{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Why You Win","title":"Brandon Cerka of Suzuki Marine USA","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/37ee25ef\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2993,"description":"How can an engine brand earn dealer attention when larger competitors also own the boat companies?\nIn this episode, Kyler and John sit down with Brandon Cerka, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Service at Suzuki Marine, to explore how an engine-only OEM can compete through focused product decisions and stronger channel relationships.\nBrandon explains how Suzuki Marine changed their Gimme Six warranty to  a five-year factory warranty, used its Tampa Bay Buccaneers partnership to develop dealer relationships, and created demand for the Stealth Line engines through a carefully controlled product launch.\nHe also shares how growing up in a Suzuki dealership shaped his view that sales and service must work together. For OEM leaders navigating B2B2X distribution, boat builder partnerships, and dealer network growth, this episode offers a practical look at building market share without copying larger competitors.\n\nKey Takeaways:\nEarn The Right To Expand: Use early sales proof to secure factory support for broader product investment\nBuild Density Before Prestige: Create market coverage first, then improve dealer quality as demand and representation grow\nOpen Innovation For Industry Impact: Share sustainability technology when wider adoption creates more value than protecting the patent\nTimestamps:\n(00:00) Meet Brandon Cerka\n(01:01) Why sales, service, and marketing belong together\n(04:44) Growing up inside Suzuki's dealer network\n(11:38) How Suzuki Marine's 2021 separation changed the business\n(12:42) Replacing extended protection with a five-year factory warranty\n(19:40) Reaching new audiences through an NFL partnership\n(25:15) Measuring sponsorship ROI through dealer development\n(31:18) Turning sustainability into a product and brand commitment\n(34:06) Creating demand for the Suzuki Marine Stealth Line\n(42:01) Where Suzuki Marine sees its next stage of growth\n(45:21) How Suzuki decides where to add dealers\n(48:35) Aligning the team around one direction","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/9VBqkUppjqhYPsDQfYliEvQK0lwrc-N9EiJPYADyXy4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83MThk/ZDEzOGRjM2I4YmE0/Y2IwYjAwOGRkYjlh/YzU4Mi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}