This is the second article in our series "Women in powersports", highlighting the determination, leadership and commitment of exceptional women, who make a difference in the powersports industry.

We continue with Manon Pelletier, Business Leader for Canada. Manon has been involved in the automotive world since she was a child. Working for her father, who owned a car and truck rental business as well as a car dealership, Manon quickly learned the workings of the industry. Her interest for the automotive business led her to become a graduate of the Canadian Automotive Institute at Georgian College in Ontario. She also pursued her education at the Northwood University in Florida and holds an MBA from Laval University in Quebec City. After several years of studying and teaching, she has built an impressive 20-year career at BRP.

To find out more about her views on women's place in the powersports industry, we spoke with Manon.

What’s it like to be a woman in the powersports industry?

I was lucky enough to grow up in the automotive world, thanks to my father’s company, so I quickly got used to working in a male-dominated arena. I’ve seen the role of women evolve in this industry in recent years. There are more women now, here at BRP, among our dealers and among our riders. Women are making their mark by bringing a new vision and a new approach to the industry.

We’re slowly moving in the right direction by increasing the inclusion of women in the industry, but I know we can do more.

Do you do things to promote women in your field?

My contribution is mostly through my team and my dealer network. I'm blessed to work with a team like mine – I like to include women because they bring balance and team spirit to the table, oftentimes even more than their male colleagues. I also pay special attention to women dealers. I like to see them follow their ambitions and grow as businesswomen. Our dealer network is made up of passionate business people dedicated to giving the best to our customers.

"I like seeing them follow their ambitions and grow as businesswomen."

What still needs to be done?

We need to bring even more women to the powersports industry, especially within dealerships. Whether it’s in the sales, service or parts departments, there’s a place for every woman who wants to join the adventure. It’s an exciting and diverse field in which the number of female employees and consumers continues to grow. In the coming years, we need to invest time and energy promoting our community to professional women. There are many interesting challenges out there...

Anyone interested in the business world, no matter their gender, can find what they’re looking for in the powersports industry. It's good to see that times are changing, and that a wide range of professionals are becoming interested in our industry.