Two-Wheel Conveyance: the Pandemic, Opportunism, and Continued Growth

Welcome to episode 1 of Centerstand: A Motorcycle Industry Podcast by the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows (IMS). In this episode, host Robert Pandya speaks with Bill Miller, Giant Bicycles’ Program Leader for Giant Retail Academy, and Tom Hicks, Southern California Motorcycles’ President and Owner, to discuss the uptick in sales the electric bicycle and motorcycle industries have experienced amidst the pandemic — and ways to maintain the momentum from a retailer and dealer perspective.00:00:00 00:00:01Welcome to Episode 1. You’ll be listening in on a discussion between three industry leaders talking about what life is like mid-pandemic for the motorcycle and electric bicycle industry. 00:00:00 00:01:05Meet the guests, Bill Miller, Giant Bicycles’ Program Leader for Giant Retail Academy, and Tom Hicks, Southern California Motorcycles’ President and Owner. 00:00:00 00:02:40Bill gives a quick history lesson on Giant Bicycles, what it is like being a bike brand inside the world of motorcycles, and the crossover between the two categories. Tom discusses his partnership with Giant and why he decided to begin selling electric bicycles at his dealership. 00:00:00 00:06:40Bill discusses the uptick in Q1 sales, the growing trend of e-bikes, and the blurring of the acoustic and e-bike community.  00:00:00 00:10:30Tom discusses the crossover between motorcyclists and e-bicycle riders. 00:00:00 00:12:14Bill and Tom discuss synergies between the motorcycle and bicycle industries and how the categories can grow together and have a bigger impact on the industry. 00:00:00 00:17:30Tom and Bill discuss how their companies are attracting more female riders.00:00:00 00:22:00Tom speaks to the unique experience of his dealership and his plans to build an entire bicycle dealership inside his motorcycle franchise. 00:00:00 00:27:00Tom and Bill provide advice for dealers and retailers for a successful future. 00:00:00 00:31:38Robert teases Episode 2, set to air Wednesday, August 11. Gear up for a conversation in market adjacencies and finding new audiences.