EP45: Connecting Riders Through Communication and Community - Lauren Swanson, Cardo Systems Marketing Manager, Americas & Global PR Manager

EP45: Connecting Riders Through Communication and Community - Lauren Swanson, Cardo Systems Marketing Manager, Americas & Global PR Manager

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2469267/fan_mail/new] Lauren Swanson has been around motorcycles since she was a baby before eventually buying her own bike in her twenties. Today, she serves as Marketing Manager, Americas and Global PR Manager for Cardo Systems, where she helps lead regional marketing, product launches, PR efforts and industry partnerships across the motorcycle space. In this episode, Lauren talks with host Heather Wilson Schiltz about how her riding journey evolved from street bikes to adventure riding, dual sport and single-track. She talks about learning off-road skills on a Harley-Davidson Pan America, finding confidence on smaller dirtbikes, getting involved with Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders and helping make the sport more welcoming for newer riders. Lauren also reflects on her time at Harley-Davidson, where she worked in experiential marketing and helped introduce new riders, women riders and community groups to motorcycling. She and Heather discuss the importance of rider retention, creating authentic motorcycle marketing, riding communities and why communication systems can be especially valuable. 🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * How Lauren’s motorcycle story started with her dad’s Heritage Softail * What she learned riding the Harley-Davidson Pan America off-road * Why bike setup and suspension matter, especially for smaller riders * How Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders is working to welcome newer and younger riders * The role community plays in keeping people engaged in motorcycling * Lauren’s path from nonprofit marketing to Harley-Davidson and Cardo Systems * How Cardo is expanding into integrated helmet communication systems * Why communication can be so useful in all segments of riding * How women’s riding communities and industry networking continue to grow 📲 Connect with Lauren Swanson on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/booksbikesandbrewcity/] or LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenswanson1228/] 📲 Follow Cardo Systems on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cardosystems/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CardoSystems/] or YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/CardoSystemsInc] 🌐 Learn more at CardoSystems.com [https://cardosystems.com/] SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a motorsports event organizer who wants more participants or attendees, your marketing and operations may be in need of a revamp. I help evaluate where you're at, develop a customized strategy, implement the tasks and assess the results. So if you're serious about getting more support, let's work together. Visit HighGearSuccess.com [https://highgearsuccess.com/] to get started.  SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com [https://highgearsuccess.com/] to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.  Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/C2D7XG5RCWHJE] ------------------------------------- Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success 👉 Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com [https://momentummotorsportspodcast.com/] 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@MomentumMotorsportsPodcast] for more motorsports stories and strategies 📸 Follow @MomentumMotorsportsPodcast on Instagram [https://Instagram.com/MomentumMotorsportsPodcast] + Facebook [https://Facebook.com/MomentumMotorsportsPodcast]

EP44: The Traveler Behind "Ride. Wrench. Repeat." - Mark Scherrens, Moto Adventurer Unscripted Podcast Co-Host

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2469267/fan_mail/new] Mark Scherrens, Moto Adventurer Unscripted Podcast Co-Host, joins host Heather Wilson Schiltz to talk about the early days on ADV Rider forums, paper maps and building friendships through the DOGS (Dual Sporters of Georgia).  Mark talks about the evolution of adventure motorcycling, the value of talking to locals and how social media has changed the way riders discover places. He also shares stories from working at a motorcycle dealership where he organized rides and events, co-hosting Moto Adventurer Unscripted and bringing his creative side into the industry through illustration and event shirt design. 🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * Why he believes learning in the dirt can make riders better on the street * The early days of ADV Rider forums  * A memorable gas station encounter involving the KTM brand, Long Way Around and an unexpected fan * Mark’s take on how adventure riding has changed over the last 20-plus years * What dealerships can gain from hosting rides, bike nights and community events * How Mark became co-host of Moto Adventurer Unscripted with Drew Faulkner * Why he feels long-form podcasting can create better conversations * Mark’s freelance illustration work * What Mark is riding now, including his Norden 901 Expedition and upcoming BMW 1200 GSA 📲 Connect with Mark Scherrens on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ride.wrench.repeat] 🌐 Listen to Moto Adventurer Unscripted podcast at MotoAdventurer.com [https://motoadventurer.com/] SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a motorsports event organizer who wants more participants or attendees, your marketing and operations may be in need of a revamp. I help evaluate where you're at, develop a customized strategy, implement the tasks and assess the results. So if you're serious about getting more support, let's work together. Visit HighGearSuccess.com [https://highgearsuccess.com/] to get started.  SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com [https://highgearsuccess.com/] to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.  Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/C2D7XG5RCWHJE] ------------------------------------- Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success 👉 Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com [https://momentummotorsportspodcast.com/] 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@MomentumMotorsportsPodcast] for more motorsports stories and strategies 📸 Follow @MomentumMotorsportsPodcast on Instagram [https://Instagram.com/MomentumMotorsportsPodcast] + Facebook [https://Facebook.com/MomentumMotorsportsPodcast]

EP43: What Your Motorcycle Lights Aren’t Showing You - Erik Stephens, BWI Director of eCommerce

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2469267/fan_mail/new] Erik Stephens, Director of eCommerce at BWI (parent company of brands like Twisted Throttle, DENALI Electronics and more), shares the evolution of rider-focused lighting products.  In this episode, host Heather Wilson Schiltz talks with Erik about how real-world rider experiences and customer feedback influence product development, from forward lighting to side visibility and CANbus-controlled accessories. He also breaks down homologation, why some aftermarket lights can be dangerous when improperly designed or installed, and what riders should understand before upgrading their motorcycle lighting. The conversation also explores the business side of scaling enthusiast brands, including international growth, localized marketing, distribution, fulfillment and the importance of listening directly to customers at events like the BMW MOA National Rally and Touratech Rally. 🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * How Twisted Throttle started from a motorcycle accessory group buy * How DENALI Electronics grew out of a need for better vehicle-specific lighting solutions * Why rider safety is a major motivator behind DENALI product development * The difference between seeing better and being seen by other drivers * Why side and rear visibility are becoming bigger priorities for motorcyclists * What homologation means and why street-legal lighting standards matter * How CANbus technology changed motorcycle accessory installation * Why real-world demonstrations help riders understand lighting performance * What DENALI learns from customers at motorcycle rallies and events * The challenges of scaling motorcycle and off-road brands internationally * How rider needs differ between the U.S., Europe and Australia * Practical starting points for riders who want to improve motorcycle visibility 📲 Connect with Erik Stephens via email [erik.stephens@us.brownwatson.com] 🌐 Learn more at DENALIelectronics.com [https://denalielectronics.com/] 🌐 Learn more at VisionXOffRoad.com [https://visionxoffroad.com/] SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a motorsports event organizer who wants more participants or attendees, your marketing and operations may be in need of a revamp. I help evaluate where you're at, develop a customized strategy, implement the tasks and assess the results. So if you're serious about getting more support, let's work together. Visit HighGearSuccess.com [https://highgearsuccess.com/] to get started.  SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com [https://highgearsuccess.com/] to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.  Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/C2D7XG5RCWHJE] ------------------------------------- Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success 👉 Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com [https://momentummotorsportspodcast.com/] 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@MomentumMotorsportsPodcast] for more motorsports stories and strategies 📸 Follow @MomentumMotorsportsPodcast on Instagram [https://Instagram.com/MomentumMotorsportsPodcast] + Facebook [https://Facebook.com/MomentumMotorsportsPodcast]

EP42: Building Relationships That Move Product - Chase Bailey, Independent Sales Rep

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2469267/fan_mail/new] Chase Bailey, an independent sales rep in the powersports industry, shares how racing dirtbikes as a kid led him into dealership work, where he learned the value of relationships, product knowledge and connecting with customers. In this episode, host Heather Wilson Schiltz chats with Chase about the role of independent sales reps, how the Powersports Rep Association helps open doors in the industry, and what it takes to represent multiple brands while supporting dealerships in a meaningful way.  From dealer-direct sales and merchandising advice to social media, customer experience and the realities of working on commission, this conversation gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at an often unspoken part of the powersports business. 🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * Lessons learned from working in dealership parts departments * What an independent sales rep does and how the role differs from working for one brand * How the Powersports Rep Association helps individuals break into the professional side of the industry * Why relationships and communication matter so much in sales * Tips dealerships can use to better sell parts, accessories and apparel * Why product knowledge, merchandising and social media can make a big difference * Chase’s advice for anyone wanting to build a career in powersports 📲 Connect with Chase Bailey on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ChaseBailey918] 🌐 Learn more about the PRA at PowersportsRepAssociation.org [https://powersportsrepassociation.org/] SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a motorsports event organizer who wants more participants or attendees, your marketing and operations may be in need of a revamp. I help evaluate where you're at, develop a customized strategy, implement the tasks and assess the results. So if you're serious about getting more support, let's work together. Visit HighGearSuccess.com [https://highgearsuccess.com/] to get started.  SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com [https://highgearsuccess.com/] to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.  Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/C2D7XG5RCWHJE] ------------------------------------- Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success 👉 Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com [https://momentummotorsportspodcast.com/] 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@MomentumMotorsportsPodcast] for more motorsports stories and strategies 📸 Follow @MomentumMotorsportsPodcast on Instagram [https://Instagram.com/MomentumMotorsportsPodcast] + Facebook [https://Facebook.com/MomentumMotorsportsPodcast]

EP41: What Makes a Motorcycle Feel Right? - David Zelma, SW-MOTECH USA Country Manager

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2469267/fan_mail/new] David Zelma, SW-MOTECH USA Country Manager, has built a career around motorcycles, marketing and the aftermarket industry. In this episode, host Heather Wilson Schiltz talks with him about his path from the custom Harley side of the industry to the adventure touring market. David shares how an early piece of advice helped him choose a career tied to something he loved. The conversation also explores dealer education, motorcycle setup, the growth of smaller-displacement bikes, emerging e-bike riders and why hands-on product knowledge still matters in sales, marketing and leadership. 🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * How David turned his love of motorcycles into a long career in powersports * Lessons learned from the Harley, custom and performance aftermarket segments * Why adventure touring became an exciting next chapter * How bike fitment can make a major difference * What sets SW-MOTECH apart in luggage, crash protection and rider accessories * How dealer education supports both dealerships and riders * David’s perspective on small-displacement motorcycles, Chinese brands and future riders * Why technical product knowledge strengthens marketing and storytelling * The role technology plays in modern motorcycles * David’s favorite SW-MOTECH product and how he uses it every day 📲 Follow SW-MOTECH on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/swmotech_usa/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SWMOTECH.USA] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@SW-MOTECH] 🌐 Learn more at SW-MOTECH.us [https://sw-motech.us/en-us] SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a motorsports event organizer who wants more participants or attendees, your marketing and operations may be in need of a revamp. I help evaluate where you're at, develop a customized strategy, implement the tasks and assess the results. So if you're serious about getting more support, let's work together. Visit HighGearSuccess.com [https://highgearsuccess.com/] to get started.  SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com [https://highgearsuccess.com/] to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.  Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/C2D7XG5RCWHJE] ------------------------------------- Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success 👉 Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com [https://momentummotorsportspodcast.com/] 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@MomentumMotorsportsPodcast] for more motorsports stories and strategies 📸 Follow @MomentumMotorsportsPodcast on Instagram [https://Instagram.com/MomentumMotorsportsPodcast] + Facebook [https://Facebook.com/MomentumMotorsportsPodcast]