In 1949, Lloyd “Bud” Laugerman began selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles out of a garage in an alley behind his home. This would later become Laugerman’s Harley-Davidson. The current location in York, Pennsylvania was opened in 1993 and is an important dealership for the Harley-Davidson Motor Company as it resides just one mile from the Harley-Davidson manufacturing factory. Many tourists who tour the factory visit the dealership and vice versa.
George made himself available at any time of the day or night, even on weekends and while on vacation! He did everything he said he would do, and more. – Heather Goodwin
Bud Laugerman passed away in 1994, but the business remained in the family, owned and operated by his sons, David and Michael Laugerman, who have been in the business for 45 years and 40 years, respectively. When the two decided that it was time to retire from the business altogether, they contacted nationally renowned Harley-Davidson dealership broker, George C. Chaconas from Performance Brokerage Services. “When my father, Dave and uncle, Mike finally decided to sell Laugerman’s Harley-Davidson after considerable contemplation and soul searching, George Chaconas met with me and my family to discuss our dealership, its history, its potential and what kind of buyer would be best to carry on our family’s legacy…the business had been in the family for so long and this was a difficult and emotional decision for all of us,” shared Heather Goodwin, Operations Manager and relative. She continued, “George was open, honest and obviously very experienced and educated in his field. He brought numerous qualified buyers to the table, which proved his reach and breadth of contacts. George made himself available at any time of the day or night, even on weekends and while on vacation! He did everything he said he would do, and more.”
First-time buyers, business partners and brother and sister, Clint Sheffer and Sue Renoll, owned Miller Beer Distribution in York, Pennsylvania along with their late father, among many other businesses. After his passing, they sold the business and explored new opportunities. Having a mutual accountant with the Laugerman family, they were introduced to the opportunity to acquire Laugerman’s Harley-Davidson. Clint recently completed his Harley-Davidson riding class and received his license. Sue will be interacting more closely with the customers at the retail location. Advisor to the Sheffer family, Todd Gettys mentioned, “I have been working with the Sheffer family for many years. The family has been involved in beer wholesaling, construction equipment rentals and truck repair. When I learned of Laugerman’s Harley-Davidson, I felt it would be a tremendous match for them. Clint Sheffer understands how to service a brand and has an interest in motor vehicles, while Sue enjoys working with people and has a passion for retail. Over a short period of time, we developed an excellent working relationship with George Chaconas, who was a calm negotiator and assisted in bringing the deal together on both sides of the table.”
Laugerman Harley-Davidson will operate under its new name 1st Capital Harley-Davidson and will remain at its current location at 100 Arsenal Road in York, Pennsylvania 17404.
