Driven by Protection. Fueled by Trust

ABOUT US

Cart Guard Protection was built on a simple idea — golf cart owners deserve the same level of protection, service, and peace of mind that car owners have enjoyed for years. As the golf cart and low-speed vehicle market grew, so did the need for reliable coverage options that truly fit how people use their carts.

Founded by a team of automotive and powersports protection experts, we saw an opportunity to create something better — a program designed specifically for golf cart dealerships and their customers. From extended service contracts and tire and wheel protection to lifetime battery warranties and theft coverage, every product we offer was created to deliver real value, not fine print.

Today, Cart Guard Protection partners with dealers across the country to provide flexible, easy-to-sell programs backed by transparent terms and exceptional support. Our focus has always been on relationships — empowering dealers to grow their business while giving customers the confidence to enjoy every ride, mile after mile.

At Cart Guard Protection, we don’t just cover carts — we protect the experiences, investments, and peace of mind that come with them.

At Cart Guard Protection, our mission is to deliver comprehensive, high-quality protection solutions that enhance confidence, convenience, and long-term value for golf cart owners and dealerships alike. We exist to make ownership worry-free by covering the unexpected—from mechanical breakdowns to theft, surface damage, and more—through transparent, reliable, and customer-focused programs. By partnering with leading dealerships across the country, we provide the tools, training, and products that help them serve their customers better, increase satisfaction, and grow their business. Every plan we offer is built on a foundation of integrity, innovation, and genuine care for the people we protect.

Our vision is to redefine what protection means in the golf cart industry by setting the highest standard for quality, trust, and service nationwide. We aim to become the most recognized and respected name in golf cart protection—where customers enjoy peace of mind knowing their carts are covered, and dealers see consistent growth through dependable, value-driven programs. We see a future where every golf cart is safeguarded by a plan that delivers confidence, convenience, and complete coverage. Through continuous innovation and lasting partnerships, Cart Guard Protection strives to elevate the ownership experience and strengthen the dealer network that keeps this industry moving forward.

Cart Guard Company Overview

Meet The Team

Gary Powers

Founder & Partner

Gary started working in a franchise dealership in 1995. Over the next 10 years, he gained experience as a salesperson, F&I manager, sales manager, and general sales manager. In 2004, he moved to Raleigh, NC, to work for Universal Underwriters Group (Zurich Direct Markets), providing dealerships with property and casualty insurance and F&I products. Excelling in his role, he was promoted to Regional Sales Manager for North Carolina in 2007 and was a five-time recipient of Zurich’s prestigious President’s Club award.

In 2009, Gary founded Dealer Service Solutions, an agency focused exclusively on F&I products for automotive, powersports, RV, and marine dealerships. After selling the company in 2018, he co-founded F&I Direct in 2022 alongside Daniel Scarlett.

Recognizing a significant gap in the golf cart industry for high-quality F&I solutions, Gary spearheaded the launch of Cart Guard Protection. Leveraging his decades of experience, he developed comprehensive, industry-leading protection plans designed specifically to meet the unique needs of golf cart dealers and owners. His vision is shaping Cart Guard Protection into a premier provider of reliable, dealership-focused F&I products in this rapidly growing market.

When Gary isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Rebecca, and their four children at their lake house in Virginia.

Daniel Scarlett

Founder & Partner

Daniel, a North Carolina native, has been in the automotive industry since 2010. He has held a variety of positions in dealership operations, with a strong focus on the business office. After 11 years in F&I roles, he transitioned to a sales manager position at a luxury franchise, where he played a key role in the successful launch and growth of the dealership. After two years, Daniel moved into the agency side of the business, becoming a Business Development Manager for APCO Holdings in Eastern NC. His deep knowledge of F&I products and dealership operations led him to become a partner in F&I Direct in 2022.

Building on his passion for innovation in the F&I industry, Daniel played a crucial role in developing Cart Guard Protection, ensuring that golf cart dealers and owners have access to high-quality protection plans tailored to their needs. His strategic vision continues to drive the success of both F&I Direct and Cart Guard Protection.

Collins Small

Partner & VP of Sales

At Cart Guard Protection, we specialize in providing extended warranty solutions tailored for golf cart dealers. Founded on a passion for quality service and customer protection, our mission is to help businesses enhance their customer experience by offering reliable coverage for their golf carts.

Collins' professional career began with assisting in the creation of a successful multi-location residential and commercial moving company. He later transitioned into the mortgage industry as an originator, gaining valuable experience in finance, sales, and customer service. With deep roots in North Carolina—having lived in Wilmington, Raleigh, Charlotte, and Edenton—he understands the importance of trust, service, and value in every business transaction.

Beyond business, Collins enjoys traveling with his wife, spending time with his daughter, and staying active through fitness and outdoor activities. Whether at the beach or in the mountains, his love for adventure fuels his drive to innovate and support the golf cart industry.

At Cart Guard Protection, we believe in delivering peace of mind through industry-leading warranty solutions, helping dealers provide added value to their customers while protecting their investments.

Maggie Hamilton

Controller

Maggie plays a key role in driving Cart Guard Protection's operational success. With a strong focus on financial management and streamlining processes, she ensures smooth and efficient operations for both the company and its clients.

Her diverse background—ranging from teaching to office management—has equipped her with the skills necessary to enhance productivity, implement effective internal controls, and optimize financial workflows within the organization. As Cart Guard Protection continues to grow, Maggie’s expertise helps support the company’s expansion into the golf cart F&I market, ensuring seamless business operations and financial oversight.

Outside of work, Maggie enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, and watching Carolina Hurricanes hockey.