Manitowoc Harley shop credits Progress Lakeshore for helping it grow

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Joe’s Garage & Cycle Repair, led by factory-trained Harley-Davidson Master Technician Joe Ruelle, has moved to a larger facility at 32 Albert Drive in Manitowoc.

“Our new space allows us to do what we do best: take care of more bikes and take care of our customers,” said Ruelle. “Right now, we’ve got over a dozen Harleys in the shop, and we’re constantly turning work around. This move means we can serve more riders without sacrificing quality.”

Fewer than 15% of motorcycle mechanics nationwide hold the Harley-Davidson Master Technician designation.

Joe’s Garage & Cycle Repair is not a general repair shop; it’s a destination for Harley enthusiasts. The shop has already built a loyal following, attracting Harley owners from across the Lakeshore, Oshkosh, and Door County.

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Co-owners Joe Ruelle and Eileen Yoder credit part of their success to Progress Lakeshore, a regional economic development organization that supports entrepreneurs.

As participants in Progress Lakeshore’s Entrepreneur Training Program and current members of the Circles of 7 Business Mentoring Program, Ruelle and Yoder have gained valuable tools, guidance, and a network of fellow business owners.

“We didn’t come from a business ownership background,” said Yoder. “Progress Lakeshore helped us think through everything, from operations to long-term planning. And through Circles of 7, we’ve built relationships with other business owners who support and challenge us. It’s made a real difference in how we grow.”

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