I know there have been some fun threads in the past about this, but I'd like some serious feedback.
A good friend and co-worker of mine have been tossing around the idea of either starting a motorcycle dealership, or possibly buying an existing Kawasaki store. All of this is in the infancy stage but we're taking a serious look at it. Realistically, it could be a few years away before we make any move. The Kawasaki shop is not "officially" for sale, but my friend and I have known the owner for quite a few years. The business is in desperate need of a makeover and expansion. This is a man and wife business which has been around for at least 25 years, and looks it. It is owned by a motorcycle enthusiast who doesn't care much about sales or customer service.
We believe the opportunity exists to capitalize on the current state of the business.
Both my friend and I have extensive mechanical backgrounds (his is more M/C oriented than mine,) have both been mid-level managers, and are both currently in sales/marketing/contract negotiation/etc. I consider us both to be very business savvy and we each have a clear understanding of how business works and how to manage people. With that said, neither of us have owned a retail business or actually worked in a motorcycle store.
I would like to hear some constructive and candid advice from anyone in the know. Please know that motosports are (and have been) our passion. It has been said to do what you love. I would like to follow that path, but have a family to consider.
Thank you all.
A good friend and co-worker of mine have been tossing around the idea of either starting a motorcycle dealership, or possibly buying an existing Kawasaki store. All of this is in the infancy stage but we're taking a serious look at it. Realistically, it could be a few years away before we make any move. The Kawasaki shop is not "officially" for sale, but my friend and I have known the owner for quite a few years. The business is in desperate need of a makeover and expansion. This is a man and wife business which has been around for at least 25 years, and looks it. It is owned by a motorcycle enthusiast who doesn't care much about sales or customer service.
We believe the opportunity exists to capitalize on the current state of the business.
Both my friend and I have extensive mechanical backgrounds (his is more M/C oriented than mine,) have both been mid-level managers, and are both currently in sales/marketing/contract negotiation/etc. I consider us both to be very business savvy and we each have a clear understanding of how business works and how to manage people. With that said, neither of us have owned a retail business or actually worked in a motorcycle store.
I would like to hear some constructive and candid advice from anyone in the know. Please know that motosports are (and have been) our passion. It has been said to do what you love. I would like to follow that path, but have a family to consider.
Thank you all.