Interview: What’s it Like to Grow up a Davidson?

By Jerry Perez - October 5, 2016

Regardless of where you live, or whether you’re a motorcycle fan or not, you know Harley-Davidson. You know the brand, the bikes, and you most definitely know the sound.

Carrying a last name such as ‘Davidson’ in the United States is like having Ferrari for last name in Italy, Honda in Japan, and Ford in… well, everywhere. You get what I’m trying to say. So what’s it like to grow up a member of such an iconic family?

The Street recently interviewed Bill Davidson, the brand’s Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum, though that’s more of an honorary title. Him and his sister, Karen Davidson, are the only direct descendants of the man that stamped his name on a motorcycle 114 years ago. Karen is the creative director for Harley-Davidson’s general merchandise such as clothes, accessories, etc.

During the interview Bill was asked what it was like to grow up a Davidson, specially in the State of Wisconsin, where the Harley-Davidson culture is stronger than anywhere else in the world. “I have my parents to thank for this, but nobody [in high school] really knew who I was. We are a very humble family, and I grew up as a normal kid, so nobody in school really put two and two together.”

As one would expect, Bill followed his normal studies like most young men would, and eventually found himself working at a Harley dealer during his college years. He worked his way up to management level, and finally landed a corporate gig in 1984 once he graduated from school. When asked about his life working at the company his ancestors founded, he said: “It has been an exciting life. My entire life has been a dream, a love affair if you will.”

As a third-generation family business member, I know what it’s like to work through various position in order to earn your keep. It’s nice to see that even in a global company the size of Harley-Davidson such values are still respected. Bill and his Sister don’t necessarily lead the company, but I’m more than sure that they’re closely involved with all aspects of the business. As they should.