6 • August 2024 • Powersports Business

RumbleOn has announced key leadership changes to further its Vision 2026 strategy , naming its VP of Dealership Operations , assigning a current employee the responsibility of its RideNow Cash Offer tool , and furthering its “ composite culture ” initiative . “ We ’ re aligning our team to help us focus on the pillars of our strategic plan , which we call Vision 2026 ,” says Mike Kennedy , CEO of RumbleOn . “ The first pillar includes running the best-performing dealerships in America and the second is about expanding the impact of our RideNow Cash Offer tool to grow the pre-owned business .” He shares that the recent organizational changes specifically address the company ’ s strategic efforts .

“ I believe that the best performing dealerships are aligned with their OEMs and are held to high performance standards by their owners and customers ,” he continues . “ Since our dealership footprint reaches all four corners of the country , it ’ s important that we have a consistent experience in every one of our 55 dealerships . That ’ s why we are partnering even more closely with our OEM partners and aligning the metrics by which we measure success .”

In the new structure , Cam Tkach has been promoted to vice president of Dealership Operations . In his new role , Tkach will

Cam Tkach has been promoted to vice president of Dealership Operations . Photos courtesy of RumbleOn

lead a national team focused on driving performance and operational excellence across RideNow ’ s dealership network . His eight direct reports have responsibilities for sales , marketing , parts , accessories , and service .

RumbleOn ’ s Chase Vance will now take responsibility for the RideNow Cash Offer tool , a key component of the company ’ s plan for growth in the pre-owned business across

Chase Vance will now take responsibility for RumbleOn ’ s RideNow Cash Offer tool .

all of the company ’ s dealerships .

RumbleOn has also streamlined its regional marketing and support functions in favor of this nationwide structure . “ I have told my team that we will be driven by a ‘ composite culture ,’ requiring all of our dealership GMs to share and compare their dealership performance with their RideNow peers ,” Kennedy says . “ This approach will help all of

Lyle Kramper will take on the responsibility of leading RumbleOn ’ s “ composite culture ” initiative .

our dealerships improve and move quickly in support of our strategic objectives .”

Lyle Kramper , a seasoned retail leader at RideNow and in his own dealerships , will take on the additional responsibility of leading the company ’ s “ composite culture ” initiative , which has already shown its value to the GMs who are participating in the meetings .

John Thacker has been elected to the office of president and CEO of Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation , USA ( YMFUS ), effective June 24 , 2024 .

Thacker joins YMFUS with nearly 30 years of experience in financial services , including leadership roles at Ford Credit and , most recently , Hyundai Capital America . His deep experience in sales , marketing , and operations , along with a proven track record of creating value for dealers and customers , will be instrumental in helping the organization continue its growth plans .

“ We are pleased to welcome John to the team ,” says Jeff Young , chairman of YMFUS and president and CEO of Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation , the parent company for YMFUS . “ John ’ s appreciation for the captive finance model and his proven track record of building teams with a customerfirst mindset will strengthen our capabilities and enhance our focus on delivering exceptional value to all our stakeholders .”

“ I ’ m excited to join the Yamaha team at this pivotal point in the expansion of the U . S . business ,” Thacker says . “ There ’ s a great foundation that has been built , and I ’ m eager to work with the team to accelerate the growth and continue providing our dealers with the tools they need to expand their businesses .”

In addition , Young says that Thacker ’ s vision for the organization includes expanding market presence , increasing operational

Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation , USA , has named John Thacker as president and CEO . Photo courtesy of Yamaha Motor Finance

efficiency , and implementing innovative solutions that leverage cutting-edge technology and market insights . “ We are confident that

his leadership will drive our organization ’ s growth and significantly contribute to our overall company objectives ,” Young says .

Ed Lojak , one of the most dominant off-road racers of his generation , passed away on Monday , July 8 , at 63 years old .

Born on December 18 , 1960 , Lojak started riding at eight years old and progressed into racing at 10 .

From there , Lojak blossomed into one of the greatest off-road racers ever , capturing five AMA Hare Scrambles National Championships and nine Grand National Cross Country Series Championships .

Competing professionally from 1976 to 1988 for Team Husqvarna , Lojak emerged as the all-time leader in GNCC championships aboard a bike , with nine total . During this dominant stretch , Lojak was named the 1982 AMA Amateur Athlete of the Year .

Lojak was also a staple in international competition . Competing in five International Six Days Enduros , Lojak helped the United States win multiple gold and silver medals during the event .

After his racing career , Lojak remained instrumental in his family business , Lojaks Cycle Sales , located in his hometown of Tarentum , Pennsylvania .

In 2017 , Lojak was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame for his illustrious racing career and overall impact on the world of off-road racing .

Ed Lojak was a second-generation owner of Lojaks Cycle Sales and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer . He passed away July 8 at 63 . Photo courtesy of AMA