Clyde Fessler

Clyde Fessler, the former Vice President of Business Development for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, played an integral part in their dramatic turnaround over the past 24 years.

Fessler joined Harley-Davidson in 1977 as the Advertising and Promotions Manager, and soon was promoted to Director of Marketing Services. In that position he lead the establishment of Harley Owners Group, which now has over 500,000 members and is the largest enthusiast club in the world.

As General Sales Manager in the early 1980s, he established new policies and programs, many of which are still in effect today. As Director of Licensing, Clyde created a new business that has received national recognition enhances the brand to the general public as well as adding subtantial financial value to Harley-Davidson.

As Vice President of General Merchandise, he repositioned the rider accessory department and lead the MotorClothes team from $20 million in annual sales to over $100,000 million in a period of five years.

The Harley-Davidson turnaround story is the story of how the last remaining motorcycle manufacturer in the US competed against global giants like Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha in the marketplace.

On the verge of bankruptcy in the early 1980’s, Harley-Davidson found itself facing severe market conditions and heavy foreign competition. Enter Clyde Fessler and a ream of creative hands-on people that through applying unique strategies, clever positioning, hard work and passion turn their last remaining American motorcycle manufacturer from the rust bowl of the Midwest into a Fortune 500 company success story.

Clyde is a dynamic speaker with a powerful presentation, demonstrating genuine passion centred on a much admired brand and the experiences of motorcycling. He captures the Harley-Davidson turnround story and adds mystique…the ability of the brand to bring together (in unique and surprising ways) seemingly disparate combinations of products, people, processes and experiences.

Clyde is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He served on the Board of Trustees for the American Motorcycle Association and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. He also served as an active liaison between the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Harley-Davidson… a relationship that has generated over $31 million in donations since 1981.