Oakes Auto buys Ford store
Oakes Auto Group on May 13 purchased Ford dealership Cox Motor Co. in Pleasanton, Kan., from Jesse Secrest, according to dealership broker Paul Kechnie, partner at Performance Brokerage Services, an Irvine, Calif., firm, which handled the transaction.
The deal brings Oakes Auto up to three dealerships. Cox Motor Co. was renamed Oakes Ford and joins the group’s other stores, Oakes Mitsubishi and Oakes Kia, in the greater Kansas City area. Pleasanton is south of Kansas City.
Dan Oakes, president of Oakes Auto, told Automotive News that Cox Motor Co.’s nearness to Kansas City was a motivator for the acquisition. He said the deal also brings Oakes Auto its first Ford dealership.
“Basically, our auto group was able to pick up Ford,” Oakes said. “It’s in proximity to Kansas City, which is where the population and the rest of our operations are.”
As for changes, Oakes said the group will invest in fixed operations, specifically more lifts and service capacity.
Cox Motor Co. was Secrest’s only dealership, Oakes said, adding he was looking to retire.
Tony Crowdis buys hometown dealership from Winegardner Auto Group
Tony Crowdis on June 29 purchased Winegardner Buick-GMC of Brandywine in Maryland from Winegardner Auto Group, according to Jeff Rochwarger, senior vice president of National Business Brokers. Rochwarger advised the seller in the sale.
Winegardner Auto sellers were Chuck and Tom Winegardner, Rochwarger said. The group now has two General Motors dealerships in Maryland, according to its website.
Crowdis also now owns two dealerships. He renamed his acquisition Buick-GMC of Brandywine.
It joins Nissan of Lexington Park in California, Md., in his portfolio. Crowdis said he was a partner in that dealership and in June last year bought out Phil Morelli’s interest in the store.
Crowdis told Automotive News that he grew up in Brandywine and wanted to have a dealership in his hometown.
“I was born and raised in this area,” Crowdis said. “I just thought it was a good acquisition to put more roots into where I grew up.”
Crowdis is interested in moving the store to a new location in Brandywine where he could combine the currently separate service and sales buildings under one roof.
A relocation also would allow him to add new amenities such as a possible car wash and upgraded service facility.
“That’s a big thing I’m working on now,” Crowdis said. “I think that drives your business, by having everybody in the same building.”
Looking toward the future, Crowdis said he hopes to continue buying dealerships in the Brandywine area.
