WABASH – Aaron Campbell, Wabash County Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, announces Brandt’s Harley-Davidson as the 2016 Business of the Year. Campbell said, “I’m excited to be able to honor Brandt’s Harley-Davidson and Michael Brandt, given their long-standing commitment and presence in Wabash County. They are an involved organization creating great benefit to the community through not only their economic contribution, but also through their philanthropy. They understand the impact they can have on issue awareness and put a great deal of both efforts and resources into making the impact happen. I’ve seen firsthand, the respect the company receives from their peers and customers, which made honoring Brandt’s Harley-Davidson as Business of the Year an easy decision. Congratulations to Mike Brandt and the entire staff at Brandt’s Harley-Davidson on the well-deserved award.”
The Harley-Davidson® legacy and tradition is unmatched by any other brand in the industry. To this day, Mike Brandt continues the legacies left from both the late founder, Waldo Brandt, and his late brother, Steve Brandt. Established in 1949 as the state’s second oldest Harley dealership, Waldo Brandt instilled an exceptional level of customer service and attention to detail, which stands apart from any other dealership in the nation. Waldo was tried and true American-made, serving in the Air Force in World War II. He had an immense passion for the Harley-Davidson® brand, and was also a skilled mechanic. He knew motorcycles from the inside out. There wasn’t a day that you didn’t find him wrenching alongside his techs in the Service Department. Waldo passed away in 1988, but his memory is far from forgotten. Following closely in his father’s footsteps, Mike Brandt is the sole owner of both Brandt’s Harley-Davidson® in Wabash and Brandt’s I-69 Harley-Davidson® in Marion, which he acquired in 2010.
Steve was the eldest of the three sons of Waldo & Dorothy Brandt and was a part of the business from the early days of his childhood, right up until his unfortunate death in July of 2010. Steve had a personality and generosity unlike anyone you’ve ever met. Whether you were a perfect stranger or an old friend, Steve enjoyed a warm conversation, and of course, a great cigar. He was an incredibly charitable man, was actively involved in many community projects, and was more than willing to go the extra mile to help people out in any way he could. Steve had a great passion for life and an absolute love for Harley-Davidson®, and that radiated in everything he did. Steve was always looking to give back and share his enthusiasm with everyone that crossed his path.
Mike Brandt relocated the Wabash dealership in 2003, from the original location on the south side of Wabash, to its present sprawling 40,000 square feet facility at the corner of S.R. 24 & Hwy. 15. It is by far one of the largest in the state. Often, there are some 300 bikes in the building including what’s on the sales floor, in the service & detail departments, and the massive collection of vintage bikes that Mike proudly has on display for the public to enjoy. Brandt’s is open M-F from 9 am – 6 pm, Saturdays 9 am – 5 pm, Sundays 11 am – 4 pm and has one of largest selections of genuine MotorClothes® and parts & accessories anywhere. Their award-winning service department has over 130 years of combined experience. Sitting on new and quality pre-owned bikes at the dealership is encouraged. Test rides are available and brand new model Harley’s can also be rented in Wabash. Brandt’s I-69 Harley-Davidson, in Marion, now has a state-accredited riding academy. Their Harley-Davidson four day course takes students through the bookwork, and then onto the practice range for training on one of their supplied Harley-Davidson Street 500’s. Certified Harley instructors teach students all the rules of the road, maintenance tips, how to handle their bike in various conditions, and most importantly, how to become a defensive rider.
Brandt’s is known for their huge, free concerts with nationally-known bands. Having two, all-ages-welcome concerts at each dealership every summer, is a huge undertaking! It’s just one way that Brandt’s gives back to the community and the loyal customers that continue to support them. Concert day usually involves many food vendors, a beer tent, and a full day of live music with several opening bands starting in the early afternoon. The parking lot is jam-packed with enthusiasts and beautiful bikes as the national headliners take the big stage in the evening. Folks say there’s always something going on at Brandt’s on the weekends. Every Saturday draws crowds for free lunches hot-off-the-grill. There’s free hog roasts, benefit rides for causes remembering fallen riders, breast cancer awareness rides, H.O.G. Chapter and ABATE support, wounded warriors, veterans & first responders appreciation events, Hog Daze & Jonesboro River Rally Festival sponsorships, holiday events, bike shows, bike nights and battle of the bands to name a few. Many organizations, charities and groups turn to Brandt’s for monetary donations or merchandise gifts for raffles and prizes. Brandt’s also sponsors a Hole-in-One Harley for over 25 local golf tournaments annually. Making their communities stronger and more vibrant is an essential and key philosophy to the entire Brandt family.
The two dealerships are no stranger to nationally recognized awards and accolades. Brandt’s Harley-Davidson® was ranked 9th out of over 680 dealers in the nation in 2010, and received the prestigious Gold Bar & Shield award for a third year in a row! Brandt’s I-69 Harley-Davidson®, more recently, was a proud 2014 recipient of a prestigious Platinum Bar & Shield Circle of Distinction Award, one of only six that the Harley-Davidson® Motor Company awards each year. 2015 garnered a Bronze Bar and Shield Award for the Brandt’s I-69 store. Brandt’s Harley-Davidson® in Wabash is thrilled to be named the 2016 Chamber of Commerce Business of Year!
This year, Brandt’s teamed up with Thunder Roads Magazine and their 2016 Hoosier Run Ride N’ Win where they’ll be giving away a 2016 Harley-Davidson® Fat Boy to one lucky winner at their Brandtoberfest, October 8th. The Chamber of Commerce is also selling raffle tickets for $100 per ticket (only 300 tickets will be sold) for the chance to win a 2016 Harley-Davidson® Sportster® Custom motorcycle. The winner will be drawn live at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner, October 20th.
Brandt’s Harley-Davidson will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner Meeting on Thursday, October 20, 2016, at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, IN. Reservations and more information about the event may be found at www.wabashchamber.org.