Young Pro: Thunder Mountain GM rides high on hog

Justin Lynch runs the Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson dealership in Loveland, one of the largest Harley-Davidson dealerships in the country.

Q: How did you get into the business?

A: I started in the wash bay, washing motorcycles and doing pick-ups and deliveries of motorcycles for customers, when I was 18 and starting at Colorado State University as a freshman. I have always loved Harley-Davidsons and motorcycles in general, and started riding dirt bikes when I was four. I got my first Harley at 16. I never thought my job in the wash bay would lead to such a great career, I just thought it was cool to work at a Harley shop during college.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you or your industry face?

A: Two things. Giving customers a reason to want to ride a motorcycle, creating that lifestyle in other words, so that their discretionary dollar is spent with us rather than on other toys, such as boats and RVs. With only 3 percent of the U.S. population riding currently, it is up to us to give more people a reason to want to ride, and to want to visit Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson.

The other challenge is finding hard-working young people to bring into our brand and culture who want to not only live the lifestyle and ride Harleys, but also who want to work in the business and are willing to “cut their teeth” and be patient to work their way into and up in the business.

Q: What are the biggest rewards of your job?

A: The biggest rewards are seeing our employees succeed and grow in and outside of the workplace, and being able to fulfill dreams for our customers and be a part of a fun lifestyle for them.

Q: What advice do you have for someone else thinking about a career in your field?

A: Have patience, because in this business, most dealerships and most power sports businesses promote from within, and it may take some time to move up the ranks. But if you want it, you can make it happen.

I think the biggest thing is to always make sure you like what you do, and if you are passionate about it, the success will come from that passion and desire to be a part of this power sports industry.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: Honestly, when I was very young, I wanted to be a truck driver for some reason, because I loved driving but as I grew older into my teens, I always told people my dream would be to run or own a Harley-Davidson dealership and work around bikes all day long… and here I am!

Q: Where do you see yourself career wise in 10 years?

A: I hope to still be doing what I am doing, but owning part of the business and one day my own dealership!

Q: Outside of work, what's your favorite thing to do and your favorite place to do it?

A: It depends on the day, but one of my favorite places is Breckenridge. It could be just strolling the streets and shops with my family, or hitting the slopes in the winter. Anything in the mountains is great.

Q: What do you do in your leisure time?

A: Anything with my daughter: ride motorcycles, ski, golf.

Q: What role does volunteerism/giving back play in your work or personal life?

A: Giving back and supporting local charities that make a difference plays a big part in my life, as it does in the biker community . Bikers are generally very generous people and it just makes all f the hard work and time spent working worthwhile to be able to donate, or host, or volunteer for a charitable cause that makes a difference in someone’s life or in the community. As a business, Thunder Mountain H-D greatly supports Realities for Children at multiple events and motorcycle rides each year, and also hosts and organizes many other rides for charity throughout the year.

Q: Where is your favorite spot in Loveland and why?

A: Thunder Mountain Amphitheatre, because we put on some great shows, and live music is always fun.

Q: If you could interview one person in the world who would that be?

A: Abraham Lincoln, because I grew up in Illinois, where Lincoln is from , and I always thought his speeches and beliefs were inspirational.

Young Professional is a collaboration with the Loveland and Fort Collins chambers of commerce.

Young Professional

•Name: Justin Lynch

•Age: 33

•Occupation: General manager at Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson

•Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance from Colorado State University

•Family: Wife, Jessica, and daughter, Tessa, 4 ½