A2C’s Chief Compliance Officer Matt Vatter works with A2C’s clients to ensure the quality of their information security programs. Matt joined A2C in early 2023 after 37 years in the Minnesota National Guard, during which he completed tours of duty in Iraq and rose to the rank of a full colonel. More recently, Matt served as Assistant Commissioner for Enforcement for the Minnesota Department of Commerce, where he first crossed paths with A2C working on the issue of regulatory compliance. Matt recently received a Visionary Leadership Award from the 2023 Minnesota Cyber Security Summit.

Zach Materne is a Commercial Property & Casualty Risk Consultant with Apiar Commercial Risk Management, where he leads the firm's Powersports Dealership Practice. He works with dealerships across the United States to develop insurance and risk management strategies for complex operations, including garage liability, property, workers' compensation, inventory, umbrella, and executive risk coverages.

Before entering the insurance industry, Zach spent 17 years leading operations for his family's powersports dealership in New Orleans, representing BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Triumph, Vespa, and Piaggio. His experience as a dealership operator provides a practical understanding of the challenges dealers face every day and the operational decisions that influence risk.

In addition to advising clients, Zach is an active advocate for the powersports industry, working with carriers and underwriters to improve their understanding of professionally managed dealership operations and expand insurance options for dealers nationwide. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and webinars and regularly contributes educational content focused on dealership risk management and the evolving insurance marketplace.

Andrew Fuller is a Business Development Manager for AppOne, bringing over 6 years of dealership operations experience to the team. His familiarity with front-end operations offers recreational dealers first-hand knowledge of tips to maximize their efforts and profits during sales and F&I.

Cam Domine brings over 20 years of RV dealer experience to AppOne as a Business Development Manager. Since joining the team in January 2025, Cam has focused on helping dealers grow their business through efficient digital lending solutions. Cam's expertise in the industry spans retail operations, fixed ops, and dealer development.

David J. Ball is an accomplished insurance executive and business development leader

with more than four decades of experience building sales organizations, expanding

distribution channels, developing insurance products, and advising automobile and

motorcycle dealers on complex risk-management needs. Since 2018, he has served as

Vice President of Brightline Dealer Advisors, where he develops dealership relationships,

evaluates operational exposures, and delivers tailored property and casualty strategies in

collaboration with F&I professionals, account managers, underwriters, and carrier

partners. His approach is grounded in consultative selling, long-term relationship

development, and practical solutions that support both protection and profitable growth.

Throughout his career, David has held senior leadership positions with insurance carriers,

brokerage firms, managing general agencies, and consulting organizations. As founder and

President and CEO of Point North Advisors, he advised insurance companies, agencies,

and managing general agents on underwriting, product development, claims, profitability

improvement, distribution, customer service, and operational strategy. His engagements

included a $68 million insurance company acquisition, insurance agency valuations and

acquisition negotiations, a post-hurricane claims audit, and the development of a start-up

managing general agency from business plan to launch in 11 months.

During his tenure with Florida Peninsula Insurance Company, David helped transition the

organization from an acquisition-based model to an organic-growth platform. He built the

company’s sales and marketing functions, implemented enterprise technology and CRM

systems, and helped establish service operations supporting more than 100,000

policyholders and 3,300 independent agents. The company ultimately grew from a start-up

into Florida’s fourth-largest property insurer, with gross written premium exceeding $300

million.

Earlier, as Executive Vice President and Managing Partner of U.S. Insurance Services, David

developed a technology-enabled insurance distribution platform, launched products

through approximately 3,000 distributors across four states, secured relationships with

major insurance organizations, and led the company through seven consecutive years of

sales growth.

David began his insurance career with Universal Underwriters Group/Zurich, serving as

both an Account Executive and regional leader. He consistently ranked among the

company’s top producers, earned President’s Club recognition twice, received the Life

Achiever Award for 10 consecutive years, and was named Western Division Account

Executive of the Year.

David studied Insurance Company Operations at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School

of Business and earned an associate degree in Sales and Marketing from the University of

Toledo. He holds Florida General Lines Property and Casualty and Florida All-Lines Adjuster

licenses, as well as 38 states non-resident Property and Casualty license.

Erik is a Senior Manager on our Dealership Team. Along with managing many of the assurance engagements for the dealership team, Erik strives to be a trusted advisor for his clients by assisting with tax planning and strategies, overall wealth preservation for the owners, and helping dealers with mergers and acquisitions.

EXPERTISE

• Dealership Industry

• Review and Compilation

• Tax Planning

• Merger and Acquisitions

EDUCATION

• BS – Accounting and Finance, Anderson University

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Indiana CPA Society – Member

• American Institute of CPAs - Member

COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

• Noblesville Youth Assistance Program - Treasurer

Jane’s focus is serving clients in the Automotive, RV, Powersport, Boat, Ag Equipment and Construction Equipment industries. Her immersion in the business began in high school as an intern for a General Motor’s facility, and continued when she began her professional career with the international accounting firm of Deloitte working on the General Motors Audit Team. This early exposure to the industry allowed her to develop a broad knowledge base and an understanding of the sector.

Jane’s technical foundation is tax compliance and planning for closely held enterprises, business owners and high wealth individuals and families. Her team and she focus on innovative and timely strategies that align with the economic environment of the dealership industry. Her passion is working with owners to maximize the value of their dealership and preserve their hard earned dollars to assist them in achieving their personal goals. In addition to tax planning and strategies for dealers and their businesses, Jane spends a significant amount of her time helping dealers successfully exit their businesses through transition to a family member, key employee or third-party sale. Jane and her team provide structure, guidance and direction through every step of a transaction, beginning with pre-planning strategies all the way through the closing of a deal.

EXPERTISE

• Tax compliance

• Tax planning

• Financial statement preparation

• Business consulting

• Budgeting / Projections

• Accounting System design

EDUCATION

• BS – Accounting, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants – Member

• Indiana CPA Society – Member

• Indiana Gaming Commission – Commissioner

• Indiana Business Referral Exchange – Member

• Indiana Independent Automobile Dealership Association – Member

• Indiana Auto Dealers Association – Member

• National Auto Dealers Association – Member

• National Association of Women Business Owners – Member

COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

• Allemanders & Promenaders – Co-President

• Gleaner’s Food Bank – Volunteer

• Noblesville Boys and Girls Club Women’s Auxiliary – Member, Past Treasurer

• Noblesville Chamber of Commerce – Member, Tech Tuesday Steering Committee

• Noblesville Shop with a Cop

Mark Boswell is the founder of Crossroads of America Consulting, LLC, a fixed operations consultancy serving RV and Marine dealerships nationwide under the banner “Where Process Meets Profit.”

He built his career from the shop floor up over thirty years — technician, service advisor, parts manager, service manager, fixed operations director, and regional director across multi-rooftop dealership groups — before taking that experience into national dealership consulting, including working with established industry consulting organizations and directly with dealership owners, general managers, fixed operations leaders, and their teams to improve operational performance, productivity, accountability, and profitability. His work focuses on the mechanics of a service department: dispatch sequencing, repair order readiness, parts staging, technician productivity, warranty recovery, and service absorption.

Mark writes on fixed operations for the RV trade press, with 2026 bylined columns in RVBusiness, RV PRO, and RV Executive Today. His background is RV and Marine rather than powersports, and he opens each DealerConnect session by saying so — and by making the case for why fixed operations math behaves the same way regardless of what is on the lift.

Courtney Bernhard is a trusted advisor in the automotive and powersports dealership buy/sell market, helping owners protect, grow, and ultimately maximize the value of their businesses. Since entering the industry in 2019, she has focused on guiding dealers through acquisitions, exits, and operational improvements that strengthen both profitability and long-term enterprise value.

Courtney holds a Florida Real Estate License. She is an Advisor with the National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) and the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). She has completed the NCM Associates Financial Management Course and earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation through the Exit Planning Institute in 2026.

Her career foundation spans multiple industries centered around asset protection and operational strategy. Courtney previously served as Director of Operations for HomeVestors, a national franchise specializing in acquiring distressed real estate. She also spent over a decade with State Farm specializing in Property & Casualty and Life & Health Insurance, helping families and business owners protect their most valuable assets. Additionally, she has more than eight years of experience in the title industry.

This diverse background gives Courtney a unique perspective on risk management, business operations, and transactional strategy—making her a valuable partner to dealership owners navigating growth, transition, and exit planning.

David Pearson’s Powersports journey began at age 18, when he crossed the Canada/U.S. border on a 1978 Honda 750 Four. Following a ten-year career in retail banking, he transitioned into the dealership world—starting as a BMW service advisor and ultimately rising to become a multi-dealership owner. Along the way, he raced the U.S. National Enduro Circuit and was a top competitor at the Vegas to Reno 500 and Baja 1000, all culminating in 2023 when he brought a team to Saudi Arabia to break a record at the grueling Dakar Rally. Having spent his early Powersports years working alongside industry pioneer Ed Lemco, David learned early on that process and constant improvement can be measured, optimized, and passed down. Today, he dedicates that exact expertise to elevating the industry. As a key facilitator for Garage Composites, David manages a few 20 Clubs, leads Management Training Academies, and conducts specialized in-house sales and F&I training to drive culture and maximum dealer profitability.

After purchasing her first motorcycle (against her fathers wishes), an EX500, at the age of 17, Jolene quickly became an avid enthusiast and began her career in the powersports industry in Michigan. She soon transitioned to Harley-Davidson, where she advanced through various roles over 27 years, including Accounting, Sales, Finance, and ultimately General Manager for the majority of her career.

In 2009, Jolene returned to her home state of Ohio and continued her career with a large dealer group. During that time, she had the opportunity to work with Garage Composites in a 20 Club.  That experience ultimately inspired her to join the GC team.  This new role gave her the opportunity to share her passion for leadership, personal growth, and continuous learning with our clients. As Jolene puts it, “GC gives me the opportunity to be around people who are constantly trying to grow and improve their lives and careers.”

Though most may call her a workaholic, Jolene’s true passion is her family, her husband Adam, three daughters (twins Danielle and Mackenzie, and youngest Hayden), and her newest love, her granddaughter Shaylin. When she’s not working, you’ll most likely find Jolene traveling. Often to Florida to visit her daughter or gathering the whole family to go somewhere else with lots of sunshine.

David Gatti is the founder of Ignition XD, the digital marketing arm of Canyon International Marketing and Media, which has been helping powersports dealerships with SEO, web design, and digital content since 2003. He is a recognized industry consultant who frequently speaks on topics such as integrating AI into the sales process and SEO strategy for dealerships, including sessions at the NPDA DealerConnect 2026 event. Gatti is based in El Dorado Hills and leverages his expertise to help dealerships navigate challenges like staffing, inventory, and artificial intelligence without falling for industry hype.

Bryan Tierney's journey with Lightspeed began over thirty years ago, sparked by a childhood passion for the Powersports industry. After spending Saturdays at a local motorcycle shop with his dad, he started working behind the parts counter, where his path to Lightspeed began.

Today, Bryan is a vital contributor to Lightspeed's success, having authored numerous blogs, presented at major events, led webinars, and conducted thousands of product demonstrations. His dedication to the recreation industry, fueled by the same excitement he had as a young boy, makes him an invaluable asset to the team.

Brad Stanek is a financial advisor, certified financial planner, and is registered to do business in all 50 states. Having worked with countless powersports dealers over the past years, he is highly familiar with the many challenges you face in achieving your unique financial goals and is highly adept at leveraging the global resources and vast capabilities of Morgan Stanley. The Stanek-Haack Group prides itself on helping dealers become financially independent of their dealerships.

Paulina Matel is a financial advisor, certified financial planner, and is registered to do business in all 50 states. Having worked with countless powersports dealers over the past years, she is highly familiar with the many challenges you face in achieving your unique financial goals and is highly adept at leveraging the global resources and vast capabilities of Morgan Stanley. The Stanek-Haack Group prides itself on helping dealers become financially independent of their dealerships

Cinnamon Kernes is Vice President of Market Expansion for the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), where she leads initiatives focused on strengthening the powersports industry, expanding industry engagement and creating opportunities for businesses to connect and grow. She also plays a key leadership role in AIMExpo, North America’s premier powersports tradeshow, bringing together dealers, manufacturers, distributors, aftermarket brands and industry leaders. Throughout her 25-year career, Cinnamon has focused on building strong partnerships, creating meaningful industry experiences and finding new ways to move powersports forward.

Andrew Campbell is a Moderator, Consultant, and Instructor with NCM Associates, helping dealership owners and leadership teams improve profitability, strengthen accountability, and turn strategy into measurable results. He brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across the powersports, Harley-Davidson, marine, OEM, and specialty retail industries.

Before joining NCM, Andrew built his career leading dealerships from the inside out. He has directed multi-location operations, led hundreds of team members, managed nine-figure businesses, executed more than 10 acquisitions, and transformed underperforming operations into high-performing organizations. His expertise spans strategic planning, financial management, sales and fixed operations, inventory optimization, leadership development, organizational culture, mergers and acquisitions, and sustainable business growth

.

Today, Andrew combines the perspective of an OEM leader, dealership executive, investor, and advisor to deliver practical, results-driven guidance. His real-world experience helps dealership leaders strengthen their teams, improve financial performance, build healthy cultures, and create long-term enterprise value.

Ashley Lopez Cavazos is a Digital Performance Consultant, Trainer, and Moderator with NCM Associates, where she advises automotive organizations as well as companies within the NCM ARC sector, including RV, marine, powersports, and Harley-Davidson dealerships. Known for blending operator experience with national consulting insight, Ashley brings both strategic vision and real-world practicality to today’s evolving consumer landscape. Prior to NCM, Ashley led Digital Performance and Marketing strategy for two Top 50 dealer groups in the country, relocating to Minnesota to further accelerate her leadership path. She later served as Head of Marketing and Digital Performance for a large Houston-based dealer group, overseeing enterprise strategy across multiple rooftops and brands. With more than 15 years in the industry, she has built high-performing teams and modern marketing ecosystems that drive measurable growth. Ashley is also the President of the Women of Color Automotive Network (WOCAN), a nonprofit dedicated to developing and elevating diverse leaders across the industry. She is an Automotive News 40 Under 40 honoree, a nationally recognized speaker, and has presented at major conferences including NADA.

Jim Woodruff is the Chief Executive Officer of National Powersport Auctions (NPA), stepping into the role in January 2020 as the company's second CEO succeeding co-founder Cliff Clifford. Previously Woodruff served as NPA’s Chief Operating Officer for a decade and earlier as Chief Technology Officer. A lifelong motorcyclist, Woodruff has been actively involved in industry organizations. He has held multiple terms on the Motorcycle Industry Council’s Board of Directors, including as Secretary/Treasurer, and is a dedicated advocate for dealers, serving as a Founding Advisor for the National Powersports Dealer Association. This year Woodruff returns to Dealer Connect for his second consecutive appearance as a featured presenter.

Contact Jim at  jwoodruff@npauctions.com.

Mike Murray, Vice President of Dealer Services at National Powersport Auctions (NPA), brings over two decades of experience in sales and leadership within the powersports and automotive industries. Since joining NPA in 2007, Murray has been instrumental in expanding the company's sales operations and strengthening dealer relationships nationwide. His relationship-focused, educational approach, has earned him a solid reputation as a trusted voice in the industry. Murray is returning to Dealer Connect as a speaker for the third year in a row.

Max Materne is the co-founder of Ownex and a lifelong powersports operator. He spent 17 years building TTRNO, a multi-brand dealership in New Orleans representing Ducati, Triumph, BMW Motorrad, and Vespa, before spending nearly a decade as Lead Service Trainer with Garage Composites, working with hundreds of powersports dealers across the country. Most recently, Max led the turnaround of Moto Julia, rebuilding the operation from the ground up and returning it to profitability. Today he works with OEMs and dealer groups to design the future of dealership operations through Ownex.

A respected entrepreneur, businessman, and dealmaker, George Chaconas began his career as an intermediary with Professional Business Brokers, Inc., brokering small to mid-sized privately held businesses. He continued his career working with other merger and acquisition firms, including Equitable Business & Financial Services.

In 1990, Mr. Chaconas established Washington Partners, a boutique M&A brokerage firm in Tampa, Florida. He expanded into automotive dealership brokerage in 2000 and joined the Automotive Division of National Business Brokers in 2004. In 2005, he established the firm’s Powersports Division, which he led until joining Performance Brokerage Services in 2012. Mr. Chaconas currently serves as Senior Partner of the Southeastern Automotive Division and the Harley-Davidson & Powersports Division.

Mr. Chaconas attended the University of Miami and received a B.A. in Finance from the University of South Florida. He is a member of the M&A Source, where he earned the prestigious Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary (M&AMI) designation. He is also a member of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and has earned its Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation.

Mr. Chaconas is an active member of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), National Association of Dealer Counsel (NADC), National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA), Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), Florida Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), Georgia Automobile Dealers Association (GADA), Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA), North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association (NCADA), Texas Motorcycle Dealers Association (TMDA), and North Carolina Motorcycle Dealers Association (NCMDA).

Mr. Chaconas is a Licensed Real Estate Broker in the states of Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.

Mr. Pardo serves as Managing Partner for Performance Brokerage Services and the National Harley-Davidson & Powersports Division. With over 15 years of M&A experience, Mr. Pardo brings unique experience to helping buyers and sellers come together in the automotive and powersports industries. Juan brings a strong relationship building personality that connects with both buyers and sellers in the life changing process of a dealership buy/sell. With integrity and an understanding of the details involved in a dealership transaction, Juan has become a trusted advisor to dealers across the powersports industry. Prior to joining Performance Brokerage Services, Mr. Pardo was Senior Vice President of Washington Partners, a lower-middle market Mergers & Acquisitions firm. Prior to Washington Partners, Mr. Pardo held several marketing and sales roles for Newell Rubbermaid (NASDAQ: NWL) across the northeast and southeast United States. Mr. Pardo received a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and Management Information Systems from the University of South Florida.

Jayson Davis is a dedicated figure in the Powersports industry, driven by a passion for the community and a commitment to its improvement. With roots tracing back to the '70s when he started riding dirt bikes, Jayson

has traversed a diverse path within the industry.

In the '90s and early '00s, Jayson's journey led him from a customer to a lot technician and eventually to the position of General Manager at a Harley-Davidson dealership. For the past 25-plus years, he has been an integral part of Doug Rudd's organization, holding roles ranging from salesman to General Manager and currently serving as the owner at PowerSports of Greenville.

Jayson's approach to leadership is characterized by a keen sense of observation and evaluation. Whether quietly assessing people and processes or leading by example, his goal is to enhance receptiveness and foster overall improvement. Actively engaged & also chairman of his 20 Club, Garage Composites G-8, Jayson is known for his vocal advocacy and unwavering commitment to collective improvement within the Powersports community.

Believing in the unification of Powersports dealers for the betterment of the industry, Jayson sees the NPDA's purpose as promoting and protecting the industry in all aspects, from manufacturers to end-users. As a member, webinar/seminar attendee, and vocal advocate for NPDA membership among his peers, Jayson Davis brings a wealth of experience and a consumer's perspective, spanning nearly 30 successful years in the profession and 45 as a consumer. His voice adds valuable insights to the call for unity and progress in the Powersports industry.

Mat Koenig is the Founder of Rockstar Designs, an AI automation agency that builds AI Powered Workforces that handle voice, chat, and follow up for dealerships who want superpowers to crush their competition. With 30+ years in the automotive industry, including national training roles and launching some of the first digital dealer programs in the country, Mat has watched the industry evolve from newspaper ads to AI that works the lead before your sales team clocks in. Today he helps dealerships stop losing deals to slow follow up and start winning them with AI that never sleeps, never forgets, and never calls in sick. He is also an active international sales trainer. Mat lives in Tennessee with his wife Dara and still believes the best deals get closed by whoever follows up first.

Tom Gattuso has been involved in producing automotive events for more than 20 years and currently serves as SEMA's Vice President of Events. With a background in both trade and consumer shows, Gattuso brings a unique perspective to building the optimal environments to connect people within the automotive industry. Throughout his career, Gattuso has had a role in every aspect of event production from sales to marketing to operations to management and has lead teams that turn show concepts into reality. A consummate student of shows and events, he also serves on volunteer Boards for the Trade Show industry on both the regional and national level.

Although Tom is a much sought after speaker and facilitator, he is most comfortable working in dealerships with frontline staff. His word tracks for handling objections and closing the sale are considered the most current and effective in the Powersports Industry. The Tom O’Connor Sales Academy is helping Sales Managers and Salespeople sell more, make more, and have more fun. And as Co-founder and President of MotoMate123, he is also helping dealers dominate their pre-owned market with cutting edge software.

Following his four-year enlistment, Sheffield transitioned to civilian life and immediately began what has become a distinguished career in the powersports and motorcycle industry, now spanning more than 30 years. He has held leadership roles at 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. Most recently, he served with Woods Indian Motorcycle.

In addition to his dealership experience, Sheffield has actively contributed to the broader industry by serving on the boards of the Texas Motorcycle Dealer Association, the National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA), and Massimo Motors.

Sheffield is also widely respected for his thoughtful and candid commentary on LinkedIn, where he regularly shares insights on dealership operations, leadership, and industry trends. His posts consistently spark meaningful dialogue among a large and growing audience from across the powersports industry and beyond.

Today, Sheffield continues his work in the industry as Strategic Advisor for Woods Cycle Country and Woods Indian Motorcycle.