April 15, 2013 - Harley Endorsement Gives MMI Grads an Edge with New England Employer

As service manager for Seacoast Harley in New Hampshire, Frank Maxwell is always on the lookout for knowledgeable, experienced motorcycle technicians who fit seamlessly into his team. And more often than not, he finds them among the graduates of Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) in Orlando.

Considered one of the nation’s largest Harley-Davidson dealerships, Seacoast Harley employs a dozen motorcycle technicians and maintains a steady workload. To build a reliable team, Maxwell has hired about 75 percent of his technicians from MMI.

“When it’s time to hire a new tech, I look to MMI,” he said. “The school provides premier, comprehensive training on Harley-Davidson bikes, and that makes all the difference in the world to me.”

Along with a good foundation of teamwork skills, Maxwell said MMI graduates have a solid understanding of the brand’s bikes, having been trained on the latest technology in the industry and having the ability to review new model information straight from the Harley-Davidson factory.

“The skill level we’ve seen in MMI graduates over the last decade is impressive, and it’s only getting better,” added Maxwell. “It’s taken some of the pressure off us, since we don’t have to spend as much time and effort to train entry-level techs.”

For young motorcycle lovers in the New England area who are interested in the industry, Maxwell points out that it’s worth leaving the area to pursue training at the Orlando or Phoenix locations. Seacoast Harley technician and MMI graduate Jared Midwood agrees.

“Going away to school when I was just 18 wasn’t easy, but it was an excellent life experience,” said Midwood, a Northwood, New Hampshire native, who has worked at Seacoast for more than four years. “When I was in school at MMI, I was also working a full-time job to pay rent. But it helped me become self-reliant and gain some maturity. I didn’t have a choice!”

Now that he’s back in his home state, Jared works side-by-side with fellow MMI alumni, including his former roommate. He says since MMI is the only motorcycle training institution that offers a Harley-Davidson specific 24-week elective curriculum, its graduates have an edge over techs trained at other schools.

“We’re able to ramp up and advance much more quickly,” said Midwood. “MMI’s Harley training is really in-depth and offers a lot of hands-on experience. Employers know it, so you have a much easier time securing a good job after graduation.”

“Knowing that these graduates have invested in an education at MMI says a lot about them,” added Maxwell. “It’s a rigorous program, so when they make it through, we know they’re serious about their careers and are going to be a valuable part of our team.”

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