Garagecast - All Things Power Sports and Marine

Hosted by Garage Composites

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Episodes

367

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

This podcast will give you a boots on the ground look at "wants based" industries. Guest speakers will be actual dealers that distinguish themselves, industry insiders, OEM executives, and retail experts. This podcast is intended for those that work their fingers to the bone selling equipment that enriches lives and keeps friends and family values cemented in the American culture. With the intention of raising awareness, new ideas, and profitability, come and have a listen to Garagecast...Are You Ready?

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60 recent

October 20, 2026Episode 35655 min

Ep. #365 -Margins Are Shrinking. Now What? The Dealership Profit Playbook

Sam Dantzler and Tony Gonzalez break down what’s working inside powersports, Harley-Davidson, and marine dealerships—from F&I and service profitability to digital lead conversion, AI, and the challenges of FTC pricing compliance. Get practical strategies to stop losing leads, turn existing customers into repeat buyers, and build a team that sells the entire dealership experience. Before you spend more chasing customers, make sure you’re converting the ones you already have. UPDATE 2027 is back. Join Garage Composites January 31–February 1 for one of the powersports and marine industry’s premier training and networking events. Featuring industry training, 20 Clubs, and opportunities for dealers, manufacturers, vendors, owners, and managers to connect and grow. Bring your team and plan to join us for UPDATE 2027.

October 13, 2026Episode 36447 min

Ep. #364 - Building Bridges: The Crossover Between RV and Marine Industries with Matt Zimmerman

Nearly three decades in RVs. President and CEO of Keystone RV. Now, a new chapter in boating. Seaglass Pontoon Boats President Matt Zimmerman joins GarageCast to share the leadership lessons and dealer insights behind his RV career—and how he’s applying them to make family boating more affordable and buying a boat simpler. UPDATE 2027 is back. Join Garage Composites January 31–February 1 for one of the powersports and marine industry’s premier training and networking events. Featuring industry training, 20 Clubs, and opportunities for dealers, manufacturers, vendors, owners, and managers to connect and grow. Bring your team and plan to join us for UPDATE 2027.

October 6, 2026Episode 35356 min

Ep. #363 - Building a Marine Empire: John Wooden on Business Growth and Strategy

From mowing lawns to building an 11-location dealership business—how did John Wooden pull it off? The owner of Minnesota’s River Valley Power and Sports joins GarageCast to share the risks and strategic moves behind his growth. Hear how marinas create year-round revenue, smarter inventory decisions keep business moving, and proactive service brings customers back. Plus, John weighs in on succession planning and what’s next for marine and powersports dealers. UPDATE 2027 is back. Join Garage Composites January 31–February 1 for one of the powersports and marine industry’s premier training and networking events. Featuring industry training, 20 Clubs, and opportunities for dealers, manufacturers, vendors, owners, and managers to connect and grow. Bring your team and plan to join us for UPDATE 2027.

September 29, 2026Episode 36238 min

Ep. #362 - Used Powersports Prices Are Up. Are Dealers Missing the Opportunity?

The book says one thing. The auction says another. Jim Woodruff and Mike Murray of National Powersports Auctions join GarageCast to explain why wholesale values are holding stronger than many dealers think—and how to turn more trade-ins into profitable pre-owned sales. Plus, the outlook for Harley-Davidson, marine, and the months ahead. UPDATE 2027 is back. Join Garage Composites January 31–February 1 for one of the powersports and marine industry’s premier training and networking events. Featuring industry training, 20 Clubs, and opportunities for dealers, manufacturers, vendors, owners, and managers to connect and grow. Bring your team and plan to join us for UPDATE 2027.

September 22, 202657 min

Ep. #361 - The Impact of Fed Rate Hikes with Russell Baqir - Northpoint Financial

What does the latest Fed rate move really mean for powersports and marine dealers? Northpoint Financial’s Russell Baqir breaks down consumer confidence, aged inventory, F&I opportunities, and the moves dealers and OEMs should be making right now to protect cash flow and profitability. UPDATE 2027 is back. Join Garage Composites January 31–February 1 for one of the powersports and marine industry’s premier training and networking events. Featuring industry training, 20 Clubs, and opportunities for dealers, manufacturers, vendors, owners, and managers to connect and grow. Bring your team and plan to join us for UPDATE 2027.

September 8, 2026Episode 36049 min

Ep. #360 - From Power Sports to Marine: Insights from Malibu Boats CEO Steve Menneto

What’s next for the boating industry? Malibu Boats CEO and former Polaris executive Steve Menneto joins GarageCast to talk dealer strategy, pre-owned pricing, inventory discipline, financing, wakeboat regulations, and the changing marine consumer. Plus, Steve shares the strategy behind bringing Saxdor boat production to the U.S. and where he sees the biggest opportunities—and challenges—ahead for marine dealers and manufacturers. UPDATE 2027 is back. Join Garage Composites January 31–February 1 for one of the powersports and marine industry’s premier training and networking events. Featuring industry training, 20 Clubs, and opportunities for dealers, manufacturers, vendors, owners, and managers to connect and grow. Bring your team and plan to join us for UPDATE 2027.

September 2, 2026Episode 3591 hr 12 min

Ep. #359 - Quality and Affordability: Bill Fenech's New Approach to Pontoons

Bill Fenech is coming out of retirement—and he’s got a big announcement. The former CEO of Barletta Premium Pontoon Boats returns to GarageCast to reveal SeaGlass Pontoons , his brand-new venture aimed at bringing affordability, quality, and excitement back to boating. Bill shares why he’s jumping back into the marine industry, what he believes the industry is getting wrong, and why SeaGlass could shake up the entry-level pontoon market. Bill Fenech is back—and he’s ready to make some noise. UPDATE 2027 is back. Join Garage Composites January 31–February 1 for one of the powersports and marine industry’s premier training and networking events. Featuring industry training, 20 Clubs, and opportunities for dealers, manufacturers, vendors, owners, and managers to connect and grow. Bring your team and plan to join us for UPDATE 2027.

September 1, 2026Episode 35845 min

Ep. #358 - Pt. 2 Insights from Nike's Bret Schoolmeester

In Part 2 with Nike’s Bret Schoolmeester, we go behind the scenes of one of the world’s most influential brands to explore leadership, product innovation, supply chain challenges, and the future of retail. Bret shares how Nike empowers teams, turns consumer insights into products, navigates COVID disruption, and connects manufacturing with the customer experience. We also uncover lessons powersports and marine dealers can apply to product knowledge, personalization, and the evolving balance between in-store and online retail. Plus, Bret shares stories from inside Nike—including his experiences with legendary founder Phil Knight. UPDATE 2027 is back. Join Garage Composites January 31–February 1 for one of the powersports and marine industry’s premier training and networking events. Featuring industry training, 20 Clubs, and opportunities for dealers, manufacturers, vendors, owners, and managers to connect and grow. Bring your team and plan to join us for UPDATE 2027.

August 25, 2026Episode 35743 min

Ep. #357 - Behind the Scenes at Nike: A Conversation with VP Bret Schoolmeester on Retail and Innovation

What does it take to build a game-changing product—and a winning team? Nike Running Footwear VP Bret Schoolmeester joins GarageCast to share his journey from competitive runner to Nike executive, his role in the revolutionary Vaporfly, and lessons on leadership, resilience, innovation, and the future of retail. UPDATE 2027 is back. Join Garage Composites January 31–February 1 for one of the powersports and marine industry’s premier training and networking events. Featuring industry training, 20 Clubs, and opportunities for dealers, manufacturers, vendors, owners, and managers to connect and grow. Bring your team and plan to join us for UPDATE 2027.

August 18, 202652 min

Ep. #356 - Navigating the Power Sports Landscape: Insights from Michael Maledon

From attorney to dealer principal, Michael Maledon shares the leadership lessons, pricing transparency strategies, and customer-first philosophy driving success at one of the powersports industry's top dealership groups. Discover how culture, technology, and trust are shaping the future of powersports retail. UPDATE 2027 is back. Join Garage Composites January 31–February 1 for one of the powersports and marine industry’s premier training and networking events. Featuring industry training, 20 Clubs, and opportunities for dealers, manufacturers, vendors, owners, and managers to connect and grow. Bring your team and plan to join us for UPDATE 2027.