Let us introduce you to  Richard Coleby, National Sales Manager for Polaris UK and Ireland. Leading the sales and marketing forces in the UK, Richard has been with the brand for over 10 years and is well-versed in the details and intricacies of the off-road trade. 

Richard – tell us how you first got started with Polaris…

“10 years ago almost to the date, I joined the Polaris team as District Sales Manager. I was approached by the previous Country Manager and the team at Polaris EMEA whilst working in another industry in a similar role. In 2020, I became the National Sales Manager for Polaris UK & Ireland looking after the Polaris Off Road Vehicles sales & marketing teams and the UK dealer network.” 

What was your experience with the brand up to joining?

“Prior to joining the team, I had only ridden a Polaris ATV once on a quad bike trek, but I was familiar with the brand in racing as a confirmed petrolhead. I’m an avid fan of Dakar and the King of the Hammers, back when I was starting with Polaris, the SXS categories were only starting to make headlines but now here Polaris is with seven Dakar championships under their belt, the most recent this year!”

What does your day-to-day job look like? 

“Eating biscuits and drinking tea.” Richard joked. “Aside from that, my days mostly consist of looking at current and future upcoming brands and competitors; go-to marketing strategies, dealer development opportunities and new sales opportunities across various customer demographics.”

What’s your favourite part of the job? 

“Definitely the biscuits. But seriously, I would say being part of a tight-knit and successful team and working with a strong dealer network, it’s really what makes working for Polaris so special. The job also has its perks for anyone with a passion for all things off-road as Polaris has industry-leading, super exciting products to ride and drive regularly.”

Is there a particular model from the line-up that stands out to you the most?

“Without a doubt, the Polaris Sportsman XP1000 S. It’s a total wolf in sheep’s clothing. The power it has really makes you concentrate and when pushed hard, in the right environment, the XP 1000 S provides an adrenaline rush like nothing else.”

Give us an interesting fact about yourself…

“On the weekends I love nothing more than dressing up in a rubber suit and visiting various beaches up and down the country, to kitesurf or wing foil to be clear!”