Meet our speakers! We have curated a talented group of speakers to join us at AIMExpo 2026. Check out their biographies below.
Johnathan Aguero | Senior Vice President of Revenue | Blackpurl
Johnathan Aguero is Senior Vice President of Revenue at Blackpurl, a next-generation dealership management platform for powersports dealers. He’s focused on a simple idea: Powersports dealers and enthusiasts deserve a simple, enjoyable retail experience. Johnathan enjoys fishing, pickleball and exploring the Rockies with his family.
David Baker | Vice-President and General Manager, Powersports North America | BRP
David Baker is a dynamic global executive with over 17 years of leadership experience in the powersports industry. Currently serving as Vice-President and General Manager for Powersports North America at BRP, David oversees strategic growth and operational excellence across the region. His career at BRP has spanned continents and functions, including pivotal roles in Asia-Pacific, global sales planning and market strategy.
While in Asia-Pacific, David was Director and General Manager in charge of the entire sales function in this region. His early career includes key roles in sales support and go-to-market strategy with BRP as well as financial services with GE Capital.
David also serves on the Board of the Motorcycle Industry Council, where he contributes to shaping the future of the powersports sector. His deep expertise in international markets, strategic planning and organizational development makes him avcompelling voice focused on business transformation and global growth.
Stephanie Benger | Marketing Director | Data Here-to-There
Stephanie Benger is the Marketing Director at Data Here-to-There, the team behind the Turn 14 Powersports and Slingshot Automotive e-commerce apps and a suite of ready- to-go e-commerce stores that power online sales. She’s been there since the beginning of DH2T, helping build tools that connect dealers directly with leading distributors like Turn 14 Distribution, Parts Unlimited, Western Power Sports and Helmet House — making it easier to keep product data accurate, up-to-date and ready to sell. Her work bridges the gap between technology and real-world retail, helping shops bring their powersports and performance parts businesses online with confidence. Stephanie combines a background in data management with a passion for helping dealers grow, and she’s here to share what DH2T has learned about scaling powersports e-commerce the smart way.
Jacob Berry | Co-Founder and Vice President of Growth | Motohunt
Jacob Berry is the Co-founder and Vice President at Motohunt, a digital platform built to help powersports dealers simplify inventory management, boost profitability and sell smarter. With more than 15 years in dealership operations, digital marketing and technology, Jacob has worked with some of the largest dealer groups and OEMs in North America to improve sales processes, digital performance and customer experience. He’s also the host of the Dealership fiXit Podcast, where he shares insights and interviews with industry leaders focused on innovation and dealer success.
Bernie Brenner | Founder and CEO | Rollick
Bernie Brenner is the Founder and CEO of Rollick (rollick.io), a leading customer engagement platform transforming the buying experience in the outdoor recreation and equipment industries, including powersports, marine, RV and trailers. A serial entrepreneur and co-founder of TrueCar, Brenner helped revolutionize online vehicle purchasing and build thousands of dealer partnerships. Rollick, a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree, powers GoRollick.com and partners with brands like Sam’s Club, AAA and USAA to reach over 250 million consumers. Brenner, a Stony Brook University graduate and author of The Sumo Advantage, is a recognized expert on digital transformation and customer-centric innovation.
Jared Burt | CEO & Founder | Herohub
Jared Burt is a lifelong rider, motorcyclist, outdoor enthusiast, and industry leader. As the former owner and operator of one of the largest destination dealerships in the Northwest, he has spent decades on the front lines of powersports retail. Today, as Founder and CEO of Herohub, Jared partners with OEMs and dealers to improve training, customer experience, and the future of retail through innovative technology.
Jared’s passion is rooted in riding — from backcountry motorcycle adventures to mountain snowmobiling— and in the belief that dealers are heroes who keep the culture of riding alive. His work blends deep dealership experience with forward-looking strategies to help the industry thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Chris Candido | CTO & Co-Founder | Turn 14 Distribution
Chris Candido is co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Turn 14 Distribution. Chris’s technological focus has fueled Turn 14 Distribution’s growth as a leader in the automotive aftermarket and an exemplary organization in the fields of logistics and automation. Under the leadership, inspiration, and guidance he has provided, Turn 14 Distribution has grown immensely since its inception in 2007.
While attending Franklin & Marshall College, Chris joined with Jon Pulli to found JSC Speed, an e-commerce retailer. Building that business provided Chris with many insights into the challenges of e-commerce in the early 2000s. After the sale of JSC Speed in 2007 and the subsequent founding of Turn 14 Distribution, Chris worked to design new applications, automations, and integrations to make Turn 14 Distribution a leader and key partner to its customers and suppliers.
These automations and innovative distribution methods in Turn 14 Distribution’s ultramodern facilities utilize technologies designed to take the company well into the future and set the standard for parts distribution.
Chris has a passion for technology and efficiency and leads a team of talented individuals focused on end-to-end integration and improved workflows from the company’s website to the distribution center floor.
In 2018, Chris and his wife Sarah had their first child, Michael, which has underscored the need for a work/life balance. Outside of work, Chris is a car enthusiast who enjoys traveling and playing guitar.
Sam Dantzler | President | Garage Composites
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.
Jared Dowdy | Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships | Transax
Jared Dowdy is the Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships at Transax. Previously, he served as the Global Director of Harley-Davidson University and Dealer Operations Consulting, overseeing worldwide dealer training programs across sales, service, parts, apparel and technician development.
Before Harley-Davidson, Jared led sales training at Hyundai Motor America, where he launched the company’s digital retailing strategy, advanced adult learning initiatives and supported a global effort to elevate dealership customer experience. With more than 20 years in automotive retail, Jared has built deep expertise in sales, training and leadership, consistently driving development and performance across organizations.
Landon French | President and CEO | Moto Canada
Landon French is the President and CEO of Moto Canada, having led the transformation of Canada’s largest national organization representing the powersports industry.
A seasoned executive and entrepreneur, Landon brings a diverse background that spans the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. His career includes senior executive leadership roles at TELUS and Canadian Tire, as well as serving as CEO of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. He also served as Director of Operations for two Ontario premiers, contributing to provincial governance and political strategy.
His work in sports marketing, events, and public affairs has earned him multiple national awards, including Marketing Magazine Marketer of the Year, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his leadership during Queen Elizabeth II’s Royal Visit to Canada, and the Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence from Royal Roads University.
Academically, Landon holds an MBA in Public Relations from Royal Roads University and an MA in Canadian Studies from Carleton University.
Under his leadership, Moto Canada is focused on unifying the powersports industry, advocating for rider access and safety, and expanding public engagement through initiatives like The Motorcycle and Powersport Shows and rider education programs. Landon is a passionate powersports enthusiast and resides with his family in Muskoka, Ontario.
Tony Gonzalez | Chief Executive Officer | Garage Composites
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.
Chet Heughan | Senior Director | AppOne
Chet Heughan brings over 30 years of experience in automotive and recreational lending and software solutions. Before joining Reynolds and Reynolds, he served as Senior Director of Sales at Wolters Kluwer Financial Services, Vice President of Consumer Lending at Investar Bank, and Vice President of Dealer Services at Trustmark National Bank. He also held roles with Toyota Financial Services and Capital One Auto Finance. Since joining AppOne in 2010, Chet has led key initiatives across operations, product management and sales strategy. Serving as Senior Director, he oversees AppOne’s product strategy and sales teams, adding Motility Software Solutions DMS oversight in August 2024.
Garrett Johnson | Vice President of North America, Sales and Customer Experience | Zero Motorcycles
Garrett Johnson is a seasoned powersports operations executive with extensive experience navigating the motorcycle industry at a juncture of transformation. With a deep background in dealership management, product launch planning and retail optimization in the motorcycle/motorsports space, Garrett brings a hands-on understanding of how to drive sales, manage change and work with channel partners to accelerate growth in emerging categories.
In his current role as Vice President of Sales and Customer Experience for Zero Motorcycles, Garrett is focused on the intersection of vehicle electrification and retail execution: helping dealers tackle questions around how to position electric motorcycles, create compelling customer journeys, adapt service operations and capture new market segments. His leadership has helped drive over 55% growth in retail sales of Zero Motorcycles products in 2025 while preserving margin and improving operational efficiency.
Jolene Krizan | Director of Dealer Development | Garage Composites
After purchasing her first motorcycle (against her fathers wishes), an EX500, at the age of 17, Jolene quickly became an avid enthusiast and began her career in the powersports industry in Michigan. She soon transitioned to Harley-Davidson, where she advanced through various roles over 27 years, including Accounting, Sales, Finance, and ultimately General Manager for the majority of her career.
In 2009, Jolene returned to her home state of Ohio and continued her career with a large dealer group. During that time, she had the opportunity to work with Garage Composites in a 20 Club. That experience ultimately inspired her to join the GC team. This new role gave her the opportunity to share her passion for leadership, personal growth, and continuous learning with our clients. As Jolene puts it, “GC gives me the opportunity to be around people who are constantly trying to grow and improve their lives and careers.”
Though most may call her a workaholic, Jolene’s true passion is her family, her husband Adam, three daughters (twins Danielle and Mackenzie, and youngest Hayden), and her newest love, her granddaughter Shaylin. When she’s not working, you’ll most likely find Jolene traveling. Often to Florida to visit her daughter or gathering the whole family to go somewhere else with lots of sunshine.
Bob Lettis | Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Business Development | 700Credit
Bob Lettis is currently serving as the Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Business Development with 700Credit. Bob has been in the automotive industry for 22 years focusing on the Credit Bureau, compliance and soft pull segments of the industry. Bob has worked closely with TransUnion, Experian and Equifax in developing and growing these related product categories with dealers, dealer groups, affiliates, lenders and OEMs.
Kyle Makarios | Owner | JKM Consulting
J. Kyle Makarios is the owner of JKM Consulting, a mission-focused consulting and state government affairs firm in St. Paul, Minnesota. Kyle is a long-time member of the Twin Cities labor movement, holding leadership positions at the local, state, and federal level. In his current practice, he focuses on helping clients pursue policies that are pro-worker and that protect the environment in a rational and achievable manner. He lives in St. Paul with his wife, Erin.
Rowan Mockler | Co-founder and CEO | Ekho
Born and raised in South Africa, Rowan Mockler is the cofounder and CEO of Ekho — the Shopify for powersports dealerships. Before starting Ekho, he earned a degree in Computer Science from Stanford University and was a world-champion debater and public speaker. Rowan grew up around the dealership world — his father part owned one — and that early exposure to the industry helped inspire Ekho’s mission today.
Ekho is the only dealer website platform that can actually sell vehicles end-to-end, not just collect leads. The company’s platform enables dealers to unlock incremental volume by selling compliantly nationwide to a younger audience while also improving in-store margins through higher deal throughput, integrated F&I access and AI-powered automation of manual back-office tasks.
Ekho’s 50-state sales processing engine and licensure portfolio consolidate what was once a fragmented dealer stack, automating financing desking, titling, registration, tax remittance, insurance verification, fraud detection, sales docs, signature collection and franchise compliance — all with one tool.
Since launching in 2024, Ekho has processed thousands of end-to-end vehicle sales nationwide and partnered with top U.S. dealers and several publicly traded OEMs to drive incremental sales and operational efficiency. The company has raised $17.2 million from investors, including JPMorgan, Winnebago Industries, Y Combinator, the Tesla Alumni Fund and leading dealer group owners across the country.
Laurette Nicoll | Moderator | Dealer Evolution Stage
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.
Jason Nierman | Chief Revenue Officer | Rollick
Jason is Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Rollick, a “rec-tech” startup that enables powersports, RV and boat manufacturers and dealers to find, win and keep customers. Jason co- conceptualized Rollick as a platform and oversees all marketing, sales and business development activities for the company.
Prior to Rollick, Jason served in roles as Chief Development Officer at OpenHouse Realty, a real estate technology startup that sold to a subsidiary of QuickenLoans in 2017, and as the Vice President of Partner Development at TrueCar, where he was responsible for prospecting, signing, launching and developing auto buying partnerships with some of the largest and most trusted affinity groups in the country.
Jason is also currently a Board Member of Bright Promises Foundation in Chicago. He received his M.B.A. at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business in 2007 and holds a B.S. in Finance and a Journalism Certificate from Indiana University.
Jason lives in Northbrook, Illinois, with his wife, Debby, and three kids: Cole (17), Alex (15) and Mallory (9).
Tom O’Connor | Co-Founder and President | MotoMate123
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 expertise has helped hundreds of sales managers to better manage both new and pre-owned inventory. As Co-Founder and President of MotoMate123, he is also helping dealers dominate the market with cutting edge software.
Gregory Pfleider | CEO | Accelerate2Compliance
Gregory Pfleider, CEO of Accelerate2Compliance, believes information security and compliance solutions should be characterized by simplicity, cost-effectiveness and exceptional customer service. This approach enables dealers to concentrate on their primary responsibilities, which include product sales and servicing, while simultaneously safeguarding customer data.
Accelerate2Compliance is a leading provider of services to dealerships in establishing and maintaining a robust culture of information security and compliance. The company is an endorsed partner of the National Powersports Dealer Association and the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association. It is also an NADA Affinity Service Provider.
Dan Quick | Global Media Director | Stark Future
Dan Quick leads global media strategy and marketing communications for Stark Future, driving engagement across the electric mobility landscape. With over 15 years of experience in EV and powersports communications, he offers a strategic, forward-looking perspective on how electrification is welcoming new riders and fundamentally reshaping the future of riding.
Kyle Reid | Vice President of Strategic Partnership | VisionAST
Kyle Reid is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at VisionAST, an analytics and reporting provider in the powersports and automotive industries. With nearly a decade of experience in this space, he has cultivated strong and enduring relationships with leading third-party administrators, F&I agencies and dealerships across the country. Kyle brings passion, energy and expertise to every client interaction, consistently driving success for his partners. A firm believer in the power of relationships, Kyle is dedicated to fostering connections that last while focusing on personal and professional growth and development.
Scott Schloegel | SVP Government Relations | MIC/SVIA/ROHVA/MSF
Scott Schloegel serves as the Senior Vice President for Government Relations at MIC/SVIA/ROHVA/MSF. He has more than 35 years of political experience in the Michigan legislature, Congress, as Presidential appointee under two U.S. Presidents, and for the Associations since 2017. He celebrated 50 years of motorcycle riding last year and is a lifelong powersports enthusiast.
Jordon Schoolmeester | Manager of Training | Garage Composites
I live in Denver, Colorado with my beautiful wife Mary and my two big ol dogs. My love for motorcycles came at an early age with dirt biking at 12 years old. My passion for motorcycles continued to grow from there, taking me on multiple 1,000-mile trips over Baja, snowmobiling the backcountry and getting my first Harley Davidson at 21. Mary, my two dogs, and I enjoy everything outdoors.
My primary focus is dealership training and running our 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.
Mark Sheffield | Strategic Advisor | Woods Cycle Country and Woods Indian Motorcycle
Mark Sheffield has built himself a more than 30-year career in the powersports industry, holding key roles with respected dealerships such as Yamaha of Killeen, Texas Motorsports, Woods Fun Center, America’s Powersports, Honda of Houston, New Braunfels Cycle Country/Woods Cycle Country and Woods Indian Motorcycle. His leadership and industry expertise have also led to board positions with the Texas Motorcycle Dealer Association, the National Powersports Dealer Association and Massimo Motors.
Today, Sheffield serves as strategic advisor for Woods Cycle Country and Woods Indian Motorcycle while supporting multiple large dealerships in workflow optimization. He is a regular contributor of content for the industry, where he is a consistent advocate for dealer rights and balanced OEM-dealer relationships. You can follow his ongoing work and industry commentary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjsheffield.
Michael Shell | Founder and CEO | Movarna
Michael Shell is the Founder and CEO of Movarna, a premier online platform and experience center dedicated to collectible vehicles, and the creator of the Iron Lilly movie, an inspiring true story about America’s first female motorcycle dealer. With a deep passion for storytelling, innovation and automotive culture, Shell combines technology and experience to elevate how enthusiasts connect with the vehicles they love. His leadership reflects a commitment to excellence, authenticity and world class service. Through Movarna and Iron Lilly, he is building a lasting legacy that celebrates history, empowers visionaries and drives the future of automotive and motorsports culture.
Scott Smith | Vice President, OEM and Strategic Initiatives | Trader Interactive
Scott Smith, Vice President, OEM and Strategic Initiatives at Trader Interactive, is an accomplished marketer who specializes in creating winning partnerships between top brands and their agencies with leading media and content publishers. With over 15 years of experience in brand, product and retail marketing positions at Ford, Nissan and McDonald’s, as well as senior content and partnership marketing roles in media organizations, such at Sportsnet and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), he’s built a reputation as a strategic, innovative and creative force for driving marketing success across industries and borders. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree from Queen’s University and an MBA from Dalhousie University in Canada. He resides in Toronto, where he lives with his wife Chantel and their beloved petite golden doodle, Luna.
Bryan Tierney | Sales Engineer | Lightspeed DMS
Bryan Tierney’s journey with Lightspeed began more than 30 years ago, inspired by a lifelong passion for the powersports industry. What started with weekends spent at a local motorcycle shop with his father led to his first job behind the parts counter — and ultimately, a distinguished career with Lightspeed.
Today, as a Lightspeed sales engineer, Bryan is a contributor to the company’s daily activity, having authored numerous blogs, presented at major industry events, led webinars and delivered thousands of product demonstrations. His enduring enthusiasm for the recreation industry continues to drive his work.
