Former Kawasaki PR Manager Jan Plessner has joined the Lonski and Associates team. A 23-year powersports executive, Plessner’s experience includes key marketing, public relations and communications positions with Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., the Motorcycle Industry Council, Freeman/McCue Public Relations and JVH Media Group (AllAboutBikes.com and LadyMoto.com).
"I absolutely love the powersports industry. I have three motorcycles in my garage right now, and I can’t wait for off-road desert riding season to start," Plessner told MPN. "I’m also very fortunate that I had the chance to work with organizations like Kawasaki and the Motorcycle Industry Council. But over the past two decades, like many of my colleagues, I experienced my share of frustration when it came to opportunities for career growth. As a job recruiter with a fairly extensive network, I can help our partner companies improve the quality of their workforce and help people grow their careers. I’ve always enjoyed mentoring and career coaching, so this feels like a natural place for me to be."
Plessner will focus her recruiting efforts to support client partners in Southern California, along the West Coast, throughout the Western United States and within select markets west of the Mississippi. A long-time advocate for women in motorcycling, Plessner will continue her role as editor at www.LadyMoto.com.
“I’ve known Henry since our personal watercraft days back in the ’90s. During a recent conversation, I was surprised to learn that so many great positions go unfilled on a day-to-day basis,” said Plessner.
“An abundance of talented individuals in the powersports industry would welcome the opportunity to advance their careers, but due to a variety of factors, upward mobility is not always possible without a move. I also know what it’s like to be short-staffed, especially when you are looking to build a team of quality people. I know I can help our clients fill positions in less time, with top-shelf industry pros,” explained Plessner.
During her tenure with Japanese motorcycle powerhouse Kawasaki, Plessner managed all aspects of corporate PR for the U.S. consumer market including professional racing, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, JET SKI watercraft, utility vehicles, RUVs and accessories/apparel. From 2009 to 2011, Kawasaki’s U.S. motorcycle market share increased from fourth to first place among the Japanese OEMs.
"Over the years, I’ve followed Jan’s career in PR, government relations, event marketing and industry relations. She is an ‘industry icon’ and held in high regard by fellow powersports members. Her credibility and reputation are well deserved. Her location in the heart of Southern California is a huge advantage, too,” said Lonski.
“Having access to a comprehensive database of over 13,000 industry professionals is quite an advantage,” said Plessner. “Many confidential candidates are available, however, not necessarily looking at industry positions on a daily or weekly basis. Experienced candidates for all powersports and motorcycle industry positions are within our scope.”
“For me it’s all about motorcycles, recreational vehicles and increasing the size of our consumer market. I want to do everything I can to strengthen and grow our industry,” said Plessner.
Hiring managers, powersports industry professionals or anyone looking to transition into or within the industry may contact Jan at [email protected].
