers vs. Automotive Dealers: Who’s Winning the Race for the Modern Consumer?
○ Fri 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence Revving Up the Fight Against Fraud: How powersports dealerships can combat rising fraud schemes
As the President of REV’IT! Sport USA and a passionate industry expert and rider, Paolo brings a wealth of experience in motorcycle apparel and accessories, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the motorcycle industry’s global landscape.
Leading REV’IT! for the Americas for the last 12 years, Bacchiarello has become a recognized company leader in the design, innovation, and performance of premium motorcycle gear. This position has allowed him to work closely with dealers, manufacturers, customers, racing professionals, and adventure enthusiasts across different markets, gaining first-hand knowledge of the trends, challenges, and opportunities that shape the motorcycle industry today.
Paolo believes that by continuing to innovate and deliver high-quality gear and assets that by enhancing the riding experience through quality gear and assets, as well as creating experiential events and effective rider education programs, we can inspire more people to join the motorcycling lifestyle. Paolo is committed to the broader goal of growing the powersports rider base and developing strong partnerships with dealers and ambassadors who represent the diverse and adventurous spirit of motorcycling.
Wed 4:15pm – 5pm Disruptive Thinking Competitors and Community: Living Together on Main Street
Ross Clifford is a graduate from Solihull College of Technology, U.K., and a postgraduate of Cambridge Business School, U.K. Clifford brings extensive global experience across international sales, brand and product strategy, marketing, commercial operations, business, and network development/management. Prior to joining Royal Enfield, Clifford was President – Off Road Vehicles, HD & Auto Divisions at Nivel Parts and Manufacturing and has acquired significant experience in international leadership roles with Polaris Industries and Triumph Motorcycles.
Thurs 11:15am – 12noon Disruptive Thinking Market Expansion: What Does It Really Mean and How Will We Get There
Sam’s affinity for boating came naturally while growing up on a lake in rural Florida. As an avid skier/wake boarder, he also worked in a dive shop for years through high school and early college. He fell in love with both motorcycles and bicycles through college and beyond, and continues to partake in all aspects of each of these passions. More importantly, he shares all of these passions with his wife and kid, frequently taking his daughter to school in a Ural Sidecar.
Sam does his best to balance these passions of family and fun with a significant travel schedule, delivering keynote speeches and workshops to retailers throughout the country in all three arenas of marine, powersports, and the bicycle industries. As well as moderating 20-Clubs, Sam is also a lead trainer with the General Manager and Sales Managers Management Training Academies.
○ Wed 11:15am – 12noon Disruptive Thinking AIMExpo Kickoff Session: Protecting and Promoting Powersports
○ Thurs 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence Garage Composites Session III: LOOK INSIDE
David Diaz is the general manger of Irv Seaver Motorcycles, one of the oldest and longest continuously running dealerships in the country having been founded in 1911. Diaz has been in the industry for several decades, 30-plus years of which has been at Irv Seaver, where they focus on the BMW brand. As general manager, Diaz ensures that Irv Seaver Motorcycles keeps its finger on the pulse of the industry, and often sets the trend for others to follow.
Wed 10:15am – 11am Dealer Excellence Creating a Cultural Hub: Building a dealership environment your staff and customers won’t want to leave
Jared Dowdy currently serves as the Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships at Transax. Before joining Transax, he held the role of Global Director of Harley-Davidson University and Dealer Operations Consulting at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. In this capacity, he was responsible for the global development and deployment of dealer training programs across various areas, including motorcycle sales, parts and accessories, apparel and licensing, service sales, and technician training.
Prior to his tenure at Harley-Davidson, Jared led the sales training department at Hyundai Motor America, where he developed and launched their digital retailing strategy, implemented advanced adult learning strategies to boost engagement and performance, and collaborated on a global initiative to enhance the customer experience in dealerships. Jared’s extensive career in automotive retail spans over 20 years, where he honed his expertise in sales and training leadership.
Thurs 4:15pm – 5pm Disruptive Thinking Sell More With Less
Tony Gonzalez is a Colorado native who loves being outdoors. When he is not working he can be found with his wife Amy and his two sons, Cruz and Diego. The family partakes in camping, bicycling, dirt biking as well as snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling. Tony is a dedicated family man and puts everything else second.
Gonzalez began his career in the motorcycle industry when he was hired by Ed Lemco in 2004. A true student of the Powersports and Marine industries, he quickly became a sales trainer and a moderator. Gonzalez has a keen model to motivate his clients and is considered one of the best 20-Club moderators in the industry. Tony believes that his greatest accomplishment was recreating the environment that put the dealers first again. He is passionate about being a dealers advocate and firmly believes that his dealers are his family, not his clients.
○ Wed 11:15am – 12noon Disruptive Thinking AIMExpo Kickoff Session: Protecting and Promoting Powersports
○ Thurs 10:15am – 11am Dealer Excellence Garage Composites Session IV: Using Videos to Maximize Your Opportunities
Vance Harrison boasts a rich career spanning over 25 years in the dealership industry. His entrepreneurial journey began with the establishment of Harrison Eurosports, a multiline powersports dealership in Utah in 2009, which he led as president until 2021. In 2019, Harrison further expanded his business portfolio by establishing Harrison Southtowne LLC, a Mitsubishi automotive dealership in Utah, where he served as the chief executive until 2022. Vance consistently ranked as a top-five dealer in annual sales nationwide for BMW, Ducati and Triumph over a 12-year period. Since September 2021, Vance has been serving as the CEO and Chairman of the Board for Motos America.
Thurs 3:15pm – 4pm Dealer Excellence Powersports Dealers vs. Automotive Dealers: Who’s Winning the Race for the Modern Consumer?
Angela Hieronimus serves as the CEO of Live Oak Dealer Service, bringing over 20 years of expertise in the powersports industry. Renowned for her dynamic leadership and impactful financial products training, Angela excels at driving compliance and profitability. Her mission is to align dealership operations with essential daily changes, facilitating substantial revenue growth and operational excellence.
○ Wed 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence The Four Pillars of Operations: Building a better dealership by harmonizing sales, service, F&I and PG&A.
○ Wed 10:15am – 11am Dealer Excellence Creating a Cultural Hub: Building a dealership environment your staff and customers won’t want to leave
Greg Jones is the Content Director for Motorcycle & Powersports News. He joined Babcox in 2014.
○ Wed 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence The Four Pillars of Operations: Building a better dealership by harmonizing sales, service, F&I and PG&A.
○ Wed 10:15am – 11am Dealer Excellence Creating a Cultural Hub: Building a dealership environment your staff and customers won’t want to leave
Nathan Kolbe leads Marketing for Royal Enfield in the Americas region. It is the fastest growing and largest international market outside of the brand’s home market in India. He is based in Milwaukee, home of Royal Enfield North America headquarters. Nathan has more than 15 years marketing leadership experience working for several Fortune 500 brands, both moto and outside of the industry. Since joining Royal Enfield, he has enjoyed the passionate culture of employees, riders, and enthusiasts across the globe. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, riding motorcycles, and coaching his two sons in their sports.
Thurs 2:30pm – 3:15pm Dealer Excellence Getting More Door Swings: How to bring in more customers when competing in a direct-to-consumer world
After purchasing her first Motorcycle, an EX500 at the the age of 17, Jolene became an avid enthusiast and started her career in the Powersports business in Michigan. Shortly after, she transitioned to Harley-Davidson and began growing through the ranks from accounting to Sales, Finance and General Manager. After moving back to Ohio in 2009. Jolene completed her 27th years in the dealership before joining Garage Composites. Jolene is passionate about personal growth, leading people and learning new things. “GC gives me the opportunity to be around people that are constantly trying to grow and improve”
Jolene may be a workaholic but is most passionate about her family. She has 3 daughters. Twins, Danielle and Mackenzie and youngest Hayden. And her newest love, her granddaughter Shaylin. When Jolene isnt working, she is most certainly traveling. Often to Florida to visit her daughter or getting them all together somewhere else in the sunshine.
○ Wed 11:15am – 12noon Disruptive Thinking AIMExpo Kickoff Session: Protecting and Promoting Powersports
○ Wed 2:30pm – 3:15pm Dealer Excellence Garage Composites Session I: Breaking the Cycle: The Impact of Skipping Daily Processes
Meagan Kusek is the editor of Motorcycle & Powersports News. Since 2016, she has been covering various aspects of the B2B automotive markets for Babcox Media, including professional carwashes, automotive dealerships, motorcycle/powersport dealerships and collision repair shops. Her multi-market background gives her a unique perspective on covering industry trends and business solutions for vehicle-care professionals.
○ Thurs 2:30pm – 3:15pm Dealer Excellence Getting More Door Swings: How to bring in more customers when competing in a direct-to-consumer world
○ Fri 10:15am – 11am Dealer Excellence Harnessing the Power of AI: Ways dealers can leverage AI to improve overall business operations
Michael Maledon is president of Elway Powersports, which owns five powersport dealership locations. Michael joined the Elway Dealership Group in 2016, following prior leadership roles with one of the nation’s largest privately-owned automotive groups, and CEO of a highly successful automotive-related business.
Thurs 3:15pm – 4pm Dealer Excellence Powersports Dealers vs. Automotive Dealers: Who’s Winning the Race for the Modern Consumer?
Chris is a former professional motorcycle racer at the World Championship level and a second-generation motorcycle industry executive. With over 20 years of experience, Chris has excelled in guiding domestic and international motorcycle and aftermarket brands, focusing on innovative growth, brand and product strategies, creative marketing, and impactful business development. Throughout his career, Chris has been dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for dealers and riders worldwide. Today as Chief Operating Officer of Moto Morini, the iconic Italian motorcycle brand established in 1937, Chris is committed to fostering strong dealer partnerships, driving new product development, expanding the brand, and ensuring market sustainability for Moto Morini in the United States and North America.
Thurs 11:15am – 12noon Disruptive Thinking Market Expansion: What Does It Really Mean and How Will We Get There
AJ Meisel has been part of the powersports industry since 1993, working in dealerships over the last 30 years. She has ridden motorcycles for over 40 years and has a stable full of powersports toys that allows her to pass along her joy of riding to her customers at Plano Kawasaki Suzuki. AJ is currently general manager of the Plano, Texas-based dealership, which sells Kawasaki, Suzuki, Vespa, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia, Paiggio, and Genuine powersport vehicles. She also volunteers her time to Kawasaki as she serves on their National Dealer Council, and she has chaired and is still an active member of a 20 Group. With AJ as general manager of Plano Kawasaki Suzuki, the dealership ranks in the top of the nation for all seven of their franchise lines, and has been recognized for many awards in their 30 years in powersports, including Kawasaki’s prestigious Gold Ichiban Award.
Thurs 2:30pm – 3:15pm Dealer Excellence Getting More Door Swings: How to bring in more customers when competing in a direct-to-consumer world
A career spanning more than twenty years, Laurette Nicoll is a reporter, host, producer and emcee for Formula 1, the Arenacross series broadcast on Fox Sports, Formula Drift, and the AMA Hall of Fame, among other properties. Highly experienced, well-researched and flexible in nature, Laurette brings a grateful, joyous and polished energy to every assignment she covers. A motorcycle rider herself, she feels most at home on the road cruising in her Ural with her best (dog)girl Georgia next to her or scrambling in the desert on her KTM 350 with her husband Kurt challenging her every opportunity he gets. Excited to immerse herself in the AIMExpo, Laurette is looking forward to seeing everyone there.
○ Wed 4:15pm – 5pm Disruptive Thinking Competitors and Community: Living Together on Main Street
○ Thurs 11:15am – 12noon Disruptive Thinking Market Expansion: What Does It Really Mean and How Will We Get There
Tom O’Connor is a much sought after speaker and facilitator, but he is most comfortable working in dealerships with salespeople and sales managers. His advice for handling objections and closing the sale are considered among the most current and effective in the powersports industry. His Sales Excellence Manual has helped hundreds of sales managers to better manage people, process and profitability. As Co-Founder and President of MotoMate123, he is also helping dealers dominate the pre-owned market with cutting edge software.
Wed 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence The Four Pillars of Operations: Building a better dealership by harmonizing sales, service, F&I and PG&A.
Eric O’Hagan is Director AI/ML Innovation & Integration for Pied Piper. Eric’s work continues to expand Pied Piper’s embrace of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. Eric leads Pied Piper’s ongoing efforts to leverage these technologies, enhancing both new and existing products while improving client experiences and streamlining production processes. Prior to joining Pied Piper, Eric held key roles in AI, ML, and digital retailing with Porsche Cars North America, Tesla Inc., and Lucid Motors. Eric attended Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business and pursued studies in AI and ML at MIT’s Schwarzman College of Computing.
Fri 10:15am – 11am Dealer Excellence Harnessing the Power of AI: Ways dealers can leverage AI to improve overall business operations
Fran O’Hagan is President and CEO of Monterey, California, based Pied Piper, which helps brands and national retailer groups improve the omnichannel sales & service performance of their retailers. Fran founded Pied Piper in 2003 after first working for auto manufacturers Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar/Land Rover. His favorite responsibility at the car companies was leading the effort to improve sales, share, profitability, and customer loyalty of the dealers. Today with the team at Pied Piper, Fran continues to focus on improving retailer performance, but now for multiple companies across multiple industries. Fran earned his MBA from Villanova University and bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. Since buying his first motorcycle as a teenager he has also been a very good retail motorcycle customer, and enjoys riding motorcycles of all types, including baggers, dirt bikes and sport bikes.
Fri 10:15am – 11am Dealer Excellence Harnessing the Power of AI: Ways dealers can leverage AI to improve overall business operations
Lou Pedler has spent more than 20 years in the powersports industry having held roles in dealerships working in the parts department to service and even as general manager. He has spent the last 15 years at Dominion Enterprises as manager of DX1 product development, and currently as director of product development for ZiiDMS. Lou knows the risks dealers face from fraud, and works to ensure ZiiDMS has protections in place that help the dealer succeed.
Fri 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence Revving Up the Fight Against Fraud: How powersports dealerships can combat rising fraud schemes
Greg Pfleider has been A2C’s CEO since 2020. Greg has a background in the financial sector, where information security compliance is a vital concern. Greg’s experience working with investment banks gave him a firsthand view of the burden satisfying compliance requirements put on businesses. Greg is determined to create a path to compliance suited to the complex realities of today’s information security compliance requirements.
Fri 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence Revving Up the Fight Against Fraud: How powersports dealerships can combat rising fraud schemes
Stevan Popovich is the President and Chief Retail Officer of Cycle Gear, America’s largest powersports aftermarket-products retailer with 170 stores in 34 states. With over 20 years of experience in brand growth, product development, management and strategic planning, he manages the day-to-day business and strategy, integrating its core pillars of safety, community into every consumer touchpoint.
As the former VP of Merchandising, and VP of Business Development for RevZilla.com & Comoto Holdings, he has led the e-commerce, product development and acquisition strategy expanding Comoto Holdings national footprint. He also founded Keystone Music Company as result of his passion for product design, a little necessity and love of playing the guitar.
Wed 4:15pm – 5pm Disruptive Thinking Competitors and Community: Living Together on Main Street
James Priestnal is the Director of Business Development and E-Commerce Sales, where he uses his strategic vision and deep industry knowledge to drive growth and expand Automatic Distributors’ online sales channels. During his time at Automatic Distributors, James has been instrumental in onboarding key brands like Renthal, EBC Brakes, Pirelli, KFI, Yuasa and many more. His efforts have not only grown the company’s product portfolio but also strengthened its reputation as a trusted distributor in the industry. In his current role, James focuses on identifying new opportunities, building strong partnerships and enhancing customer experiences, establishing himself as a forward-thinking leader in the powersports and manufacturing sectors. Before joining Automatic Distributors, James served as the General Manager of Cycra Plastics, where he drove operational excellence and helped position the company as a leader in premium motocross plastics and accessories. His emphasis on innovation played a major part in aligning the company’s capabilities with market needs. James also gained valuable international experience during his time at MTA, managing international sales initiatives and strengthening relationships with distributors and dealers worldwide, contributing to significant revenue growth.With a career defined by strategic leadership and dedication to excellence, James Priestnal continues to shape the future of the powersports and e-commerce industries.
Thurs 2:30pm – 3:15pm Dealer Excellence Getting More Door Swings: How to bring in more customers when competing in a direct-to-consumer world
With over 25 years of experience in the powersports industry, Justin Quinn has developed a comprehensive expertise in sales, customer relations, and business operations. He has consistently excelled at driving sales growth and enhancing customer satisfaction. His tenure at a distributor, as well as an OEM, provided valuable insights into the supply chain, further enriching his understanding of the powersports market. Transitioning into consulting, Justin has successfully guided numerous clients, leveraging his extensive industry knowledge to optimize dealership performance. Currently, he is one of the product managers for DX1, focused on bringing simple solutions to complex dealership problems.
Wed 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence The Four Pillars of Operations: Building a better dealership by harmonizing sales, service, F&I and PG&A.
As a leader at Broward Motorsports, Alex Reyes has consistently driven top results, achieved record-breaking growth and has been recognized with industry awards. With an innate ability to identify market trends and inspire teams, Alex has positioned his team at the forefront of the competitive powersports landscape. With over a decade of experience, Alex has developed a reputation for innovation, integrity, and resilience. His work exemplifies a balanced approach to business, combining data- driven insights with a genuine passion for helping people create lifestyles filled with lasting memories through powersports. Professionally, Alex is a mentor to his team, a trusted partner to manufacturers, and a visionary committed to advancing the powersports community as a whole. At the 2025 AIMExpo, Alex will share his expertise on navigating the Finance and Insurance process, while adding his take on harmonizing the four pillars in retail Powersports. Attendees can expect actionable insights, real-world strategies, and a forward-thinking perspective that reflects Alex’s commitment to the growth of the industry.
Wed 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence The Four Pillars of Operations: Building a better dealership by harmonizing sales, service, F&I and PG&A.
David Savlowitz is CEO & Founder of Competitive Analytics located in Newport Beach, California USA and professor at the University of California Irvine teaching Predictive Analytics for the new Master of Science in Business Analytics program. David is also a sought after speaker on economics, business strategy, forecasting, consumer trends, and data visualization. Perpetually on the forefront of data science, economics, and analytics, David has 35+ years experience delivering both strategic and tactical solutions to the world’s most successful organizations.
And celebrating his 20th year in business, Competitive Analytics is an innovative, full service, multi-industry analytics organization that helps the world’s most successful organizations analyze their data and the competitive forces affecting them . . . with a customized business intelligence approach that addresses the challenges unique to each organization. With deep expertise in advanced mathematics, data science, applied statistics, predictive analytics, and machine learning coupled with bespoke advanced analytics and best-in-class software application programming, clients span all sectors and industries . . . from Fortune 500 companies such as Boeing, Honda, Toyota, Yamaha, Macy’s, Amgen, Parker Hannifin, Quest Diagnostics, Eaton, Southern California Edison, and Bank of America to the smallest SMBs and niche firms.
David built a career solving extremely complex problems, creating innovative data and analytics methodologies, synthesizing labyrinthine concepts . . . and breaking many outdated rules in the process. Prior experience includes Director of Market Research at Irvine Company and Senior Analyst at Ernst & Young. David earned a B.S. and M.B.A. from Arizona State University while studying Computer Science, Classical Music, and Jazz Composition.
When he has spare time, David reads psychology and philosophy and writes and records original music in his state-of-the-art recording studio.
Thurs 1:30pm – 2:15pm Disruptive Thinking Deciphering Demand Trends and Decoding Price Patterns in Power Sports
Scott Schloegel is a lifelong powersports enthusiast who grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and has been riding motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles since he was 7 years old. He has 35 years of experience in state and federal politics, working in both the legislative and executive branches of government. Scott worked in the Michigan Legislature, in Congress as a Chief of Staff, on the Energy & Commerce Committee, and as a Presidential appointee where he served many roles including as the acting President and Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. He has experience leading political, legislative, and communications strategy while managing teams of employees and partnering with the most senior levels of officials on Capitol Hill, at the White House, and in corporations and industry associations.
Wed 1:30pm – 2:15pm Disruptive Thinking Navigating the New Political Landscape and Outdoor Recreation Growth
Jordon’s love for motorcycles came at an early age with dirt biking at 12 years old. His passion for motorcycles continued to grow from there, taking him on multiple 1,000-mile trips over Baja, snowmobiling the backcountry and getting his first Harley Davidson at 21.
Jordon’s primary focus is dealership training and running Garage Composites’ Managers Training Academies with an emphasis on process and leadership. “I enjoy getting the most out of our dealers and processes to ultimately provide the tools in maintaining relationships for life. I have been fortunate to be with Garage Composites since 2016 – continuing to teach and train, all while still learning on how to better the industry one engagement at a time.” Jordon lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife Mary and two big ole dogs, enjoying all things outdoors.
○ Wed 11:15am – 12noon Disruptive Thinking AIMExpo Kickoff Session: Protecting and Promoting Powersports
○ Wed 3:15pm – 4pm Dealer Excellence Garage Composites Session II: Capitalizing on Every Customer in the Parts Department
Mark Sheffield is a board member of the National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA), currently serving as Strategic Advisor for Woods Cycle Country and Woods Indian Motorcycle. Based in Texas, he has over 30 years of experience in the powersports industry, working with numerous dealerships and organizations, as well as consulting. A passionate advocate for dealerships, he contributes regularly to industry publications and LinkedIn, often promoting fairness between dealerships and OEMs.
Fri 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence Revving Up the Fight Against Fraud: How powersports dealerships can combat rising fraud schemes
Troy Snyder is a seasoned executive with over 20 years in the online automotive and recreation vehicle industries. As Vice President of Product and General Manager of Powersports at Trader Interactive, he is evolving digital solutions to provide seamless shopping to purchase software, to bolster consumer experiences, and optimize business models for lenders and dealers. Prior to Trader Interactive, Troy spent over a decade at N.A.D.A. and J.D. Power leading their consumer and dealer software efforts.
Fri 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence Revving Up the Fight Against Fraud: How powersports dealerships can combat rising fraud schemes
Maggie Stevens brings over a decade of experience in the powersports world, building a reputation for practical strategies and big-picture thinking. She co-founded Cotee River Cycles in Pasco, FL with her husband, growing it from a modest 800-sq.-ft. service shop into the largest independent dealership in the county in just three years. Her knack for growth and hands-on expertise has earned her recognition as a 2023 and 2024 Spark Award winner. Maggie is a go-to voice in the industry, as a contributing writer for Motorcycle & Powersports News, she breaks down ideas and strategies for dealerships looking to level up. And as a parts manager for ARS Powersports, she knows what it takes to drive results, having led her team to hit $1 million in over-the-counter sales. Maggie’s tips, courses and tools to grow and give dealerships an edge are available at PowersportsPlaybook.com.
Wed 9:30am – 10:15am Dealer Excellence The Four Pillars of Operations: Building a better dealership by harmonizing sales, service, F&I and PG&A.