Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/410960
8 • October 6, 2014 • Powersports Business NEWS www.PowersportsBusiness.com the steady growth of CycleTrader.com's web- site traffic across its multiple platforms — desk- top, mobile, tablet and apps. His efforts to keep the site in alignment with new and upcoming technology has led to the continued develop- ment of products and services that help dealer- ships interact with buyers and generate more leads and potential sales. "We strive to make CycleTrader.com the go-to site for motorcycles, ATVs, PWCs and snowmobiles. Connecting buyers and sellers is our ultimate goal," Billups explained. "To achieve this we will continue to format our sites with responsive designs that work on any device or platform our consumers choose to use." Bouma and Billups enjoy the powersports lifestyle outside of the office. Bouma and her family are avid motocross riders and fans, and they spend most of their weekends at the racetrack. Billups is a Harley-Davidson owner and loves to customize and tweak his bike in his spare time. ZERO MOTORCYCLES ADDS MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR EUROPE Zero Motorcycles announced that Umberto Uccelli has joined the company as managing director of Zero Motorcycles Europe, where he will lead all of Zero's European opera- tions. Uccelli's career spans more than 20 years with brands that include MV Augusta, Ducati and BMW. "I'm inspired by the opportunity to apply my experience with traditional motorcycles to help build the future of motorcycling. Zero's technology is exciting; the bikes are thrilling to ride, and the team is very strong," he said. "The Zero Motorcycles brand is gaining momentum in Europe, and our business is growing rapidly. Umberto Uccelli brings a wealth of motorcycle industry knowledge, passion for the sport and pioneering vision to drive our continued success," said Richard Walker, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. Uccelli will be based from Zero Motor- cycles' European headquarters in Alkmaar, Netherlands. POLARIS BOARD MEMBER VAN DYKE PASSES AWAY Polaris board member William G. Grant Van Dyke passed away on Sept. 5, after a courageous battle with cancer. Van Dyke served with distinction as director on the Polaris Board since 2006, chairing the Audit Committee and working as a member of the Compensation Committee. "We are deeply saddened by the death of Bill Van Dyke," said Scott Wine, chair- man and CEO of Polaris. "Having previ- ously served as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Donaldson Company, Bill's contributions to the Polaris Board were invaluable." Van Dyke brought a breadth of manage- ment experience to the Polaris Board having previously served as chairman of the board of Donaldson Company, Inc. from 2004 until his retirement in 2005, and chairman, presi- dent and chief executive officer of Donaldson Company from 1996 to 2004. "Our board will miss Bill's fiscal acumen and financial reporting oversight, but the most profound loss will be the absence of his friendship and guidance for those of us fortunate enough to have known him," said Wine. "On behalf of the entire Polaris Indus- tries family we are grateful for the time and talent Bill devoted toward Polaris' growth, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones." HOT NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 New Acorn Woods owner lifting aftermarket branding You could say Ron Benfield has come full circle as owner of Acorn Woods Communications. A decade ago, Benfield was the accessory market- ing manager at American Suzuki Motor Corp., where he worked on several big projects with Yoshimura R&D, specifically with Brant Rus- sell, vice president of sales. "We developed a great friendship, and he became my mentor in the industry," Benfield told Powersports Business. Russell went on to Acorn Woods, the full service motorsports marketing agency founded by Owen Provence. Benfield, meanwhile, spent many years at Suzuki and then in the motor- cycle aftermarket industry honing his sales and marketing skills. "Fast forward to today, Brant has passed away and is deeply missed, Owen is our cre- ative director, and I have embraced this new opportunity. I can't express how exciting it is to own and run Acorn Woods Communications, a company with a rich motorsport history." Benfield shares some further insight with editor in chief Dave McMahon PSB: How or why was becoming the owner of Acorn Woods a good fit for you? RB: This is my dream experience. It was my goal from very early on to be an entrepreneur and a leader. I have a great creative team that is young and aggressive and challenges tradi- tional marketing approaches. While I had great experiences working at the corporate level and in the aftermarket, there is nothing like being able to be free to change the norm! We are focused on building the best brands in the motorcycle and off-road industries. PSB: What are some new things that you're doing that are getting attention? RB: The motorcycle industry is slowly evolving, just now catching up to new devel- opments, especially in the way public rela- tions, PR and advertising are concerned. There are other industries with a passion filled consumer base similar to the motorcy- cle industry that are sources for inspiration. We are not hesitant to create content and activate our clients' resources for maximum marketing impact. PSB: Where do you see the biggest growth potential? RB: Our greatest potential is the growth of new media techniques to engage consumers and create sales. We've seen positive results with some of our clients who have utilized this human-to-human approach to create a community. It's always been my philosophy that people will buy from people they know and trust. This is not an easy task for most companies as their marketing departments typically have their hands full with events, and traditional projects. The execution of effectively engaging your brand across multi- ple new platforms (that are constantly chang- ing) should be at the top of any company's marketing strategy. PSB Benfield's latest venture 'a dream experience' Industry veteran Ron Benfield calls his ownership of Acorn Woods Communications, a "dream experience." MOTION PRO ADDS INDUSTRY VETERAN LOPEZ TO PRODUCT DEPT. Motion Pro announced that Joseph Lopez is joining the company to fur- ther develop the company's growing Products and R&D departments. Lopez comes with a wealth of experience, having spent the last 9½ years at K&L Supply. He was instrumental in bringing to market many successful products and is highly regarded for his leader- ship qualities. Lopez joins Motion Pro at a pivotal time of growth. His skills and experience greatly enhance the company's already very strong R&D and Products team and its long history of bringing to market innovation, quality and lead- ing value products, according to the company. "I am excited to start a new challenge within Motion Pro and look forward to work- ing with the team to further develop their already extensive products and services. I am fortunate to be joining such a respected com- pany that is committed to continued growth and leadership in the powersports industry," Lopez said. "Joseph's wealth of experience and industry knowledge makes him a key addition to the Motion Pro family," chief operating officer Kevin Veltfort said. "We are committed to improving our organization and maintaining a leading role in the powersports industry. Bring- ing Joseph aboard was an incredible opportu- nity for us and fits right in with our long-term goals. The changing market dynamics and increasing demand from our customers led us to look for a key addition to our team who could fit in with our ethos of innovation and exceptional service. We were very fortunate to find someone of Joseph's caliber to fill this posi- tion. I'm confident that Joseph will play a key role in our continued growth." DEALER LEAVES 25-BIKE GIVEAWAY TO THE ROLL OF THE DICE Central Texas Harley-Davidson in Round Rock, Texas hosted what it called "The Greatest Harley Giveaway Ever!" in which the dealer- ship offered a giveaway 25 motorcycles on Saturday, Sept. 20. To become one of 25 finalists, customers had to register at the store. Finalists were noti- fied and invited to the dealership to roll dice. If any one of the 25 finalists rolled the letters H-A-R-L-E-Y on the six dice, all 25 finalists would win Street Bobs. PSB JOSEPH LOPEZ NPA to sponsor 2014 Power 50 program Powersports Business announced that National Powersport Auctions is the spon- sor of the 2014 Power 50 Dealer Awards program. NPA's sponsorship will begin during the Power 50 Awards Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center. "NPA is pleased to sponsor the Power 50 and celebrate with PSB the success of powersports dealers across the nation," NPA chief operating officer Jim Woodruff said. "We are fortunate to experience firsthand the dedication and energy that dealers invest every day in building their dealerships and the loyalty of their custom- ers and staff. The folks at PSB have an out- standing approach to recognizing the top operators in the industry and the terrific opportunities they represent for all."