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2025 NPDA Board of Directors Candidates
Nov. 11, 2024
Below are candidates for the 2025 NPDA Board of Directors. All current Voting members of the association in good standing are allowed to vote in our annual election for Board directors. The association has a total of 14 elected Board seats with 2-year terms. The term for 7 of those seats expires each calendar year. Elections will be held in December of each year. We have an excellent slate of candidates for this year’s 7 seats. Below you will find bios on each candidate.
Jay Goodart - Lawless Harley-Davidson
I have been Dealer Principal at Lawless Harley-Davidson in Scott City, Missouri, since 2020. I would like to bring the same type of synergy to the NPDA relationship of powersport dealers that has been created over decades between the NADA and automotive dealers.
I have over 25 years of franchise vehicle ownership experience, involving both the private and public arenas. I was involved in the launch of what is now AutoNation and involved in the process of helping to outline what have now been functional framework agreements that paved the way for private and public companies to operate with new vehicle manufactures. I have also recently been a founding member of two publicly traded companies and their successful operation during my tenure with Vroom and RumbleOn, both traded on the NASDAQ exchange.
I am a data-driven leader. I like to have the availability of information that will lead to data driven decision making sharing my ideas and in-site on previous experience and not knee-jerk reaction. Thoughtful consideration and great execution makes a plan work. This also brings the information to the table, so all involved understand our direction and their precise role.
I believe the NPDA can bring the whole of the very fragmented powersports industries together. This will cut a path moving forward to allow for consistent growth and continuity between the various manufactures, vendors, and dealers similiar to the RV and automotive industries.
I have been involved with the NPDA since 2021 and been on the H-D Council since inception. The organization was introduced to me from Jim Woodruff, a friend and industry leader who suggested I get involved.
One of my strengths is my previous experience in the automotive industry in manufacturer and dealer relations as well as real world practice in getting large groups of dealers to agree on what is best for the common good. I have served on the national dealer councils of Chevrolet, Nissan, Toyota, as well as Capital1 Bank on their development of the dealer to consumer interface of their AutoNavigator platform.
I would like to continue to lead the powersports industry through the next growth pattern of expansion and survival.
Brett Tekavec - Harley-Davidson of Washington, DC and Queen City Harley-Davidson
Meet Brett Tekavec, who has spent the last 33 successful years in Harley-Davidson retail and Corporate environment. He is currently the Dealer Principal for both Queen City H-D and H-D of Washington, D.C., dealerships.
The Harley-Davidson story begins when he started washing motorcycles during summer breaks from college where he developed a love for the brand and a passion for the industry. The first 12 years of his career was at that same Cleveland dealership where he learned all about the process from sales, fixed operations and management of the dealership. He then began his eight years of working for the Motor Company during which he earned his MBA. In 2011, he decided to alter his career again when he purchased the first of three dealerships. Brett now feels it is time to give back to the industry that provided him the opportunity to become who he is today.
His Ohio dealership has earned Gold Bar and Shield and Maryland has earned Silver Bar & Shield awards. Each dealership has participated in performance groups for the last 13 years. Our industry is ever changing, his experience gained in all aspects of a dealership and corporate perspective gives him unique insight into our industry for his leadership to the NPDA Board. Brett also serves on the Harley-Davidson Council for the NPDA.
When asked to participate in the NPDA, I first wanted to know what it truly stood for and the vision moving forward. Knowing that we can unite as powersports dealers, share knowledge, create awareness, and grow the sport is everything I believe in. This has engulfed my entire career, I know there is plenty more to do, so let’s do it together!
Donald B. Meyers, Jr. – Harley-Davidson of Baltimore
I joined Harley-Davidson of Baltimore July 2005 as General Manager and became Dealer Principal December 2012. I served the dealers in my region on the Harley-Davidson Dealer Advisory Council from 2016-2018. In 2021, we added the Royal Enfield brand and now operate under the umbrella of Baltimore Powersports, Inc.
I have worked with a number of Powersports Groups over the years including the Eastern Harley-Davidson Dealer Association and the Maryland Motorcycle Dealer Association in various leadership roles. Most recently I have served on the Board of NPDA and member of the Harley-Davidson Dealer Council.
I have enjoyed motorcycling since 1990 when I first became licensed to ride and have enjoyed the journey ever since. Organizing group tours and trips to various locations in the USA and meeting many wonderful riders along the roads has been the highlight of my career.
I currently ride a 2021 Road Glide Limited with my wife of 43 years, Beth. Our family includes 4 married children and 7 grandchildren. My oldest son Donnie has worked with me at our dealership for the last 11 years in the role of Parts and Service Manager. Our business has a family culture that prioritizes God, Family and Health in that order. The bottom line is “I Love What I Do”. I value my membership with the NPDA and my participation on the Harley-Davidson Dealer Council because we have built a platform that provides connections, resources, feedback and information for dealers.
In the current challenging times, it is most important that we have connections that allow us to share ideas and thoughts that will help us survive and thrive into the future. The Founding Members had a vision that aligns with my own for the success of our dealerships and industry. I am proud to be a part of this association and with your vote I would like to contribute to the future success of the NPDA.
Mark J. Sheffield – Woods Cycle Country
Born in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, England, Sheffield traveled extensively before eventually settling in Beaumont, Texas. After graduating from Lumberton High School in 1989, he took a brief six-day break before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, followed by advanced individual training (of all things as an M1 Abrams Tank Systems Specialist) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. His military service included a combat tour in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. Upon fulfilling his four-year enlistment, Sheffield transitioned back to civilian life.
The day after leaving the military, Sheffield embarked on what would become a distinguished career in the Powersports/Motorcycle industry, now spanning over 30 years. He has held key positions with a variety of respected dealerships and organizations, including Yamaha of Killeen, Texas Motorsports, Woods Fun Center, America’s Powersports, Honda of Houston, and New Braunfels Cycle Country/Woods Cycle Country and most recently Woods Indian Motorcycle. His expertise and focus on dealerships have also led him to serve on the boards of the Texas Motorcycle Dealer Association, the National Powersports Dealer Association, and most recently, Massimo Motors.
Currently, Sheffield continues his work in the industry as the Strategic Advisor for Woods Cycle Country and Woods Indian Motorcycle. In addition, he collaborates with Spader Business Management and NCM Associates, where he facilitates 20 Groups within the Marine, RV, and Powersports sectors.
In 2016, at the request of Dave McMahon, Sheffield began contributing articles to Powersports Business, which eventually expanded into daily posts on his LinkedIn account. A passionate advocate for dealerships, he actively works to counter the overreach that dealerships often face from certain industry vendors. His goal is to establish a balanced, equitable environment where both dealerships and OEMs can thrive long into the future.
John Leach – Pete’s Cycle
My name is John Leach with Pete's Cycle Company in Baltimore, Maryland. My father started the business in 1938 - 86 years ago - and I have been here 53 of those years. I started riding when I was 6 years old.
I am the owner of two dealerships in the Baltimore area, one in Baltimore and one in Severna Park. We carry Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Triumph, Polaris, Sea-Doo, Can-Am, BRP, Slingshot and Kayo. I have worked in all four departments through the years to gain my knowledge on how to run each department.
In 1984 I became the GM of our Baltimore location and in 1991 became the GM of all five of our locations. I am a member of the NCM (Spader) 20 group. We are one of only a few Honda dealers that are 61 plus years old.
I am on the Maryland Motorcycle Advisory Board that is under the Maryland Auto Dealers Association. I am currently on the NPDA Board and enjoy moving the needle forward to help all dealers no matter what brand.
I believe that NPDA exists to help the dealers bond together in unity and to stand up for what is right for us as the dealer, not the government or manufacturer. However, NPDA can also be the mechanism to strike some sort of compromise when conflict arises in a disagreement. I believed that when I became a member last year and believe that now as a Board member.
Michael Kiley – Tytler’s Cycle and Moto Union
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Michael Kiley has been a lifelong fan, participant and beneficiary of all things motorsports and powersports. Growing up in an extended farming family, his first exposure to motorcycles was at a very young age using them as a tool to bring cows in on dairy farms and getting from farm to farm during hay bailing season – where time is money. Of course, riding a dirtbike like a miniature cowboy – as in all things racing – you have to be faster than your cousin – then buy a bigger bike, then tune it and improve it….
As an adult (subject to argument), Michael has been involved in club and professional racing to include teams involved in auto racing and motorcycle racing. Team Rally Pan America was a fixture in the Dakar, Rally Mongolia, etc… for a decade and team trucks were used to deliver relief supplies – including shoes and mosquito netting, malaria prevention devices to remote villages in Africa. Have fun, do good. In auto racing, Michael and his teams won the Pirelli World Championship and placed third in the Hot Road Drag Week Gasser class – paying tribute to the builders of the 50’s and 60’s.
Michael is the owner of Tytler’s Cycle Racing which currently competes in the MotoAmerica Superbike class, Supersport class and Super Hooligan class. One goal of the race team is to expand motorcycling and the market that goes with it – by tying it into the gaming and entertainment communities. The industry needs the next wave of riders and buyers and this is a great way to cause growth. TCR has created history on a number of fronts – first female on the podium in a national series, first electric motorcycle on the podium against ICE bikes in a national series, first podiums for BMW in 45 years of professional racing.
Michael built a successful technology company from the 1980s to the 2020s. That group of companies provided industry leading solutions for small businesses to provide retirement plans to their owners and employees. While the company itself was not a household name, it was an “ingredient partner” to the top banks, brokerages and payroll/financial firms in the country – as well as a partner to various governments around the world. The best part of owning that company was when the snow came off the roads and he could ride his motorcycle from Wisconsin to Boston, New York, Washington DC, Houston, etc., for partner meetings. In the early days he often had to hide his motorcycle and riding gear as the industry was not favorable to motorcycle riding CEOs. Michael remains active in government policy mostly related to making sure that worker’s retirements are funding worker’s retirements and not poorly executed governance. The economy is healthier when people have money for motorcycles.
Michael owns two dealerships in Wisconsin – Tytler’s Cycle in Green Bay and MotoUnion in Milwaukee. BMW, Ducati, Indian and Royal Enfield are the primary brands represented. The dealerships are focused on converting industry processes and software from transaction and machine oriented to customer oriented in hopes of vesting the value in the dealership in its relationship to the community as well as in the brands it sells and the transactions it executes. DMS as CRM support. OEMs manufacture motorcycles, we manufacture customers.
All of Michael’s companies run on three key words – Care, Know, Do. Michael and his wife Gina are the parents of 7 children and (so far) 6 grandchildren – some of whom are active in the dealerships and/or race team.
When not in the business, Washington DC or surrounded by family – Michael and his wife are happy to not be found – touring all areas of the country on a motorcycle. “I thought it was why I married HER. Turns out it’s why she married ME.”
Justin Alpiser – Team Powersports Garner and Team Powersports Raleigh
I would like to help strengthen the industry that has been so great to me by increasing dealer profitability, customer experience, and the amount of rider/participants in the sport(s) we love so much.
I started off as a front-line salesperson 20 years ago with no experience and no clue what I was doing. We had two brands and the time and one location. I have since worked my way up to co-owner/operator and have served at some point in almost every position in the dealership. We now have two locations, 14 brands between both locations, have doubled the square footage of the original location and planning on future expansions.
My leadership style is very much of a servant leader. If I can help my team reach their individual goals, I will without a doubt inevitably reach mine. I have served on a few dealer councils, I have been the Chairman of 20 group, and most recently the Vice President of the North Carolina Motorcycle Dealer Association.
I would like to strengthen dealers through sustainability, education, programs and the power of a unified front to take on legislative topics that could be detrimental to the industry and support those that help us move forward.
My NPDA background is currently as an NPDA member that gleams information, attempts to draw more members, and more participation. I look forward to participating in future educational tracks and events.
I offer a unique perspective to many, perhaps not all, in that I started at the bottom, worked my way up, oversee multiple roof tops and often times have a different way of looking at things. I am very pragmatic and data driven. I rarely operate on feelings and emotions.
I would want to contribute to the Board to paint the vision, build a roadmap for the future of powersports and how we are going to continue to grow sustainably as an industry despite all the noise out in the world.
Realigning Focus: Prioritizing Common Goals in the Powersports Industry
May 23, 2024
Dealers - via emails, phone calls and in-person conversations with staff and Board members at the National Powersports Dealer Association - have expressed a litany of concerns in 2024 about perceived overreach by their Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) business partners, with recurring themes centering on:
● Excessive inventory requirements exceeding market demand.
● Mandates to procure costly displays and fixtures.
● OEM intrusion into dealer-operated platforms such as websites, Dealer Management Systems, and CRMs.
● Compulsory investments in facilities for designated OEM display areas.
● Mandatory disclosure of comprehensive financial data beyond brand-specific metrics.
● Imposition of sales targets based on arbitrary market share benchmarks, often unsupported by verifiable data.
These demands, among others, are consolidated into overarching certification frameworks intricately linked to incentive schemes positioned above the vehicle margin— the delta between dealer invoice and Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Dealers opting for non-compliance with these program prerequisites find themselves at a financial disadvantage compared to their conforming counterparts.
When confronted with such challenges, NPDA's initial guidance to dealers emphasizes a thorough grasp of franchise laws governing each state. These legislative frameworks delineate the parameters within which OEMs operate across the national landscape, with nuances varying from state to state. Transgressions against these laws risk forfeiture of market access within the affected jurisdictions.
Legal scrutiny has revealed divergences such as:
● Classification of vehicles under motor-vehicle statutes, varying between states. In some states an ATV or side-by-side might be covered under motor-vehicle statutes, while in others they are excluded.
● The exclusion of powersports vehicles from lemon law provisions (many vehicles now cost more than cars, why should they not be held to the same standard).
● OEM prerogatives to offer exclusive dealership privileges selectively (dealers receiving limited edition models only when they complete other tasks).
● Reimbursement standards for parts and labor utilized in warranty repairs, among other considerations.
A pervasive challenge lies in OEMs' occasional disregard for established legal norms. While such conduct may be ethically contentious, dealers bear the onus of familiarizing themselves with pertinent statutes and holding errant vendors accountable. Regrettably, many dealers only discern violations post hoc, when resources such as legal recourse become prohibitively costly, often leaving them at a disadvantage vis-à-vis better-funded OEMs.
The linchpin of dealer protection resides in robust state Dealer Associations. Presently, approximately 13 states boast standalone powersports dealer associations or affiliations with broader auto dealer associations. While NPDA's jurisdiction is advisory rather than legislative, plans are underway to equip dealers via the formation of an NPDA State Council for each state that does not have an existing powersports dealer association. This initiative will furnish a blueprint of best practices alongside recommended statutes for advocacy, distilled from an analysis of states with robust dealer protections.
Ongoing discussions with dealers point to consistent violations of state laws. Some of them that we’ve already identified:
● Disparate treatment of dealers through multi-tiered systems. In offering bonuses to some dealers while withholding them from others, consumers and dealers may be harmed.
● Coercion of dealers into purchasing superfluous and overpriced equipment.
● When dealers complete warranty and recall repairs, failing to reimburse dealers at
standard labor rates and MSRP for parts.
While legislative language varies, the aforementioned violations have been documented across multiple states.
NPDA's principal recourse in resolving disputes entails serving as a clearinghouse between dealers and OEMs. Preferably, collaborative dialogues with industry stakeholders yield mutually beneficial programs that drive progress while ensuring parity among dealers and adherence to state statutes.
Our preference is to achieve win/win solutions. The NPDA will continue to facilitate these conversations in an effort to provide dealers with methods of achieving sustainable profitability. Dealers and OEM representatives who are eager to join in the conversation should contact Dave McMahon, NPDA Executive Director, at dave@npda.org.