Powersports Sales and Marketing Veteran Joins Acorn Woods Communications

Ron Benfield has joined the Acorn Woods Communications (AWC) management team. AWC is a boutique advertising and marketing agency specializing in providing public relations, advertising, social media, Web and marketing services to the powersports industry.

Benfield brings more than 20 years of experience in the motorsports industry, with expertise in sales and marketing.

“I am very excited to be part of such a great agency at Acorn Woods Communications,” he said. “To have the opportunity to partner with Owen and the team is one of the highlights of my career. I look forward to bringing my vision of a vibrant motorsports industry to our valued business partners.”

Benfield comes to AWC from Saddlemen, where he spent several years as director of sales and marketing. There, he expanded the business with new company branding and energized its distribution network. Prior to his position at Saddlemen, Benfield gained OE experience in motorsports working with brands such as Mitsubishi and Hyundai before joining American Suzuki as accessory manager for motorcycle and marine divisions.

“We are really lucky to have Ron joining our group,” said Owen Provence, president of AWC. “His history in the industry, background in sales and marketing, and passion for the sport will perfectly complement our services and will allow us to help our clients reach new heights.”

Currently, AWC clients include LeoVince USA, Galfer USA, Saddlemen, All American Rider, PSR Performance Products, GBC Motorsports and Dubya.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.