This is huge industry news that we are proud to share. Our good friend and one of the driving forces at Polaris RZR (Polaris ORV) has been promoted to President of Transamerican Auto Parts (TAP), also knows as the parent company of 4 Wheel Parts. Scanlon has done more for the UTV industry then most people would realize. Sure, he worked for Polaris where his work there is well documented. But inside and outside of the office he is one of the most passionate and influential members of our industry both as an enthusiast and racer. Scanlon not only pushed UTV racing by spearheading the Polaris RZR racing division, he also directly influenced the culture by approving such projects as RJ Anderson’s XP1K video series. To list all Craig has had his hands in would take a year to write out.
I have personally grown close to Craig over the course of the past 8 years. He and his team at Polaris have supported so many of our wild ideas and have put us in a position to grow well beyond the average media outlet by always supporting the cool (and expensive) projects & content we wanted to create. Whether it was a custom build for our own brand, a giveaway machine for a wounded veteran, or a trip to the middle east to spread the gospel of UTVs, Craig was always in support.
In addition, he and the ORV team built up a brand at RZR that changed the landscape of our culture and cemented the UTV industry in a way that far surpassed anyones expectations. We at UTVUnderground.com are thrilled for Craig’s huge promotion, a well deserved one. It is bitter sweet in some ways, but he is now going to be a resident of the west coast where we will be able to continue our work and spend even more time now in the dirt together. The ORV team he leaves at Polaris is as strong as anything he has ever worked with over the course of his tenure and are well prepared to forge the brand much further into the future. It has always been an honor working alongside him and the ORV team on so many great projects, and many more are in the works for the future.
To the average enthusiast they may not know the affect Craig has had on this industry. But to those of us in the know, this man has pushed the sport in ways that have directly affected us all. With all that said, we congratulate him on his new role at TAP. We wish him and his awesome family all the best in their transition. Lastly, on behalf of everyone at UTVUnderground.com, we thank you Craig Scanlon for all that you have done for the sport, industry, me personally, and our brand at UTVUnderground.com. You believed when no one else did, you supported when no one else would, and you stood along side us no matter what. For that, we will always be appreciative and are ready when you are to take on the next challenge!!!
With Respect,
Joey D. & The entire UTVUnderground.com Family
Polaris Names Craig Scanlon as New Transamerican Auto Parts President
MINNEAPOLIS (April 9, 2018) – Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced today that Craig Scanlon has been named president of Transamerican Auto Parts (TAP), effective immediately. Scanlon will succeed Greg Adler, who is assuming a new role as executive vice chairman for TAP. TAP continues to be a strong component of Polaris’ growing Aftermarket segment; Scanlon and Adler will both report to Steve Eastman, president of Aftermarket, Parts, Garments and Accessories for Polaris.
“For more than 50 years, TAP has led the 4×4 Jeep and truck aftermarket thanks to the vision, leadership and passion of the Adler family. As executive vice chairman, Greg’s extensive industry knowledge, strategic insight, and strong relationships will continue to play a critical role in supporting the long-term success of the business,” said Eastman. “I have full confidence that TAP’s market leadership will continue to grow and flourish with Craig at the helm. Craig has an exceptional track record as a proven leader whose clear, strategic vision has been instrumental in helping to shape and grow Polaris’ largest business segment. His dedication and passion, combined with his experience building brands and delivering results, makes him well equipped to accelerate growth and drive long-term success for TAP and Polaris.”
“This is an exciting time for the 4×4 Jeep and truck aftermarket industry and I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead this talented TAP team,” said Scanlon. “TAP’s history of industry leadership and culture of customer-first values have been core to its success. I look forward to building upon its strong foundation and continuing to drive momentum and stronger collaboration across all areas of the business including leveraging synergies resulting from the 2016 acquisition.”
An experienced leader in the powersports industry, Scanlon most recently served as vice president and chief retail and marketing officer for Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) at Polaris. During his 14 years at Polaris, Scanlon has held positions of increasing responsibility in marketing, sales and general management supporting both the ORV and Slingshot businesses. Prior to his roles at Polaris, Scanlon held various sales and accounting roles at Ingersoll Rand. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Maryland.
In his new role as executive vice chairman, Adler will be responsible for supporting long-range strategy, pursuing inorganic growth opportunities through TAP’s strategic acquisition framework, and serving as a TAP brand ambassador. Adler joined TAP in 1994 and served in various areas of the business before being named TAP’s president and CEO in 2005.
“My father founded this business in 1961 as a source for Jeep parts. Today, TAP is an industry leader with a growing portfolio. Craig’s vision and enthusiasm leaves me feeling confident in his ability to honor both the Adler legacy and company vision of putting the customer first, while continuing to deliver growth for TAP and Polaris. Craig is inheriting an incredibly talented and dedicated team. The foundation is built for continued success under his highly experienced leadership,” said Adler. “I imagine TAP’s next chapter will see even more success than its last. On a personal level, my new role as executive vice chairman will allow me to focus on an area of work that I’m extremely passionate about: discovering fresh opportunities, new brands, and untapped segments for TAP.”
TAP is a leader in the growing $10-plus billion Jeep and truck accessory market. Acquired in 2016 by Polaris, TAP operates as a distinct business unit reporting to Eastman. TAP sells and installs an extensive line of accessories for Jeep and truck enthusiasts, including products manufactured under its seven proprietary, industry-leading aftermarket brands: PRO COMP®, RUBICON EXPRESS, SMITTYBILT®, POISON SPYDER™, G2™, LRG® and TRAIL MASTER®. TAP is the largest retailer and installer in the North American market, selling through its own retail and on-line network while also supporting numerous independent accessory retailers/installers.
About Transamerican Auto Parts
Transamerican Auto Parts is the world’s leading manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of aftermarket parts and accessories for trucks, Jeeps, SUVs and four-wheel drive vehicles. Transamerican operations are comprised of 90 4 Wheel Parts retail locations in North America, Transamerican Wholesale sales and distribution, Dealer Services International and the Transamerican Manufacturing Group which includes Smittybilt, Rubicon Express, G2 Axle & Gear, Pro Comp, LRG Wheels and Poison Spyder. We Sell It. We Own It. We Live It. For more information about Transamerican Auto Parts, Dealer Services International and Transamerican Manufacturing Group, please visit: www.transamericanautoparts.com.
About Polaris
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader that has been fueling the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 60 years. With annual 2017 sales of $5.4 billion, Polaris’ innovative, high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; the Sportsman® and Polaris ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK®, INDY®, Switchback® and RUSH® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets globally include military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. Visit www.polaris.com for more information.
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