Shelby's Street Cred With Bikers Grows As New Motorcycle Dealer Opens

Shelby Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis, members of the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce, Triumph Motorcycles CEO Greg Heichelbech and more than 100 friends and “family” cut the ribbon on the new location of Triumph Detroit Saturday, welcoming the top-performing Triumph dealership in the country to Shelby Township.

The dealership, owned by Dave and Suzanne Canu, finalized the move from its previous location in Roseville to its new home at 50622 Van Dyke on Friday evening.

The new, larger, state-of-the art location is designed to enhance customers' experiences. “Everything is designed around the customer. That’s why we’re here,” said Suzanne Canu, who credits her staff of seven full-time employees for providing the high level of customer service that makes for not only a high-performing store but also a home away from home for the many loyal customers who consider the folks at Triumph to be family.

Lauren Pomaville has been with the company since 2004 when she was 19 years old. She’s in charge of running the front office, clothing lines, displays and merchandising. Accessories make up a large part of the dealership’s business. “Every enthusiast wants apparel with their bike brand on it,” said Pomaville, who calls herself very attached to the dealership and its customers. “I know the names, faces and families of most of the people who come here.”

One of those customers is Greg Smith from Royal Oak, who bought four motorcycles from the British motorcycle marquee dealership in the past five years. “Dave and Suzanne welcome you in like family,” he said. 

Jeff and Judy Totman from Royal Oak were also on hand at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.  Great customer service has kept them coming back to Triumph Detroit since 2003. “They carry excellent products and there are a great bunch of people here,” Jeff said. They often come to the dealership to socialize or participate in Triumph’s events.

Sonja Litalien drove up for the grand opening event from Sylvania, OH with the intention of buying a new bike, hopefully a sport tourer. “The people that run this shop are true enthusiasts of the sport,” said Litalien, who has been a Triumph enthusiast herself since 1993.

Another customer, Henry Gerst from Ypsilanti, comes to the dealership at least once a week to buy a jacket, helmet or other accessory to add to his collection.  He’s bought four bikes over the past 15 years. “It really is a family here,” said Gerst, who’s formed many friendships with other Triumph customers who share his same passion for riding.

Triumph CEO Greg Heichelbech came in for the grand opening from company headquarters in Newnan, GA.  He said that the Canus’ passion and focus has been the key factor in building such a successful business. “Their enthusiasm is so evident that it rubs off on everyone else and attracts the kind of employees and customers who share that same positive mindset,” he said.

That strong base of loyal customers is welcome news for other area businesses, as well. Triumph enthusiasts often drive a distance to get to the dealership and spend a good portion of the day in the area, like customer Ward Meunier who comes to the dealership two or three times a month from his home in Windsor, Ontario, and frequents other local stores and restaurants while he’s here.

 “It’s the friendships that I’ve made here that keep me coming back,” he said.

The new 7,200-square-foot Triumph Detroit showroom features at least 50 bikes, including the new 2011 Triumph lineup of 23 models, a large inventory of parts, apparel and accessories. The showroom also boasts a coffee bar, big-screen TV and lounge with recliners and an integrated sound system where customers can relax after or day’s ride or just visit while their bike is being serviced.

Triumph Detroit is located on Van Dyke just south of 23 Mile Road. It’s open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For more information, call (586) 726-7400 or visit www.triumphdetroit.com.