This month’s W2 Profile features 63-year old Kimberly (Kim) Harrison, General Manager of Coleman PowerSports in Woodbridge, Virginia.
When you consider the people that have made the most impact on powersports over the years, Harrison is a stand out.
Not only does she run Coleman PowerSports, she also serves as Secretary/Treasurer and a founding board member of the National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA), AND the owner of PowerRide University, a motorcycle rider training organization serving Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
We asled Harrison how she became involved in Coleman and some milestones along the way.
“Coleman PowerSports is much more than a business to me. It’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father, Dillard P. Coleman, founded the company in 1963, so I literally grew up in the powersports industry. From an early age, I developed a love for the business, the people, and everything that makes this industry special.”
Harrison officially began working in the family business in 1981 while attending college, starting in the accounting department. Over time, she took on additional responsibilities, including marketing, and eventually became General Manager in 1998.
“I’ve always believed that to lead a business successfully, you need to understand it from the ground up. Having worked in different areas of the dealership has given me an appreciation for our employees, our customers, and the challenges that come with running a successful business.”
Harrsion noted, “As a woman in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, I’ve certainly faced challenges along the way. But I’ve always believed that respect is earned through hard work, knowledge, integrity, and professionalism. I’ve never felt the need to be treated differently. I simply wanted to be recognized for what I brought to the table, and I’ve worked hard to earn that respect.”
One milestone Harrison says she is especially proud of is founding PowerRide University in 2019.
“I wanted to create more opportunities for people to enter the sport while emphasizing education and safety. Today, we train approximately 5,000 students annually across Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
“I’ve also had the privilege of becoming involved in the industry on a national level as a founding board member and Secretary/Treasurer of the National Powersports Dealer Association. Advocating for dealerships and helping shape the future of our industry is something I’m very passionate about.”
After 45 years in the biz, Kim says what keeps her going is still the same thing that drew her to the business in the first place: the people and the passion.
“Whether we’re helping someone purchase their first motorcycle, find the perfect side-by-side for their property, or discover a new way to enjoy the outdoors with their family, we’re doing more than selling vehicles. We’re helping people create experiences and memories.
“I’m proud of the business my father started, the people who have helped us grow, and the generations of customers who have trusted us. My greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that we’re continuing his legacy while always looking for ways to improve and serve our community even better.”
While Harrison doesn’t ride as much as she used to she still enjoys getting out on occasion.
“One thing I’ve learned over the years is that powersports means something different to everyone. For some, it’s the excitement of riding a motorcycle on a winding road. For others, it’s exploring trails, spending time outdoors with family, or using a utility vehicle to make work around their property easier. That’s what makes this industry so special. There’s something for just about everyone.”
The powersports industry has worked hard to create options for today hunters and landowners. W2 asked Harrison about her views on this trend.
“The choices available to hunters and landowners today are incredible. Utility terrain vehicles, or UTVs, have evolved from relatively basic work vehicles into extremely capable, comfortable, and versatile machines.
“One of the biggest improvements has been the combination of utility and comfort. Depending on the model, today’s machines offer features such as four-wheel drive, power steering, enclosed cabs, heating and air conditioning, winches, dump beds, impressive towing capabilities, and seating for multiple passengers.
“For hunters, there are models designed with camouflage finishes, quieter operation, substantial cargo capacity, and accessories for carrying firearms, bows,and other hunting equipment. These features make it easier to access remote areas and transport equipment and supplies.
“For landowners, these machines have become invaluable tools. They can haul firewood, move equipment, transport supplies, maintain trails, and handle chores that might otherwise require a tractor or pickup truck.
“What I find particularly exciting is that customers no longer have to choose between a work vehicle and something they can enjoy recreationally. Many of today’s UTVs are designed to do both.
We asked what is the most popular selling UTV for hunters and landowners. describe it.
“We’re fortunate to represent some of the top UTV manufacturers in the industry, including Polaris, Can-Am, Kawasaki, and Honda. We have several very popular models, particularly the Polaris RANGER and Can-Am Defender for hunters and landowners, along with the Polaris RZR for customers who enjoy more recreational and trail-oriented riding.
“Our customers tend to look for a combination of durability, reliability, comfort, and versatility. They want a vehicle that can work hard during the week but also provide some fun on the weekends.
“The most important thing we do is help customers select the right machine for their intended use. A hunter who needs to navigate narrow wooded trails may have very different requirements from a landowner who needs to haul heavy loads or transport several people around a large property.
Coleman PowerSports Woodbridge, offers a broad selection of leading powersports brands, including Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Ducati, Polaris, Can-Am, Slingshot, Kayo, and Sea-Doo.
For hunters and landowners, Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha offer particularly strong choices in ATVs and side-by-sides.
We carry multiple manufacturers because no single brand is the perfect fit for every customer. Each offers different strengths, features, price points, and vehicle configurations.
Our goal is to give customers choices and the opportunity to compare different models under one roof. We want to help them make an informed decision based on how they actually plan to use their vehicle.
We also believe the dealership relationship should extend well beyond the initial purchase. Having experienced service technicians, a knowledgeable parts department, and access to accessories is just as important as selecting the right vehicle.
We’re not just interested in selling someone a machine. We want to earn their business for years to come.
7. How has Coleman PowerSports changed over the years (or not)?
The powersports industry has changed dramatically since Coleman PowerSports first opened its doors in 1963, and having been involved for 45 years, I’ve had a front-row seat to much of that evolution.
The technology, performance, safety features, and variety of vehicles available today are far beyond what anyone could have imagined back then. Side-by-sides, in particular, have become a major part of the industry, attracting everyone from farmers and hunters to families looking for outdoor recreation.
Customer expectations have changed, too. People research vehicles online, compare models, and expect a more transparent and convenient purchasing experience.
We’ve adapted by expanding our product lines, investing in our facilities and employees, improving our digital presence, and developing programs that support customers throughout their ownership experience.
But one thing hasn’t changed: our commitment to treating people honestly and fairly, helping customers find the right vehicle, and standing behind them after the sale.
We’ve been serving generations of Northern Virginia families, and we take that responsibility seriously. It’s especially rewarding when someone tells us their parents or grandparents purchased vehicles from Coleman PowerSports, and now they’re coming to us for their own family.
My father built this business on a foundation of honesty and fairness. More than 60 years later, those are still the values that guide us. I’m proud of where we’ve come from, but I’m always looking for ways to make us better.
8. Where are some of the more popular places your customers ride in the region?
Northern Virginia has a strong community of outdoor enthusiasts, but public off-road riding opportunities close to Washington, D.C., are somewhat limited.
Many of our customers who own acreage use their ATVs and UTVs on private property for hunting, property maintenance, and recreation.
Others travel to designated riding destinations in Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, where they can enjoy larger trail systems and organized off-road recreation.
One of the best-known destinations is the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System in West Virginia, which offers an extensive network of trails with varying levels of difficulty. Pennsylvania also has designated off-road riding areas that attract enthusiasts from our region.
We always encourage riders to use authorized trails, respect private property, and follow local regulations, including checking whether a particular trail permits their type of vehicle. Responsible riding is essential to preserving access to these areas for future generations.
9. Do you offer any kind of demo day or test drive?
Absolutely! We believe there’s no substitute for experiencing a vehicle firsthand.
Throughout the year, Coleman PowerSports hosts manufacturer-supported demo events and special dealership events where customers can learn more about different models and, when available, experience them in operation.
These events are a great opportunity for customers to meet manufacturer representatives, ask questions, compare vehicles, and get a better understanding of the features and capabilities of different models.
Test-drive opportunities depend on the type of vehicle, manufacturer requirements, and available riding facilities.
We encourage customers to contact our dealership or follow our website and social media pages to learn about upcoming events and demonstration opportunities.
10. What about instructions on how to operate? Do you also offer any kind of class?
Education and safety are extremely important to us.
We believe that purchasing a powersports vehicle should come with an understanding of how to operate it properly and safely. Our dealership team takes time to explain the controls, features, maintenance requirements, and safe operating practices before a customer takes delivery.
We also own and operate PowerRide University, which I founded in 2019. Through PowerRide University, we provide motorcycle and three-wheel rider education across Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, helping thousands of people develop the skills and confidence to ride safely.
Although our formal PowerRide University courses focus on motorcycles and three-wheel vehicles, that same commitment to rider education carries over into our ATV and UTV business.
For off-road customers, we can help identify appropriate safety training resources and manufacturer-recommended instruction.
Our philosophy is simple: the more knowledgeable and confident our customers are, the more safely and fully they can enjoy their vehicles.
11. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
After spending most of my life in the powersports business, I’ve learned how important it is to make time for the people and things you love.
Family is a big part of my life, and I especially enjoy spending time with my grandchildren. I also love to travel, explore new places, and, when I get the chance, relax on a beach with absolutely nothing on my schedule!
Running a family business has taught me a lot about dedication and hard work, but it’s also reminded me that life is about enjoying the journey and making memories along the way.
