American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 232 November 2018 | Page 6

Hawg Halters Acquires Renegade Wheels Brand
Hawg Halters Inc., of Dahlonega,
Georgia, has announced that it has
bought Renegade Wheels (Orange,
California).
A long-time wholesale and retail
business partner and, in effect,
Renegade’s south eastern United
States distributor, HHI has acquired the
Renegade Wheels brand, all their
wheel designs and related intellectual
property, and will now offer the
Renegade program to dealers across
the U.S., Canada and internationally.
HHI President Mark Thompson told
AMD Magazine that “this dynamic
new association of two strong brands
is a critical step in our strategy of
expanding the Hawg Halters business
model - one of continuing to develop
complementary product lines which
maximize our distribution programs to
the motorcycle industry.
“Renegade Wheels’ core philosophy
HHI President Mark Thompson:
“Renegade Wheels is a natural fit
as we continue to grow Hawg
Halters. The acquisition is a logical
extension of our existing business
partnership with
of offering premium quality, uniquely
styled and well designed and
engineered products mirrors HHI’s
own focus and will be carried forward
“Hawg Halters and Renegade have
been long-term collaborators - the
Spartan forged billet wheel, with
matching true floating rotors
additionally available, was a
Renegade exclusive design for HHI
introduced 18 months ago”
through a continuity of manufacturing
processes in both Southern California
and Georgia.”
Noted for its front end conversions,
builder kits, fenders, triple trees,
standard and short neck bolt-on
Bagger builder’s kits and, above all, its
respected brake caliper and rotor
programs, Thompson joined Hawg
Halters in 1999 and has successfully
evolved the business throughout the
market cycle that has been seen in the
past twenty years, growing steadily
and, in no small part, influencing the
direction of the custom market as their
versatile and innovative solutions
offered dealers and their customers
new options.
www.renegadewheels.com
www.hawghalters.com
MAG adds to Leadership Team
Interim Motorsports Aftermarket
Group (MAG) CEO Mike Buettner has
moved quickly to add industry
experience to his leadership team
with the return to the group of John
Potts as Global VP of Business
Development and Greg Heichelbech
as President of MAG’s Accessories
Group, which includes the Kuryakyn
and Mustang Seats business - the
position vacated by Holger Mohr’s
decision to return to California.
“The addition of John and Greg to our
team marks the beginning of our
renewed focus on growth,” said
Buettner. “They know how critical
relationships are in this industry and
will be instrumental in rebuilding the
trust and support of our partners.”
Potts joins the company in a newly-
created position but is familiar with
the business. He worked for Vance &
John Potts, Global VP of Business
Development
Hines, a division of MAG, for 15 years
before leading ales and marketing for
another firm serving the on- and off-
road motorcycle aftermarket.
“John is the perfect person to help us
drive growth in all of our brands,”
said Buettner. “He’ll be developing
new partnerships, creating additional
revenue streams and building
relationships to support our dealers.”
Heichelbech started his career at
Harley-Davidson, where he was a
leader in sales, dealer relations and
market development. He also served
in senior leadership roles at Triumph
North America, BRP North America
and as President of a division of the
REV Group.
“Greg is one of the most experienced
leaders in the motorcycle industry,”
said Buettner. “He has a keen
understanding of the motorcycle
business and a passion for making
customers happy. With our focus on
growth, he’s exactly the right person
to lead our Accessories Group.”
Heichelbech is a second former
Harley hire for MAG - Scott Miller
Greg Heichelbech, President of
MAG’s Accessories Group
recently joined the MAG board of
directors. As Vice President of Styling
and Product Development Strategy,
Miller was one of the senior Harley
executives who was instrumental in
bringing the Milwaukee Eight engine
Tourers and (subsequently) Softails
to market.