Meredith Harley-Davidson revs up

What thoroughbreds are to the bluegrass, Harleys are to the Lakes Region. And when Herb and Linda Johnson, owners of Meredith Harley-Davidson opened their new emporium on Rte. 3, the aficionados turned out in force and in style to celebrate the 20th anniversary and future fortunes of the dealership.

Black leathers gave way to black ties. "You clean up real nice," one guest quipped to Paul Lessard, a longtime employee and president of the Laconia Motorcycle Rally and Race Association, resplendent in his tuxedo, his pony-tail neatly braided. On the women, satin, chiffon, velvet and lace replaced fitted jeans and tank tops, as tattoos peaked under spaghetti straps and over décolletage.

After the colors were presented, a row of parked bikes roared to life on the apron outside the building, offering a fanfare for a parade of two dozen bikes, ridden by employees and customers in formal attire that swept to the main entrance from both sides of the facility. A pair of bikes rolled out of the showroom, cutting the orange ribbon bedecked with the corporate logo.

"We're pretty proud of it," said Herb Johnson glancing around the 45,000 square foot facility. "This space is the result of all the hard work of our employees" said his wife Linda.

The Johnsons first opened at the corner of Route 104 and Winona Road in 1983, when Harley-Davidson, Inc. said Jon Flickinger, the company's vice-president of sales, was "on its back and struggling." Herb Johnson said simply, "we've paid our dues."

The Johnsons rode out the hard times, then moved their growing business and opened three satellite stores as Harley-Davidson revved its sales and earnings to record levels. Senator Carl Johnson (R-Meredith), who praised the Johnsons for their many efforts and contributions on behalf of the community, said "They've earned every penny. They've worked hard all their lives."

The new facility represents an investment of $5 million, including constructing the building and acquiring the land.

Flickinger said that Harley-Davidson is "working with all our dealers to upgrade their facilities in terms of both size and location to provide a more pleasurable shopping experience." The 15,000 square foot showroom, more than twice as large as in the old dealership, is spacious, bright and plush. The company provides only "consulting services" to the dealers, Flickinger said. "We have people who assist with the interior design, fixtures and signage."

Jim McCaslin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc., stressed that the building "looks like it fits here." With clapboard siding, a green roof and cupolas, the building, topped by a motorcycle weathervane "is in tune with the traditional New England look," said Herb Vadney, chairman of the Meredith Planning Board,

Always a major draw during Motorcycle Week, Meredith Harley-Davidson will be an even more popular attraction in 2004. The Johnsons plan to offer expanded services and entertainment during the rally, but only during daytime hours out of respect for neighboring residents and businesses.