Studio Bliss Photography

Introducing Jay and Tammy Hall, our next nominee for Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Business Award. They own Hall's Cycles, which was a Harley-Davidson shop purchased by Jay's father in 1962. By 1974, they were selling and servicing Husqvarna and Schwinn Bikes back then. They now ship parts all over the world because of their large inventory..

My absolute favorite part in talking with Jay was hearing his story as he came up in the world of bikes. He fell in love young with dirt bikes and servicing Husqvarnas by the age of 14. Jay begged his dad to let him set-up an area in the corner of the shop to work on bikes. He worked his way through every job in the shop and became an expert, not because he was earning a paycheck, but because it was his passion. By 2000, Jay had earned a huge reputation world-wide and was asked to be a part of Team USA in the International Six Day Enduro races in Spain as a mechanic in the pits. From there, he rose through the ranks and realized he was riding just as fast. With Tammy's encouragement and at the age of 45, Jay became a Rookie and Qualified for the races in Slovakia! This year, he races in Portugal, celebrating ISDR’s 100th year. Crazy amazing! I could have sat forever listening to the stories. I want to be on that track and in the pits with my camera!

Because Jay lives and breathes this life, he is a big part of the American Motorcyclist Association, which has coordinated off-road events and track racing, bring over 120 races a year in Illinois. Jay is also the commissioner in Illinois for racing, which means he is heavily involved in rules and regulations to keep everyone safe and is on committees for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The man doesn't just sit on committees either. Jay has raced in Motocross, Gran Prix and Flat Track racing on top of running the business. It isn't uncommon for him to put in a 13-hour workday there and is excited to say it is still family run with his wife right alongside him and with parts of the next generation rolling up their sleeves and just as invested as he is.

Jay and Tammy, you amaze me! It was an honor, truly, to hear your story. Congratulations and so very well-deserved!