#1  Dena Besece and Adonna Besece/C & A Harley Davidson; Plain City, Ohio

Currently boasting a 15 percent female clientele (compared to 10 percent of Harley Davidson’s national average), this mother/daughter duo’s business model to foster female riders has certainly paid off. As owners and general managers, Adonna and daughter, Dena – who was named 2008 Female Executive of the Year in the Columbus CEO magazine - are so committed to including women, that (they) employ females in all facets of the company including finance, marketing, parts and apparel. Creating jobs for women in this Industry? Check plus.

Kathleen had so much faith in the women’s market that she decided to open a store dedicated to them. As CEO of ROAR, Kathleen, her husband (whom both are also pastors) and two daughters, along with the ROAR crew, have focused their efforts to create bikes and accessories that not only accommodate; but more importantly, appeal to female riders. Is that a gamble in this slowing market? Maybe. Though it looks like Kathleen has all her bases covered (and perhaps a little help from “above”) with a marketing campaign and web site that is nothing short of brilliant.

Patty’s visceral instinct for business was evident when she took over the family business and quadrupled sales. A huge part of Patty’s success can be attributed to her strong customer service;  a skill acquired by 30 years on the job as a hairdresser. Her ability to evolve and conquer not only saved the family’s name, but also earned Doc’s a 16^th rank in the nation. Not too shabby out of 608 other dealerships!

After her husband’s untimely death and with two daughters to raise, Jan made the tough decision to continue building their dealership, which she and Roy began together in 1975. Now over 30 years later, Woodstock HD is booming; complete with 30 full and part-time employees under a 21,000 sq. ft. upscale facility. Together with her daughter, Kim, Jan’s mission is to focus on customer service. She also recognizes the growth of women riders and reaches out to them with a link on her site with helpful information and testimonies.

Tracey knows a thing or two about running a successful dealership. Together with husband, Bob, they’ve recently marked 25 years as an HD dealer and celebrated by opening up a new mammoth 45,000 sq. ft. shop. The dealership has received the Gold Bar and Shield Award nine times – the motor company’s highest award. And with accolades like that under their belt, it’s no surprise that when HD created “Garage Parties” which introduces women to the sport of motorcycling, The Dron’s reached out to the local Ladies of Harley club to organize an event for the dealership.

Owners Chris and her husband, Dennis, might just be a little spoiled. After all, owning a dealership in picturesque Sonoma County, where a typical ride to work may include traveling by a vineyard, rolling through an oak-lined hillside, or hugging the coastline seems like a vacation in itself. Along with the perfect location, for over 20 years the Gonzales’ have captured success by providing a top-notch experience for their customers. From the sleek new facility filled with shiny bikes and riding apparel, to the cool events that draw a diverse crowd - which includes a respectable number of females and even scooterist - this duo understands their market.

Annette has proved an effective marketing tool for their new company, Xtreme Texas Choppers. As general manager, not only does she help run the daily operations while her husband, Don, focuses on the builds; but she also has become part of its signature brand. Whether it’s in their advertising campaigns splashed around Houston, or it’s zooming around rally grounds atop one of their beautiful Ridley’s, Annette has the marketing ability to make women want to buy a motorcycle as well as attract men that fantasize about owning a custom one.

Patricia and her husband, Don, opened the Citrus Heights Indian Motorcycle shop in 2000, when Indian was re-establishing itself after a 50-year hiatus. But to their chagrin just five short years later, Indian Motorcycle Corporation once again folded. The news didn’t put the brakes on Patricia’s and Don’s plans, though. Now with the addition of high-profile brands such as Big Dog, the Pilolla’s dealership continues to thrive. And with the arrival of the new 2009 Indian models, customers who crave this beloved iconic motorcycle, can rely on Citrus Heights to feed their appetite.

What began as a modest sportswear shop in a converted Dairy Queen, paradoxically evolved over the next six years into a successful full-service motorcycle store. Owner’s Kay and Rod Nash’s reputation grew in popularity, and soon people from all over Texas were making the stop to chat or have their bike serviced. Seizing the opportunity, they recently purchased a one-acre piece of land that sits behind Kay’s Motorcycle Mania to host biker events that focus on community and fundraising efforts. 

Tracy and her husband, James Gover, bought their HD dealership shortly after they were married. Maybe it was that tour in York of the facility plant that was a sign of things to come. And now, ten years later, the marriage and dealership are still strong. With employee growth and several building expansions, Tracy keeps busy managing  the family business. In her free time she volunteers as the treasurer for their local H.O.G. Chapter and sometimes even fits in a little riding on her Springer Softail.