Sometimes the best career moves happen completely by accident. Just ask Lexa Frasier, controller at Apple State Polaris in Yakima, Washington, whose journey into the powersports industry began with a simple Facebook lead from a friend.
What started as a basic office position handling title and licensing has evolved into a comprehensive role managing the financial backbone of the dealership. Lexa's progression from office clerk to HR responsibilities to her current controller position wasn't driven by a master plan—it was fueled by the owners' recognition of her potential and their willingness to invest in her growth. "The owner said, 'I want you to do this. You're the only person I want to do this,' and gave me the job," Lexa recalls.
With approximately 20 employees, this isn't your typical corporate environment. The owners actively supported Lexa's pursuit of her bachelor's degree in Business Management, offering the flexibility she needed to balance work and education. "The owners are just very encouraging," she explains. "I want to be like them when I grow up.”
In an industry often known for demanding schedules, Apple State Polaris takes a refreshingly different approach. "The owners aren't the type of people that make you work 10-12 hours a day," Lexa emphasizes. "You work your shift, be efficient, and do your job. You don't need to be here 55-60 hours a week."
This philosophy extends throughout the organization. As a manager herself, Lexa embodies this people-first mentality: "When people have something going on or need to take their dog to the vet or have an appointment—go. I never say no to that unless it's unrealistic. I just know that people have a life, and I'm not going to stand in the way of that."
The dealership's commitment to relationships extends beyond their walls. They actively participate in industry events like the UTV takeover in Coos Bay, Oregon, where their sister store dealerships come together to showcase products and build community. These experiences create lasting bonds among team members and demonstrate their investment in both industry presence and employee experiences.
As controller, Lexa brings a meticulous approach to the financial side of the business. "I'm kind of a control freak, so it kind of works out because I'm very particular about numbers," she admits with a laugh. But this attention to detail serves a crucial purpose: "It's important to do things the right way, or else it causes a whole mess with taxes and audits. It's easier to do it the correct way and not have to go back and make adjustments." This behind-the-scenes work might not be glamorous, but it's essential to the dealership's smooth operation and long-term success.
Perhaps what best exemplifies the dealership's approach is a story Lexa shares about a customer interaction. After helping someone with basic paperwork, the customer brought her a small angel statue, saying, "You've just been my angel." It's a reminder that exceptional customer service often comes from the smallest gestures and genuine care for people's experiences.
Apple State Polaris and Medford Power Sports proves that success in the power sports industry doesn't require sacrificing employee wellbeing or work-life balance. By investing in their people, maintaining flexibility, and fostering genuine relationships, they've created an environment where accidental careers can flourish into passionate callings.
For Lexa, who initially had no intention of entering the powersports world, the journey has been transformative. "I don't know about powersports per se, but I knew these are the people that I want to work for," she reflects. In an industry where turnover can be high and burnout common, that's perhaps the highest compliment a dealership can receive.
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