News and stories from the world of Powersports business.
Iron Pony Motorsports Expands its Reach: Acquires Honda/Suzuki/Can-Am of Jackson
Iron Pony Motorsports Group, Inc., a leading name in the Powersports industry, is thrilled to announce the successful acquisition of Honda/Suzuki/ Can-Am of Jackson. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Iron Pony Motorsports’ ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled services and offerings vto its valued customers. With the addition of the Jackson location, Iron Pony Motorsports extends its reach to encompass four strategic locales throughout Ohio, including Westerville, Lancaster/Carroll, Mansfield, and now Jackson. This expansion underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing accessibility and convenience for our customers across the state.
The acquisition, spearheaded by Iron Pony Motorsports’ owners Chris, Tammy, Derek Jones, and Cory Atwood, signifies a strategic expansion into new markets and a strengthened position in the ever-evolving world of Powersports.
A Historic Connection: Reviving 1980s Relationships
Chris Jones, one of the owners of Iron Pony Motorsports, brings a unique and personal touch to this acquisition. Having forged strong connections during his days in distribution in the 1980s, Chris has a long-standing relationship with the former owners of Honda-Suzuki of Jackson, Mark Simmons, and Brooke Phillips
“Acquiring Honda Suzuki Can-Am of Jackson feels like coming full circle,” says Chris. “I’ve known Mark and Brooke since my distribution days in the 1980s. Our shared passion for the industry and commitment to customer satisfaction has formed the foundation of a lasting friendship. Bringing their dealership under the Iron Pony Motorsports umbrella is not just a business move; it’s a reunion of like-minded individuals dedicated to the world of Powersports.” We wish Mark and Brooke nothing but the best in their well-deserved retirement
Enhanced Offerings and Unmatched Expertise
With this acquisition, Iron Pony Motorsports aims to enhance the overall customer experience by providing a broader range of products and services. Customers can now expect an expanded inventory of Honda, Suzuki, and Can-Am motorcycles and powersports, along with the exceptional service and expertise that Iron Pony Motorsports is renowned for.
Tammy, Derek, and Cory, alongside Chris, are enthusiastic about the opportunities this acquisition presents. “We are excited to welcome the customers and staff of Honda-Suzuki/ Can-Am of Jackson into the Iron Pony Motorsports family. All current staff are expected to remain – and we will soon bring the amazing amounts of parts, apparel, and accessories that all Iron Pony / Pony Powersports locations are known for.
Our combined efforts will undoubtedly lead to a stronger, more dynamic force in the Powersports industry,” they express.
Iron Pony Motorsports Group is actively looking for more dealership acquisitions- contact us.
About Iron Pony Motorsports Group:
For over four decades, Iron Pony Motorsports Group has proudly stood as a cornerstone of excellence in the Powersports industry. Since our inception, we’ve been more than just a name; we’ve been a trusted partner for enthusiasts, riders, and adventurers alike.
Commitment to Excellence: At Iron Pony Motorsports Group, our commitment to excellence is unwavering. We strive to provide nothing but the best to our valued customers, from top-notch products to unparalleled customer service. Our dedication to quality has made us a household name among riders worldwide.
Passion for Powersports: Fueled by an insatiable passion for all things Powersports, Iron Pony Motorsports Group is more than just a business – it’s a lifestyle. Our team consists of riders and enthusiasts who live and breathe the thrill of the open road. This shared passion infuses everything we do, from curating the finest products to fostering a vibrant community of riders.
Industry-Leading Offerings: With four locations spanning a vast landscape, Iron Pony Motorsports Group proudly represents hundreds of renowned brands. Through our e-commerce divisions, IronPony.com and Motostealz.com, we extend our reach to riders far and wide, offering industry-leading pricing and an extensive selection of products. Whether you’re in the market for parts, apparel, accessories, or vehicles, we’ve got you covered.
Family Owned and Operated: As a family-owned and operated business, Iron Pony Motorsports Group values integrity, trust, and camaraderie above all else. We treat every customer like a member of our extended family, fostering lasting relationships built on mutual respect and a shared love for Powersports.
Flagship Store Extravaganza: Step into our flagship store, a sprawling 133,000 square feet of Powersports paradise. Here, you’ll find an unparalleled selection of parts, apparel, accessories, and vehicles, including motorcycles, side-by-sides, ATVs, and more. It’s an experience like no other – a haven for enthusiasts and novices alike.
At Iron Pony Motorsports Group, we’re not just in the business of selling products; we’re in the business of making dreams come true.
About Honda/Suzuki/ Can-Am of Jackson
Honda Suzuki Can-Am of Jackson began in a 1,800-square-foot building before swiftly moving to a prominent location on St. Rt. 35 in 1979. Over four decades, the dealership has continually expanded its offerings, starting with Honda and Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs in 1983 and later incorporating Can-Am ATVs.
Harley-Davidson Reaches Agreement To Ratify Contract With All Unions At Its Wisconsin Operations
Harley-Davidson is pleased to announce that the Company has ratified new collective bargaining agreements with the three Unions representing employees at the Company’s Wisconsin manufacturing facilities, namely the United Steelworkers Local 2-209 and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge 78 representing workers at the Menomonee Falls, WI facility, and the United Steelworkers Local 460 representing workers at the Tomahawk, WI facility.
Commenting on the announcement, Harley-Davidson Chairman, President, and CEO, Jochen Zeitz said: “Today’s announcement reinforces the strong and positive relationship between Harley-Davidson and the Unions. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank both Union and Company representatives for their hard and most constructive work in achieving today’s agreement.”
About Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.
Turn 14 Powersports Names Matthew Sturdevant as Director of Brand Management for Company’s Twelve Brands
Turn 14 Powersports today announced that Matthew Sturdevant has been selected as Director of Brand Management for the company’s twelve powersports brands. Sturdevant will lead the brand development team which is responsible for a full range of apparel, accessories, maintenance and OE products for motorcycles and UTV’s.
Prior to joining Turn 14 Powersports, Sturdevant held executive positions in product management and marketing at Lund International and Pella Corporation, where he focused on first-to-market strategies, developing and delivering broad product lines and led the concept, development and launch phases of each company’s most innovative new products. He is an avid outdoor sports enthusiast with a passion for hunting, waterskiing, and snowmobiling. He’s also been a sponsor and pit crew member of a local IMCA Modified stock car racing the circuit in Iowa. Sturdevant and his wife, Kara, have one son.
“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the Turn 14 Powersports team,” said Bob Schuetz, President of Turn 14 Powersports. “He will be a great leader for our brands and will help that team meet the aggressive product launch goals we have set for ourselves.”
“I’m excited to spend some time in powersports dealerships to understand the critical product needs of our dealers and to ensure that my new team is doing everything possible to help dealers grow their revenue with great new products,” said Sturdevant.
Sturdevant started in this new role earlier this month. He will work out of Turn 14 Powersports’ Keller TX office and the company’s nearby Innovation Center.
About Turn 14 Distribution, Inc.
Turn 14 Distribution is an award-winning national warehouse distributor which sells vehicles, parts, and accessories into the automotive and powersports aftermarkets exclusively through the business-to-business channel. The company’s Powersports Owned Brands team is responsible for product development, R&D, brand management and marketing for the twelve well-known brands of accessories, parts and apparel for on-road and off-road powersports fans. Turn 14 Powersports brands include Answer, Biker’s Choice, BikeMaster, DragonFire Racing, FirstGear, Kuryakyn, ProTaper, QuadBoss, River Road, Speed and Strength, Skid Lid and TwinPower. Turn 14 Distribution is privately owned and operated.
Rekluse Team Grows with Randy Mullinix Named Product Manager
Race Winning Brands (RWB), a leading manufacturer of high-performance components for the automotive and powersports markets, is excited to announce that Randy Mullinix has joined the Rekluse Motor Sports team as the brand’s Product Manager.
Randy comes to the Boise, ID based Rekluse team with an impressive background in the powersports industry. Having gained experience during tenures spanning two decades at leading OEM manufacturers like KTM, Polaris, Sherco, and Suzuki, Randy is well versed in the unique processes of product management for powersports.
From product development and innovation to manufacturing operations, sales, and marketing, Randy will work with the various talented teams throughout Rekluse and RWB to help drive success in Rekluse’s continuous goal of inspiring a better ride for every one of its customers.
“Randy’s strategic insights and hands-on approach will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing success and
growth as we continue to innovate and deliver cutting-edge products to our customers,” stated Nick DiBlasi, Director of Product Management for RWB.
“I am excited to join the Rekluse and Race Winning Brands team,” commented Randy. “The technology and cutting-edge product lines are amazing to be a part of and I look forward to the brand’s growth opportunities and partnering with a talented and amazing group of people.”
Welcoming Randy to the Rekuse team is another indication of Rekluse’s commitment to its goals in new product growth and innovation in the V-twin and off-road markets.
Polaris Donates More Than $130,000 To Off-Road and Snow Organizations Through Its Spring 2024 TRAILS GRANTS
Today, Polaris Inc. announced it is donating more than $130,000 to off-road vehicles (ORV), all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and snowmobile riding clubs, and organizations across the United States and Canada as a part of its TRAILS GRANTS program. The TRAILS GRANTS program offers support to organizations and programs that promote safe and responsible riding, facilitate trail preservation, and help protect the environment and natural resources that are a part of the off-road trail systems.
“Riding builds a connection between friends and family and the outdoors, and the impact these clubs and organizations make locally through their grassroots efforts and ingenuity is significant,” said Steve Menneto, president of Off Road, Polaris. “Polaris is proud to support their efforts through our bi-annual TRAILS GRANTS program, which has donated more than $3.5 million since its inception.”
“Protecting and respecting our planet is essential if we want future generations to enjoy recreation in our mountains, deserts, and on trails. We’re grateful to Polaris in supporting our B.O.L.T. (Building Off-Road Leaders of Tomorrow) Youth Program,” says Kristyn Novoa, executive director of Warfighter Madesm. “Together, we’re teaching our youth to not only to be respectful off-road enthusiasts but advocates for the environment and leaders within the recreation community.”
“Valley Outdoors applied for a TRAILS GRANT to help fund our education program already in development,” says Michael Lueders, director of Valley Outdoors. “Valley Outdoors plans on having an educational program to facilitate, promote and enhance safe and sustainable driving practices while teaching ‘Tread Lightlysm!’ principles to protect our public resources.”
These 14 organizations were named Spring 2024 TRAILS GRANTS recipients and received awards up to $10,000 each.
- Adirondack Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club Inc. (Owlshead, New York): Help repair two bridges which will enable snowmobilers ride safely to communities, parking areas, restaurants, and lodging.
- Advocates for Multi-Use of Public Lands (Jackson, Wyo.): Help establish a trail grooming protocol that will decrease potential damage to vehicles and increase rider safety.
- Club VTT du Témiscamingue (Lorrainville, Quebec, Canada): Help support the replacement of a bridge along the trail to provide safe travel.
- International Association of Snowmobile Administrators (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada): Help support snowmobile rider safety programs.
- Kingfield Quad Runners ATV Club (Kingfield, Maine): Help repair trails damaged by recent severe storms to support and maintain a safe riding experience.
- Ma & Pa Kettle Days Inc. (Kettle River, Minn.): Help support establishing a watering station for riders to clean invasive species off their vehicles before/after riding to protect the natural environment.
- Nevada Outdoor School (Winnemucca, Nev.): Help support the expansion of the organization’s Youth Helmet program which focuses on educating both parents and children on how to safely operate off-road vehicles.
- Rudolph River Rovers (Rudolph, Wis.): Help preserve and maintain the trail which connects riders to multiple communities.
- St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Association Inc (Canton, New York): Help support gravel and delivery services needed to finish a crucial part of the 126-mile trail.
- U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (Duchesne, Utah): Help provide trail maintenance and updated signage along the Badlands OHV Trail that will enhance rider safety, with support from the government.
- Valley Outdoors Club (Bishop, Cali.): Help educate local riders about safe and responsible riding through with their rider safety programs.
- Venture Unknown Foundation (Pendleton, S.C.) Help support the annual Sweep up the Southeast event, which focuses on trail clean-up and restoration.
- Warfighter Madesm (Temecula, Cali.) Help support the organization’s STEM program, B.O.L.T. (Building Off-Road Leaders of Tomorrow), which teaches children how to maintain, repair and safely drive off-road vehicles.
- Wilderness Wheelers (Bigfork, Minn.) Help support the development of a new 60-mile wilderness trail in the Chippewa National Forest that will provide safe passage for riders while preserving the natural environment.
Since the start of the TRAILS GRANTS program in 2006, Polaris has supported more than 405 ATV, off-road and snowmobiling organizations across the U.S. and Canada with more than $3.5 million in donations.
Awarded twice annually, TRAILS GRANTS support the efforts of nonprofit organizations and local riding clubs who use the grant for trail development, maintenance projects, safety and responsible riding education initiatives and other projects.
For more information, including how to apply for a fall 2024 TRAILS GRANT, visit https://www.polaris.com/en-us/trails-application/.
Warfighter Madesm is a service trademark of Warfighter Made Corp
Tread Lightlysm is a registered trademark of the United States Dept of Agriculture
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