Artie Starrs, the new CEO of Harley-Davidson stopped by Three Rivers Harley-Davidson Saturday morning to meet the team. “He spent time with each department, asked a lot of questions, including what H-D could do better,” says George Gatto, former Dealernews cover dealer and current NPDA Harley-Davidson Council Chair. “He took plenty of notes.”
Gatto and Starrs also had dinner and talked for hours. “The most important thing I can pass along is that his business principles and philosophy match those of the best leaders The Motor Co. has had over my time as a dealer. With his leadership and by working together, I feel really good about the future of the brand.” Those that know him, know George is not one to sugarcoat matters, so this is a vote of confidence.
“It won’t be easy, nor will we like every decision coming from Juneau Ave — and yes Juneau Ave will soon be filled with the HD team, HD leadership, and someone really special to us all: — Bill Davidson! Bottom line is that “we” will again be working as “we” not “us” vs. “them,” concludes Gatto.
