Lori and Rick Reed are currently looking for a home in Luverne with their 10-year-old son, Ryder.By Sara StrongMotor enthusiasts in the area will have a new shopping option in about a month when the Kawasaki dealership opens.Rick and Lori Reed are in the process of transforming the former Bargain Center, Luverne, into a Kawasaki showroom and shop."Kawasaki has always been at the forefront of new technologies," Rick said. "I like to work with a company that isn’t run by stockbrokers. Kawasaki power sports are headed by enthusiasts and I think they end up making a better product because of it."The Reeds are looking for a home in Luverne now and are hoping for a smooth transition from South Sioux City, Iowa. They co-owned a Kawasaki dealership there and just finalized their licensing agreement to operate out of Luverne. Rick said they chose to locate in Luverne because of its small-town feel and healthy business community. He hopes to draw customers to town with lower prices, which he expects to offer because of lower operating costs in Luverne.Rick said he and Lori work together, but could use another mechanic to work in the shop area of the business, so they may be hiring. The Luverne Economic Development Authority approved a $24,000 loan for building modifications. Kawasaki is known for its all-terrain vehicles, with a four-wheeler just winning the ATV of the Year award. Most Kawasaki products are manufactured, not just assembled, in the United States.Rick said that, as owners of the business, they care about customer satisfaction, and Lori said their knowledge of the product is thorough. Rick said, "I’ve worked with Kawasaki for 11 years as a partner in a dealership. I honestly think we earned a reputation of honest and fair people to work with."
