Owners retire, sell dealership to first-time buyers
After nearly 40 years of ownership, Edwin Alder and Dennis Atherton have decided to retire as Harley-Davidson dealership owners.
With that goal in mind, they turned to George Chaconas of Performance Brokerage Services to find a buyer for ABC Harley-Davidson of Waterford, Michigan. Dwane and Kari Cannady and Larry and Mary Clark are the ideal new owners, securing their three-year dream of owning a Harley-Davidson dealership.
In 1981, Alder and Atherton opened their first motorcycle store, located in Pontiac, Michigan, developing a business philosophy of service to customers, hard work and dedication. By 1985, their commitment paid off and expansion was necessary, so they moved the business to its current location on M-59 in Waterford, Michigan.
As five-time Circle of Excellence Award winners, Adler and Atherton have much to be proud of and were ready to retire. Following the sale, Alder said, “After almost 40 years in the business, it was time for my partner, Dennis, and me to officially retire. George Chaconas successfully sold our first Harley-Davidson dealership, so it was a very easy decision to engage him to sell our last dealership. The Harley-Davidson motorcycle business has been very difficult the last several years. We went through several offers, but George found a great first-time buyer to acquire our dealership; a former Harley-Davidson general manager and his business partner. I want to thank George very much for his professionalism, commitment, discipline and perseverance. The buy-sell market has changed and if you are considering retiring or just want out, now is the time to call Performance Brokerage Services.”
“It was a great pleasure working with Ed and Dennis to help them move into retirement after almost 40 years,” Chaconas said. “I wish them well in the next chapter of their life. Helping Dwane acquire his first dealership after many years of searching for the right fit was a great accomplishment. We worked well together, and I know this will be a great endeavor for him.”
Cannady, a first-time buyer, was the general manager for a Harley-Davidson dealership in the Pacific Northwest for over 10 years. Wanting to move back to the Midwest and own and operate his own dealership, he was very excited to acquire ABC Harley-Davidson with partners Larry and Mary Clark.
“Buying or selling, you need a broker who sticks with it and gets the job done. George Chaconas is that guy. Our three-year dream of purchasing a Harley-Davidson dealership would not have happened without George and his efforts,” Cannady said.
The dealership will remain at its current location at 4405 Highland Road (M-59) in Waterford, Michigan 48328, but will be renamed Arsenal Harley-Davidson.
