Indian Motorcycle Revival
During a pivotal chapter in the modern revival of Indian Motorcycle, I was part of the startup phase of the brand’s operations in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. I worked closely with the executive leadership team to help rebuild visibility, trust, and momentum around one of America’s most iconic motorcycle brands.
This period required hands-on collaboration, long-range thinking, and deep respect for the brand’s heritage. My role spanned brand support, national rider engagement, and licensing management during a time when the company was reestablishing itself in the market.
Indian Motorcycle
Brand strategy support, executive collaboration, rider and dealer engagement, event planning support, licensing management
4 years
2008–2011
Helping steward an iconic American brand during a defining chapter of its modern history.
The Challenge
Indian Motorcycle, founded in 1901, holds a deeply rooted place in American motorcycling history. After decades of ownership changes and dormant production, the brand returned to manufacturing and operations in Kings Mountain beginning in 2006. By the time production ramped up, leadership faced the challenge of rebuilding credibility with riders, dealers, and partners while honoring a legacy that carried deep emotional weight.
The brand needed to reconnect with its community, create meaningful touchpoints across the country, and establish consistent standards across marketing, events, and licensed products.
The Strategy
01
Executive Collaboration During a Startup Phase
I worked closely with the executive team, including Stephen Julius and Steve Heese, during a period of rapid growth and decision-making. This required translating leadership vision into practical brand initiatives that supported both internal alignment and external visibility.
01 Executive Collaboration During a Startup Phase
I worked closely with the executive team, including Stephen Julius and Steve Heese, during a period of rapid growth and decision-making. This required translating leadership vision into practical brand initiatives that supported both internal alignment and external visibility.
02
National Rider & Dealer Engagement
We focused on in-person engagement as a core driver of trust and loyalty. I supported rider events, factory tours, dealer gatherings, and community rides across the country, creating opportunities for riders to connect directly with the brand and the people behind it.
02 National Rider & Dealer Engagement
We focused on in-person engagement as a core driver of trust and loyalty. I supported rider events, factory tours, dealer gatherings, and community rides across the country, creating opportunities for riders to connect directly with the brand and the people behind it.
03
Licensing Oversight and Brand Integrity
In addition to event and brand support, I managed licensing initiatives to ensure brand consistency across partner products. I earned a certificate in Licensing Studies through LIMA (Licensing International), equipping me to oversee licensed relationships, protect brand standards, and support long-term brand equity during a critical growth phase.
03 Licensing Oversight and Brand Integrity
In addition to event and brand support, I managed licensing initiatives to ensure brand consistency across partner products. I earned a certificate in Licensing Studies through LIMA (Licensing International), equipping me to oversee licensed relationships, protect brand standards, and support long-term brand equity during a critical growth phase.
The Impact
This work helped strengthen relationships between Indian Motorcycle and its core audience during a period of renewed visibility. Rider engagement increased through national events, dealer relationships were reinforced, and licensed products aligned more closely with brand standards and heritage. Being part of this chapter in the brand’s history shaped how I approach leadership collaboration, brand stewardship, and long-term brand building. It reinforced the importance of consistency, clarity, and trust when guiding a legacy brand through change.
This foundation still guides how I partner with founders, nonprofits, and organizations working through growth, complexity, and increased visibility.