Polaris® Powersports Vehicles For Sale in Sheridan, Wyoming

History of Polaris®

For decades, Polaris® Industries has been a leader in the powersports market. The company’s name stems from the name of the North Star which is the brightest start in the Ursa Minor constellation. Because of its position over the North Pole, Polaris seems to remain still during the course of the night, while other stars swirl around it. This is why it’s commonly used as a navigational aid and a fixed point for astronomy measurements.

All of this makes the name “Polaris” very apt for the company since it’s a reliable and constant provider of quality powersports vehicles. How did this company become what it is today? Peak Powersports, LLC, is your Wyoming Polaris® dealer, located in Sheridan, Wyoming, so we’ve provided a brief history of Polaris® for you below.
 

Early Years

Following the end of World War II, metal production resumed for the civilian market after having been diverted for years for the war effort. One company that made use of that metal was Hetteen Hoist & Derrick of Roseau, Minnesota. This small enterprise, begun by brothers Edgar and Allan Hetteen and their friend David Johnson, was responsible for manufacturing farm machines for local farmers. 

This work, however, was seasonal, so they weren’t always busy. The three men were into the outdoors which meant that in the harsh Minnesota winters, they found themselves having to use snowshoes or skis to get around when they wanted to hunt and fish. This inspired them to develop a vehicle that could travel easily over the snow. They made their own snowmobile with no intent to sell it until the usefulness of the machine caught the interest of local citizens.
 

Rising In Popularity

The company rebranded as Polaris® Industries by 1960, producing hundreds of snowmobiles for winter transport needs. Soon these vehicles were being used for racing and recreational riding in addition to their utilitarian uses, which resulted in rapid growth and led the owners to sell their enterprise to Textron. Growth continued to surge throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, but then a downturn resulted in the reduction of snowmobile manufacturers from 69 to only 3.
 

Coming Back

W. Hall Wendel Jr. was the president of Polaris® during the early 1980s. Textron - the parent company - told him to sell Polaris®, but he chose to orchestrate a buy-out instead, allowing Polaris® to regain its market share over time. They jumped onto the all-terrain vehicle bandwagon in 1984, then launched a personal watercraft in 1990 - demonstrating not only their ability to adapt to a changing market, but also their resilience in the face of potential financial ruin.
Polaris® Industries remains a frontrunner in the powersports market to this day, having continued to build upon and expand their designs over time. They produce off-roading vehicles, personal watercraft and snowmobiles that customers have come to rely upon. Ready to become a proud Polaris® owner yourself? Visit your local Polaris® dealership in Sheridan to see our selection of Polaris® products for sale. Peak Powersports, LLC, proudly serves the city of Buffalo, Wyoming.