ISHOF Inductees - 2023
Frank Dusek - Trail & Program Developer
Phillips, WI
Frank Dusek
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“The Father of Price County’s Snowmobile Trails Program” That’s his title to his fellow snowmobilers that know him. Back in 1969, Frank was a charter member of the Phillips Chaparrals, the first snowmobile club in the county. Since then, Frank was relentless in developing the trail network in Price County. Frank established relationships with private landowners to secure the privilege of having snowmobile trails cross their property. He continued to develop and evolve the trail system throughout the county and was the one who was most instrumental in securing state funding for trail maintenance. He is credited (in 1972) as the founder and first president of the Price County Trails Association which is made up of ten clubs. To this day, Frank is a member of every one of those clubs. In the early years, he started grooming snowmobile trails with bedsprings being towed by snowmobiles, then more heavy-duty grooming equipment. Frank was credited as providing valuable input in the design of how a drag should process snow. His contributions helped lead to the manufacture of commercial groomers used today. In 1977, Frank personally signed for a loan to buy the first Tucker Sno-Cat for Price County. Frank’s dedication to the sport of snowmobiling and his efforts in trail development did not go unnoticed on a state level. In 1984, he was appointed to the Wisconsin Governor’s Snowmobile Recreation Council. He continues to be actively involved with the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC) and local clubs by grooming snowmobile trails on a regular basis. Frank was awarded the AWSC Groomer of the Year for 2022. It’s not all work for Frank, he loves to ride his snowmobile as well. Logging many miles with family and friends he has participated in numerous snowmobile rides to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. Frank has earned the respect of everyone he interacts with. He is regarded as the ambassador for snowmobiling in Price County and the state of Wisconsin. Frank is very adamant about ensuring everyone stays safe when grooming and snowmobiling. It is for his unwavering commitment to the sport of snowmobiling that places Frank Dusek in the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame, Class of 2023.
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William Jeans - Industry
Forest Lake, Minnesota
William Jeans
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It was 1966 when Bill (and brother Ty) Jeans formed Jeans, Inc. and ran a Moto-Ski snowmobile distributorship serving 200 dealers in a three-state region. The business operated until 1973. The brothers gave up their Dodge automobile dealership and their father’s farm implement business to devote to promoting and selling Moto-Ski snowmobiles. They believed the snowmobile business required full time attention especially when their focus was to expand and get more dealers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, Iowa and Nebraska. They soon had built dealerships of 100 both in Minnesota and Wisconsin. As president of Jeans, Inc. Bill built a snowmobile distributorship that eventually became one the most successful in the United States. In the 1970 model year alone they sold 6,000 snowmobiles and generated eight million dollars in revenue. Jeans, Inc. employed an average of 35 workers, which in turn provided a strong economy for the small town of Forest Lake, MN. Jeans Inc. ran two semi-trucks for nine months of the year between Forest Lake and the Moto-Ski factory in Quebec. 75% of the sleds were placed at the dealerships before winter set in. The Jeans boys did a lot of racing with three or four man crews out every weekend during the race season. They won the majority of the 30+ events they attended. Bill Jeans was extremely proud of his racers. “Racing gives us exposure” he says, “best advertising you could ask for, customers take pride in being able to go with a winner.” William Jeans could see the potential in the growing popularity of snowmobiling. It was his keen business awareness that helped launch this sport into what it is today, which lands him in the 2023 Class of the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
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Steve & Sherry Landon - Publishers & Journalists
Farwell, Michigan
Steve & Sherry Landon
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In the early 1970’s while snowmobiling at his grandmother’s farm in Clare, MI a family friend/local racer dropped by and mentioned they were having an oval track race north of town and wanted to know if anyone was interested. Steve promptly found his way to that event where they watched a local racer take his sled to victory. From that point on Steve was hooked on snowmobile racing. However, wanting to be more than just another race fan, he wanted to cover it as a member of the media. Soon after high school, Steve did some freelance writing and photography covering and reporting on local drivers at major races. Steve then gained employment with the Harrison Star Newspaper covering and shooting local events. Steve’s career launched as a member of the print media. Not only did he write and shoot photos for the newspaper but also for Michigan Snowmobiler and Snow Week. Soon his photos and stories appeared in national publications as well. There was a saying among racers, “If you get a girl you’ve dated to come to more than one snowmobile race, she is the one to marry”. Starting in 1980, Sherry and Steve were married and together attended almost every venue on the oval race circuit for years to come. From carrying Steve’s camera bag and taking notes at most races, this shy quiet mother of their four children would become a talented graphic designer. Sherry was truly an amazing creative addition to their business and the sport of snowmobile racing. When the newspaper fell victim to the recession and closed in 1979, Steve and Sherry pursued his dream of starting his own snowmobile racing publication. Sherry came up with the name, “The Winning Edge” and armed with little more than a dream and no money, they pursued and gained advertising revenue. On Christmas Eve 1985, the first edition rolled off the press. Although print editions were eliminated in 2007 the Winning Edge magazine still survives today due to being the first snowmobile racing publication to go all digital. Among their many and proudest accomplishments were designing the 50th Anniversary Eagle River World Championship Derby program book and the 25th Annual Soo I-500 history book. Sherry passed away in 2021. Just moments before succumbing to her battle with cancer she embraced and kissed Steve and said, “Thank you for the wonderful adventure”. Married 41 years, Steve and Sherry Landon were true soulmates. Their contributions to snowmobiling deems them worthy inductees into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame, Class of 2023.
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ISHOF Snowmobile Club of the Year 2023 - Sponsored by Woody's,
the American Council of Snowmobile Associations &
the International Snowmobile Council
Mercer Area Sno-Goers
Mercer, Wisconsin
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The Mercer Area Sno-Goers formed and became active in 1967. They are located in the deep snow country of northern Wisconsin. To date they have grown to a roster of 897. It is apparent that club members aren’t just local, but statewide and include many active business members and snowmobilers who live in other states. They promote and keep members engaged utilizing all the various social media platforms, run ads on local radio stations and online via their website. The Sno-Goers maintain 220 miles of trail in the southern part of Iron County. The club has 25+ groomer operators who dedicate countless hours grooming on a daily basis to keep up with the heavy amount of snowmobile traffic they experience throughout the entire winter season. The club is very engaged with the community in many other ways. They have several fundraising events annually, are members of Mercer Chamber of Commerce, attend town and county board meetings, work with neighboring snowmobile clubs on many projects and are very engaged on a state level at AWSC Conventions and Workshops. The club is very youth orientated donating $2500 to local students for scholarships annually. Members of the club are involved in many fundraising events that are not just their own. They also help with local fire and rescue, Mercer School, Mercer Lions Club and more. The Sno-Goers know that it takes all aspects of a community to be successful and feel it is crucial to give back and assist in all ways possible. The Mercer Area Sno-Goers truly believe in their motto, “Making the best trails better”. It is that mindset that makes them an obvious choice for the 2023 International Snowmobile Club of the Year.
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ISHOF Dealer of the Year 2023 - sponsored by Snow Goer,
the American Council of Snowmobile Associations &
The International Snowmobile Council
Interlakes Sport Center, LLC.
Madison, South Dakota
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Interlakes Sport Center started in 1972 when owners Doug and Steve Koch purchased it. They started out as a motorcycle shop but soon got into the snowmobile business and eventually handled all four snowmobile brands. They currently carry Ski-Doo and Yamaha. Steve, Doug, Dawn and many of their family members are part of the business. They have a huge collection of vintage snowmobiles and motorcycles on display in a museum type setting. They helped restore vintage snowmobiles to be raffled off at many events and shows to raise funds for their local snowmobile clubs. They have taken part in countless poker runs, charity rides and donated many prizes, all to support local clubs and the South Dakota Snowmobile Association (SDSA). They have provided booths and auction items at many state SDSA conventions. Steve and Doug hold Secretary and Treasurer positions in their local club, the Interlakes Snow Roamers. Their club received a SDSA membership award for greatest growth in the state. They have assisted in trail installations annually and have hosted many avalanche classes at their dealership as well as safety classes for youth snowmobilers. A dealership as committed to the continued growth of the sport of snowmobiling makes the Interlakes Sport Center a deserving choice for the 2023 International Snowmobile Dealer of the Year.
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