Success, for Stevan Popovich, is a combination of persistence, passion, and adaptability. “You have to put in the hard work, stay committed even when the going gets tough, and be willing to pivot when necessary,” he explains. Stevan emphasizes that passion fuels the ability to overcome obstacles, while adaptability ensures relevance in a constantly evolving marketplace. For him, success is not just about achieving goals — it’s about the journey and the people impacted along the way.
From Rider to Retail Leader
Stevan’s love of motorcycles began at a young age, and it naturally evolved into a career. Now the President and Chief Retail Officer of Cycle Gear, America’s largest powersports aftermarket retailer with 165 stores in 34 states, Stevan leads a company committed to providing safe, durable, and innovative products. Cycle Gear’s offerings span everything from protective gear to advanced wearable airbags, serving riders across the country through both brick-and-mortar locations and e-commerce.
Stevan’s path to the top of the Comoto Family of Brands included leadership roles as VP of Merchandising and VP of Business Development for RevZilla.com and Comoto Holdings. “I’ve been fortunate to work across e-commerce, product development, and acquisitions, and those experiences shaped the way I approach growth today,” he continues.
Safety as a Daily Commitment
At Cycle Gear, safety isn’t seasonal; it’s a year-round mission. The company’s multi-year Airbags Save campaign educates riders on wearable airbag technology, a safety innovation once reserved for professional racers but now accessible to everyday riders. Stevan has personally conducted two national satellite media tours and numerous on-screen interviews to raise awareness about this technology and how it can prevent injuries.
Modern riders are smarter, better equipped, and more informed than ever. Technologies like ABS, traction control, and MIPS-integrated helmets, combined with wearable airbags, are redefining rider safety. Stevan stresses that normalizing safety should be empowering, not fear-driven, but that it’s also important to “prepare for the slide, not just the ride.”
Leading with Empathy and Training
With so many retail locations across the U.S., Stevan understands that effective leadership depends on people. He fosters high morale through clear communication, empathy, and opportunities for growth. Training is central: Cycle Gear revamped its employee education program with short-form sessions and internal ambassador initiatives to ensure every team member understands the products and can convey benefits confidently.
Stevan attributes much of Cycle Gear’s product growth to this approach. For example, educating staff on a new helmet line with multiple shell sizes significantly increased sales. “When your team understands the product and feels empowered, customers notice,” he says.
Lessons in Perspective
Early in his career, Stevan learned a vital lesson about assumptions. A man who appeared disheveled walked into his store seeking a mountain bike. Initially overlooked, the man turned out to be a top music producer with substantial resources, purchasing a $10,000 bike. “That taught me to never judge by appearances,” Stevan reflects. “Everyone has a story, and every interaction matters.” This philosophy shapes how he engages with both customers and employees today.
Shaping the Future of Riding
Stevan is deeply focused on the evolution of the rider landscape. He notes that older narratives about motorcycle danger are outdated, often failing to reflect modern safety gear, training, and alternative vehicles like e-bikes. Through Cycle Gear’s outreach, media engagements, and thought leadership, he aims to shift perceptions.
Cycle Gear’s efforts have made wearable airbags more accessible, intuitive, and widely adopted, signaling a broader shift in how riders approach personal safety.
Stevan Popovich’s leadership combines a lifelong passion for motorcycles with a proven ability to grow a national retail brand while prioritizing rider safety. From satellite media tours to hands-on store engagement, he is shaping the conversation around safe riding and empowering a new generation of riders.