Rogers, That
From securing permits and insurance to attracting participants, launching a new go-fast boating event takes abundant energy and ambition. That makes being young when you enter the game a significant advantage.
A newcomer to the event-organizing now in his second-year of producing the Rocky Top Power Run set for August 7-9 on Tennessee’s Lake Norris, Matt Rogers has that advantage. Just six days from now, he’ll turn 26 years old.
But Rogers, who owns Rogers Bros. Detailing in Lafollette, Tenn., has a lot more than youth going for him. He’s a sponge for information. He wants to learn everything he can and put on the best event possible. And he’s smart.
Quick example? When his original dates conflicted with those of Rock The River Cincy in Ohio and the Lake Champlain Poker Run in Vermont, he changed them.
That was a savvy move, and just because date conflicts dilute would-be participant pools. It sent a strong message of cooperation and understanding to other event organizers. Rogers already knows that a rising tide lifts all ships. So he changed his event dates to avoid impeding the tide.
“Although our turnout last year exceeded expectations, our dates conflicted with other events,” Rogers explained. “So we started working with everyone after the run last year to make sure we don’t have any major conflicting runs for our sponsors and attendees for 2025.”
Roger, that. No. Rogers that.—Matt Trulio
