By: VitalEdge

April 9, 2025

Evolve 2025 Recap: A Look Back at Our Inaugural Joint User Conference

From March 30th to April 2nd, we brought together hundreds of VitalEdge customers, OEM partners, and industry leaders in Austin, TX for Evolve 2025—our first-ever joint user conference for both IntelliDealer and e-Emphasys users. While we’ve held conferences in the past, this marked the first time our entire user community came together under one roof. Designed to be more than just an event, Evolve was a statement of purpose: that we are focused, committed, and built for our dealers.

Throughout the week, we shared updates on our solutions, explored what’s ahead for the industry, and deepened the connections that drive long-term success. For our dealers, OEM partners, and customers, Evolve was an opportunity to align on shared goals, gain valuable insights, and see firsthand how our continued evolution is delivering real results.

Evolving with Purpose

Our Evolve user conference was created with one clear goal in mind: to provide our customers and partners with insight, connection, and momentum. Our industry is changing rapidly, and so are the needs of modern dealerships. As your technology partner, we know it’s not enough to simply keep up—we must lead. Evolve is our platform to share how we’re doing just that: delivering on our promises, making strategic investments, and optimizing our solutions to drive meaningful impact.

Our theme for the event—Focused. Committed. Built for You.—captured the essence of our message. Every breakout session, keynote, and conversation reinforced our core belief: that our work must be grounded in customer success, built on intentional innovation, and centered on long-term results.

Moments That Moved Us: How Evolve 2025 Brought Our Mission to Life

Evolve opened with a compelling keynote from VitalEdge CEO Vikram Savkar, who shared his vision for the future of our organization and the industry we serve. In his session, Focused. Committed. Built for You, Vikram outlined how VitalEdge is evolving with purpose—investing in technology, services, and people to deliver real outcomes for our dealers and partners. 

In the session Dealer of the Future: VitalEdge’s Product Vision, Shriram Rajagopal, our CPO, offered a look into the future of IntelliDealer and e-Emphasys. Attendees saw how our product roadmap is shaped by dealer feedback, industry insights, and a relentless focus on usability, efficiency, and connectivity. With smarter automation, stronger integrations, and user-first enhancements, our technology is designed to support evolving business models and drive results. 

David Briskman, our COO, presented Operations Update: Customers First, where he discussed how we are reimagining support and service. From faster implementation timelines to a more proactive support experience, David shared how we’re making operational changes to put customers first in everything we do. 

One of the standout moments of the week was our guest keynote from Todd Cohen, sales culture expert and author. In How CRM Creates Company Transparency and a Sales Culture, Todd challenged attendees to think about CRM as more than just software—but as a foundation for accountability, collaboration, and growth. His session left many attendees energized and inspired to think differently about how they engage their teams and customers.

True Industry Expertise

One of the most insightful sessions at Evolve 2025 was the Dealer Panel: Industry Trends & Macroeconomic Conditions, where we heard directly from key leaders in the industry. Moderated by Russ Green of Machinery Advisors Consortium, the panel featured Adam Koenig, CFO of Koenig Equipment, Kimberlee Sommer, Vice President of Service Motors Company, and David Kofoed, CFO of Total Equipment & Rental. This session emphasized the value of learning from others in the industry—a principle that benefits everyone.  

By sharing insights on how industry trends, economic conditions, and business needs are shaping the future of equipment dealerships, the panel provided invaluable perspectives. These open dialogues allowed us to better understand the challenges and opportunities our dealers and OEM partners are facing. It reaffirmed how essential it is to continuously align our solutions with their voices, ensuring we are not only meeting their needs today but anticipating their needs for tomorrow. By fostering these conversations, we strengthen our partnerships and stay focused on delivering smarter technology, stronger collaborations, and an enhanced experience for everyone in our product ecosystem. 

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Pathways to Progress: Empowering Change and Growth

At Evolve 2025, we celebrated not just innovation, but also the transformative power of personal and professional growth—key drivers for success in both evolving industries and careers. One of the most impactful moments was our Women in Industry lunch panel, led by our own CHRO Teri Harrell.  

The panel featured influential leaders from across the industry, including Kimberlee Sommer, Vice President of Service Motor Company, Angella Dagenhart, SPHR, Digital Product Manager at Volvo Construction Equipment, Meredith Newman, VP of Administration at Newman Equipment Inc., and Mary Kay Brooks, Owner of Brooks Tractor Incorporated. Together, they shared their journeys of growth, overcoming challenges, and advancing their careers. The conversation was rich with insights on mentorship, leadership, and the critical importance of fostering inclusive workplaces where talent can thrive and drive long-term success. 

This theme of professional growth carried through the entire event. Over the course of the week, attendees participated in more than 25 breakout sessions tailored to both IntelliDealer and e-Emphasys users. These sessions were designed not just for product training but as opportunities for growth—whether it was honing new skills, gaining insights into emerging trends, or collaborating with industry peers. With a mix of advanced training, OEM strategy discussions, and hands-on demos, every session provided valuable learning moments for attendees to expand their expertise and think strategically about their business futures. 

As part of our commitment to recognizing and celebrating growth, we proudly launched our inaugural Customer Awards, which honored dealerships and individuals who exemplify innovation, growth, and excellence. These awards were a powerful reminder of the continuous evolution within our community and how embracing change leads to stronger, more resilient organizations. We look forward to making these awards a cornerstone of our annual conference and continuing to recognize the leaders who shape the future of our industry.  

Looking Ahead

The response to Evolve 2025 was overwhelmingly positive. Across sessions, networking events, and hands-on workshops, one theme was clear: we’re all working toward the same goal—to drive better outcomes for the industry. We left Austin energized, connected, and aligned on what comes next.

Evolve is not just an annual conference—it’s part of a long-term commitment to our customers and partners. We are evolving with purpose, delivering results, and investing in the future of the heavy equipment industry.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Austin. We can’t wait to see you next year at Evolve 2026 in San Diego!