Black Widow H-D gets new ownership
Considering retirement in 2009, Armand and Irene Pinard had been in discussions with George C. Chaconas of Performance Brokerage Services until the market collapsed, and they took the dealership off the market.
“George continued to guide me over the past six years, since I couldn’t commit to retiring just yet. I loved being a Harley-Davidson dealer; it was in my blood. I had been riding for decades and owned Black Widow Harley-Davidson with my family for 11 years,” Armand Pinard said.
On multiple occasions, Pinard considered throwing in the towel on the negotiations with the buyer, but he stated that “George was a pro at keeping me on task and focused on the end game — my retirement.”
“It is always an emotional process to sell a family business, and I found it rewarding to help the Pinards move on to the next stage of their lives and enjoy their retirement,” said Chaconas, head of the National Harley-Davidson & Powersports Division for Performance Brokerage Services.
Following the sale of his dealership, Pinard shared his experiences in working with Chaconas.
“With his persistence, industry knowledge and expertise at deal structuring, George found the perfect buyer for my store. I truly appreciate George’s guidance, understanding and patience throughout the process,” Pinard said.
Although Bert King is a first-time Harley-Davidson buyer, he has a long history in the automobile industry. For 13 years, King was an executive manager/dealership partner working for the former Larry Van Tuyl Automotive Group, now Berkshire Hathaway Automotive Group. Subsequently, he was the executive manager and partner of Orr Nissan in Corinth, Texas, for four years prior to its sale in 2014.
“Since selling my car dealership in 2014, I have been interested in becoming a Harley-Davidson dealer,” King said. “George Chaconas shared with me a few dealership opportunities, ultimately purchasing Black Widow Harley-Davidson in Port Charlotte. The dealership was a great fit for me. Having family in Florida, I could relocate my wife and family there.”
“It was also exciting to assist Bert King realize his dream of owning a Harley-Davidson dealership,” Chaconas said. “Along with his partner, Willy Sullivan, Bert plans to grow the dealership and attract new buyers with a fresh perspective.”
King’s partner, Willy Sullivan, is an experienced Harley-Davidson dealership owner, operating American Eagle Harley-Davidson in Corinth, Texas.
“With George’s help in managing the deal and the seller’s expectations, we were able to reach a closing,” King said. “I appreciate George’s efforts and experience in holding the deal together during some very difficult obstacles.”
King’s plans for the dealership include Tattoo Tuesdays, Ladies Night, live entertainment every Saturday with free food and beer and the addition of the Rider’s Academy. King has chosen to keep the name Black Widow Harley-Davidson to benefit from the terrific goodwill that the dealership enjoys after 11 years under the Pinard’s ownership.
“The excellent reputation the Pinards forged over the past 11 years will continue with the new owner as Bert continues their legacy. I wish the Pinards a relaxing retirement and Bert King success in his new endeavor,” Chaconas said.
