Bala's/Reel Brothers Harley-Davidson

The year was 2004. Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman" was hot on the charts and the "Wild One" Marlon Brando left the world surprised, but holding a great collection of his work.

Me, I found out that the guy who owned the restaurant I was Executive Chef at, Sydney's, was broke, months behind on purveyors and land contract payments and I was screwed.

I talked to my Dad on the phone about what was going on one night, and since not too long ago he had been in Wisconsin and rode my brand new 2003 100th Anniversary Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 Custom, Dad say's to me: "Since you like those Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, why don't you go talk to Bob Bala at that Harley Shop in Mauston?"

Being familiar with the HD landscape in the area I said to my Dad, "how do YOU know about Bob Bala?"  He tells me Bob used to be one of my Uncle Tony's best friends and Bob's Dad and my Grandpa were friends.

So I apply for a Service Writer Position. Get called in for an interview.

The girl who shall remain nameless interviewed me. Bob actually walked in while I was there and he remembered my uncle and my Dad.

The girl lead me to believe it was pretty much a wrap.

And then never called.

I called and she said they had given the job to someone else. Who had "service writer experience" at a local backyard mechanic shop.

Pissed me off.

Fast forward to May 2006 when I was finally cast and bandage free after severing my thumb in the summer of 2005 in a "farming incident".

I'm looking for work and see an ad for Bala's Parts Department but the contact is different than "the girl who shall remain nameless" So I go again.

Jessie & Julie hire me on the spot as the shipping & receiving clerk.

The other girl moved on but came back as a customer. When I was the S&R clerk I would just smile at her.

When I moved up into Parts I would just smile at her.

When I became the Sales Manager, I stuck my tongue out at her. I sh*t you not!

A lot of great things happened at Bala's and during my time there. It was the first time I ever "worked my way up" in a career. In restaurants I was always hired as an Executive Chef and there was no where up to go except owner which has never happened yet but might still someday.

I met Willie G. and became the owner of the only Harley-Davidson customized bass guitar signed by Willie G. Davidson himself. The ONLY bass guitar he ever signed of all the things he's signed.

I received the most trust I ever have in my life from Bob. Bob trusted me with his building, his business, his home and definitely his computers. :) I also learned ALOT of guy stuff about fixing bikes, cars, furnaces and snow blowers.

When the Sales Manager randomly quit one day for some pretty good reasons, I was laid off from Parts for the winter. My boss Julie calls me up because I told her eventually like to be in sales and she says "if you'd like to skip being a salesmen and go directly to Sales Manager, get your ass here now!"

I took a shower, threw on my nice clothes and a tie and went in.

Bob had never seen me in anything but a t-shirt and I could tell he was nervous, but I could see calm cross his face when he saw me.

He said "ready for this?" and I said yes, walked into the Sale Managers office, sat down and found out I knew JACK about the job I just accepted.

And nobody else knew either.

So I taught myself how to do a bike deal, finance a contract, register bikes and issue plates.

Because the most important thing I know in life is to teach yourself to do what you need to do.

As hard as I worked and tried, something's I just could not get Bob to do and things were going south like they had been for years.

I knew things were bad and was on vacation to my Dad's when I got a call that the dealership had been sold. I knew Bob was acting funny and I knew the "Wisconsin Dealership Opportunity" I saw on www.h-d.com was our store.

When I came back I met the new owners and just wasn't sure. I was in a position to collect full max unemployment benefits if I didn't take the transfer of ownership.

I talked to them told them I was in a good position and wanted to know why I should stay. My new boss Dave told me what he planned to do with the dealership and how he viewed the employees role in his venture. His wife Robyn talked to me and I got this feeling she was the worlds coolest Mom next to mine.

By the time it was done I was signed on and have had no regrets. I have learned so much from Dave it's incredible and I love going to work everyday to see how many smiles we can make happen.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that, like every job, this one can have it's moments that drive me right up the wall, but in reality, it's the favorite of the jobs I've had. Sure I went to school to cook, and I will always love that, but making a happy tummy doesn't compare to knowing you helped make someones dream come true, and seeing the things I've seen and meeting the people I meet working here.

Ya know, I've seen grown men tear up when I told them they were getting approved for a bike loan. You can't get that just anywhere.

All of the people tagged here and all the others that I work with, but can't tag are sitting here threatening to do bad things to me if I don't mention that one of the things I love most about my job is my incredible, awesome wonderful co-workers who bring
me joy to no end each and everyday.

Because no matter how much you like a job, you couldn't do it without great people to work with, and these are the best co-workers anywhere, and they always look nice and smell great, they're super friendly,  (can I stop yet guys? No? Ok), they always think of me at lunch time and they never talk bad about me. (No guys, I'm not saying that, it's not true! You'll do what? NO! Well, in that case:) They never mess up the computers and printer's and other electronic gadgetry required to run the store. There. Are you happy?  You just made me lie on my own Timeline! (Ok can someone get Cottingham out of his camper to get these cuffs off me?).

Seriously though, they are great to work with. We have an extremely low, almost zilch
turnover rate so there's something to be said for hiring the people you find in
the McDonald's parking lot throwing french fries at seagulls!

As far as employers go, I have to say that while Dave & Rod & Robyn may own the
joint, with us they are truly co-workers first and our bosses second. If even
that. If you've never experienced working with your employer and not feeling
like their employee as much as thier co-worker, you've truly missed a great work
experience.

(NOW can I get my lunch back?) :)

P.S. I must also mention the one who got away: Tim LaFortune was the first guy when I started to make me feel welcome, teach me things I needed to know, and make even the slow winter days fun. He became a good friend in and out of work and I had some great times working and riding with him, and I'll always miss his sleepy, hung over ass behind the Parts Counter.

Ride on my friend.

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