Today's #365DaysOfKegelHD continuation of the Dealernews 1998 Top 100 #1 Dealer Profile contains a bonus article!
On a more day-to-day basis, the Kegels aim to please simply by having product on hand and employees who are willing to bend over backward for shoppers, Carole says. And Karl, Carole and Mark are on the floor each day talking to customers.
"I like people... and I have a hard time sitting at a desk," Carole admits. "I keep my finger on the pulse of the people. I can sense what they want."
The new store's professional image has affected family and staff in how they view their jobs. Employees who came over from the old facility are thrilled to have air conditioning, Karl says. Even the dress code has improved.
"Since we moved to the good side of town, we dress different, approach people differently," admits youngest brother Mark. "I don't wear holy pants anymore."
Been There, Seen That
So many years in the industry give the Kegels a bounty of experience to share with their customers. "We have a history," Carole says. "Over the years, we've dealt with just about every situation that could come up. That gives us a wealth of knowledge to pass along."
Bottom Bonus Article:
It's In The Genes
There's something to be said for family ties. "This business is successful because of the people who run it," claims Mark Kegel, youngest brother in this clan. "Because we're family, it's more personal."
Apparently Grandpa Joe did a good job passing his passion for powersports along. Not only did Karl, Carole and Mark choose to stay in the family business, but brother Paul, who opted to go solo, owns Milwaukee Harley-Davidson & Buell, coincidently first runner-up in this year's Dealernews Top 100 contest.
Yet another brother, Joe, is a motorcycle enthusiast but makes his living as a truck driver. When this third-generation dealership family gets together, the conversation takes a pretty predictable turn toward motorcycles.
Another family member in the Harley market within a 100-mile radius begs the question: Is it too close for comfort?
"Any competition with Paul is strictly good-natured," Karl claims.
"His store has a completely different atmosphere. In fact, we get together about once a week to compare notes. When we need a part or he needs a part, we can just call, knowing that there'll be no problem getting paid." So much for sibling rivalry.
Even cross-town competition can be suspended if it's necessary to make a sale. "It's nice to be able to swap a motorcycle if need be," says Karl of the amicable arrangements between Kegel Motorcycle Co. and Milwaukee Harley-Davidson/Buell.
So what's it like to grow up immersed in the motorcycle industry? "Fun," Mark says succinctly. But, he complains, running a successful business means he doesn't get to ride as much as he'd like. This family joker describes himself as young, good-looking, dynamic; the same way he described both of the new family dealerships. -M. Sorensen
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