Clyde Fessler

Biography

Clyde Fessler, retired Vice President of Business Development for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, was with the company for 24 years, and has played an integral part in their dramatic turnaround.

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 led 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 enhancing the brand to the general public as well as adding substantial financial value to Harley-Davidson.

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

In the role as Vice President of Business Development, Clyde played a key role in developing strategic direction for the company.

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 $60 million in donations since 1981.

Clyde retired from Harley-Davidson in early 2002 and is now active as a consultant and motivational speaker. He enjoys fulfilling his dreams by exploring the world on one of his six Harley-Davidson motorcycles, with his wife, Joan.

Clyde Fessler is a dynamic motivational speaker with a powerful presentation, demonstrating genuine passion centered on a much admired brand and the experiences of motorcycling; its attributes of freedom, adventure and individuality appeal to people across a wide variety of demographic segments.

Titles

The Harley-Davidson Turnaround Story: The Rise and All of Harley-Davidson
In his energetic motivational presentation, "THE RISE AND ALL OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON", Clyde explains the changes H-D made in product, programs, policies, procedures, and most of all, people`s attitudes to be successful in today`s competitive business climate. This highly stimulating, entertaining presentation will open the minds of your audience to paradigm shifts and be a participative team member in reaching your corporate goals.

This keynote speech has received standing ovations from numerous Fortune 500 companies. Clyde will customize the presentation to deliver the message you want them to remember. Kick off your meeting or convention with a buzz that will set the pace for business success in the on coming years.

Creating Corporate Change In Today`s Challenging Business Environment
Clyde Fessler, retired V.P. of Business Development for Harley-Davidson, tells the story of how a company, on the verge of bankruptcy, became one of the top performing corporations on the New York Stock Exchange and one of the most recognized Brands in the world. They did it through not only creating change, but by enabling everyone to facilitate change throughout the entire company.

Strategic Marketing in Anxious Times
The Harley-Davidson marketing story explains the strategy that took a company on the verge of bankruptcy, to one of the top performing corporations on the New York Stock Exchange, and one of the most respected brands in the world. Clyde Fessler, the man behind the strategy, spent twenty-five years creating and leading the plan. He talks to audiences about how he created a strategy that has endured for over 20 years and enabled Harley-Davidson to be inducted into the Marketing Hall of Fame.