Harley-Davidson Motor Company Built To Last

A lot of companies have sprung from nowhere and succeeded. But indeed, not a lot have endured the years. A lot had fallen due to crises that can’t be handled by the companies. But those who have stayed probably have secrets to success that are practiced by companies still standing even if a century has passed by.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is obviously one of those companies built to last. It’s been more than a century since William Harley, Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson, and William Davidson had collaborated to piece together their dreams. Up to now, the company still serves as one of the world producers of some of the most popular motorcycles.

It’s good to become successful, but it’s even better to stay on top as time passes by. That’s why Harley-Davidson Motor Company is so popular because they have endured over a century, and still continues to make the best motorcycles. Certain characteristics must have been possessed by the four founders of Harley-Davidson, making their company last. Their company started with only one employee, and within a few years, the numbers doubled and tripled. This only comes to show that good management of the workforce is also an essential element in the company’s success.

During World War II, the company played a big role in the war efforts of the United States through their production. In fact, the Harley-Davidson Company was assigned to make motorcycles for the US government. The 1991 movie “Born to Ride” starring John Stamos was actually about the role of Harley-Davidson Company during WWII. Many other documentaries have shown how the company has aided the US Army during the war.

After the war, the company continued to grow and their motorcycles even became the most widely known across America. Every product they made is marked with innovations. The Harley motorcycles have become very popular with Hollywood stars such as Peter Fonda, Elvis Presley, and Jayne Mansfield. Aside from being pictured with Hollywood stars, Harley motorcycles have been used in countless movies. From just being in the background, to being the central theme of the movie, Harleys have appeared in “Harley-Davidson and the Marlboro Man” (1991), “Easy Rider” (1969) which actually catapulted the motorcycle to American icon status, and a lot more.

With all these, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company has just proven how well they have made their products, and the company as a whole. The company’s four founders were Labor Hall of Fame Honorees (2004) by the U.S. Department of Labor. It’s a fitting commendation for those who had worked hard not just for the growth of their company but for their country as well. Now, a century has passed and Harley-Davidson still stands as a giant in the motorcycle industry.