#United States #Topeka #Harley-Davidson #Performance Brokerage

Historic Harley-Davidson's Transition

In a significant transition within the motorcycle dealership landscape, the Historic Harley-Davidson dealership in Topeka, Kansas, has officially changed hands after 75 years of family ownership. The sale, facilitated by George C. Chaconas and his team at Performance Brokerage Services, marks a historic moment for the community and the motorcycle industry alike. The dealership has been a cornerstone for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts since its establishment in 1949 by Mike Patterson's grandfather, and has witnessed four generations of the Patterson family run the business.

A Strong Working Relationship

Following the sale, Mike Patterson, the dealership's owner, expressed gratitude towards Chaconas and his team, highlighting their strong collaborative relationship developed over various buy-sell transactions and market consolidations.

Patterson had been contemplating selling the family business as he shifted focus towards opening a new Evel Knievel Museum in Las Vegas. As he elaborated, reaching out to Performance Brokerage Services was a pivotal moment that ultimately led to the successful transaction. "I recommend reaching out to George and his team of industry experts," he stated, emphasizing the challenges and emotional weight that come with moving on after decades of hard work.

The Role of Performance Brokerage Services

Performance Brokerage Services has made a name for itself as North America’s leading dealership brokerage firm, having successfully facilitated the sale of over 300 dealerships in the past five years. Chaconas, alongside partners Courtney A. Bernhard and Juan C. Pardo, represented Patterson in this transaction, providing their expertise every step of the way.

Chaconas reflected on the emotional nature of the sale, noting the deep connection and trust built with Patterson over the years. He emphasized the significance of the dealership's long-standing history in the community, a pillar of the Harley-Davidson brand known locally and nationally. The buyer, Steven Towers, made his third purchase through Performance Brokerage Services and expressed excitement about continuing the dealership's legacy.

Insights from the New Owner

Steven Towers leverages over a decade’s experience in the automotive sector, having previously owned and operated more than 20 Midas locations and 10 Big O Tires franchises across the Midwest. His passion for the Harley-Davidson brand has driven his acquisitions, including Boneyard Harley-Davidson in North Carolina and Frontier Harley-Davidson in Nebraska. Towers reiterated the importance of building collaborative relationships throughout the buying process. "Juan and Courtney were great sounding boards as we worked through the negotiations," he noted.

As Towers prepares to take the helm at Historic Harley-Davidson, he is also gearing up for significant changes, including a planned relocation of the dealership within the next year. “This venture geographically fits into my strategy as I expand my portfolio,” Towers added, emphasizing his commitment to fostering the dealership’s growth.

Closing Thoughts

The sale of Historic Harley-Davidson is more than just a simple transaction; it symbolizes a major chapter closing for the Patterson family while opening a new one for Towers. The emotional stakes are high, but with industry professionals like Chaconas and his team guiding the way, both parties look forward to thriving in their new beginnings—Patterson with a creative museum project in Las Vegas and Towers in expanding his Harley-Davidson business portfolio.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Performance Brokerage Services continues to stand out as a trusted name, offering complimentary value estimates and ethical guidance to prospective buyers and sellers in the automotive world.

For further details about their services, you can visit their website at Performance Brokerage Services.