July 2014
A licensed mechanic with a passion for motorcycles – especially Harley Davidsons – Mike Koricina began selling used Harleys as a sideline while he owned and operated The Shop, a heavy truck-focused automotive shop just outside of Lucan.
“Before I knew it, I was busier selling bikes out of the back shop than I was servicing trucks,” said Koricina.
That success prompted Koricina and his wife, Teresa, to rethink their business plans. At about that same time, they noticed the former hardware store in downtown Lucan was for sale; it was the perfect location for a new motorcycle shop.
“We decided it was the right time to take the plunge,” Koricina said. The bank, however, was not sold on the timing. “At that time, I was 50 years old … and they basically told me I was too old.”
Disappointed but undaunted, Koricina, who had heard positive things about the Community Futures Development Corporation of Middlesex County (CFDCMC), contacted the federally-funded agency, one of several Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in the Western Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Association.
“(They were) as excited as I was about the business,” said Koricina, adding the loan helped him purchase the building and realize his business dream. “They were so co-operative and they understood my vision, helped with cash flow forecasts … they were very helpful.”
"We have been busy since the day we opened"
CFDCs offer a range of programs and services supporting community economic development and small-business growth. These community-based, not-for-profit organizations are staffed by professionals and are each governed by local volunteer boards of directors familiar with their community’s needs, concerns and future development priorities. (For more information, visit www.wocfdca.com)
Once the purchase of the building was complete and after extensive renovations at the 5,000-square-foot facility, Hog Town Cycles opened in May of 2012.
“We have been busy since the day we opened,” said Koricina of his bustling business that focuses on selling used Harley Davidsons, while offering a full range of services including sales, parts, service and merchandise.
He said his customers’ positive experiences have fueled the success. “Word of mouth advertising is huge. We often have people who come in and say, ‘My friend bought a bike here and was happy with the experience.’”
Koricina says the staff’s mantra is to treat customers the way they would like to be treated. “We treat people fairly, our prices are reasonable and we are trustworthy,” he says with pride. “That’s why people come here.”
He said the vast majority of his customers are aged 50 to 75. “These are guys whose kids have graduated from college or they’ve retired and have a little extra money and they want a bike,” says Koricina.
Those customers appreciate that Hog Town Cycles is a family-run business. Koricina and Teresa, along with their son, also a licensed mechanic, work there full-time along with a semi-retired motorcycle enthusiast, while the couple’s four daughters also lend a hand when they can.
They’re kept busy servicing an area from Windsor to Toronto – and beyond. “I’ve shipped motorcycles to Nova Scotia, Ottawa … people will drive to find the right motorcycle. That’s why we love our location here; it’s a nice ride to Lucan – a ride motorcyclists would rather make than going to the city.”
Thanks to strong sales, Koricina opened a spacious service area, enlarged the showroom and spruced up the large yard – all of which will be showcased at the facility’s popular open house slated for July 12.
“We had over 400 people come last year,” said Koricina. “Once again, the cheerleaders from (the University of Western Ontario) will be here hosting a fundraising bikini bike wash, we’ll have a live band and we’re having a bacon fest. It will be fun.”
For Koricina, the business is fun. He loves to ride – he and Teresa recently toured Daytona Beach, clocking 1200 miles on their Harley – and he loves to let people know about Hog Town.
“Each year, we are at the International Bike Show in Toronto, we do a Harley Pull at the Lucan Tractor Pull and this year, we’ll have a display at Steve Plunkett’s 2014 Fleetwood Country Cruize In Car Show and the big Friday the 13th event in Dover all in June,” says Koricina.
For more information, drop into Hog Town Cycles at 164 Main Street, call 519-227-1331 or visit hogtowncycles.ca.