Mt. Hood Polaris

09/01/09

This is mt. hood polaris

by BRP

Melissa Feroglia called talk radio host Tom Martino in November 2004 to complain on his consumer-advice show. Feroglia had purchased a jet ski in Boring, Oregon at John and Susan Gardner's Mount Hood Polaris. Feroglia was not happy and Martino fanned the flames. Unfortunately for the Gardners, Martino's show was nationally syndicated and they were burned.

Feroglia told Martino that her jet ski had broken down again and again. According to Feroglia, John Gardner had first promised to refund her money, but had then said that her ski jet was fixed and there would be no refund. Feroglia concluded her woes by telling Martino that at that point the weather was too cold. She would have to wait until spring to try out her jet ski.

Martino, in the flip and annoying way of many talk show hosts who could not be bothered with the facts, then told Feroglia that Gardner was lying to her. Martino and Martino's producer continued the saga by telling us of a cycle we are all far too familiar with: Calling the shop, being told to contact the manufacturer, contacting the manufacturer, and being told to call the shop again. We don't know if their tale was true or not.

We do know that Martino said, "Polaris s***ks." The situation further spiraled out of control as Martino encouraged his listeners to contact Mount Hood Polaris and the manufacturer and tell them that they would never again buy any Polaris products.

John and Susan Gardner sued after their phone lines were flooded and they were threatened. The Gardner's suit stated that people driving by the store for several weeks shouted insults and the store lost approximately $600,000 in business. A judge dismissed their suit and in April a federal appeals court upheld the dismissal. According to the federal appeals court, this was basically not slander because reasonable talk show listeners do not expect facts on talk shows like Martino's, just opinions. Without facts, there cannot be slander.

• Pros: none
• Cons: Get sued

08/26/08

Outstanding service department

by cgvt

Recently I had the misfortune of hitting a very large pothole while riding my Victory 8-ball. Both wheels were bent, the shock assembly was totaled and the rear end was froze up after trying to get it out of the middle of the road. I knew my only option was a Victory dealer for repair. I had dealt with both local shops (Portland area) for misc. parts but never service issues. I decided on Mt. Hood Polaris in Boring because they had been in business the longest. Not to say the service at the other shop would have been any less, but in the end I know I made the right decision. Throughout this ordeal (and it was an ordeal) Brett Sowa working the service desk dealt with the insurance people on my behalf and took care of every issue as it came up. Beyond the initial damage assesment two supplemental insurance claims were submitted and approved. I think the customer focus and commitment was very evident. I have dealt with other MC shops for service on my other bike (KLR) and come away less than satisfied. These folks did a great job fixing my bike and put to rest any doubts I may have initially had on which shop to pick. My only regret is that I didn't buy my Victory from them to start with. I definitely will next time.

02/16/08

Great Customer Service

by r1hybusa

We have bought three units from this family run buisness, we have had stellar service and have rode machines with these folks.. They will give you the shirt off your back kind of family! Thats saying alot in this world today! Not to mention they all ride also! Keep up the good work and thanks to a fun filled year of riding!