In my continuing series of interviews with people who have been important to our club, I’ve chosen Fred Smith, owner of Skagit  Harley Davidson for over 33 years, to give us some insight on his motorcycling background and successes.

PAUL: What made you decide to become a Harley-Davidson dealership owner?
FRED: When I was thirteen years old I built my first motorcycle which was actually a mini bike.  My test track was Interstate 5 which at the time was just dirt being contoured and waiting to be paved.  Two years later I started work part time after school at Evergreen Honda in Everett, Washington.  After 10 years with Honda I was ready to try something different and in 1975 I took a job as the Parts Manager for Everett Harley-Davidson.  After work and on weekends I would ride different Harleys to get familiar with the product I was selling.  It was a time for me to get a taste of the torque the V-twin produced and I soon found out what the thrill of riding a “Hog” was all about.

PAUL: Being an owner what has been your most memorable events over the years?
FRED: There have been so many memorable events over the 33 years since I started Skagit Harley-Davidson.  Of course becoming a Harley-Davidson Dealer in 1976 is at the top of the list.  And in 1983 I received a very special award from the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.  They produced 50, limited edition, gold plated FXSB Low riders to be awarded, and Skagit Harley was 1 of only 50 dealers in the world to receive one.  On my office wall are some awards and plaques that are reminders of some special events.  In 1985 Skagit Harley-Davidson received the Bar and Shield Circle of Excellence Award.  This was awarded to Skagit Harley-Davidson for being the District Leader in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.  Another plaque was given to me by the Skagit Harley-Davidson employees in 1995.  The plaque reads as follows:  “The Employees of Eagle Industries are proud to recognize Frederic J. Smith for 20 years dedicated service in establishing the finest Harley-Davidson Dealership anywhere”.

PAUL: What role does NCHOG play for the dealership?
FRED:NCHOG members have shown support for Skagit Harley-Davidson and have been willing to help out when needed for special events.  Likewise we show our support for NCHOG by donating time and materials that help the club succeed.  The members of NCHOG exemplify the image we want our new customers to follow, and that is one of the reasons why we pay for their 1st year local membership in the chapter.

PAUL: What was the first bike you ever owned, and aside from the dealership floor, what bike do you ride now, and how often?
FRED:My 1st bike was a homemade mini bike and will always be my favorite.  When I ride in Washington, my 1995 FLSTC is my favorite ride and I generally put about 4,000 miles a year on it.  When in Arizona I ride my 2000 FLSTF and have averaged about 3,000 miles a year.

PAUL: For fun, can you recite the names of all past Director’s from NCHOG?
FRED:You say this question is just for fun but I’ve got a feeling that you are really testing me for Alzheimer’s!

PAUL: Where and when was your “Best Ever” motorcycle trip?
FRED:Lorie and I rode through Arizona and Utah with our destination being Zion National Park.  The trip and scenery were just about perfect.

PAUL: What is a motorcycle experience you would rather forget?
FRED:Maybe it was in 1978 when I was escorting Charlie Thompson the President of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company down Highway 20 to Clinton.  Charlie had ridden from the Milwaukee factory, stopping at various dealerships and he needed to catch the 1:00pm ferry or he would miss his visit with the next dealer.  I was leading a group of about 20 customers on a beautiful summer day when all of a sudden my Harley lost power.  We all stopped and determined that the coil had burned out and I wasn’t going any further.  Charlie and I shook hands, said goodbye and he continued on to the ferry with one of my customers leading the ride.

PAUL: What future plans do you and your wife, Lorie, have?
FRED:Lorie and my future plans include being healthy and happy.

Look forward to the next interview, the history guy, Paul