Who's News

The Service Dealers Association board of directors elected Oscar Cavazos with MAE Power Equipment in Mission, Texas, to serve as president at its meeting in August. Also chosen to serve on its executive board were

Softpower Business Solutions - a developer of software for the outdoor power equipment, power sports and marine industries, appointed Ed Hoffler as programmer/developer. Softpower also added Scott Wilcox as price file coordinator and technician to its staff.

Taylor Grout has joined RedMax/ Komatsu Zenoah America Inc. as sales manager for new business development. RedMax also added Matthew Wilson as production compliance safety manager.

Five individuals and business partners of Polaris Industries were inducted into the Polaris Hall of Fame. The induction took place during the 2006 Polaris ATV, RANGER and Victory Motorcycles dealer meeting. This year's class of inductees includes:

Bob Eastman, a man best known as a legendary snowmobile racer and race team manager. Ken Larson, former Polaris president and COO. In the 1990s, a decade of dynamic growth for Polaris, Larson helped the company triple in size from $300 million to more than $1 billion annually. Bair's Polaris-Victory was purchased in the 1970s by Cloise and Deloris Cheyney, who infused it with their dedication to customer service.

Tri-City Polaris started in a small post office building in Centerville, Utah, but it has grown significantly in the past 20 years. With the management skills of owner Bob Mason, Tri-City has become a mecca for performance-minded riders.

The Hilliard Corp., working with Polaris engineers, Milliard created the dual-direction, over-running wheel clutch components needed for a true, on-demand 4-wheel drive system for ATVs.

Dixie Sales Co. added Mike Rounsavall as general manager. Rounsavall came to Dixie Sales from Stoneridge, Inc. where he had worked for more than 20 years.

Little Giant Pump Co. has hired Roy Underwood as water gardening business development manager. Little Giant is a subsidiary of Tecumseh Products Co.

Kubota Corp. (Japan), the global leader in compact tractors, construction/utility equipment and specialized turf products, appointed Tetsuji "Mike" Tomita to its Board of Directors. Tomita was appointed President, Kubota Tractor Corp. in 2004.

Craig Olson has been promoted to manager, marketing communications, promotions & events at John Deere Construction & Forestry Co. He is ' assuming the role of Jim Mitchell, who retired after 33 years of service to Deere.

Ferris Industries announced Dan Dean, a district sales manager throughout the Kansas and western Missouri market, is being promoted to regional sales manager for the Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri markets. Jim Lawton, a regional sales manager for the Southwest region, has been assigned to focus his efforts on two key markets, Texas and Florida.

Exmark Manufacturing, a manufacturer of commercial mowers in the professional turf industry, named Mike Fine as sales manager for its West Coast region. The company also appointed Dave Converse as director of engineering and Carry Busboom director of research and development.

Kawasaki Engines and Power Products named Rodger Howe as director, dealer channel sales and marketing. After a major reorganization at Kawasaki Motors Corp. in 2003, Howe was named director of communications, and then in 2004 was promoted to national director of sales.

Briggs & Stratton announced Ann Roche's promotion to vice president Commercial Engines. Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power is a provider of power solutions. Roche joined Briggs in 1994 as a business development manager in charge of New Ventures. Briggs' shareholders reelected Jay H. Baker, Michael E. Batten and Brian C. Walker as directors to terms expiring in 2008.

The Toro Co., Irrigation Division, named Brian Ries marketing & product manager of Valve and Control Products for the residential and commercial landscape markets.

Robin America appointed Pam Meyer as equipment sales manager.