Herohub Podcast

Herohub Podcast

di Jared Burt
Stagione 1

Leadership and Dealership Culture with Brandon Prokupek

In this powerful episode of the Herohub Podcast, Brandon Prokupek shares his remarkable journey through the powersports industry, from a 16-year-old inventory counter to a successful dealership leader. Learn how he transformed a struggling family business during the 2008 recession into a thriving $19 million enterprise by focusing on leadership, sales training, and understanding customer needs. Brandon reveals critical insights into building a winning team, the importance of mentorship, and why people buy from people, not just products. Hear more from Brandon in our DealerHero Bootcamps. Register here: https://www.herohub.com/bootcamps/sales-digital-marketing-bootcamp-sign-up

Powersports Accounting and Small Business Excellence with Lexa Frasier

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lexa Frasier from Apple State Polaris and Medford Power Sports, who shares her unexpected journey into the power sports industry. What started as a Facebook job posting response has evolved into a fulfilling career as a controller at a close-knit dealership in Central Washington. Lexa opens up about accidentally discovering her passion for the industry, the importance of supportive leadership, and how her business management degree shaped her approach to work. Lexa also shares practical insights on the behind-the-scenes accounting work that keeps dealerships running smoothly, the importance of doing things right the first time, and how small gestures can make a big impact on customers. Whether you're considering a career in power sports or looking for inspiration on building meaningful workplace relationships, this episode offers valuable perspectives on finding your path and making it work for you. Find more at Herohub.com.

Nonprime and Secondary Lending with Angela Hieronimus and Mike Geremia

Bonus
Is your dealership leaving 25-30% of approvable deals on the table by underutilizing secondary lending? Join industry experts Angela Hieronimus (CEO of Live Oak Dealer Services) and Mike Geremia (East Coast Manager of Merrick Bank) as they discuss secondary lending and nonprime deals in the powersports industry. The bottom line? Secondary lending isn't just about expanding sales—it's about creating opportunities for underserved customers while building lifelong dealer relationships and significantly boosting F&I profits. Find more practical tips and strategies at Herohub.com.

Jeremy Johnson of Lightspeed on Growth, Work-Life Balance, and Powersports Evolution

In this episode, we chat with Jeremy Johnson of Lightspeed to explore his journey through the powersports industry and the major shifts he’s witnessed in dealership operations. Jeremy gets candid about the professional challenges he's faced, the tricky balance of political views in business, and what he’d tell his younger self about education and following your passion. We also dive into the exciting webinar collaboration and future work between HeroHub and Lightspeed. Don’t miss this thoughtful and inspiring conversation. https://www.lightspeeddms.com/from-the-open-road-to-the-digital-frontier-blog/

Journey from Teacher to Powersports Leader with Craig Stokebrand

In this episode, we sit down with Craig Stoke, owner of Kearney Power Sports in Kearney, Nebraska—a dealership that’s become a hub for riders across central Nebraska. Craig shares his unexpected journey from aspiring teacher to power sports entrepreneur, reflecting on the values, mentors, and mindset shifts that shaped his career. From humble beginnings selling motorcycles in a small town, Craig built a thriving business rooted in integrity, leadership, and lifelong learning. He opens up about what it means to truly invest in your team—through ongoing training, book clubs, Saturday sessions, and life lessons that go beyond the dealership floor. Craig talks about how he balances business and family life, the power of staying present, and why he responds to every single customer review—positive or negative. He also shares how a painful high school wrestling experience and a list of bankers who turned him down still fuel his drive today. Whether you're a business owner, team leader, or just love a good story of perseverance and growth, this one’s for you.

Learning Curves, Tech, and Ongoing Training with Kyle Reid

In this episode, we chat with Kyle Reid from Vision AST as he shares his journey into the powersports industry. Kyle discusses the challenges he faced transitioning from tech to retail, how to keep your head up during a learning curve, and the secret that he believes will keep powersports businesses lucrative during economic downturns. Tune in to hear his hot takes. Find more inspiration at www.herohub.com.

Powersports, Family, and Small-Town Passion with Amy Benner

In this episode of the HeroHub Podcast, we sit down with Amy Benner of Central Maine Powersports to explore her lifelong journey in the power sports industry. From growing up in her dad’s motorcycle dealership to becoming a key figure at one of Maine’s top dealerships, Amy shares how passion, family, and community have shaped her career. We talk about what makes Maine such a unique place to live and ride, the value of customer relationships, and how to handle both rave reviews and tough feedback with grace. Plus, you’ll hear about Lewiston’s famous "red hot dog," unexpected celebrity encounters, and why a mid-90s Yamaha Fazer still has her heart. Whether you’re a power sports enthusiast, small business owner, or just someone who loves a good origin story, find more inspiration at Herohub at www.herohub.com.

Jennifer Robison on Transforming Powersports Retail Through Visual Merchandising

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Robinson, who shares her incredible journey from starting at the service counter of a Harley-Davidson dealership to becoming a nationally recognized expert in visual merchandising and retail strategy.If you're in the powersports industry—whether as a dealer, manager, or OEM partner—Jennifer’s insights are both practical and inspirational. Her belief that visual merchandising is a function, not just fashion will change the way you look at your showroom floor. Find more inspiration at Herohub.com or join Jennifer Robison's upcoming bootcamp at https://info.herohub.com/parts-management-bootcamp.

Service, Trust, and Impact with Vince Yamaura of Midwest Powersports Inc.

In this episode, we sit down with Vince Yamaura from Midwest Powersports Inc, a Polaris dealership in Milbank, South Dakota. With over 18 years in the business, Vincent shares his journey from working as an automotive transmission tech to owning and operating a thriving dealership rooted in passion for powersports. We talk about creating a service-first culture and how Midwest Powersports maintains a near-perfect customer satisfaction rating by leading with honesty and transparency. But the heart of this episode is the story of an 11-year-old boy named Harrison. Vince recounts how he helped make a terminally ill child’s dream come true by teaching him to ride a motorcycle, hosting a celebration, and going above and beyond to provide the experience of a lifetime. It's a powerful reminder of the deeper impact dealers can have beyond sales. Vincent also shares practical insights into navigating post-COVID inventory challenges, the evolution of the industry, and his best advice for new dealers: “Believe in what you sell.” Find more inspiration at herohub.com.

Kurt Von Ahnen on Leadership, OEMs, and Lessons Learned the Hard Way

In this episode, we sit down with Kurt Von Ahnen—powersports industry veteran, author, consultant, and founder of Mañana No Mas—to talk about his incredible journey through the powersports and automotive industries. From getting kicked out of high school to becoming Ducati North America's Training Manager, Kurt shares candid stories of grit, resilience, and transformation. We explore what it means to bridge the gap between OEMs and dealerships and how understanding both sides of the business can create stronger, more efficient teams. Kurt opens up about personal and professional challenges, what it truly takes to build internal culture, and how his passion for mentorship fuels everything he does today. Whether you're a dealership owner, service writer, or just someone trying to find purpose and balance, this conversation is packed with honesty, perspective, and hard-earned wisdom. Find more inspiration at herohub.com.
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