Restructuring to adjust to the US economic conditions is a necessary step for many of our companies. A senior management reorganization plan is going on at Big Dog Motorcycles with for consequence the departure of Executive Vice President Nick Messer. During a recent conversation I had with the upper management I was told that never before were their bikes as reliable as they are now with the 08 lineup. Big Dog Motorcycles is still the world’s largest custom motorcycle manufacturer and will be celebrating its 15th anniversary next year. Big Dog Motorcycles.
ALWAYS, one of the good guys that gets let go! I believe Nick had 12-13 years as an employee of Big Dog? Has always been a pleasure talking with you and John Nasi at past shows. I don’t see you sitting on the sidelines for very long. There is too must wealth of knowledge you possess in this industry. I look forward to seeing your return. (But, hey, play a little golf first and relax!!) Looking forward to your return!!
Fred Proctor, Operations Manager, Viper Motorcycle Company
Nick Messer is a major loss to Big Dog. In many ways Nick was Big Dog, maybe even more so than Sheldon, he certainly was the face out front that people tend to associate with Big Dog. Sheldon, did you really think this one through? Who is going to control John Nasi with Nick gone? We are all in trouble now. Good Luck Nick!
If you knew Sheldon, you would know it was thought through completely. He is not a man to go off half cocked, and act on a whim.
B.Rock, sounds like you need to get a sense of humor dude! I believe Mr. Nicklus was saying that tongue in cheek.
My appologies. It has been a long week. Sense of humor left Monday
I do not know Mr Coleman personally but I have watched his company grow from its infancy and I remember reading one of his interviews way back when which really impressed me about what he and his company were all about. Every step of the way he has been professional along with his key people. Over the years I have come across some of his manufacturers and they are of the highest quality which impresses me even more about the guy. To me he and his organization are about as perfect of a company I have ever come across in the world and without any doubt in the custom bike world. A true industry professional.
At least we have John Nasi, the shitty tipper……just kidding.
Great guy with class! = Big Dog!
Nick Messer is a credit to the motorcycle industry & he will undoubtedly land on his feet. Big Dog will be fine & Nick will also be fine. Good luck to you Nick & I’ll talk to you soon.
I HAVE NEVER MET SHELDON. MANY TIMES I HAVE SPOKE WITH NICK. HE WAS ALWAYS THE MAN THAT PUBLICLY THANKED HIS DEALERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF BIG DOG.
I WONDER IF THIS MANOUVER IS A LITTLE SHORT SIGHTED . YOU SAVE A FEW BUCKS NOW, BUT THE TEAM STILL NEEDS SUPPORT AND CONFIDENCE.
Donn,
You have short sighted all you dealers and customers. I’m sure you saved a few bucks.
Big Dog is alive and still number 1. Where is Titan these days?
IF you worked for Big Dog, you’d see they have excellent support and confidence!
Nick will be missed by everyone at Big Dog, but will venture to new horizons.
to blue sky ride
why do you go off topic with negative comments to support your misunderstanding of what i stated.Clearly i respect Nick and what he did for Big Dog .How he supported his dealers.
Stay on topic man.If you do not have something of quality to say. do not say it all.
PS what do you know of how I did or did not support Titan customers. The fact is Titan is still there, awnsering calls and doing everything Titan can to assist, .
Any way do not awnser that. lets just wish Nick well at whatever he decides to do and respect Big Dogs decision.
Nick was a dedicated professional who was instrumental in raising that little puppy into a full grown dog. I’m sure he will be missed by his staff and a lot of people in this industry.
I have been riding Big Dog Motorcycles since 1997. I still have the original 97 Big Dog Classic I purchased in 97. My other ride is a 1997 Vintage Classic I purchased four years ago with 5,000 miles on it. It now has just over 47,000. Both bikes have been tremendously reliable. I visited Big Dog back in 97 before I purchased the bike. I met Shelton and Nick both than and several times over the years. They are both professionals. This was I am sure not an easy diction by either party. Nick will go on and be successful in what ever challenges he takes on. Shelton will continue to grow Big Dog. No one likes change but it is a way of life. If I was American Iron Horse I would be courting Nick real hard.
I’ve only spoke with Nick once so I don’t know him but Big Dog as well as the other “custom bike manufacturers” are going to face increasing financial pressures and stagnation unless they learn to adapt to the market changes. Many got lucky with the “bike boom”. HD is going to outflank many of the manufacturers caught flat footed. There are ways to take advantage of the current state of affairs. I wish Nick and Big Dog all the best.
After almost 13 years, Nick will definitely be missed around the Big Dog World. I am sure that we have not seen the last of him, but I always knew that John Nasi guy was a better tipper than Nick, so he will be a great replacement.
Look out Mr. Nicklus
I ran across this blog when reseaching Big Dog in hopes of finding help with my bike. After owning it less than 5 months the lining in the gas tank had to be replaced and the fender had to be repainted after the painter failed to clear over the gold flake. The dealership I purchased the bike from has now had it over a month and there is no end in sight…. I can’t get anyone at Big Dog to return my calls, so the original post made me laugh when it said “same great quaility” because if THIS is what their qualities is, I better trade this hunk of metal in before the warranty runs out.