Milwaukee Legends Series Sponsored by Harley-Davidson Featuring Bill Davidson!

Hey there, Milwaukee!

Steve here from the Experience Milwaukee podcast. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Bill Davidson, great-grandson of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson, and let me tell you, it was one helluva ride through Milwaukee's iconic motorcycle history.

Bill kicked things off by sharing some pretty cool family stories. Imagine being taught to ride motorcycles by Willie G. Davidson himself! That's exactly how Bill and his siblings got their start, sparking a lifelong love for two wheels. Fast forward to today, and Bill's celebrating 40 years with Harley-Davidson.

One thing that really struck me was how Harley-Davidson has always been about the people. Bill emphasized their commitment to riding with customers and dealers, hitting up major events like Daytona and Sturgis. It's this hands-on approach that's kept Harley going for over a century.

Of course, we had to talk about Willie G., Bill's dad and a true legend in the motorcycle world. He's the mastermind behind iconic bikes like the Fat Boy and Low Rider. But get this - he's also a talented watercolor artist. Clearly, creativity runs in the family!

Now, let's talk about Harley's impact on our beloved Milwaukee. Bill filled me in on some exciting projects, like Harley Park and the upcoming Davidson Park. It's awesome to see how the company is giving back to the community, creating spaces for everything from kid's programs to art collaborations.

But Bill's not just about Harley. He's deeply involved in shaping Milwaukee's future, sitting on boards like Menomonee Valley Partners and VISIT Milwaukee. Hearing him talk about the transformation of areas like Canal Street from industrial zones to thriving hotspots was truly inspiring.

And we also talked extensively on the upcoming Harley-Davidson Homecoming event that sounds epic! Free concerts (Kenny Wayne Shepherd, anyone?), custom bike shows, headquarters tours, and the grand opening of Davidson Park. Plus, you'll get a chance to check out the new 2024 models. Oh, and did I mention the Red Hot Chili Peppers are performing? Yeah, it's going to be that awesome.

What really came through in our chat was Bill's genuine love for both Harley-Davidson and Milwaukee. There's a special kind of pride in being part of a brand that brings so much joy to people, especially when it's so deeply rooted in your hometown.

As we wrapped up, Bill said something that really stuck with me: "I can't think of anything more rewarding than being able to make people so happy and part of this awesome community that's born right here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee is synonymous with Harley-Davidson and vice versa."

I couldn't agree more, Bill. Our city and Harley-Davidson have a bond that's built to last, just like those legendary bikes.

So, whether you're a die-hard Harley fan or just love our great city, the Homecoming event is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of Milwaukee's spirit. Check out hdhomecoming.com for all the details, and get ready to experience the roar of Milwaukee at its finest!

And to listen to this episode, you can find it on Spotify or wherever you stream your podcasts!