British Columbia-based Steve Marshall has expanded his dealership group into the United States with the acquisition of two Ford stores in Hawaii.
Marshall began with one store at the age of 19, then grew his company with a total of 11 rooftops (primarily Ford), along with body shops and detailing facilities, over the next 50 years. He told Canadian auto dealer he had been informed by a friend about the two stores in Hawaii: Orchid Isle Ford and Koma Ford, which were owned by the same person.
“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey into the U.S. market with the acquisition (of these two stores),” said Marshall. “We are committed to upholding the legacy of these esteemed dealerships, while introducing our signature customer-centric approach and innovative automobile solutions to the residents of Hawaii.”
Marshall said that, while being on the west coast, he had been to Hawaii several times and viewed this deal as a “large opportunity.” He had looked at several opportunities in the past to expand into the U.S., but the deals never panned out.
“I try to expand on things that I like. I have a passion for it, and if you do that you have more opportunities to succeed. That’s what I’ve always done,” said Marshall, adding that the previous owner was impressed with him and his group. “He just liked us, we’re just normal people.”
The plan is to operate with the existing management of the stores. “I believe they always have to have a chance to prove themselves one way or another, and we want to work with the same people that are there,” said Marshall. “If you have the right people it makes it very easy. I’ve got really good people.”
He also highlighted one of the secrets to his success: giving his managers a vested financial stake in the store. “A lot of people don’t believe in that, but I do,” said Marshall.
