Dona Nesselhuf Takes Charge as CEO of Strider Sports International
In a significant leadership transition, Strider Bikes has officially appointed Dona Nesselhuf as the new Chief Executive Officer of Strider Sports International. This promotion comes from her prior role as the Chief Operations Officer, underlining her impressive track record and deep involvement in the company’s growth. The announcement also maintains Ryan McFarland, Strider's founder, as the President, affirming a continuous commitment to the company’s vision and mission.
Nesselhuf expressed her enthusiasm for the new role by stating, "I'm honored to take on the responsibility as Strider CEO and help the next generation learn to love riding. It's been the privilege of my career to help Strider grow, so more kids can experience the joy of two wheels."
A Proven Track Record
Nesselhuf's career at Strider began in 2013, well over six years ago, bringing with her more than two decades of experience in the bicycle and outdoor gear retail sectors. This wealth of knowledge allowed her to effectively understand the needs of families in cycling. Notably, her first connection with McFarland dates back nearly 30 years, when she became the first wholesale buyer for his initial bike creation - the Thudbuster Shock Absorbing Seatpost.
Initially, Nesselhuf's task involved creating educational curriculums for Strider. However, her role quickly evolved to encompass comprehensive leadership of the company’s operations, reflecting her adeptness at fostering growth and operational effectiveness. Over her tenure as COO, Nesselhuf was responsible for building all organizational processes, onboarding each employee, and doubling the company’s revenue since her arrival.
Acknowledgment from the Founder
Ryan McFarland praised Nesselhuf's contributions, acknowledging her crucial role in transforming Strider from a startup into an established and structured corporation. McFarland remarked, "Dona has been instrumental in taking us from a scrappy startup to an organized, structured corporation that is positioned to keep growing and thriving. Her expertise in business development and processes has given Strider the operational sophistication that it needs to continue serving children around the world for years to come."
With Nesselhuf stepping up as CEO, McFarland expressed confidence in her ability to lead the company toward even greater success, asserting that her passion and leadership would undoubtedly introduce more children globally to the joys of cycling.
Company Overview
Founded in Rapid City, South Dakota in 2007, Strider Bikes has made an indelible mark on the cycling landscape, selling over 4 million bikes and distributing their products in more than 75 countries. The brand was born from a deep-seated passion for cycling, specifically aiming to make riding accessible for children as young as two, thanks to innovative designs that focus on balance as a foundational skill.
Strider promotes not just cycling, but a lifestyle of fun and adventure, encouraging kids to explore the world on two wheels. With Nesselhuf's leadership, Strider is poised to embark on yet another exciting chapter in their journey, continuing to nurture a love for biking in future generations of riders.
For more information about Strider and its products, visit
www.StriderBikes.com or follow them on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.