Walking into a Harley-Davidson dealership where skull leather jackets and tattoos are common, you might expect the first words that you hear to sound a little something like, "You should be careful, if you go back to that part of the showroom, you ain't leaving."
And Brandon Harley-Davidson is no different — except that here at what they call their "Destination Dealership" that ominous line is always followed with, "We have fresh baked cookies, a pool table, and a popcorn machine, so help yourself!"
General Manager Ed Compton equates his dealership to "hanging out at the airport."
“It makes for some great people watching,” he says. “For one, you always see some interesting people. Some people you almost could stereotype as, 'oh yeah, that's the look I think I'd see at a Harley-Davidson shop', but then there are other people that you are thinking, ‘wow, I would have never imagined that they would be here looking at motorcycles.”
It's not that hog riders are as scary as the typical biker stereotype. It’s just that Brandon Harley-Davidson is different, especially when compared to standard vehicle dealerships. The differences can be seen right as you pull off Adamo Drive to reach the parking lot. Along the way, you can see their two longhorn bulls enjoying one of the seven ponds on their property. Those ponds are also open to the public; while you’re waiting for a part to be serviced on your bike you can take a pole and enjoy some fishing.
The folks at Brandon Harley-Davidson strive to capture a feeling of community. Not everyone that comes into the shop is necessarily looking to buy a motorcycle, which, at a standard car dealership, is usually the case. With amenities like a Guest Lounge, expert knowledge and service, and an overall great weekend-hangout vibe for anyone into bike culture, the dealership puts that sense of community above trying to make a sale.
Compton says that in addition to what the facility offers in fun perks, there's also the seriousness of learning to ride properly and respecting the road specifically.
Brandon HarleyDavidson has its own blacktop lot specifically for their Rider Academy, which helps new riders understand the ins and outs of controlling a bike, and what it takes to ride here in the Tampa Bay area. After the program graduates get a certified motorcycle license and leave knowing they have embraced the best frame of mind behind what Compton likes to call “the science of riding.” The program includes extensive research and preparation before the rider even gets a chance to get on a bike. This prepares newcomers for the classes, which begin on Thursdays; Compton says he likes to take Friday off because of traffic in Tampa can be difficult to work on technique, but come Saturday and Sunday, students can expect to be riding and learn proper practices behind the handlebars.
Compton and the dealership as a whole try to incorporate the community perspective at all times, and Compton says that he "really digs the people side of the business. What we try to believe here is that we don't really sell motorcycles, we sell relationships."
He’s particularly proud of Brandon Harley’s relationships with what they call “heroes.” These are people in law enforcement, the first responders, and military. Brandon Harley-Davidson shares their parking lot with the restaurant Boots n' Badges, which is owned by a military veteran, Darryl, and both businesses share that commitment to community, as well. Compton says that what separates his facility from other dealerships around the country is the effort to incorporate the heroes, and give back to those serving us and our country.
What helps Brandon Harley-Davidson stand out from the others is its ongoing dedication to showing their appreciation. Considering that these Americana ideals of patriotism and country are so entrenched in the culture of riding, Compton says to not show their appreciation "would be a disservice to those that use our products." He goes on to say "there's only a little over 1% of the country that actually ride, and only 3% that have interest, so of that percentage, a huge portion have either been military veterans or are involved in one of the hero fields." He also is looking into expanding the appreciation into another group of "heroes” — the teaching community — because he feels in many ways they are doing their best and sacrificing a lot to help our youth as they prepare to be adults.
To keep with the importance of community Brandon Harley-Davidson is going to be starting a monthly Demo Days to peak interest and involve fellow riders in the local area. The event will be held the last Sunday of the every month from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. starting this upcoming Sunday, January 28th. In addition to the Demo Days event, the last Saturday of each month in 2018 will have a “Motors and Mocha” event to allow guests and vehicle enthusiasts a chance to mingle, swap stories, and enjoy some donuts and coffee from local food truck, Craving Donuts.
Brandon Harley-Davidson is also sponsoring and hosting this year’s installment of Creative Loafing’s annual Meet The Brewers event on Feburary 17th. The event will feature over 20 breweries to sample, with the opportunity to learn about the beer from the brewers themselves. Come down for all your Harley needs at 9841 E Adamo Dr or online at brandonhd.com.
This article appears in Jan 18-25, 2018.