Trade magazine editor makes good! Guido Ebert has been added to the team at SpokesPeople LLC, a specialty motorcycle PR and events agency, to serve as media relations coordinator for Indian Motorcycle and Victory Motorcycles. Dealers may remember the veteran scribe from his stints with various trade rags and most recently as editor of Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly. Ebert reports to SpokesPeople principal Robert Pandya, external relations manager for the Indian and Victory brands. “I’ve known Guido for well over a decade now, and I’m proud to have him working with us,” says Pandya. “There are only a few professionals in powersports who crossover the many skills needed to work with these aggressively growing brands. Guido’s experience and ability will serve our team into the future.” In this new role, Ebert manages relations with market endemic media, creates associated media assets for the Indian and Victory brands, and maintains cross-channel communication.
Boaz’s brother from another mother? Scott Holbrooks (actually no relation to Jeffery Boaz, but the two of them did work for Fulmer Helmets back in the day), leaves H&H Sports Protection to take over as product/brand director of Simpson Motorcycle Helmets. “I am thrilled about the opportunity to join such a fantastic group of people,” says Holbrooks. “Simpson has a rich history of motorsports safety. Building upon the Simpson heritage and extending it into the motorcycle market will be an exciting challenge.” In addition to Fulmer and Motorcycle Stuff, Holbrooks has a wealth of dealership experience, including two terms as the GM for midwest mega-dealer Iron Pony Motorsports.
Jeffery Boaz clicks into FirstGear. The industry veteran was tasked with revitalizing the venerated FirstGear brand and appealing to entirely new market niches… a challenge he is looking forward to. “There was a point in time when FirstGear was known industry-wide as the leader in technical innovation, superior functionality and cutting-edge designs for both leathers and textile motorcycle wear,” Boaz says. “Even the marketing campaign resonated throughout the industry as we all know every great ride starts in FirstGear.” “In his new role, Boaz will coordinate and direct the creative design, product design, development and execution for the FirstGear brand,” says Phil Davy, senior director apparel brands, Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice. “Having experience at every level of the industry from the dealership ranks to the OEM level, Jeffery is uniquely qualified to click the brand up a couple of gears!” He will now be based out of the AMP Factory (ANSR, MSR, ProTaper) facility in Irvine, California. “I am really looking forward to the wild ride ahead,” says Boaz. “The combination of a legacy brand with the technological innovations we have on tap will be unbeatable! Great rides really do begin in FirstGear!”
Time to Honor the Ride. Build the Legacy. Myrick Robbins has been named executive director for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. In addition to taking the Museum to the next level, Robbins will oversee the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame’s 15th anniversary in June and preside over the induction of the Class of 2016 in August during the annual Rally. “The Sturgis Museum belongs to everyone, but they have left me with the keys to take it for a joy ride,” says Robbins. ”How great is that? For a lifelong rider who wants to live in a world filled with loud pipes, endless curvy roads and great conversations at the next fuel stop, this really is the opportunity of a lifetime.” In his professional career Myrick has served as an office manager, an award-winning “Parade of Homes” designer, a scholarship committee chairperson, a playoff-bound high school soccer coach and a scout master. Somewhere along the line, he managed to find the time to run a V-Twin motorcycle dealership.
Sweetheart deal? Brad Darling is the new president of Ontario Drive & Gear Ltd.’s vehicle division. Best known for the ARGO extreme terrain machines, ODG is looking to expand. In addition to strengthening the ARGO brand globally, Darling’s job is to develop innovative new products and strengthen the company’s growing dealer network. “This is a great opportunity to work with a business that has a strong brand with a rich heritage, a loyal customer base and a bounty of exciting products in the pipeline,” says Darling. Arctic Cat dealers will know him as VP/GM of its Snowmobile Division, a position he held since 2011. Darling also spent 10 years in the lawn & garden industry, and worked in a family dealership for more than 18 years.
Another helmet related heads up: The all-new 2016 Helmet House catalog is in the house! A total of 368 pages of motorcycling greatness. SHOEI, Tour Master, HJC, Cortech and a host of exciting new products for the upcoming riding season, as well as some dynamic snowmobile and law enforcement motor patrol products. Ask your account representative for a copy, but only if you want your business to grow.
