ORVDA Associate of the Year Award – Christopher Tannous – Powersports Link Financing
In his presentation of the Associate of the Year Award, ORVDA President John Krohnert cited the following achievements that made Christopher Tannous the obvious choice for this year’s ORVDA Associate of the Year Award.
“It’s my absolute pleasure to introduce tonight’s recipient of the RV Dealer Associate of the Year Award, someone who has been described as charismatic, entrepreneurial, funny, creative, and—above all—a dedicated family man. If you’ve had the pleasure of knowing him, you know he brings a rare blend of charm, business acumen, and humor to everything he does.
His journey to success didn’t start in a boardroom but on 125 acres of apple orchards in Hamilton, Ontario, where he grew up helping his family run the farm. It turns out that farm life doesn’t just teach a strong work ethic—it can spark some unique business ideas, like the solar-powered dog houses he built with a childhood friend.
At 17, he got his first job in the paint department at Home Depot, and it didn’t take long for his entrepreneurial talent to shine. He wasn’t just mixing paint—he also started a house-painting business on the side. And, as a fun side note, he once won Best Halloween Costume at Home Depot by dressing up as a kissing booth. Clearly, he’s been charming people—and closing deals—from a young age.
But his talents extended far beyond the paint aisle. A customer recognized his potential and introduced him to the world of personal financial advising. From there, he carved out a successful path in sales, finance, and entrepreneurship. He became a top-performing Finance & Insurance Manager at multiple dealerships, but true to his entrepreneurial spirit, he wasn’t content with limits. With the full support of his wife, he took a bold step in 2018 to launch his own company, Powersports Link Financing.
Starting from a home office, he grew the business through sheer dedication. His first big break came from a contact at Oakville Chrysler—Nathan from Peak Powersports—who believed in his vision to bring innovative financing solutions to RV, marine, and powersports dealers across Canada. Today, Powersports Link Financing has grown to 18 team members, formed key banking partnerships, and earned a strong reputation for helping dealers not only close deals but grow their businesses.
Of course, he isn’t just a success in business—with his wife by his side, he’s built a beautiful family and manages to balance work and family life with grace. His clients and colleagues often say he’s not just a business partner, he’s also a friend.
In just six years, he has built not only a thriving business but also a reputation for being both inspiring and impactful. His creativity and relentless drive have earned him the respect of clients and competitors alike, making him the perfect recipient of the RV Dealer Associate of the Year Award.