If you look over to your right, you’ll notice something different at the top of that column. Sean Donohue has been named publisher of this fine publication. When you work hard for years and are a team player, sometimes you get rewarded. And as much as I dislike corporate cliches, in this case we’ll let it slide because it is really true.
On the business end of our magazine, Sean is “the man.” In baseball terms, he’s been batting cleanup since Babcox acquired the title all those years ago, and he’ll continue to be the man in his new role. On the editorial side, he is busy helping us put the pieces and parts in place to make our product better and one that will be the leading voice in the industry. I know Sean will succeed in his mission for MPN.
Congratulations, Sean!
Something else that you may have noticed is our focus on Women Riders in this issue. Women represent a significant and growing percentage of motorcycling. According to the MIC, as much as 25 percent. Our contributor, Alisa Clickenger, is well qualified to cover this topic on page 16.
She says that when a woman walks into your dealership, whether she’s a rider or a mother or spouse, she is likely to influence the sale. Dealerships need to hone their way of thinking and how to best approach women riders to earn their business. It’s all in the relationships, according to Alisa.
Finally, we stopped by the Tucker Rocky/Bikers Choice Brand Expo Dealer Show in Frisco, Texas. With almost 200 exhibitors on hand, I guess everything is bigger in Texas. The show featured a well-orchestrated and well attended fashion show that showcased the latest gear in a high-fashion atmosphere. Move over Zoolander! There were also some great seminars for dealers and a poker tournament.