Nancy Gerloff and Mark Augustyn, creators of Mimi
and Moto, cartoon monkeys that help introduce children
to the joys of the motorcycle lifestyle through books and
other products, have won the 2019 Motorcycle Industry
Council Gas Tank Competition (USA).
Gerloff and Augustyn were among five finalists in the
competition and mentorship program, which is open
to individuals and groups, women and men ‒ anyone
with a new powersport product or service idea. Selected
entrants are paired with an industry mentor who offers
coaching and advice on developing a business plan. Up
to six finalists are chosen to pitch their ideas and exhibit
at North America’s largest powersports trade and consu-
mer show, AIMExpo presented by Nationwide.
Each entrant presented their idea and business plan
to a panel of judges at an event attended by industry
leaders and enthusiast and mainstream media. Judges
included Bob Althoff, dealer, A.D. Farrow Co. Harley-Da-
vidson Family of Dealerships and CEO of Dealernews
Magazine; Andrew Leisner, senior vice president, mana-
ging director Bonnier Motorcycle Media; Kim Harrison,
general manager, Coleman PowerSports; and Moira
Zinn, owner of PowerTrip Industries.
“Congratulations to Nancy and Mark for their win,”
said Tim Buche, MIC president and CEO.
“I know it was difficult for the judges to pick a winner
as all five entrants had such innovative ideas and solid
business plans. Truthfully, we consider all participants
to be winners, as the mentorship experience and AIME-
xpo exposure are truly at the heart of the competition.”
“The MIC is proud to support the growth and success
N
E W S
of the powersports business sector through our Gas
Tank Competition, and we are eager to see what’s next
for Mimi and Moto and all participants,” Buche said.
“Winning the 2019 Gas Tank competition was a dream
come true for us and made our experience at this year’s
AIMExpo simply amazing,” Gerloff said.
“In just four days at AIMExpo, the Mimi and Moto
brand took a HUGE leap forward, and winning the Gas
Tank competition is the reason why. Thanks again to
the MIC for the opportunity. We’re excited to see where
our brand goes from here, and excited to see what other
success stories the Gas Tank program produces in the
years to come.”
“The MIC launched its Gas Tank Mentoring Program
to accelerate new businesses in the powersports indus-
try,” said Cam Arnold of MIC Programs.
“Mentoring is an essential component of Gas Tank.
Entrepreneurs are paired with an industry mentor who
helps them build a business plan and eight-minute pit-
ch. Mentors not only inspire participants to think big,
they actively support their professional development
and networking opportunities.”
Applications for the 2020 program will be available
at mic.org under the MIC Programs tab. Please contact
Arnold at carnold@mic.org with questions.
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