SHIFTING GEARS

Heads up! Former Quin Helmets sales head Tim Calhoun is now heading up Parts & Accessories for HISUN Motors Corp. U.S.A. Calhoun comes to HISUN with more than 35 years of industry experience and former executive roles at Indian Motorcycle, Western Power

Sports, LeoVince USA, SpeedMob

Inc. and Helmet House. “It is an exciting time at HISUN and we are thrilled to add Tim to our growing team,” says Jamie Cheek, VP of Operations. “He will be instrumental in refining the aftermarket experience for HISUN customers, a key sector that will propel the HISUN brand further along in our journey. The industry knowledge Tim brings to the table is unrivaled.” As Director of Parts & Accessories for HISUN Motors Corp., Calhoun’s goals include improving dealer accessibility to parts and accessories, simplifying ordering and delivery operations, and creating an extensive catalog of parts and accessories, both performance and utility, for the HISUN family of vehicles. Creating this role is just one more step on the HISUN roadmap to improve the end users experience and allow customers to expand the various uses of HISUN products. A peer-elected board member on the Motorcycle Industry Council, and current Chairman of the Aftermarket Committee, Calhoun is a lifelong rider with more than 50 years in the saddle. Motojournalist Kevin Duke admits he is back in the saddle again! “Hi, my name is Kevin Duke and I’m a motorcycle addict. If you count HarleyDavidson’s new Pan America that I rode April 19, it’ll add up to about 950 different motorcycles I’ve ridden in my lifetime. I’ve commuted and toured, bashed trails and bar-hopped, been to Sturgis and Daytona several times, and gone full throttle on roadrace circuits and at the dragstrip. All of which brings me here to you at Thunder Press as the new Editor in Chief. It’s a small bit of irony that I’m following TP’s former Editor, Mitch Boehm, as he was the guy that gave me the opportunity to become a full-fledged motojournalist as a staffer at Motorcyclist nearly 25 years ago. Now he’s moved on to helm American Motorcyclist, the AMA’s magazine, and he’s already doing terrific work there. Now, if you excuse me, I must begin packing for my test on Harley’s most adventurous new model since I began riding motorcycles nearly a half century ago.”

JC Maldonado has joined Royal Enfield North America to support its dealer marketing efforts and national campaigns in his role as marketing manager. Previously, JC had worked in the advertising and PR industry and specialized in enthusiast brands in the powersports industry. He kicked off his career at CramerKrasselt, the agency of record for BRP at the time, and worked as a content writer, community manager and social strategist for Can-Am Off-Road and the Spyder brands. He also served as a media relations liaison for Evinrude. After a fouryear tenure at C-K, he then spent four and half years at a start-up agency, working with brands such as Mercury Marine and performance battery brand OPTIMA, marine electronics brands, as well as being a GoPro content strategist.

Dunlop Motorcycle Tires rounds out its team with former AMA roadracer Chris Siebenhaar rolling in as a new Product Manager. “We are excited to welcome Chris to the Dunlop team,” says Senior VP of Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Sales & Marketing, Mike Buckley. “His background in product development, testing & marketing will add value to our process of bringing world class products to our customers. Of course, his racing experience will allow him to bring perspective that we are eager to benefit from.” Siebenhaar joins the team at the Rancho Cucamonga, CA HQ, joining current Product Manager Chad Geer. A life-long enthusiast, Siebenhaar began riding at 4 years old and competed in motocross, flat track and roadracing before working in a variety of roles in the industry. “I am very excited about this opportunity to work for Dunlop and stay

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within the motorcycle industry I love so much,” he says. “To me, motorcycling was always a way to get away from all the drama. While racing you are connecting the dots, laps after lap and it’s all that matters. It’s very grounding for me, it’s what I relate to and generally makes me happy to my core.”

Dīrigō (Latin for “I lead”) is the state motto of Maine, having once been the only state to hold its elections in September. However, there is no need for dealers to wait as Patrick Waitt takes the lead in the Dīrigō State. Waitt, who grew up racing NESC in the ‘90s, is now calling on Parts Unlimited dealers as the new Northeast Region rep. Prior to the Parts gig, Patrick’s industry experience includes parts and operations at the dealership level. He is an MSF licensed instructor in Maine and still races locally on his Yamaha YZ 450F. In addition to racing/riding, Waitt enjoys the outdoors with skiing, hiking and mountain biking.

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Drag Specialties also adds representation in the Northeast Region as Christopher Ellis is now serving V-Twin dealers throughout Connecticut, Maine and Rhode Island. Formerly with The Motor Company, Ellis has a vast knowledge of parts experience having served as a Harley-Davidson product representative in the southeast. He has been riding for 10+ years and his current ride is a 2009 Street Glide. In his free time, Ellis enjoys golf, riding and spending time with his wife, Jessica and bulldog, Waylon.

Say it ain’t so, Joe! After 21 years “KYMCO Joe” Wofford has left the building. “To my friends, I have been honored to be a part of KYMCO USA since the beginning in 2000. I have decided to leave the company, but wish them a successful future. The company is full of a new younger generation of ambitious people that will undoubtedly serve our dealers well. It is with great pride and confidence that I leave the company in their hands. I am grateful for the time I spent with KYMCO and am proud to have been a part of the organization. Please join me in my wish for success for the KYMCO brand in the USA. Kindest regards,” — Joe Wofford

Speaking of shifting gears, Heather Wilson is moving on from the American Motorcyclist Association. “Motorcycling is my passion. I’ve been blessed enough to make it my career, too. But after nearly 7 years of putting my heart and soul into AMA, it’s time for me to write a new chapter of my career,” she says. “I’ve always sought to make an impact, and I don’t intend for that to stop. I’m grateful for the opportunities AMA provided me and the experiences gained in four different roles that allowed me to help motorcyclists. I’m proud of my contributions to the AMA mission of

promoting the motorcycle lifestyle and protecting the future of

motorcycling. I cherish the relationships I’ve built with event organizers, the riders and volunteers I’ve met, and the dedicated staff I’ve worked alongside. I’m going to miss working with all of you so much -- but I feel confident that it’s not goodbye; it’s see ya later.”

MOTO CORSA

Expansion Through Inclusion

By Alisa Clickenger, Photos courtesy Moto Corsa

Walking into Moto Corsa reminded me of the first rock concert I event attended. The excitement in the air was contagious, the entire crew was enthusiastic and welcoming, and there was a high vibe within the gathering crowd — both inside and outside the building. The draw to be in the inner circle was a palpable, cultivated energy with an addictive quality. And the Moto Corsa “Red Room” — designed by their nightclub designer building architect — is pure genius. I wanted to have my picture taken in the Red Room so badly I nearly bought a Multistrada just to make it happen. It’s easy to see why this Portland Ducati dealer has an incredibly enthusiastic fan base.

Run by a group of moto-loving, riding, racing, and wrenching people who truly love the motorcycle lifestyle, Moto Corsa has been the #1 Ducati dealership in America six times over, despite their location in drizzly Portland, Oregon. “The region is home to some of the hardiest riders that I’ve ever met,” says Shahin Alvandi, Moto Corsa’s General Manager and leader of the bright red moto movement.

“These are people of all walks of life and professional backgrounds who relish and connect at a level that’s beyond politics and beliefs. We try, every day, to make our place a safe and inclusive common ground for all motorcyclists.”

Alvandi joined the dealership in March of 2015. Arun Sharma was at the helm at the time, and the two had met online because of their “Me And My Bike” articles published in Motorcyclist Magazine. They connected as fellow enthusiasts and industry workers. “We both have this theory that the dealership is our home and we want everyone who enters our home to feel comfortable, welcomed and wanted. I moved cross-country to be a part of that sense of home and, as they say, one thing led to another.”

Before ascending to GM at Moto Corsa, Alvandi came in as the finance manager, a role he’d held in other dealerships while living in Florida. His management style is an enthusiastic one — which is a perfect match to his personality. The exclusive Ducati dealership and brand fits his and his team’s personalities and riding styles as a whole as well. “It’s really easy to speak the language of the machine and its intended audience when the crew, as a whole, is fanatic about it,” adds Alvandi.

Moto Corsa is part of a much larger automotive group, yet they are the only motorcycle dealership within that network. It’s a unique place for them to be as it makes them feel like they are their own little island. There’s a lot of trust put in Alvandi and his team, and they’re left to be the masters of their own domain, given the freedom to run it as they wish, as long as it is netting positively and running smoothly. There’s always accountability, but as long as there’s no breakdown in communication and expectations are set and met, the Moto Corsa team is left to self-direct. That’s a good thing because their numbers are up. Way, way up.

Since relocating to the Pacific Northwest, Alvandi has discovered the magic and adventure of riding large bikes through the enchanting wilderness in the area. He’s also a full-time street rider who dabbles in track days a half dozen times a year. “If it has a motor and two wheels, I’d like to ride it, please!”

TURN TWO

Moto Corsa sells pre-owned bikes through its Turn Two Motorcycles subsidiary, and those account for nearly half their sales. Motorcycle sales are the primary revenue source for the shop, but they also do a brisk business in P&A as well as service. The current market has taught them to be flexible and to move quickly on ideas. “Don’t be rigid or else you’ll be left behind and often-times the fallout of that is very costly, both in time and money,” Alvandi cautions.

Turn Two Motorcycles is directly across the street from Moto Corsa’s main showroom, and it houses their used motorcycles and other brands. Along the way they figured out that it was better to leave the primary showroom to Ducati proper, and to put the used bikes in a separate showroom. The crew works both buildings, and it cleaned up the customer’s perception of their brand showcase.

Engagement and inclusivity are the keys to Moto Corsa’s wild success, and their philosophy is that it is paramount to actually be those things and not just talk about them. The world of retail motorcycle sales is not an easy one, and a key to their success has been to build a team that innately understands the concept of customer engagement and the welcoming attitude, plus a demeanor that promotes inclusivity. “All are welcome and all are invited to be a part of the party,” Alvandi proclaims. “It’s more fun that way.”

EXPANSION THROUGH INCLUSION

The dealership’s work to expand their current customer base includes being decidedly proactive about growing their female buyer base. Alvandi speaks of the disadvantages of the “good ole boys” club of the past, and he believes that there’s a huge untapped buyer base in the female population. Moto Corsa is currently experiencing explosive growth in their sales to women, and it is reflected greatly in their bottom line.

Moto Corsa strives to be consistent in their messaging and delivery of the things they do. Recognizing the importance of having effective processes in place, the staff also know that it is important to be flexible. Every deal, every interaction and every door swing can be very dynamic, so as a crew they have honed their ability to flow with it on a daily basis. successful tenure at the motorcycle dealership. “It’s all about connecting with the customers and having the willingness to spend the time and energy to build the relationship,” he believes. “I know that sounds hypocritical from a guy who just said that we are inclusive to all, but we need to be picky about who represents us because it’s not an easy job and we take it very seriously, even though it looks like fun and games on the surface. I believe that is what keeps us from having a revolving door with employees.”

Currently there are four women who work at Moto Corsa. Lindsay is their business manager, and is the quiet hero of the shop by helping things run as smooth as humanly possible in the background. Stephanie helps, and she also helps run the Corsa Café where people can grab an espresso on a Saturday morning before a ride. Tamara is one of their newest team members and is a tour-de-force in the apparel department. She came from a non-motorcycle background and in just a few months she has not only mastered her domain, but also is now a licensed motorcyclist with her own bike. Hannah is one of their three motorcycle sales people. The stuff of legends and very unassuming, she’s the 1C race plate number holder as the clubman champion in the OMRRA (Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association) series. She also happens to be a Ducati Master Technician… Never judge a book by its 5’4” cover.

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