Ducati Monster Forum

They are opening a Ducati dealership in Birmingham Michigan this summer.  Was riding the Evo down Woodward yesterday and saw that they are opening a dealership in a very nice/expensive part of town (next to a dealership that sells lotus/Ferrari/Lambo).  I was so happy I came home and hopped on their website and they are hiring.  So I put in an app!  We will see what happens.  My job now has ran it's course.  Time to move on and do something I will truly enjoy!  Nice when the fiancé makes enough for both of us, so I can now take on a fun job.

Does anyone here work for, or ever worked for Ducati?   [popcorn]

I lived in grand rapids in the 70's. you can use me as a reference.

Well, gonna be close to this place, might pay them a visit in July  . . .

No, i actually WANT the job.      [laugh]

I've heard that Ducati North America isn't a bad place to work...  But, bear in mind you'll be working for a lisenced dealership who is under contract to sell Ducati Motorcycles which are purchased through Ducati North America who buys them from Ducati manufacturing (Audi now).

Since it's a new dealership, I doubt anyone here has any first hand experience with working for this particular person/company/dealership.

Best of luck!

go meet them first hand.

Tried to yesterday and the building (inside) is still being put together.  So know one to talk to yet. I am going to keep checking back though. 

Duck stew- I just meant has anyone worked for a Ducati dealership in general.  Not this one specifically.  It's not open yet. 


One question for you guys, I know this is a stupid question but when I continue to go there to talk to someone about a job, should I ride up there so they can see I ride a Duc and how passionate I am about the company?  Or should I put on the smell good and dress shoes and just drive there? Lol

Thanks for any input!

I've worked @ 3 dealerships.

R&S Yamaha/Ducati in Albuquerque, NM
Pro-Italia in Glendale, CA
PJ's Triumph/Ducati in Albuquerque, NM

First off: being passionate helps out if you're in sales b/c passion sells Ducatis.  However, from what I've seen, passion stops there.  It's a business after that.  Plain & simple.  Numbers are numbers.

Dealer owners (that I've worked for) who are passionate tend to make less $ than those who are not.

If you're SUPER passionate about Ducati's and could live off of motorcycle salesman salary (think about how brutal a Michigan winter would be to your income), then you should be fine.  If you could put your passion in 'check' and work a more steady job (say: parts department, or dealer management) then you'd likely have a more steady income.

BUT: this is just more information out on the internet and I don't know you (did grow up around Detroit however), so please feel free to take this with a grain of seasoning.  [thumbsup]

I've worked for a Ducati dealer in San Antonio

he was a businessman first and foremost.
he knew i rode, he sold me the bike before i started workig there.

but it was the business sense, the marketing, knowledge of auto sales and the personal touch with customers that sold him on me.
as for the customers, THAT's where the passion comes in, if you can sell them the passion of the bike, they'll never once ask "how much?"

Thanks for all the input guys.  I rode up there today and actually caught the owner taking a break on demo.  Luck? It was awesome to see the place with a crane inside it!  He was an awesome guy and after I told him all about me, he pulled my app and sent it to his personal account.  He said he hasn't hired anyone for parts yet so I will probably go for that.  I need to learn the lightspeed program for ordering but he said he was going to call me....they are still doing demo on the building but he showed me the blueprints of the finished layout.  TOTALLY SICK!!  I'm super excited.  He said the open date would be around July 10.

 [Dolph]

I'll try to be there . . . I'll be a few miles away  [thumbsup]

Ok Carlos.  I'm Adam, hopefully I will be there!

[thumbsup]

You're probably gonna die.

Lmao, Birmingham is a WHOLE different kind of city than Detroit.    [laugh]. Look it up wise cracker!!

My buddy is a mechanic and works for a Honda dealership back in Grand Rapids. This was his first year working there and it was VERY slow in the LONG off season..even for Honda!!  I think they sell other Japanese brands as well.  Is the new dealer selling other bikes besides Ducs?  You mentioned that your s/o is loaded though so I guess you won't have to worry.    ;)

Btw..former Michigander here.  Grew up around Lansing area. 

This dealership will be Ducati only.  I think I am going to take duck-stew's advice and try to get the job that is available in parts.  The pay will be higher but with less of a commission.  The owner said he wants the employees to be cross trained so if it all works out, i will be in parts, and can help sell the bikes in the busy spring, summer months.

A good friend of mind worked at Ducati Triumph NYC as a salesman and loved it.  He rode a 749S and was an enthusiast so he was always saying working never really felt like 'work'...drove me crazy when I was slaving away starting up my company!  Anyways, he was ambitious and wanted to move up and ended up landing a job at corporate DNA in Cupertino, CA where he is now.  I say go for it, worst case you make a little money and get to fu** around on Panigales all day.

 

Man, good luck! I hope it works out, if I wasn't on the other side of the state I would join you.  I have a good dealer and a better wrench in Kalamazoo that takes good care of his riders.  But he is never in need of a worker.  I told him once I would work for free and he just laughed.  Winters make you appreciate the summer.

Thanks man!  Are you talking about Life Cycle?  My fiancé and I are spending a week (July 14-21) close to kalamazoo at a rental property.  We will be stopping in there to check it out.  She wants to test ride a 796.  How far are you from there?  Maybe you could stop by and we could check out your bike!

You gonna go on vacation 4 days after you start a new job :o




















:D just joking

Well we have this trip every year so it's been planned for a while.  I'm sure we will figure something out.  :).    If the new boss says no, then we will reschedule the trip lol.

Any other tips for securing this job for DNA?

You applied for a job at DNA or at the new dealer in Detroit?

Sorry, at the dealer.   I was in a hurry earlier lol.

I am 30 miles west of Life Cycle close to the lake in South Haven, PM when time gets closer.  We are in Wisconsin part of that week but yea sounds good, always looking for a reason to ride and I have been known buy the beer.

NICE!!!

 [beer]

I just heard this too!   I just can't wait to have a Ducati dealer closer to me! 

https://m.facebook.com/pages/Ducati-Detroit/382712718473515?id=382712718473515&_rdr

FB page too.

Yeah I am super excited too!  What city are you in?  I want to build my clientele now.
 ;D

Troy.  Put me down.   Always nice to buy local when you can, especially Ducati specific or OEM.

Cool Eric.  Will do!  My name is Adam.  I have a few other members I am staying in touch with info on the soft open and grand opening of the shop.   Will PM you when I know more!!

Awesome!   I hope to be there, Adam!

Just looked through all your pics on Flickr, bike looks awesome!  Are you sporting the black wheels now or the white ones?  Also, any new pics with the Termis on?

Thanks!  Black wheels from the original white.   I think all red S2Rs came with white.    Also, the back wheel is a Hypermotard magnesium wheel.   I like the thinner spokes.   To make the front match, I would need to change the brakes too.  Maybe, next modding stage.  

First fill-up of the season:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/8877115887_cc845297e2_c.jpg)

Sorry for the off-topic horn tooting!

How about you guys bringing this back to the topic of the new dealer in Detroit?  ;D

Yes sir! 

So demo is complete and construction is underway at the dealership!  Also, he ordered 52 bikes.  52!!!    [drool]

The FB page is growing.  Almost at 500 "Likes".   Not only am I excited about the bikes, but what about the apparel and accessories.  It will be great to see this stuff in person before buying.  Online stores have their place but brick and mortar stores bring more excitement!

By time he is up and running its going to be pretty late in the season... Especially for Michigan.

from a service standpoint in detriot
winter storage options with service during the offseason, mods, etc. it's a good plan.
then in the spring, get the trade ins from the winter storage bikes and roll out the new models.

 ;D

Hopefully not.   They are predicting between June and July.    We shall see.....   

Browsing the FB page, they started discussions with the city back in January.

June or July would be great, I'm traveling to Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids then.  I hope I can stop by so keep this thread updated.

Even if he finishes by July 1st (I'm thinking unlikely) that's only 4 months of decent riding season? I think it's going to be a rough year for this guy.

Thinking about it makes me realize how good us Texas riders have it..

Well, that's Michigan.    If he opens in July, he only missed maybe a month of good riding (lots of early rain this year) or about two months of the riding season.   One of the dealers here sells snowmobiles and off-road vehicles in the winter season.   Not really an option for Ducati NA but it's what others do.   Otherwise, service, mods, parts and storage will be the winter business.   Most of us Michiganders that own bikes do our long term wrenching or cleanup in the winter.   So, we'll need parts for service or have service done.   Hopefully and most likely, they will have a dyno.

Down the street in Royal Oak, is the company I used to work for that makes the VDST tool (Techno Research).  They might benefit from a dealer close by for any development work.

Then there are those of us who are sucker enough to move from Central Texas to Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland...  [bang]

Muskrat-  I will make sure this thread stays updated.

Eyduc-  There WILL most certainly be a Dyno.   [thumbsup]

i wouldn't be surprised if the goal is to just open before the Wooodward Dream Cruise in Aug. I'm sure they would kill in apparel sales alone with all of the foot traffic that will bring in...

That's for sure.  It gets more insane every year.  With being right on Woodward too. That is a goal they should meet.

You get hired yet? Or did I miss that?

You missed nothing yet....

Riding out there today, hopefully i can gather some more intel!!

Floors are being put in!!!

Any word on the soft June opening?

Nothing yet Matt, I haven't been out there in a week or so.  I will see what I can dig up tomorrow.  (Finally got a day off work).

Well, let's hope this dealership lasts longer than the previous Ducati Detroit locations.  They used to be on Van Dyke several years ago, moved to Groesbeck and sounds like they're setting up shop in the area near Auto Europe.

TT Motorsports is good, but you cannot get any face time with those guys to feel like you're being taken care of.

Adam, can you tell us if they will be able to upgrade a bike based on the owner's request?  To be specific, I'd like to get my S2R 1000 to run well under 4000 rpms without guessing with my wallet.   I'd also like to get it optimized (dyno'ed) so I know the before and after.  I'm guessing it would involve tuning, possibly a PC etc., but I'd like to speak to some one with experience in this arena.

BTW, what color is your Evo?  Was that you on SB Woodward a few weeks ago?  I was hustling through traffic on a black BMW GS.

There will be a dyno there and there will also be two amazing tuners/techs that i am sure can tune it to your specifications.

I am sure it was me, i also saw a red S*R cruising that day as well.   Anyone here possibly?

Article is now online, with a pic of my bike!

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20130616/NEWS/306169967/new-ducati-dealer-puts-competition-in-gear (http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20130616/NEWS/306169967/new-ducati-dealer-puts-competition-in-gear)

 Interesting article, will be interesting to see how this pans out.

That is an interesting post, very interesting thought, and interesting to be interesting..... [laugh] [laugh]

 I think you mean interested to be interesting.....
Or interesting to be interested..........
Or thoughtfully internationally incapacitated.....l.

He give you a job yet?

That could have been me also, depending on the week.

My S2R 1000 has side shotgun Termis, and is mostly stock.  Red on red.  I just want to get it tuned so it's off-idle response is optimized.  gearing, fueling, etc.

I stopped by the shop tonight since it was a great night for a ride. Not to be a downer, but seems to me that a early July opening is going to be tough. Still keeping my fingers crossed for the date they are trying to make.

True, they better move fast!  I am sure once everything is here from Italy it will fall into place fairly quickly.    :)

I will be in Royal Oak, for the July opening, if it is still happening . . .

Panama's dealership is scheduled to open mid-September~October . . . EVERYTHING comes from Italy . . . "regular tools" are the dealership's obligation, Ducati tools come from factory, lifts will be purchased in the US, front and rear stands will be non-branded, showroom bikes will be on a 'Ducati brand' rear stand and the plan is to sell each bike with a kickstand pad with the Ducati Panama logo.

Carlos, it is most certainly still happening.  We are looking around July 15.     [Dolph]

OK . . .  [thumbsup]

Well.....it's official, I got the job with Ducati!!! 

So excited!  We are looking at an open date around July 15.  We will have 52 bikes to start!

 ;D

Congrats. and fixed it for you.

Thanks man, I can't wait until we can start putting parts on the shelves!

Congrats !!!

Hopefully see you on the 15th

congrats Adam!

let us know if there is an earlier soft opening too. id like to swing by for both...

Congrats on getting the dream job!  Nice!   I hope to make the opening but that date is Monday.   Better if it's a Saturday.

Thanks guys! 

I will keep you all up to date on opening times and events.  I like the fact that i have a few riders that will have a guy they can trust and count on!  That makes a business go a long way!   

Congratulation on the new job Adam  [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

Bob

 ;D          [thumbsup]

Way to go Adam, It must be exciting!

Thanks man!  You should make the trip over sometime! 

Congrats Adam. Plan on seeing me opening week.

Thanks Erik, looking forward to it.

Congrats on the new job.

Thanks, I will have more details tomorrow!  (Monday)

Well it looks like the dealer will be opening a little later than we originally expected. 

Strict city inspections!

Any word on opening day?

Man, I wish I had a day but I don't yet.  The floor was just installed so it will be very soon.  Never been so anxious about something before lol.

back in town?

Yes sir!  Do you want to meet me up there Sunday to check out the bike? Unfortunately the dealer won't be open by the time your flight leaves lol.

 [thumbsup]

I was going to ask if you guys wanted to meet as well. I can't do Sunday, but I can Monday. First beers on me.

Don't know bout Monday, since last day here, company owner might want to take me to dinner . . .and, I've got no transportation since yesterday . . .

No worries. If things change let me know. Not sure where you are staying, but I'm in Farmington hills which is west of Detroit.

OK, pm sent

I am off on Sundays and Mondays so both of those days work for me.  Monday would be a better day to ride.  I saw tonight that it's suppose to rain tomorrow and Sunday.  Of course with Michigan bike week in lake Orion it's gonna rain... [roll]

Erik did I pm you my cell #?

Yeah Adam, I have your cell. Got you PM Carlos.

Just let me know if you guys head out. Like I said, I'll be free after 4 on Monday.

Erik

is the dealer open? are you guys meeting up there?

If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I am walking over, to the Mitchell's Fish Market to have a 'Lobster Roll BLT' sandwich . . .

If co-worker wants to join me tomorrow, then, I'll 'have a car' . . .if not, walking is good for my health, unless it rains on me like today . . . ;D

Getting very close to opening but not there yet.  I am going to be riding up on Monday if anyone wants to meet up there....or tomorrow (Sunday) if it doesn't rain. 

You still tied up on Mondays Matt?

Id be down to meet up tomorrow (sunday) if anyone is interested... forecast says no rain until ~3p as of now. 

Will try . . . gotta have a taste of that sandwich and my only day to be able to really taste it, would be tomorrow . .. Monday is "depending" on company owner if he decides or not to take me to a 'farewell dinner' . .

Monday's during the day dont work. but i may be able to swing something in the evening every now and then...

tomorrow might be ok too as long as the rain holds off.

keep me posted.

Since I'm in this thread, any of you have either a black Monster, Dark vintage and a yellow Monster?

I've seen you always around Crooks Rd/W Maple, today I saw the yellow Monster, and gave it a thumbsup . . . that sound, just made me real happy . ..  tired of the other v-twins . . .

I saw a yellow one off Adams early in the spring. Made me happy :p Then another or the same one in a parking lot in Southfield a couple times (not stalking, I do IT related repair of most varieties and was in the building a few days in a row).
(http://i.imgur.com/SeGtwJWl.jpg) (http://imgur.com/SeGtwJW)
Looks like superbike brembo clutch hardware?

I walked very slowly past this bike the few days I was working in this building :)

The one I saw today had CF low mount exhausts . . . but, I didn't see it first, I heard it  . . . turned my head so fast to check, almost snapped my neck . . ;D

I am usually riding around that area, was out there today on the way back from Italian happening

(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll215/aerobaz11/IMG_1992_zps89a47524.jpg)

so it was you? I was the one in the corner of Crooks and W. Maple then . . .

yes, you gave a thumbs up, i gave a nod  [thumbsup].  hopefully you made it back before the rain started!

I did, then I went out to get lunch and it poured on me . . . I was heading for Brooklyn Pizza . . .

He laughs at Michigan rain. ;D

I took cover just so I don't get a cold before going back home . . . ;D

but, it was a light drizzle  . .. ;D

Just checked the local weather, just like baz said, should hold off until 2 or 3.  You guys want to meet up at the dealership at noon? Just to B.S around?

After Formula 1 race, my day will 'officially' start so, I might walk over . . . ;D

I'll try to make it.

No F1 spoilers though! Not sure if ill be done watching the race by then.  ;D

You lads should probably start a Michgan thread, no? [roll] [popcorn]

[coffee] [popcorn]

We did.....it's called "Ducati Detroit".     ;D

Let's keep this to non commercial news regarding the shop.

If you guys want to plan meets do it  by pm please.

good little meet up today and nice meeting everyone, hope you guys made it home before the rain! we'll have to try that again (thru pm's of course).

Adam, correct me if im wrong but for those wondering about the dealer, sounds like he's shooting for August 5th for the opening or at least before the 10th.

it looks like its going to be a nice set up  [thumbsup]...

Yeah it was good meeting all you guys too.  I did get caught in the storm.  Was soaked when I got home...back to the dealership...

We are hoping to open ASAP.