News Summary
Foothills Motorsports in Piedmont, South Carolina, has seen significant growth through strategic expansion and community involvement since its ownership change in 2002. Under Steve Crowe and general manager Jamie Willis, the dealership has enhanced its offerings and customer experience while maintaining a strong online presence. With a diverse selection of over 500 vehicles and robust community engagement initiatives, the dealership is well-positioned for continued success in the competitive powersports market.
Piedmont, South Carolina – Foothills Motorsports, a key player in South Carolina’s powersports market, is experiencing growth and success due to its strategic expansion and community engagement efforts. Located just outside Greenville, the dealership has been a fixture in the Upcountry since its founding in 1972, operating under new ownership since 2002.
Current owner Steve Crowe, who previously owned a Swagelok valve sales and service center, acquired the dealership after a visit with his son, Eric, who expressed interest in motocross. This pivotal moment led Crowe to purchase Foothills Motorsports, which he has since transformed with the help of Jamie Willis, the general manager hired to focus on business growth shortly afterward.
Foothills Motorsports is now housed in an expansive facility that boasts 25,000 square feet of showroom space and 7,000 square feet dedicated to parts and services. The dealership offers a comprehensive selection of over 500 vehicles, including motorcycles, dirt bikes, personal watercrafts (PWCs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and side-by-sides. Customers can choose from a variety of top brands, such as CanAm, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Alta, Sea-Doo, Polaris, and Husqvarna. The dealership’s location near the Saluda River allows access to diverse waterways and off-road trails, enhancing the customer experience by providing opportunities for vehicle testing and sales.
Recent sales trends indicate a slight increase in demand for on-road vehicles and side-by-sides, while personal watercraft sales remain robust. Conversely, ATV sales have shown a minor decline. Despite these fluctuations, the dealership maintains healthy inventory levels, with a three- to six-month supply of most products available. This stability is attributed to the successful adaptation to post-Covid demand, moving away from the panic-buying that characterized the earlier pandemic period.
The financial health of Foothills Motorsports is noteworthy, with consistent revenue flow supported by a stable work environment and minimal employee turnover among its 23 staff members. A significant portion of their sales comes from repeat customers, highlighting the importance of customer loyalty in their business strategy.
In addition to a diverse product range, Foothills Motorsports emphasizes finance and insurance services to enhance the overall ownership experience for its customers. The dealership offers services such as prepaid maintenance and protection packages to increase customer retention. To streamline the purchasing process, technology has been integrated into the customer experience, including QR codes that provide easy access to digital credit applications.
The dealership’s marketing efforts extend into the digital sphere, boasting over 8,000 followers on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Foothills has also produced 115 videos on YouTube, showcasing their inventory and reaching an impressive tally of over 225,000 views.
Community engagement is a core value at Foothills Motorsports, with initiatives such as donating units to local schools and partnering with organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Inspire Abilities of Anderson County. Their commitment to community outreach has helped establish a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere that differentiates them from competitors in the industry.
With a focus on proactive strategies and potential future opportunities, Foothills Motorsports is well-positioned to continue thriving in South Carolina’s competitive powersports market. The combination of strong customer relationships, an extensive product offering, and active community involvement sets the foundation for sustained success in the years to come.
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- Google Search: Powersports Market
- Wikipedia: Powersports