Former KTM Hard Equipment stalwart Lowell Anderson is now the head wrangler for Tucker Rocky’s brands. “I’m very excited to be part of the Tucker Rocky | Biker’s Choice family,” says Anderson. “As director of brands, I am looking forward to working with our brand team members to create a compelling assortment of products that is both profitable and desirable to our customers.” Anderson was most recently with J&P Cycles where he was responsible for the design, development and mix of products for their private label brands. He also led J&P’s merchandising team and worked with the e-tailer’s marketing and branding efforts. Prior to J&P Cycles, Anderson was with KTM North America, helping to create the KTM Hard Equipment line. He also worked for Cycra Racing, creating their accessory line and implementing an inventory management system.
Cats always land on their feet? Former Arctic Cat exec Christopher Metz became CEO for sporting goods giant Vista Outdoors on October 9, 2017. Metz has responsibility for day-to-day operations of the company, and its entire brand portfolio, including Bell Helmets and Camelbak. He will also serve as a member of the board of directors. During the company’s second quarter board of directors meeting, the board will appoint a permanent chairman of the board and until that date, Michael Callahan will continue to serve as interim chairman, and Ambassador April Foley will continue to serve as lead independent director. “The board couldn’t be more pleased that Chris is joining Vista Outdoor,” said Vista’s interim Chairman of the Board Michael Callahan. “Chris is highly strategic, operationally savvy, and has experience improving the performance of leading organizations.” Metz was most recently the president and CEO of Arctic Cat from 2014 to 2017. “I am thrilled to join the Vista Outdoor team,” said Metz. “The company is a leader in outdoor sports and recreation products, with a unique and well-positioned portfolio of brands. I look forward to working with the talented employees as we leverage Vista Outdoor’s capabilities to deliver innovative products, build upon strategic partnerships, improve performance, and drive shareholder value.”
Dan King is the new national sales manager at MTA Distributing. “Dan’s experience as a sales rep and RSM make him an excellent choice for this position,” says MTA President Greg Blackwell. “That experience, combined with Dan’s knowledge of and passion for MTA as a company, will be a very large asset in his ability to help guide our sales team as we grow in the future.” King has more than 22 years of experience in the powersports industry with a background in sales, sales management, account management and business development. After starting behind the counter in a dealership, King has represented such companies as Troy Lee Designs, Motonation, SPY, White Brothers and Castle. “I look forward to this new position at a company that I am very familiar with and passionate about,” says King. “I look forward to partnering with our dealers and vendors to grow our companies together. You are only as good as the people that you surround yourself with and I love the team that we have at MTA.” King is based out of MTA’s corporate HQ in Corona, California.
Kim Kulman has changed seats. Most recently with Mustang, she joined the Royal Riding team just in time for the Sturgis Rally and the introduction of their RodeMaster gel-integrated seats. “By bringing knowledge and materials from other industries and combining them with motorcycle seat expertise, we can help riders ride farther with more comfort,” says ROR Brand President Rod Derifield. “Kim is uniquely qualified to help us achieve this goal.” Kulman started working in the sewing department at Northeast Seat, a division of Mustang, back in 1994. She also started going to motorcycle rallies to support the sales reps in the field. “This is where I gained my knowledge of the bikes and seat fitments.” She also remembers the first Rally she attended and first seat she sold: Americade in 1994. “The first seat I sold was for a Yamaha Virago.” Further broadening her wealth of seat-specific knowledge, she headed Mustang’s call center from 2014-2015 before moving to R&D as the project coordinator in charge of phase gate processes and new product launches in 2016. “Her experience with R&D and new product launches will be particularly beneficial for Royal Riding as we have just introduced our first gel integrated seats after years of making seat pads,” added Derifield.
Nor’easter hits New England as National Powersport Auctions (NPA) has added Mike Aicardi to the team. Most recently GM of Wagner Motorsports International in Worcester, Massachusetts, Aicardi is now serving the needs of all New England dealers. “Mike is an industry veteran, with decades of experience in the industry,” says NPA Director of Sales Mike Murray. “He worked with many landmark dealers in the area, from Bernardi Cycles in Natick, Massachusetts to MOMS Motorcycle in Manchester, New Hampshire, so he knows the nuances of the New England market.” From his first 3 hp minibike and his first “real” motorcycle – a 1973 Yamaha CT1 – Mike has been a lifelong rider. He raced enduros and three wheelers back in the day, and is still a diehard enthusiast. A Honda 700 and Polaris quad share space with his classic 1997 Ducati 900ss and 1989 Honda CB1 restoration project. “I just sold my Husky, so I’m looking for another dirtbike. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with all the resources NPA brings to the equation,” adds Aicardi. “But even more impressive are the people… the staff at all warehouses is phenomenal. They are the real pros.” Aicardi is based in NPA’s newest facility in Philadelphia, but will be calling on dealers throughout the Nor’east, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.
