The demise of pioneering print publication IronWorks was just one of the many ripples in the V-Twin industry pond announced just before the V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati. Always an odd fit within its portfolio of trade publications for the woodworking industry, Hatton-Brown has announced it will stop producing the print version as of the March 2014 issue. Founded by the late Dennis Stemp in 1989, Hatton-Brown bought the book in 1995 as its first consumer magazine.
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Undaunted, editor/publisher Marilyn Stemp plans to bring IronWorks back, but as Iron Trader News (the name Dennis originally started with in 1989). “First up is the ITN Facebook page, then the website and blog,” she explains. “We’ll follow with a full-fledged digital magazine at a totally retro subscription price, especially considering the superior quality of its unique content. With your interest and support, subscriptions to the print version of Iron Trader News won’t be far behind.” Like them on Facebook or click on http://irontradernews.com to follow the progress.
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In more magazine mayhem, Greg Jones joined the MPN staff. Greg joined MPN parent Babcox Media in January 2014 and currently serves as managing editor of both Motorcycle & Powersports News and Engine Builder magazine. He is also content specialist for Speedville.com. Prior to joining Babcox, Greg worked for Smart Business magazine from 2010 to 2013 as an associate editor. Greg has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University at Albany, State University of New York. Contact Greg at [email protected] or (330) 670-1234 ext. 272.
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Also news to the V-Twin crowd is the fact that former Progressive Suspension stalwart Pat Lovro becomes the director of outside sales for Vance & Hines. “I am very excited about this opportunity and with the support received from all of you in the industry,” says Lovro, who many dealers will know from his in-depth suspension training courses taught at the dealership level. Lovro now reports to Mark Finnie who recently rolled over from Performance Machine to take over at Vance & Hines last fall.
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Unrelated to Lovro’s leaving, but still pertaining to Progressive Suspension is the fact the firm is looking to hire a mechanical project engineer. The “progressive” company is looking for a hands-on mechanical engineer to lead the development of motorcycle accessories from the concept phase to volume production launch. If you are interested in this position, please send your salary history, resume and cover letter detailing your relative experience and interest to: [email protected]
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More V-Twin related moves announced in January included former CCI/Custom Chrome Europe head honcho, Holger Mohr moving from Mustang Seats to become president of Küryakyn. Company founder, Tom Rudd takes over as chairman and can focus on his passion for R&D and creating new products while Mohr addresses day-to-day operations for the aftermarket accessories company. “I am really looking forward to kicking Küryakyn into overdrive,” says Mohr. Serious race fans may remember Rudd from his drag racing days, but it is the true industry insiders that know Tom actually founded Drag Specialties. He launched Küryakyn back in 1989 after selling Drag Specialties to Fred Fox at LeMan’s Corp.
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Auction action! Mecum Auctions has taken a financial and marketing stake in MidAmerica Auctions. Mecum’s active involvement with MidAmerica began in January with the 23rd Annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction & Races. As Mecum Auctions continues to grow, the company will expand into the motorcycle auction market via the MidAmerica auction brand. MidAmerica founder Ron Christensen will bring his 25 years of auction expertise to his new role as president of Mecum’s motorcycle division. The first joint venture was selling off the “The Evolution of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles” collection, headlined by a 1911 7D Twin (pictured). “The George Pardos Collection is one of the finest groups of Harley-Davidson motorcycles I have ever seen,” commented Christensen. “I’ve seen a lot of bikes cross my path over the last quarter century, but nothing quite like this when it comes to Harleys.”
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Heads up: Arai Helmet, Inc. has appointed Louisville, Ky.-based Doe-Anderson as its new agency-of-record. “We’re excited to begin working with Doe-Anderson and look forward to the fresh voice that they will bring to our brand,” said Brian Weston, Arai’s managing director. “Their expertise in brand development within the powersports and premium product industries uniquely aligns with the needs of Arai.”
