As we were planning our move to Kansas, I went public with some of the trials and wins of the experience. In fact, besides heavily discounting the dealer enrollment to the Powersport Academy, I also launched a Go-Fund-Me to help with some of the expenses of fleeing California.
You may be reading this and going back to the first paragraph — What?!?!
Well, it was with great hesitation that I did this. It was actually a peer of mine in the I.T. space that said “You totally should”. Between the efforts of Mañana No Mas!, The Powersport Academy and Go-Fund-Me… we got here. The whole thing seems to have created a buzz.
We went to the State Fair our first week here and the UTV and Agriculture displays were great. I talked to many families who enjoyed being able to see, touch, and dream about a new UTV without the high pressure of being in the showroom.
So far in the industry, I have had meetings with Derek Sanders, Joe Iribarren, Jason Gearld, and multiple dealers. The “Buzz” is palpable. Are people curious about the move to Kansas, or are people excited about the programs I am trying to launch through the Academy? Time will tell.
We haven’t even been here a month and we’ve:
- Been to the fair
- Networked with Local Business
- Serviced motorcycles and components
- Met with Industry Experts
- Enjoyed life
Let me give you some feedback on the move and its affect on the Academy. We are in Hutchinson, and shopping for our permanent location. The people are phenomenal. As a family, we have yet to have a poor experience interacting with anyone in the area. As an example of this, we took the boy (15 years old) to a youth group. The place was popping with about 60-70 kids his age. As we walked to the door, I noticed each young man either held the door for someone else or graciously said “Thank you, sir.” in an articulate respectful manner. Young ladies approached and smiled… replying sweetly as you addressed them.
After the event, when we picked up our son, he was smiling. He said, “People are different in Kansas – they actually introduce themselves to the new kid.” He had a blast and is ready to go back. Best of all, he met kids who offered to go shooting or ride motocross with him. He is stoked.
On the business front, I have many entrepreneurs reaching out through LinkedIn and email to meet me and set up lunches to see how we can add value to each other. Setting up a permanent studio and training center here is not an obstacle.
On the fitness front, I am back in the saddle and logging miles on the bicycles. I am not hitting the numbers I wish I was, but getting there. Another Kansas anomaly in comparison to California… people pull to the side for cyclists instead of crowding them to the shoulder. Fitness and safety? What a concept.
In the coming days, you will see many more posts and content about our move and its results. I have exciting news about the Academy and a certification process that will certify the entire dealership – but that deserves its own post.
