With a click and a rumble, a kickstarter is triggered and a motorcycle growls to life. Just a few seconds of the motor running, the chrome-gilded machine seems impatient to hit the road. As does the rider.
Motorcycles and their fans have always had a restless nature associated with them and the Harley-Davidson, as much as a lifestyle brand as well as a line of motorcycles, has sold itself on that nature, going all the way back to its origins in 1903.
"This is an American legend," said Rick "Coach" Stewart, sales manager. "We build dreams. People who ride motorcycles, no matter where they ride, Harley is a destination for many. It is the idea of freedom. Just moving from four wheels to two is a freeing experience. To the rebel persona, this is a major draw."
That is what Harley-Davidson means to its fans, and that is what they offer to their employees, to sell and service this dream. Harley-Davidson-Texarkana is looking for both technicians and sales staff, to be a part of this cultural phenomenon.
"We offer a home, family, atmosphere," said Stewart. "When you join this organization, your world opens up."
For those seeking to join the sales staff, those seeking to learn the occupation can learn from online courses, gaining knowledge in the job and the organization they aspire to join.
"We, of course, offer training in the stores as well," said Stewart. "But again, this isn't just about bikes and parts and clothes. This is relationship-oriented, a community. No other bike brand has an apparel line. Our parts department is unique to our line of bikes. Many Harley owners like to individualize their bikes and wardrobe. And when you become a Harley owner, you become part of a community with nationwide reach."
In addition to the sales positions, Harley-Davidson-Texarkana also seeks new technicians for their service department.
"We are looking for level four or five trained techs, for those interested in our technician jobs," he said. "With specific certifications to work with Harley. We have two schools that train our techs, one in Orlando, Florida, the other in Phoenix, Arizona. If you are interested in the particulars on these schools, contact them and ask questions. But again, for our salespeople, you will be trained right here."
Mary Margaret Darby was one of the applicants who came in Wednesday evening, interested in a sales position. For her, to be hired would be another stage in returning home.
"My father rode when I was a little girl," she said. "I've been in the scene my whole life, It's American."
Margaret has moved to Texarkana to be with family and wants to get back on a bike herself. She is just waiting for her Texas endorsement to be a legally certified rider.
"There are people out there who ride without a license, but that's a bit too hardcore for me. I don't endorse it," she
said.
"Working here would complete the picture of coming home," she said. "I've worked for Harley before. It is a different story, wherever you go. There are riders all over and in this community, you build lifelong friends."