Tribute to Rudi Herzig

First of all: Fortunately, this is not an “obituary”! At least not for a deceased person. For all German-speaking journalists, however, Rudi Herzig from Sassenbach GmbH, the long-standing press and PR agency, will no longer be the “rock, heart and soul” of the Harley-Davidson press service! Which is certainly sad news to say the least. With effect from August 31, 2021, “Sassenbach Advertising” will probably be “given the boot” for cost reasons - as other reasons to kick a specialist with over 25 years of Harley experience seem unthinkable.

Rudi Herzig, who also worked at Knut Briel's former PR agency, was THE authority on delivering and translating Harley-Davidson press releases, however limited he was about what could be published. Especially when it came to obtaining current background information and historical images, features and contacts, Rudi was very committed to getting the images and information he wanted, no matter how long it would take and how difficult that information was to dig up!

One of the people who work “in the background”, Rudi has never stepped forward anywhere, always honoring his colleagues, humbly keeping in the shadows but super efficient in terms of speed and knowledge, not to mention his connections to the Harley archives and ever-changing Harley staff and management in the USA. Rudi Herzig was a solid rock in a time of change and often unpredictable developments. It was hard to capture him on camera, but this is the time and date to thank him for his dedicated, passionate and (yes!) enthusiastic work for Harley-Davidson and us, the journalists.

Although Rudi remains in the job at Sassenbach Advertising due to his other qualifications, future press work with Harley will not be the same without him. Thank you for the last 25+ years of your work. The least I can say is that without you my work would not have been possible in this way. Good luck from me – and probably from many other German-speaking journalists!

Text & Photo: Horst Rösler,

Image: Faak 2019, Harley-Davidson press reception Thursday evening / Horst Rösler

The Harley site also says thank you Rudi!

Press work with Harley won't be the same without Rudi!

I would also like to subscribe to Horst Rösler's words. It's not about criticizing the company's decisions, cost points are always and everywhere under scrutiny, and unfortunately in some decisions important employees fall through the cracks. Unfortunately, this has happened more often at Harley-Davidson in the last 12 months and does not paint a good long-term picture.

For us journalists, Rudi is not just the rock in the surf when everything at Harley-Davidson is turned upside down again, he always ensures clarity and brings the necessary information to the point. In addition, Rudi is an absolutely reliable person for us journalists; he treated us all equally and I really appreciated that throughout the years that I was able to work with him.

Especially when new models came onto the market about which there were still unanswered questions, Rudi always answered them promptly, or he went on a search, with the necessary background to know where and who to ask to answer our questions. We want to pass on as much important information as possible to the readers, i.e. you, so that you can make your purchasing decisions better; this will not get any easier in the future.

The other side is, we're talking about Harley-Davidson here, this traditional company is something different than any other motorcycle brand! People like Rudi, who live that and for them work means much more than just work. And that's exactly what connects Rudi Herzig, Horst Rösler, or many others in the scene. There are many more to this, which was particularly noticeable when this sad news made its rounds. We are all personally very affected and suffer together with our Rudi about this decision.

As Horst already wrote, “future press work with Harley will not be the same without him”!

Dear Rudi, I wish you good luck for the future and thank you again for the many years of good cooperation, I will not only miss your professional press kits and the full catering at the events, where you always looked after our well-being! You will continue to be with us in the future and that counts for more than a job!

Text & Photo Volker Wolf (Harleysite)