News Summary
Foothills Motorsports, a well-known powersports dealership in Piedmont, celebrates 23 years of impressive growth under new ownership. Established in 1972, the dealership offers a vast selection of over 500 vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs, and personal watercraft. The operations led by Steve Crowe and his team focus on customer experience, community engagement, and innovative marketing strategies, ensuring their presence in the local powersports market remains strong.
South Carolina – Foothills Motorsports, a thriving powersports dealership located in Piedmont, celebrated 23 years of growth under new ownership as it continues to offer a diverse range of vehicles and services to customers. Acquired by Steve Crowe in 2002, the dealership has transformed significantly, becoming a key player in the local powersports industry.
Founded in 1972, Foothills Motorsports features a spacious 25,000 square foot showroom and an additional 7,000 square feet dedicated to parts and services. The dealership boasts over 500 vehicles, including motorcycles, dirt bikes, personal watercraft (PWCs), ATVs, and side-by-sides from leading brands such as CanAm, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Polaris. The strategic location near the Saluda River provides excellent access to diverse waterways and off-road trails, enhancing its market appeal.
Since its acquisition, the dealership has experienced stable inventory levels, with a notable increase in on-road and side-by-side vehicle sales. While the demand for ATVs has slightly declined, aggressive promotions by manufacturers like BRP and Polaris have contributed to a revitalized sales environment, bringing numbers back to pre-2020 levels following a pandemic-induced spike.
Leadership and Operations
Steve Crowe, a former star basketball player at Presbyterian College, previously owned a valve sales and service center before venturing into the powersports industry. The decision to purchase Foothills Motorsports was influenced by his son, Eric, who expressed an interest in motocross. This sparked a visit to the dealership to buy a bike, leading to the unexpected acquisition of the business.
To further enhance operations, Foothills Motorsports hired Jamie Willis as general manager, following his experience as a sales associate at a competing dealership. Together, they have successfully fostered a family-oriented environment among the 23 employees, maintaining low turnover rates and benefiting from significant repeat business.
Service and Community Engagement
Beyond vehicle sales, Foothills Motorsports offers finance and insurance services aimed at improving the overall customer experience. Maintenance and protection packages ensure that customers have ongoing support throughout their ownership journey. In a bid to streamline the purchasing process, the dealership recently adopted a platform named Revvable and incorporated innovative technologies such as QR codes for accessing credit applications.
Marketing plays a crucial role in the dealership’s strategy, as demonstrated by its robust social media presence, which includes more than 8,000 followers across various platforms. Their YouTube channel has garnered over 225,000 views, showcasing walkthrough videos of their extensive inventory.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Committed to making a positive impact in the local community, Foothills Motorsports actively engages in outreach efforts. The dealership has contributed units to local schools and established partnerships with organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Inspire Abilities, a nonprofit that supports individuals with disabilities.
The Future of Foothills Motorsports
As Foothills Motorsports looks toward the future, its leadership is focused on remaining competitive while maintaining a strong emphasis on day-to-day operations and community involvement. The dealership’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and enhancing customer experiences underlines its dedication to fostering a positive environment both for customers and the larger community.
Through 23 years of growth under new ownership, Foothills Motorsports continues to thrive, making it a prominent establishment in South Carolina’s powersports market.
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