- November 22, 2024
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Cutting the ribbon at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley Davidson is Sandy Rossmeyer, president. To her right is daughter Shelly Rossmeyer Pepe and to her left is daughter Mandy Rossmeyer. Photo by Wayne Grant
Cutting ribbon at the Clarion Inn is Shawn Lenkiewicz, general manager. To his left is Julie Canady, front desk manager. Photo by Wayne Grant
Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley Davidson is seen by travelers on Interstate 95. Photo by Wayne Grant
Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley Davidson and the Clarion Inn, both at Destination Daytona, recently completed remodeling and the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Sept. 20 to celebrate. The complex is located on North U.S. 1 near Interstate 95.
The décor of the motorcycle dealership has been modernized with wood accent walls which will have interactive video displays. Wood flooring was added and the building was painted inside and out with new accent colors. Also, displays and sales desks have been relocated to improve flow.
“Everything was done to enhance the customer experience,” said Shelly Rossmeyer Pepe.
Motorcycles are just one segment of the business. They also have pet accessories, stickers, car merchandise, mugs, trash cans, clocks, models, signs and much more.
Rossmeyer Pepe explained that Harley ownership is a lifestyle, and riders like to have that image reflected on other things that they own.
In some months, the accessory sales can equal motorcycle sales, and in other months, parts and service takes the lead. The different sales categories help to balance the business, Rossmeyer Pepe said.
One unexpected feature of the dealership is a barbershop now under construction, to accommodate people who have beards or short haircuts that need maintenance.
Rossmeyer Pepe said they haven’t noticed any effects from the new tariffs, and as long as Harley Davidson keeps providing high quality products, business will remain good.
“Florida is a strong market for motorcycles,” she said.
MOVING ON UP
The hotel at Destination Daytona became a Clarion Inn on July 13. The hotel added a gymnasium, hot breakfast room and other amenities to qualify for the Clarion Inn brand. They also have new furniture, carpeting, etc., and a new computer system for the front desk.
“It’s now a mid-scale property,” said hotel general manager Shawn Lenkiewicz.
Dean Pepe, general counsel, said that motorcycle events account for only about 25 percent of the hotel’s business. Located on the interstate, they get many travelers, such as those headed to the Florida Keys.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES
A legacy wall is planned in memory of Bruce Rossmeyer, the founder, who died in 2009. The wall will show the accomplishments he had during his life.
The motorcycle dealership was started on Beach Street in 1994 by Rossmeyer and moved to the present location 14 years ago. His widow, Sandy, and children have run the business since his death.
“I’m proud of them” said Sandy Rossmeyer, of her children. “They jumped in when their dad died. And it was not a good time in the economy.”
She still enjoys working at the business.
“Bikers are some of the greatest people in the world,” she said.
