Kegel Harley Davidson celebrates 100 years

Dodsfall · 04-02-2012, 08:36 PM

In an exclusive interview with Kegel Harley Davidson's Karl Kegel, Motorcycle Forum had a few questions regarding the 100th anniversary of what is known as “The World's Oldest Harley Davidson Dealer”.

Motorcycle Forum: First of all, could you introduce yourself and let the readers know what position you hold at Kegel Harley Davidson and how long you have worked there?

Karl Kegel: I am President of Kegel Harley-Davidson. I have been working in or around the store since I was 11 years old. I didn't start full time till I was out of the military. So around 45 years more or less.

Motorcycle Forum: Word is that Kegel Harley Davidson has been family-owned since 1912. Could you give a thumbnail history of the dealership?

Karl Kegel: My grandfather started in the bicycle business in 1909 took on motorcycles shortly after, and started with Harley-Davidson by at least March 30, 1912. We are the oldest Harley dealership anywhere still in the same family. We have been at our present location since 1996.

Motorcycle Forum: Are there any special events happening this year to celebrate the 100th anniversary? As a follow up, are there any plans from the Motor Company to commemorate the occasion?

Karl Kegel: On June 23rd we will be celebrating our 100th anniversary. We will start out in the morning with a ride and and have field events , vendors, bike show, and activities all day, then around 5:00 pm we will with lots of our customers and friends parade down to Davis Park for the Country Throwdown concert. We will take the stage at the first break and introduce our guests from Harley-Davidson Motor company, and then finish the concert. It promises to be an exciting event.

Motorcycle Forum: On a personal note, which is your favorite Harley Davidson model? Is that the model you currently ride the most?

Karl Kegel: It's hard to pick just one model of Harley. I've owned so many cool models it's hard to pick just one. But if I had to own just one it would probably be the Harley-Davidson Ultra.

Motorcycle Forum: In order for a company to be around for 100 years, they must be doing something right. What do you see as the 'secret' to your dealership's longevity?

Karl Kegel: We strive to provide great customer service. It's the only way to stay in business for the long haul. And you have to keep up with the changes along the way, and adapt to the new economy.

Motorcycle Forum: Enough of the motorcycle talk. I have enjoyed the food at the diner located inside your dealership, being especially fond of the biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs. What is your favorite dish served there?

Karl Kegel: I enjoy their Pecan waffle the most. I've always been a breakfast person, and it's my favorite meal.

Badlands-4-2 · 04-06-2012, 10:36 AM

It is amazing that any business can stay around for a century. Very impressive!

OTD · 04-06-2012, 01:34 PM

Cool interview, I assume Kegel is located in Illinois.

WhiteNoise · 04-06-2012, 06:35 PM

And cheers to 100 more!

04-02-2012, 08:36 PM	#1
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,975	Kegel Harley Davidson celebrates 100 years In an exclusive interview with Kegel Harley Davidson's Karl Kegel, Motorcycle Forum had a few questions regarding the 100th anniversary of what is known as “The World's Oldest Harley Davidson Dealer”. Motorcycle Forum: First of all, could you introduce yourself and let the readers know what position you hold at Kegel Harley Davidson and how long you have worked there? Karl Kegel: I am President of Kegel Harley-Davidson. I have been working in or around the store since I was 11 years old. I didn't start full time till I was out of the military. So around 45 years more or less. Motorcycle Forum: Word is that Kegel Harley Davidson has been family-owned since 1912. Could you give a thumbnail history of the dealership? Karl Kegel: My grandfather started in the bicycle business in 1909 took on motorcycles shortly after, and started with Harley-Davidson by at least March 30, 1912. We are the oldest Harley dealership anywhere still in the same family. We have been at our present location since 1996. Motorcycle Forum: Are there any special events happening this year to celebrate the 100th anniversary? As a follow up, are there any plans from the Motor Company to commemorate the occasion? Karl Kegel: On June 23rd we will be celebrating our 100th anniversary. We will start out in the morning with a ride and and have field events , vendors, bike show, and activities all day, then around 5:00 pm we will with lots of our customers and friends parade down to Davis Park for the Country Throwdown concert. We will take the stage at the first break and introduce our guests from Harley-Davidson Motor company, and then finish the concert. It promises to be an exciting event. Motorcycle Forum: On a personal note, which is your favorite Harley Davidson model? Is that the model you currently ride the most? Karl Kegel: It's hard to pick just one model of Harley. I've owned so many cool models it's hard to pick just one. But if I had to own just one it would probably be the Harley-Davidson Ultra. Motorcycle Forum: In order for a company to be around for 100 years, they must be doing something right. What do you see as the 'secret' to your dealership's longevity? Karl Kegel: We strive to provide great customer service. It's the only way to stay in business for the long haul. And you have to keep up with the changes along the way, and adapt to the new economy. Motorcycle Forum: Enough of the motorcycle talk. I have enjoyed the food at the diner located inside your dealership, being especially fond of the biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs. What is your favorite dish served there? Karl Kegel: I enjoy their Pecan waffle the most. I've always been a breakfast person, and it's my favorite meal. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

04-06-2012, 01:34 PM	#3
OTD Ole Hamburger Hands Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Norman OK Posts: 4,796	Cool interview, I assume Kegel is located in Illinois. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

04-06-2012, 10:36 AM	#2
Badlands-4-2 Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Badlands of North Dakota Posts: 9,671	It is amazing that any business can stay around for a century. Very impressive!

04-06-2012, 06:35 PM	#4
WhiteNoise Verified Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Western MD Posts: 15	And cheers to 100 more!