News Summary
Foothills Motorsports, under the ownership of Steve Crowe for the past 23 years, has thrived in the powersports industry. The dealership has transformed significantly since 2002, offering a wide variety of vehicles and fostering a family-oriented atmosphere. With a 25,000 square foot showroom and a commitment to community involvement, Foothills continues to adapt to market trends while maintaining a strong financial position and positive employee morale.
Piedmont, South Carolina – Foothills Motorsports celebrated 23 years under the ownership of Steve Crowe this month, marking significant achievements in the powersports sector. Since Crowe’s acquisition in 2002, the dealership has thrived, fostering both a family-oriented atmosphere and robust community involvement while offering a wide array of powersports vehicles.
Foothills Motorsports, originally established in 1972, underwent major transformations following its change in ownership. Steve Crowe, who previously operated a Swagelok valve sales and service center with no prior experience in the powersports business, purchased the dealership after a casual visit with his son, Eric Crowe. The duo was initially interested in buying a motocross bike when they decided to take the plunge into dealership ownership.
Since the start of Crowe’s ownership, Foothills Motorsports relocated to a larger facility that boasts a 25,000 square foot showroom and an additional 7,000 square feet dedicated to parts and services. With over 500 types of powersports vehicles available, including motorcycles, dirt bikes, personal watercrafts, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and side-by-sides from reputable brands such as Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Alta, Sea-Doo, Polaris, and Husqvarna, the dealership has positioned itself as a leader in the industry.
Recent sales trends indicate a balanced inventory movement at Foothills Motorsports. On-road vehicle and side-by-side sales have experienced modest growth this year. Although there has been a slight decline in ATV sales, personal watercraft sales have performed well, driven in part by promotions from manufacturers including BRP and Polaris. The dealership has seen sales dip back to pre-2020 levels, following a pandemic-initiated surge in demand, and now maintains a healthy inventory supply that lasts between three to six months.
Despite the fluctuation in sales, the financial health of Foothills Motorsports remains strong. The dealership employees express a positive outlook, asserting that conditions are “not doom and gloom.” The team is committed to creating a supportive environment, with 23 employees enjoying minimal turnover, further contributing to the store’s family-friendly reputation.
In addition to vehicle sales, Foothills Motorsports provides finance and insurance services that have enhanced profitability. Customers benefit from various financing options, protection packages, and a holistic ownership experience that includes access to parts, accessories, and maintenance plans.
To modernize the purchasing process, Foothills utilizes advanced technology and the software platform Revvable, which improves the customer experience significantly. Moreover, the dealership actively engages with customers through social media channels, collecting over 8,000 followers on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. To further bolster their marketing efforts, the sales team produces popular inventory walk-through videos on YouTube, which have garnered more than 225,000 views collectively.
Foothills Motorsports values its relationship with the local community, participating in various initiatives and donations. The dealership contributes to local schools by donating units and works with organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Additionally, they partner with the Anderson Area YMCA and Inspire Abilities, a nonprofit organization supporting individuals with disabilities; Foothills has even employed a client from this program.
As Foothills Motorsports reflects on over two decades of successful operations under new leadership, the management team, led by Jamie Willis, suggests a sense of comfort in their current business model. However, they remain open to future growth and competition opportunities, indicating a readiness to adapt in an ever-evolving industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- WXII 12: North Carolina News
- Google Scholar: Powersports Industry
- Powersports Business: 40 Under 40
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Powersports
- Business North Carolina: Rivalries and Rows
- Google News: Foothills Motorsports
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