What is a mom and pop dealership? Years ago, when Harley-Davidson dealerships were opening, they were often started and run by a husband and wife team. They were family affairs run with a very hands on approach. Whether it was offering bologna sandwiches (Wilkins) to customers during lunch-time or meeting a customer in need at the front door of their house, it was a different, more personalized experience.
Advance ahead decades later, dealerships have changed. That is not to say for the worse, but different. With that said, mom and pop shops are now the minority, with most dealerships now owned by conglomerates.
When it comes to purchasing a Harley-Davidson, the dealership you choose is as crucial as the bike itself. Family-owned dealerships like Myers-Duren Harley-Davidson in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Wilkins Harley-Davidson in Barre, Vermont, offer unique advantages that can significantly enhance your buying experience. Here are six (6) reasons why you should consider a Mom and Pop Dealership when purchasing your next Harley-Davidson.
1. Owners on Site.
One of the first reasons is that family-run dealerships throughout the United States still have the owners present and on-site. Why is that important to you? Ownership can make a decision to take care of a customer to keep them happy for the long-term. Better yet, you can get in touch with the owner when you have a decision that needs to be made quickly. As you can imagine, many of those types of decisions cost a great deal of money. “Good General Managers can do that” you say? You are correct. Great General Managers can make great decisions but more often than not, the owner of the business better understands what it takes to earn a customer and how easy it is to lose one. Not all managers have that insight or investment.
2. Community Minded.
Family-owned Harley-Davidson dealerships are typically more involved in their local communities. Myers-Duren in Tulsa and Wilkins in Barre are no exceptions, actively participating in local events, charities, and motorcycle clubs. This community engagement fosters a sense of belonging among customers and staff, creating a vibrant Harley-Davidson community that extends beyond the dealership. Additionally, it might just be the owner of the dealership helping fight your neighbor’s house fire (Wilkins).
Family owned dealers are very community minded. Afterall, they generally live in the neighborhood and are in tune with the dynamics and needs of the community. At Wilkins, all three generations have been involved with every possible local volunteer type of organization including helping a local church or serving on a volunteer fire department. At Myers-Duren, it is not unheard of for one of the owners to assist a community organization with necessary supplies or even just tapping into the dealerships resources to help with a technology need.
3. Generous
Donating and raising money for worthy causes is a tradition that runs deep in the Myers-Duren and Wilkins family. Family-run dealers donate to organizations at least 2-3 times a week and that is not an overstatement. That is not to say other dealers don’t make donations, but family-run owners donate heavily to the community they work and live in. For instance, Myers-Duren in Oklahoma has raised over $400,000 over the past 21 years of holding Make a Wish Events!!
4. Personalized Customer Service
Family-owned dealerships pride themselves on delivering personalized customer service that's hard to find elsewhere. At Myers-Duren and Wilkins Harley-Davidson, you're treated like a member of the family. The staff takes the time to understand your needs, preferences, and riding style to help you find the perfect Harley. You will often hear one of their staff say “we don’t just want to sell you a Harley-Davidson, we want to make sure it is the right bike.” This personalized approach ensures that every customer leaves satisfied and confident in their purchase. Traditionally, you will see higher Google Ratings and Facebook Ratings at a family owned dealership. For instance, Wilkins Harley-Davidson has the highest ratings on google and facebook for any Harley-Davidson dealer in New England.
5. Deep-Rooted Passion for Harley-Davidson
Family-owned dealerships often have a deep-seated passion for the Harley-Davidson brand, passed down through generations. They ride what they sell. Why is that important to you in buying a Harley? These folks understand the challenges riders run into when they ride in the elements. It could be a recommendation on a road to take. It could be which gear to wear, but it also could be helping diagnose a problem on your Harley-Davidson. It is not uncommon to have the owner of Wilkins Harley or Myers-Duren pick up the phone and call the factory to get some answers for a rider even when that rider doesn't even live in their area. For instance, last year, the owner of Wilkins Harley-Davidson helped a Pan America Rider in South America with a fuel pump issue. That passion also runs deep through the entire staff. At Myers-Duren and Wilkins, you'll find a team that's as enthusiastic about Harley-Davidson as you are, offering insights and experiences that enrich your buying journey.
6. Unparalleled After-Sales Support
The relationship with a family-owned dealership doesn't end after you ride off with your new Harley. Dealerships like Myers-Duren and Wilkins provide exceptional after-sales support, from maintenance and repairs to parts and accessories. Customer service scores are always better at family-owned dealerships. They know their name and reputation are on the line and they will do everything they can to make sure you are taken care of the way all Harley riders should be.
Conclusion
Choosing a family-owned Harley-Davidson dealership like Myers-Duren in Tulsa or Wilkins in Barre means more than just buying a motorcycle. It's about becoming part of a community that shares your passion, values personalized service, and commits to your satisfaction and riding experience. So, when you're ready to embark on your Harley-Davidson journey, consider the family-owned difference and make a choice that feels like home.
For more information, visit Myers-Duren Harley-Davidson in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Wilkins Harley-Davidson in Barre, Vermont, and experience the family-owned difference firsthand.