What It's Like Working at H-D Headquarters
The corporate environment is an open, interactive space meant to inspire the present as well as the future.
Cool Space
Keeping riders in their saddles requires a whole other kind of seat — lots of them, plus loads more office furnishings. Voted among the coolest places to work, Harley-Davidson's corporate headquarters are located on the site where the first factory was built. It is a unique environment meant to inspire those who work there. Here is a peek inside the office spaces of the folks who keep MoCo moving forward.
Unique Heritage
The headquarters are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Administrated by the National Park Service and authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the registry is an official list of historic places worthy of preservation. It is not just the Motor Company's Milwaukee location that is significant. MoCo facilities around the world all have their own unique heritage and cultural significance.
>>Join the conversation about HD' HQ right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Heavy Iron
A modest no-nonsense approach begins right in the boardroom at Harley-Davidson. Local architect firm Kubala Washatko has worked with the Motor Company for six years on a multi-phase project that encompassed over 250,000 square feet of office space. TKWA wrote, “Harley-Davidson wears its heavy iron, no-nonsense image proudly, and this design solution pays homage to the company’s history and culture.”
>>Join the conversation about HD' HQ right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Motorcycle Massage
The Milwaukee Business Journal selected the Juneau Avenue site as one of the coolest offices back in 2014. Corporate headquarters took over the location in 1973 after motorcycle production was moved to the York, Pennsylvania facility. The four-city block complex features a restaurant, dry cleaning service, rooms for nursing mothers, a fitness center and a massage facility — not to mention lots of motorcycles and unique memorabilia. It's almost like a little city that revolves around motorcycles and the encompassing lifestyle.
>>Join the conversation about HD' HQ right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Steel Wood
Tonit Calaway spoke about the office design in a 2014 interview with the Milwaukee Business Journal. Calaway, then Vice President of Human Resources stated, “As one of the most iconic American brands, it was important for Harley-Davidson to surround its employees with the look and feel of the culture they help create. Throughout the office, you'll find steel, wood, and leather used.”
>>Join the conversation about HD' HQ right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
JumpStart
Motorcycles are littered throughout the corporate facility, but it's the front lobby that really shines — or rumbles, all depending. The lobby renovation is part of 'JumpStart,' an initiative launched in 2013 that allows non-riders to get the feel of a real, running Harley-Davidson. Calaway elaborated, “Since...August of last year, we've had more than 700 employees and guests take advantage of the simulated riding experience.”
>>Join the conversation about HD' HQ right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Teknion Walls
While not as sexy as a running motorcycle in the lobby, the office cubicles tell a story of adaptability and longevity. In the 1990s, Harley-Davidson began an ongoing relationship with Teknion — a Canadian office systems company. The focus at the time was on personal workspaces. With a recent shift to open, interactive spaces, the original cubicle walls were re-covered in Harley-Davidson colors and reconfigured.
>>Join the conversation about HD' HQ right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Blurred Sculpture
Perhaps one of the most intriguing office decorations is the 'Let's Ride' wall at the Canadian corporate office in Vaughan, Ontario. Made from Harley-Davidson handlebar grips, the blurred sculpture evokes speed and movement. The Motor Company carefully considers the function and surroundings of its workplace. They are ultimately a reflection of the motorcycles and merchandise the MoCo produces, but also undeniably cool.
>>Join the conversation about HD' HQ right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
For help with DIY service of your bike, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com
