Triumphant1
03-12-2011, 08:14 AM
Hi Guys... should have started my first post announcing the new dealership I suppose. This is a copy (more or less) of a post in Adventure Rider. Just trying to get the word out.
I'll start by providing a brief timeline of how this all came together;
After learning of the demise of SWM, Mark Olesen, a very enthusiastic customer (bought 3 bikes in 2 yrs) and General Manager of Freedom Ford in Edmonton (largest Ford dealer west of Winnipeg), contacted me to find out more. A short conversation later, he indicated he and another gentleman would be very interested in putting something together if all the other pieces fell into place (staffing, location, etc.) I met 'the other gentleman' not that long afterwards... Scott Bentley is the son of the owner of Freedom Ford and a very successful businessman in his own right. After coming up through the ranks of the Ford dealership, Scott struck out on his own to start two large, successful bars, one in Edmonton and another in Calgary. He also owned a restaurant and scored a big success in a unique marketing venture.
A fact you all might find interesting is that Scott has toured India on a Royal Enfield. Be sure to ask him about that when you're in the shop.
Long story short... these boys have the right mix of business acumen, financial resources, enthusiasm, and energy that was sorely lacking in the previous business. Their business style is based on employee recognition and empowerment much like it is at Freedom Ford. While I probably know Mark a bit better than Scott at this point, I think they're both fun-loving guys who are most concerned with building a strong culture of customer service and satisfaction. I believe this blend of strong leadership teamed with the vast experience and great personalities in the old staff puts us on course to provide the best motorcycle dealership experience the valley has seen.
We're very lucky to have mechanics Gordy and Gary join us in this new venture. I swear these guys drink motor oil at social occasions and they just wouldn't be happy unless they were wrenching on their beloved brands.
Our Grand Opening will be Saturday, April 30th and hope that you'll all be able to join us.
As posted in another thread, Rene Cormier will be joining us on Wednesday, May 4th to share his 'Around the World Adventures' on a BMW F650GS. Many of you may be familiar with Rene's book 'University of Gravel Roads'. That book will be available during his presentation so I hope all of you will join us. Flora Lloyd interviews Rene from his visit to SWM last year here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N1Tw-Lz0fw
The following day, Thursday, May 5th will be our BMW demo day so if any of you are considering a new bike this year, make sure a BMW hits the radar screen. If you haven't ridden one, you should. We are booking the test rides now so book early to make sure you get a chance to ride the bike you like.
Cheers all
James :clap:
ps. Website being developed but URL just parked at the moment. Will be;
www.bentleymotorrad.com
I'll start by providing a brief timeline of how this all came together;
After learning of the demise of SWM, Mark Olesen, a very enthusiastic customer (bought 3 bikes in 2 yrs) and General Manager of Freedom Ford in Edmonton (largest Ford dealer west of Winnipeg), contacted me to find out more. A short conversation later, he indicated he and another gentleman would be very interested in putting something together if all the other pieces fell into place (staffing, location, etc.) I met 'the other gentleman' not that long afterwards... Scott Bentley is the son of the owner of Freedom Ford and a very successful businessman in his own right. After coming up through the ranks of the Ford dealership, Scott struck out on his own to start two large, successful bars, one in Edmonton and another in Calgary. He also owned a restaurant and scored a big success in a unique marketing venture.
A fact you all might find interesting is that Scott has toured India on a Royal Enfield. Be sure to ask him about that when you're in the shop.
Long story short... these boys have the right mix of business acumen, financial resources, enthusiasm, and energy that was sorely lacking in the previous business. Their business style is based on employee recognition and empowerment much like it is at Freedom Ford. While I probably know Mark a bit better than Scott at this point, I think they're both fun-loving guys who are most concerned with building a strong culture of customer service and satisfaction. I believe this blend of strong leadership teamed with the vast experience and great personalities in the old staff puts us on course to provide the best motorcycle dealership experience the valley has seen.
We're very lucky to have mechanics Gordy and Gary join us in this new venture. I swear these guys drink motor oil at social occasions and they just wouldn't be happy unless they were wrenching on their beloved brands.
Our Grand Opening will be Saturday, April 30th and hope that you'll all be able to join us.
As posted in another thread, Rene Cormier will be joining us on Wednesday, May 4th to share his 'Around the World Adventures' on a BMW F650GS. Many of you may be familiar with Rene's book 'University of Gravel Roads'. That book will be available during his presentation so I hope all of you will join us. Flora Lloyd interviews Rene from his visit to SWM last year here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N1Tw-Lz0fw
The following day, Thursday, May 5th will be our BMW demo day so if any of you are considering a new bike this year, make sure a BMW hits the radar screen. If you haven't ridden one, you should. We are booking the test rides now so book early to make sure you get a chance to ride the bike you like.
Cheers all
James :clap:
ps. Website being developed but URL just parked at the moment. Will be;
www.bentleymotorrad.com