20 Under 40

Steve Tuchschmidt II

General Manager, Mid America Harley-Davidson

Age: 30

Job description:

Manage and oversee all operations at Mid America Harley-Davidson.

Hometown:

Breckenridge, Colorado.

Years lived in Columbia:

12 years.

Education:

Mizzou, until I got bored — a.k.a. the School of Hard Knocks

Professional background:

I started in the two-wheel business by opening my own Vespa shop nine years ago. Although scooters were not the most lucrative business plan, I knew that working in the motorcycle industry was a career I wanted to continue. I then joined the team at Mid America Harley-Davidson, starting as a salesman and working up to sales manager and then general manager.

Mentor:

My father.

What don’t people know about your job?

The sense of community within the motorcycle world is so strong — our customers truly feel like our family. Many people who come through the door know all of our names, and we know theirs. We even have a pretty large group of customers that come in every Saturday just to have their morning coffee and shoot the breeze.

What is the best thing about your job?

I get to ride motorcycles every day, and I get to work with the most amazing group of people.

A favorite recent project?

Last year, I had an idea to put together a bacon and bourbon festival, and with the help of a few people, we were able to make it a reality. This coming year we will be hosting our second annual MO Bacon and Bourbon Festival, and I couldn’t be more excited.

What was your New Year’s resolution in 2015? Did you accomplish it?

I didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions in 2015. I believe in working hard and working towards your goals everyday, so I didn’t feel as though I needed a resolution to accomplish that.

What are your specific professional goals for 2016?

Increase our gross sales and net profit by 10 percent, as well as continue to build a loyal customer base in Columbia and surrounding communities.

What about your day do you look forward to most? What motivates you?

Every day in this business is a new adventure, so it’s so exciting to see what each new day is going to bring. I stay motivated because this is an ever-changing business, and I am always looking for ways to improve and stay ahead of the game.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

Skiing. But that doesn’t pay the bills. I know that if I wasn’t doing this I would still be involved in the motorcycle industry. I can truly say I love the industry I work in.

Accomplishment you’re most proud of?

This year, we were able to team up with the Blues in the Schools program and raffle off a bike to raise $4,000 for their charity.

What do you do for fun?

I like to hang out, play and dance with my two little girls, ride dirt bikes, ski, spend time with my wonderful wife and two crazy labs, and go on bike rides with my family.

Greatest lesson learned?

About seven years ago, I almost lost my life in a backcountry skiing accident, and it really helped me learn to take life more seriously and value what I have.

Want more 20 Under 40? Check out Stephanie Wilmsmeyer’s Q&A.