In rural Northern Idaho, Jeff Emch is redefining the powersports dealership experience at Sandpoint Marine and Motorsports. A transplant from Southern California, Emch brings a unique blend of automotive expertise and genuine passion to an industry that's all about creating experiences.
His journey began in the parts department, a strategic move that allowed him to understand every aspect of the dealership before taking the helm as General Sales Manager.
"If you're not passionate about the products in your dealership, why are we here?" Emch asks, embodying the philosophy that sets Sandpoint Marine and Motorsports apart. What makes Emch's approach distinctive is his commitment to family-oriented experiences. Unlike traditional dealerships that focus solely on individual riders, he emphasizes the joy of shared adventures. "It's nice to be able to get into a side-by-side together and spend time as a family," he explains. This family focus helps them sell more units to the local family-oriented community.
Emch's background in multi-line dealerships and his lifelong motorcycling experience inform his customer-centric approach. "It's more than just being the lowest price on a website," he insists. "When someone comes into our showroom, we treat that customer like gold." This philosophy translates into personalized service that goes beyond transactional interactions.
The dealership often hosts family-friendly events like open houses and barbecues, creating opportunities for customers to connect with the dealership beyond traditional sales interactions. "We have two sets of customers," he explains, "core clients who are here year-round and seasonal visitors. We want to capitalize on both."
The dealership's commitment to honesty sets it apart in an industry often plagued by negative stereotypes. "I do everything in my power to make sure that sleazy dealership reputation does not exist here," Emch states firmly. His approach of under-promising and over-delivering has earned the dealership glowing reviews and loyal customers.
The dealership's position in Northern Idaho allows for a diverse product range that adapts to four distinct seasons. From spring and summer motorcycles to fall side-by-sides and winter snowmobiles, Sandpoint Marine and Motorsports offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Technology and traditional salesmanship blend seamlessly in Emch's approach. While recognizing the importance of e-commerce, he believes that true product value lies in personal presentation. "It's not just about sending out prices," he says. "It's about explaining why this product is good, what it does better than anyone else's, and what we can do for you."
At Sandpoint Marine and Motorsports, Emch has created a dealership that prioritizes family, human connection, and service–and this approach has made them tremendously successful.
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