builds the quintessential road machine. The 100-year-old
Harley-Davidson Motor Company has made motorcycling an exhilarating
experience for riders. Rolling out recently caught up with John
Comissiong, Harley-Davidson’s director of market outreach for the
African American consumer market, to talk about his love for
motorcycles, the future of the company, and why everyone should drive a
Harley-Davidson before they die. –a.r.
When did you fall in love with motorcycles?
I fell in love with motorcycles when I saw the V-Rod® for the first
time. Its all-anodized aluminum bodywork was smooth and clean …
[that] along with the sweeping exhaust made it look like it was a piece
of art, rather than a motorcycle.
How were you introduced to Harley-Davidson?
I met Harley-Davidson at the National Black MBA career fair. I was
really jazzed by the product they made and the people I met who were
passionate about the brand and ultimately the customers that bought
their products.
What is a day like for you at Harley-Davidson?
My day at Harley-Davidson is usually filled with meetings with various
stakeholders in marketing — advertising and promotions, events planning
[and] product planning. These stakeholders help me execute our
marketing plans that target the African American consumer. The other
part of my day is assessing new marketing partnerships and
opportunities that might potentially help achieve our goals and
objectives of expanding our ownership base with the African American
consumer.
Give our readers 3 reasons to ride a Harley-Davidson before they die.
If you want to be the envy of all your friends by having the ultimate
expression of bragging and if you want to feel how powerful an American
made V-twin engine is, and if you want be a part of 100 years of
motorcycling heritage, then you’ll ride a Harley.
What type of motorcycle do you drive and why?
I ride a Night Rod Special. I have always liked the V-Rod® because of
its unique styling. The VRSCDX was made to highlight the VR’s ‘dark
side.’ The styling on the DX is dark, powerful, raw and sinister —
that’s why I like it.
What can consumers expect from Harley-Davidson in the future?
While I can’t comment on future product, I can say consumers can expect
more great products and unique experiences to inspire them to go out,
get a Harley and ride it.
