MILL HALL - A larger selection of motorcycles and merchandise and a friendly, family atmosphere await those coming to the new G. Brick Motorsports.
The business, near the intersection of Routes 477 and 64 just outside of Mill Hall, is the former Williamson Honda, the area's Honda and Suzuki dealer for the last several decades.
Bill and Tina Garbrick took over in October and will usher in the warm weather season with an open house this Friday and Saturday.
The timing could not be better, given the recent spate of warm, sunny weather, bringing out many motorcycling enthusiasts.
"We're glad to see the spring weather come because March has picked up a lot," Bill said, noting that service work was steady throughout the winter.
"We've had some sunny Saturdays in March that have been a big help," Tina added.
Bill said he and his wife were looking for a business venture for quite some time when the opportunity arose with the sale by former owner Carl Williamson.
"And it sort of fit my background. I've been a motorcycle enthusiast for a long time and it just seemed like a good fit," said Bill.
The actual transaction took about two years to consummate, mostly because of the requirements from both Honda and Suzuki in regard to their franchisees.
Now, G. Brick Motorsports continues to be the sole Honda and Suzuki franchisee in the county. In addition, it offers a small selection of used motorcycles and ATVs.
"They're hard to get and they don't last very long," Bill said of the used vehicles.
"Everybody is looking to find used," Tina added.
Williamson had owned the business for over a half-century, Bill said, and his experienced employees have been carried over to the new owners.
Those employees include Clyde Wise and Bill Frederick at the counter for the last 20 and 10 years, respectively. Also staying on board are Office Manager Amy Bowman, an employee there for the past eight years, and Service Manager Jim Copenhaver, who has been with the business for 17 years.
New to the shop are salesman Ian Warner and part-time service employee, Norman Westerbaan.
The experienced help is needed, as Bill and Tina continue to hold their full-time jobs; Bill at First Quality Tissue in Lock Haven and Tina as a teacher at Lock Haven Catholic School, in addition to raising two sons and a daughter, Connor, 16; Johnna, 15; and Alex, 11.
As in any other venuture, location is very important and both Bill and Tina said G. Brick is very accessible being just off of the Salona exit of Route 220 and not far from Interstate 80, capturing a large commuting audience between Clinton and Centre counties.
"We went through the files and, over the last three years, it's amazing how many customers are from the Bellefonte and Howard area," Tina said.
Bill said that, while the business will continue to sell Honda and Suzuki products, along with TWF trailers, it will offer some "subtle changes" in regard to the type of motorcycles offered.
"Carl kind of had his favorites and his focus was on those types of motorcycles," he said. "We've just kind of opened up the selection a little bit."
In addition, Bill said he and his wife changed the layout of the store to present merchandise more conveniently, along with offering a larger selection of motorcycle helmets and clothing.
"We stock a lot of helmets, goggles, gloves, pants, riding shirts, jackets and tires," he said, noting the store also can special-order items, if desired.
Tina said the business' big seller through the fall and winter were ATVs.
Now, with the warmer weather, dual-sport bikes are the hot sellers.
"I think it's getting into the time of the year for on-the-road type of merchandise," Bill said.
He said the business will strive to offer all that the motorcycle and ATV enthusiast will need, in a relaxed, friendly and family atmosphere.
"It's a place where people get treated fairly," Bill said. "That's the bottom line: Taking care of the customers and getting our name out there to the people who enjoy the sport.
"I think if you compare the old ownership to the new ownership, you'll find a wider variety of offerings here now with some new, friendly faces," he continued. "We will take care of the customers and treat people well. We really value the return customers. We want people to come back."
The public can check out the new shop at 7893 Nittany Valley Drive, Mill Hall, with an open house from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, with complimentary food and beverages both days and door prizes on Saturday. The open house also will feature trials demonstrations from the nearby Durty Dabbers trial biking club in Farrandsville.
For more information, call 570-726-3343, or go on-line at www.brickmotorsports. The Web site is currently under construction.
