It’s a snowy day, with a snowier forecast; Jeff Plouff could be looking at some busy days ahead. As the owner of Hodag Honda in Rhinelander, Plouff has a supply of Honda snow throwers, ATVs and UTVs lined up and waiting to be put to use. 
“We’re the only Honda Powerhouse Dealer in the Northwoods,” Plouff said. “That means that we sell only new Honda products, and have met customer service requirements and commitment levels set by Honda.”
Plouff has owned Hodag Honda for ten years, but he has nearly four decades of experience working with the Honda brand.
“I started working for a small local dealer in 1975,” Plouff recalled. “Back then we had only motorcycles; three- wheeled ATVs were just beginning to be made. It’s really different now.”
He still sells motorcycles, but the line of the two-wheeled variety has expanded to include dirt bikes (from a child sized 50cc up to adult), motor scooters and on and off road motorcycles.  The three-wheelers of yesteryear have grown into four-wheeled All Terrain Vehichles and UTVs. 
“The ATVs started out as great hunting vehicles to get around in the woods, and work vehicles which can be fitted with a snow plow,” Plouff said. “Now they are becoming family recreational vehicles, especially popular with some of the townships in the county opening up roads to ATV and UTV traffic.”
When there is a wind storm or an especially heavy wet snowfall, sales of generators that can help a household function during a power outage pick up. Hodag Honda also sells a variety of models that work for camping, ice fishing shacks, or hunting cabins.
The 6,000 square foot showroom is filled with a line of apparel and accessories such as helmets, gloves and sunglasses. Plouff stocks tires, plows and other popular parts, but a special order is just a day or two away. There is a full service department as well which Plouff says can be busy this time of year. “We service Honda products, and any make and model of motorcycles, ATVs, motor scooters, personal watercraft, power equipment and snowmobiles.”
Right now is a good time to shop for next summer’s toys as the Hodag Honda 2014 clearance sale is ongoing until supplies last. 
The shop is located at 1355 N. Chippewa Dr (Hwy 17 bypass) in Rhinelander; the phone number is 715-365-3820. Hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.